2025: Manhattan Voted Shake Shack Best Burger!
Shake Shack
Multiple Locations
shakeshack.com
What began as a humble hot dog cart in Madison Square Park has grown into a global icon, earning Shake Shack the title of 2025 Winner for Burger. Known for its 100% all-natural Angus beef patties, pillowy potato buns, and signature ShackSauce, each bite delivers the perfect balance of flavor and freshness. The brand’s commitment to quality ingredients, sustainability, and hospitality has redefined modern fast-casual dining. From the classic ShackBurger to creative seasonal offerings, every item reflects a passion for great food made right. With its upbeat vibe and community-driven spirit, Shake Shack continues to set the gold standard for what a burger experience should be—simple, satisfying, and undeniably delicious.
2024: Manhattan Voted Elephant & Castle Best Burger!
Elephant & Castle
68 Greenwich Ave
(212) 243-1400 – elephantandcastle.com
Permanently closed
Opened in 1973 and named for the historic Elephant and Castle pub in London — which has an interesting history you can read all about on their website — Elephant & Castle has a variety of excellent burger options for you to choose from. You can get their charcoal grilled burger — and you can add cheddar, bacon, or both to that. You can also get their guacamole burger, which consists of guacamole, cheddar, and tomatoes. Then, of course, is their aptly named Elephantburger, which is made up of curried sour cream, bacon, scallions, cheddar, and tomato. Its convenient location and superb burgers has made it at or near the top of virtually every “best burger spot in NYC for years,” and now voters have finally selected it for Best Burger in Manhattan. So don’t wait — head down to Elephant & Castle today, and enjoy a place with rich history and great burgers.
2023: Manhattan Voted Elephant & Castle Best Burger!
Elephant & Castle
68 Greenwich Ave
(212) 243-1400 – elephantandcastle.com
Permanently closed
Opened in 1973 and named for the historic Elephant and Castle pub in London — which has an interesting history you can read all about on their website — Elephant & Castle has a variety of excellent burger options for you to choose from. You can get their charcoal grilled burger — and you can add cheddar, bacon, or both to that. You can also get their guacamole burger, which consists of guacamole, cheddar, and tomatoes. Then, of course, is their aptly named Elephantburger, which is made up of curried sour cream, bacon, scallions, cheddar, and tomato. Its convenient location and superb burgers has made it at or near the top of virtually every “best burger spot in NYC for years,” and now voters have finally selected it for Best Burger in Manhattan. So don’t wait — head down to Elephant & Castle today, and enjoy a place with rich history and great burgers.
2022: Manhattan Voted 4 Charles Prime Rib Best Burger!
4 Charles Prime Rib
4 Charles Street
(212) 561-5992 – nycprimerib.com
Looking for the best burger in New York? Look no further than 4 Charles Prime Rib. An intimate supper club tucked away in the West Village, with crystal chandeliers, plush leather seating and paintings lining dark wood walls. This late-night dining den winks at a lost era. The burgers will make your mouth water — including the 10 oz Double Wagyu Cheeseburger, which features griddled and pressed snake river farms wagyu with american cheese, pickles, and dijonnaise. Add an egg or bacon for taste, and you’ll be dreaming of this prime cut of meat for weeks to come! Perfect for a casual night out, or a place to come and celebrate a big occasion — the meat will always be a cut above the rest at 4 Charles Prime Rib.
2021: Manhattan Voted Black Tap Craft Burger & Beers Best Burger (Tie)!
Black Tap Craft Burger & Beers
592 Broome St, New York, 10013
(917) 639-3089 – www.blacktapnyc.com
Come for the crazy shakes but stay for the burger. Blacktap NYC takes burger-making to a culinary art form. This popular eatery is known for its over-the-top indulgent food accompanied by a nostalgic vibe. The décor is 80s music-chic, with cassette tapes lining the walls offering a throwback to a simpler time. But the star of the show is the juicy burger with a perfectly formed crust that comes from being griddle cooked (never a grill!) and flipped exactly once. Cheese, lettuce, tomato, and a pillowy potato roll complete the award-winning burger that has reached icon status. It is satisfying in a way that fancier food can never attain. It is unpretentious, unctuous and downright good. Leave room for the Insta-worthy desserts but know that it’s the burger that will keep you coming back.
2021: Manhattan Voted Shake Shack Best Burger (Tie)!
Shake Shack
Although Shake Shack started as a hot dog cart in Manhattan’s Madison Square Park in 2001, its star attraction quickly became its one-of-a-kind burger made of 100% Angus beef that is antibiotic and hormone free. Soon there was a long line for its burgers at its one location in the park at pretty much every hour of the day. It wasn’t long before Shake Shack expanded across the country and beyond. Whether you order its famous ShackBurger with lettuce, tomato and ShackSauce, a plain burger, a cheeseburger or one of its other delicious burger offerings, you won’t be disappointed. P.S.: You can add raw onion, pickles and excellent cherry peppers for no extra cost.
2020: Manhattan Voted Superiority Burger Best Burger!
Superiority Burger
430 E 9th St
(212) 256-1192 – www.superiorityburger.com
Every meal on the menu is vegetarian and vegan-friendly at Superiority Burger. The vegetarian fast-food joint serves up cool, cravable, and nutritious food like no other. Everything on the Superiority menu, from a veggie burger to a faux sloppy Joe and burnt broccoli salad, is simply amazing to both vegetarians and meat lovers. Based on foodie reviews, the food is mysteriously satisfying and as good, except the Superiority Wrap (a.k.a the Hippie Wrap), which is even better. Though the space is packed at times, the service is super quick and the employees are extremely friendly. The restaurant also provides catering service for big and small events.
How the Contest Works
Step 1: Nominate
Nominate your favorite Manhattan businesses. During this period you can make as many nominations as you like. The top 10 - 15 nominees make the ballot for you to vote.Nominations can be made here.
Step 2: Voting
During the voting period, you can vote once per day per category..
Step 3: Winner's Announced
At the end of the voting period, the nominee with the most votes is named The City's Best, and holds the honor for a full year until the next winner is announced. Winners can be viewed here.
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