In the Greater New York area, burgers aren’t just food—they're a culinary canvas. From indulgent, over-the-top creations to meticulously crafted, gourmet masterpieces, these burger crafters deliver flavors that transcend the ordinary. Whether you crave an unapologetically decadent burger or a refined, gourmet experience, feast your eyes on our picks for the best Burgers North of NYC, you simply must try!
Illusive Restaurant & Bar
Rensselaer, NY
Illusive Restaurant & Bar blends a modern vibe with an ode to Rensselaer’s rich history, offering an inviting spot for elevated dining. Led by Chef Joseph Ventrice, Jr., their menu celebrates diverse American cuisine with bold flavors and creative twists. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a relaxed dine-in experience, Illusive promises to deliver an unforgettable meal in a chic, welcoming atmosphere.
Must-Try Burgers:
- Empire Smash Burger: This award-winning burger took 2nd place in the New York Beef Council’s “Best New York Burger” competition. It features two certified Angus beef smash patties, caramelized bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, whipped honey bourbon barbecue sauce, lettuce, and onion on a toasted brioche bun—an indulgent creation perfect for those who love their burgers bold and over-the-top.
- Mick Jigga Burger: Another popular creation, this burger was a top 10 finalist in the NY Beef Council's burger competition. It's packed with unique flavors, including caramelized onions, cheddar cheese, and their signature sauce, blending decadence with thoughtful execution.
The Breakfast and Burger Club
Nyack, NY
Known for making "tummies smile," this cozy spot serves up some of the most creative breakfast and burger combinations in town. It's the ultimate comfort food with a gourmet twist—perfect for those who love indulgence but appreciate an artful touch. Pro tip: try the underrated Bruschetta Burger for an Italian surprise!
Must-Try Burgers:
The Blackjack Burger: A bold classic, loaded with rich, mouthwatering flavors that push the boundaries of a traditional burger. This double patty creation is topped with cheddar cheese, hickory smoked bacon, Canadian bacon, crispy onions, and a smoky chipotle sauce for an indulgent and unforgettable bite.
The Bleu Cobb Burger: A refined take on classic comfort with a tangy twist. Topped with bleu cheese, creamy avocado, hickory smoked bacon, tomato, purple slaw, and ranch dressing, this burger delivers layers of fresh Cobb salad flavor in every bite.
Heritage 147 Restaurant
Larchmont, NY
Nestled in Larchmont, Heritage 147 elevates burgers to an art form. Using organic, grass-fed beef and fresh, local ingredients, every bite feels like a gourmet experience. Perfect for those seeking a refined yet fulfilling meal, Heritage 147 transforms the simple burger into a carefully crafted masterpiece.
Must-Try Burgers:
- Heritage Burger: Organic grass-fed beef on a toasted brioche bun, topped with Little Leaf greens, housemade tomato jam, and their signature special sauce. Winner of Westchester Mag’s Best Burger in Larchmont!
- Bean & Mushroom Burger: A homemade veggie patty topped with avocado, sriracha-sesame aioli, and pickled onions. Go vegan with a lettuce bun! It’s a thoughtfully crafted, elevated choice for those seeking something lighter but just as flavorful.
Tiki Beach Pier Restaurant
Rye, NY
Beach vibes meet burger bliss at this vibrant pier restaurant. Whether you're feasting on the indulgent, juicy Tiki Burger or enjoying the more refined flavors of their Surfin Steak Sandwich, you’ll find the perfect mix of tropical flair and hearty bites.
Must-Try Burgers:
- Tiki Burger: Grass-fed beef with pepper jack cheese, fried pickle chips, caramelized onions, arugula, and Cajun remoulade on a brioche bun—packed with bold flavors for the burger lover seeking an indulgent tropical twist.
- Surfin Steak Sandwich: Sliced steak with caramelized onions, blue cheese crumbles, and arugula on toasted garlic ciabatta bread—an elevated steak sandwich that’s all about quality ingredients and flavor balance.
Tuck'd Away Bar & Grill
Tuckahoe, NY
Tuck'd Away Bar & Grill is a neighborhood gem, known for their creative takes on classic bar fare. If you're after an explosion of indulgent flavors, their Tuck'd Burger delivers in every bite. It’s the perfect spot for those who want their burgers unapologetically bold and decadent.
Must-Try Burger:
- Tuck'd Burger: An 8oz burger stuffed with Monterey Jack cheese, topped with smoky chipotle ketchup and crispy onions, making each bite an indulgent and flavorful experience. For the true burger lover who isn't afraid to go big.
Milton Point Provisions
Rye, NY
Milton Point Provisions combines a laid-back atmosphere with gourmet wood-fired creations. Their MPP Olde Rye Burger is a perfect example of how they elevate simple comfort food into something truly memorable. It’s a refined yet satisfying spot to enjoy a meal with friends while savoring delicious, locally sourced ingredients.
