Best Burgers in Upper East Side
Updated July 28, 2026 · Ranked by combined rating and review volume
Where to find the best burgers in Upper East Side
Tony Dragon's Grille
Tony Dragon's Grille is a highly-rated outdoor food truck delighting customers with its fresh, flavorful Greek and Mediterranean dishes, perfect for a grab-and-go meal. Known for its delicious lamb gyros, grilled chicken, and expansive Mediterranean bowls, it's a beloved spot for hearty street food. Many patrons enjoy taking their orders to nearby Central Park for a scenic dining experience.
Sin City Burger is a tiny counter-serve gem on the Upper East Side, celebrated for its artisanal, made-to-order burgers that are consistently juicy and packed with flavor. Beyond the excellent food, the spot is highly praised for its friendly, dynamic staff and welcoming vibe, often making diners feel right at home. While seating is limited, it's an ideal choice for takeout or a quick, intimate meal.
Jackson Hole is a classic American eatery that has earned a loyal following for its truly enormous and incredibly delicious burgers, often described as some of the best in the city. Despite its unassuming 'hole in the wall' appearance, the restaurant offers a cozy and intimate dining atmosphere with excellent, charming service. Be sure to try their classic burger and their amazing homemade pickles.
Bareburger stands out as an eco-minded chain offering organic, customizable burgers, including unique options like elk, making it a versatile choice for any craving. Beyond its impressive burger selection, the restaurant is a fantastic spot to catch a game, boasting top-notch service and a menu featuring popular appetizers like fried pickles and Korean wings. Under new management, it's celebrated for its renewed food quality and excellent value.
7th Street Burger in the Upper East Side is a no-frills smash burger joint that consistently delivers impressive, juicy, and flavorful burgers. Known for its quick service and convenient app ordering, it's a reliable spot for a satisfying meal without the hype. Patrons particularly rave about the perfectly crispy and warm fries, often touted as some of the best around.
Contenders
Places submitted by the community. The top contender with more points than #5 gets promoted.
How we ranked the best burgers in Upper East Side
Every place on this list is scored by a Bayesian weighted formula combined with a volume bonus. It rewards consistent positive feedback at scale, not just a high average rating — a 4.9-star place with 12 reviews ranks below a 4.6-star place with 800.
score = (v / (v + m)) × R + (m / (v + m)) × C + γ × log₁₀(v)
The prior m adapts to each neighborhood: it's the median review count among local candidates. So 200 reviews counts as “small sample” in dense markets like the West Village, but “solid” in quieter neighborhoods. Places with extreme review volume that clearly dominate their peers are promoted to #1. No paid placements — every spot earns its position via the public data.
Frequently asked about Upper East Side burgers
What is the highest-rated burger in Upper East Side?
Tony Dragon's Grille has the highest Google rating in our list of the best burgers in Upper East Side, with 4.8 stars across 893 reviews.
Which burger in Upper East Side has the most reviews?
Jackson Hole has the most reviews of any burger on this list — 2,039 ratings averaging 4.5 stars on Google.
How are the best burgers in Upper East Side ranked?
Each place is scored using a Bayesian weighted formula that combines its average Google rating with its review count. This pulls small-sample places toward the local mean — so a 4.9-star spot with 12 reviews is ranked below a 4.6-star spot with 800 reviews. Volume and consistency matter, not just an inflated average.
When was this ranking last updated?
This ranking of the best burgers in Upper East Side was last refreshed in July 2026 using the latest Google ratings and review counts. Restaurants and bars change constantly — always verify hours and current status before visiting.
Why isn't my favorite burger on the list of best burgers in Upper East Side?
To be considered, a place needs enough Google reviews for the rating to be statistically meaningful (at least 5 reviews, ideally 25+). Newer or hyper-local spots can be excellent but score lower until enough people review them. Boundaries also matter — a spot just outside the Upper East Side area may show up on a neighboring ranking instead.