Must-Try Burger:
- MPP Olde Rye Burger: A wood-fired 8oz beef patty served with MPP's special sauce, crisp lettuce, juicy tomato, red onion, and pickles, all perfectly nestled on a soft brioche bun—an elegant take on a classic burger.
Freddy's Restaurant
Pleasantville, NY
Awarded Best Restaurant Burger in Westchester by Westchester Magazine, Freddy's Dry Aged Tavern Burger is legendary. This is the burger that merges tradition with excellence, making it a must-try for those seeking a well-executed classic with a touch of decadence.
Must-Try Burger:
- Dry Aged Tavern Burger: Their top-selling dry-aged burger topped with cheddar and raw onion on a brioche sesame seed bun, served with housemade cottage fries. Pro Tip: Add bacon jam for an extra layer of indulgence that’s hard to resist.
Feeling Kinda Kozy
Fishkill, NY
This charming spot serves up cozy comfort with every dish. Their Kozy's Burger is for those who crave a refined yet decadent combination of premium ingredients and rich flavors. It’s the perfect balance between indulgence and sophistication.
Must-Try Burger:
- Kozy’s Burger: 1/2 pound grass-fed beef, white truffle aioli, arugula, muenster cheese, caramelized onions, and applewood smoked bacon on a fresh brioche bun. Served with hand-cut fries—pure bliss in every bite.
The Strada Grill
Montgomery, NY
It’s all about the bacon jam at Strada Grill! Their smash burgers are designed for those who love bold, indulgent flavors but appreciate the meticulous touch of a well-balanced burger. These smash burgers are all about going big while keeping it refined.
Must-Try Burgers:
- Farm House Burger: Topped with crispy frizzled onions, melty mozzarella, and their famous bacon jam, this 8oz double smash burger on signature buns is a game-changer—an indulgent burger lover’s dream.
- Garlic Truffle Burger: Swiss cheese, sautéed mushrooms, crisp lettuce, and garlic truffle aioli, all on an 8oz double smash burger. It’s a gourmet twist that still satisfies your indulgent cravings.
Wizard Burger
Albany, NY
At Wizard Burger, magic happens on the grill. Whether you're indulging in their whimsically crafted vegan and non-vegan options, Wizard Burger offers out-of-this-world flavors that blur the line between over-the-top and refined.
Must-Try Burgers:
- The Regular Burger: A classic that will never steer you wrong—satisfyingly simple yet full of flavor.
- The Second Breakfast Burger: A whimsical morning delight in burger form, combining bold and creative ingredients with impeccable execution.
Roost Restaurant
Sparkill, NY
Roost may be known for its deceptively simple fare, but their Roost Burger is anything but ordinary. This burger strikes the perfect balance between refined flavors and indulgent satisfaction, offering a thoughtful blend of quality ingredients and rich taste.
Must-Try Burger:
- Roost Burger: Half brisket, half chuck, ground fresh daily, seared and topped with sharp cheddar, housemade garlic pickles, oven-dried tomatoes, and served on a toasted Balthazar brioche roll. Slab bacon or a fried egg can be added for extra indulgence.
Mama’s Boy Burgers
Tannersville, NY
Mama’s Boy is all about customization and big flavors. Whether you're biting into their classic Devil’s Tombstone double cheeseburger or building your own burger masterpiece, each option is crafted with local, hormone-free beef and topped with the best ingredients around. It’s the perfect stop for the burger lover who wants to go all in.
Must-Try Burgers:
- Devil’s Tombstone: Two grilled smash burgers with premium cheddar, lettuce, tomato, onions, pickles, and house sauce on a Martin’s potato roll. Served with crispy house-made fries.
- BYO Burger: Build your own with endless toppings, from jalapeño bacon to caramelized onions and guacamole.
Rough Cut Brewing
Kerhonkson, NY
Burgers and beer—what more could you want? Rough Cut Brewing delivers award-winning smash burgers paired with their own craft brews
. Try the Oklahoma Onion Smash Burger for an experience packed with crispy, caramelized goodness.
Must-Try Burgers:
- Oklahoma Onion Smash Burger: Two juicy patties smashed to perfection with fried onions, American cheese, and house sauce.
- Mushroom Swiss Smash Burger: Sautéed mushrooms, Swiss cheese, arugula, and lemon basil aioli.
- Bacon Cheddar Smash Burger: A savory delight with bacon, white cheddar, lettuce, and tomato.
Swoon Kitchenbar
Hudson, NY
Swoon’s burgers are all about the highest quality ingredients. From grass-fed beef to freshly baked brioche buns, every burger is a perfect marriage of flavor and texture. Don’t miss the Mushroom Chili Burger for a spicy twist on the classic.
Must-Try Burgers:
- Double BLT Burger: Loaded with crispy bacon and sharp cheddar on a perfectly toasted brioche bun.
- Mushroom Chili Burger: A portabella mushroom burger with jalapeno chili, onion, and all the classic fixings.
The Governess Bar &
Restaurant
Poughkeepsie, NY
With stunning views of the Hudson River and a unique Mary Poppins-inspired theme, The Governess Bar & Restaurant brings both whimsy and flavor to Poughkeepsie’s waterfront. Known for its playful decor and elevated gastropub fare, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy a meal and cocktail while taking in the serene riverfront vibes.
Must-Try Burgers:
- Le Ranch Burger: A standout option featuring a charbroiled burger topped with shaved ribeye, Swiss cheese, buttermilk ranch, a runny egg, and BBQ sauce.
- Route 66 Burger: A flavorful journey featuring a juicy beef patty topped with smoked bacon, cheddar cheese, crispy onion straws, and a zesty chipotle mayo, all served on a toasted brioche bun. This burger takes your taste buds on a cross-country road trip of bold flavors.
Southern Table Kitchen & Bar
Pleasantville, NY
Southern Table Kitchen & Bar brings the warmth of Southern hospitality to the Hudson Valley, combining farm-fresh ingredients with classic Southern cooking techniques. With a cozy atmosphere and a menu packed with comforting dishes, this spot is perfect for those looking to indulge in bold flavors with a twist of Southern charm.
Must-Try Burgers:
- Bulleit Burger: This award-winning burger, recognized as Westchester's Best Burger, features a prime beef blend, layered with a Bulleit Kentucky bourbon glaze, sharp cheddar, bacon, caramelized onions, and spicy aioli.
- Bacon Brie Burger: A delightful mix of sweet and savory, this burger is topped with melted brie, thick-cut bacon, slow-roasted onions, and fig jam, all served on a perfectly toasted bun.
Moonburger
Kingston, NY
Moonburger is a trailblazing, plant-based drive-thru that proves you don’t need beef to make a killer burger. Known for their irresistible Impossible patties, griddle-crisped to perfection and served with classic American toppings, Moonburger has become a must-visit in Kingston. Whether you’re a committed carnivore or a plant-based enthusiast, their burgers are designed to satisfy every craving!
Must-Try Burgers:
- Moonburger: A plant-based patty topped with lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and their signature special sauce, all nestled on a potato bun. It's the burger that started it all, offering the perfect balance of juicy, savory goodness with a sustainable twist.
- Double Classic Cheeseburger: Double the Impossible patties, double the flavor! This burger is loaded with real American cheese, lettuce, onion, pickles, and Moonburger's secret sauce, all on a soft potato bun—it's a classic, reimagined.
Sundaze Burgers
Poughkeepsie, NY
Sundaze Burgers offers a laid-back vibe and serious burger craft, making it a top spot for smash burgers in Poughkeepsie. Whether you're in the mood for a cheat day indulgence or a unique twist on the classic burger, Sundaze delivers bold flavors and creative combinations with a dash of fun.
Must-Try Burgers:
- OG Burger: A smash burger classic with double patties, melty American cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles, and their signature Sundaze Sauce, all stacked on a soft, golden bun.
- Bacon Poppy: A savory treat featuring crispy applewood smoked bacon, cheddar cheese, pickles, and creamy Sundaze Sauce, all on a perfectly toasted poppy seed bun.
Stagecoach Inn
Goshen, NY
The historic charm of Stagecoach Inn meets modern culinary delight with their unforgettable burgers. Enjoy cozy ambiance and impeccable hospitality while indulging in these must-try creations.
Must-Try Burgers:
- Tavern Breakfast Burger: A juicy patty topped with a sunny side egg, crispy hashbrown, smoky bacon, and a drizzle of Dijonnaise aioli, served alongside crispy fries.
- Stagecoach Cheeseburger: A delicious blend of sharp cheddar cheese, shredded lettuce, tangy Rick’s Pickle, and creamy remoulade on a soft brioche bun, paired with crispy shoestring fries. It's a classic with a gourmet twist.
So there you have it—Burger Royalty at its finest! Whether you’re in the mood to indulge in a juicy, over-the-top creation or savor a perfectly balanced, gourmet burger, these destinations north of NYC offer something for every palate. Each bite tells a story of creativity, craftsmanship, and the love of all things burger. From bustling pier-side eateries to cozy, hidden gems, these spots are redefining what it means to elevate a classic. So grab a friend, hit the road, and sink your teeth into the best burgers the Hudson Valley has to offer. Your next burger adventure awaits—come hungry, leave happy!
