The 15 BEST Places to Grab a Burger in the Theater District in New York City
The Theater District in New York City is famous for its world-renowned Broadway shows and electrifying atmosphere. We recently traveled to NYC and saw 8 Broadway shows and the question we asked every day was, “Where are we going to eat before (or after) the show?” There are tons of restaurants located in the Theater District (including Times Square and Hell’s Kitchen). But when you’re in the mood for a juicy and delicious burger, where should you go? Here’s a list of the 15 best places to grab a hamburger in the Theater District.
Bareburger
Bareburger prides itself on using high-quality, ethically sourced, all-natural & sustainable ingredients. They have an allergy-friendly kitchen complete with dedicated fryers. This is a great place to go if you are looking for vegetarian and/or gluten-free options.
Bareburger also offers burgers made of wagyu beef, bison, elk, turkey, and organic beef. See the full menu HERE.
Bareburger // 366 W 46th St, New York, NY 10036 // 212.673.2273
Shake Shack
Shake Shack is located on 8th Avenue in Hell’s Kitchen – close to Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Moulin Rouge, and the Majestic Theater, the former home of Phantom of the Opera. My photo is not the best, but the hamburger was so good (and they offer gluten-free buns). My only regret is that I wish I had gotten double burger patties.
Shake Shack // 691 8th Ave, New York, NY 10036 // 646.435.0135
5 Napkin Burger
Above photos: Left is 5N Burger, right is Impossible Burger. Photos courtesy of 5 Napkin Burger
5 Napkin Burger is located in Hell’s Kitchen – one block from Moulin Rouge and the Majestic Theater, the former home of Phantom of the Opera.
Burger options include:
- Avocado Ranch Burger
- 5 Napkin Burger
- 5N Patty Melt
- Bacon Cheddar Burger
- Impossible Burger
- Italian Spiced Turkey Burger
- Truffle Burger
- Cheeseburger
In addition to some fabulous burgers, 5N serves Onion Ring Towers, Salads, Sandwiches, and All-Day Brunch. See the full menu HERE.
5 Napkin Burger // 630 9th Ave, New York, NY 10036
Times Square Diner
Oh… Times Square Diner…You had me at bottomless coffee…But, now, your burgers keep everyone coming back! Delicious and MAMMOTH burgers! And, served with a generous portion of really tasty french fries. Loved the casual atmosphere and friendly staff.
You can create your own burger or choose from one of their specialty hamburgers:
- The Times Square Burger – Swiss cheese, mushrooms, and caramelized onions.
- Gyro Spiced Burger – Tzatziki, red onions, and tomato.
- Cobb Burger -Avocado, bacon, arugula, and crumbled blue cheese.
- Southern Burger – Pepper jack cheese, grilled peppers, and onions.
- BBQ Burger – Bacon, caramelized onions, and BBQ sauce.
- Turkey Burger – Lettuce and tomato.
Times Square Diner // 807 8th Avenue – New York, NY 10019 // 212.515.2400
Burger Joint
Located at the Hyatt on West 56th Street inside the Parker Meridien Hotel, Burger Joint offers flavorful burgers with a generous portion of piping hot fries. It has a classic diner atmosphere so if you’re in the mood for a casual, no-frills hamburger restaurant, Burger Joint is the place for you. You can choose from a simple menu that includes burgers, cheeseburgers, fries, and drinks. The burgers are made with high-quality beef and cooked to perfection.
They are open from 11:00 a.m. until 11:00 p.m. – a perfect spot to visit before a matinee or evening Broadway show (maybe even after a show if it’s an early one). Burger Joint is a popular spot, so be prepared to wait in line during peak hours. No reservations are needed, walk-in’s only.
Burger Joint // 119 West 56th Street – New York, NY // 212.708.7414
The Counter
Located in Times Square, The Counter is a contemporary restaurant that serves gourmet hamburgers. All the ingredients used are high-quality and the sauces are out-of-this-world delicious!
Create your own burger or try one of their specialty hamburgers:
- OLD SCHOOL CHEESEBURGER– Angus beef, cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, red onions, pickles, the counter relish, brioche bun
- THE COUNTER BURGER – Angus beef, provolone, tomatoes, lettuce blend, fried onion strings, sautĂ©ed mushrooms, garlic aioli, brioche bun
- BACON BBQ – Angus beef, cheddar cheese, applewood smoked bacon, tomatoes, fried onion strings, hickory bbq, brioche bun
- BEEF & BLUE – Angus beef, blue cheese, organic mixed greens, tomatoes, bacon onion jam, garlic aioli, brioche bun
- JUICY LUCY – Angus beef (filled with melted cheese), caramelized onions, pickles, tangy Lucy sauce, brioche bun
- BISON IS GOUDA – Organic bison, smoked gouda, bacon onion jam, sunny side up egg, baby spinach, scallions, thousand island dressing, brioche bun
The Counter // 7 Times Square – New York, NY 10036 // 646.669.8216
Schnipper’s
On our recent trip to New York, we stayed at Hampton Inn Central on 41st Street. Schnipper’s was right down the street from our hotel and on our way as we walked to all of the shows. We ended up eating here twice. They had really good food (including burgers), plenty of seating, quick service, and free drink/soda refills (self-serve). They offer gluten-free buns also.
I recommend trying the Schnipper’s Sauce – it’s delicious! It’s like a mild ranch mixed with sour cream (maybe??? I can’t find a copycat recipe). We bought extras to dip our fries into. It was so good!
See all the burgers (or how to build your own) and the full menu at Schnipper’s HERE.
Schnipper’s // 621 8th Avenue at 41st Street – New York, NY 10018 // 212.921.2400
Bill’s Bar & Burger
Bill’s Bar & Burger is a modern burger joint that serves up classic American fare. Their hamburgers are made with beef that is ground in-house daily, and you can choose from a variety of toppings like bacon, cheese, and avocado. Or, you can try a specialty burger, like the Fat Cat. It won the CNN Top 10 Burger award. It’s topped with caramelized onion, American cheese, special sauce, English muffin, lettuce, tomato, and pickles. Wash it down with a Monster Shake!
Bill’s is a great spot to grab a hamburger before or after a show, as it’s located in the heart of the Theater District.
Bill’s Bar & Burger // 16 West 51st Street – New York, NY 10019 // 212.705.8510
The Capital Grille
Located between Rockefeller and Times Square, the Capital Grille is a short walk to/from Wicked, The Book of Mormon, HADESTOWN, and Chicago. This steak house offers a variety of dishes but only ONE burger on the menu. But, it is a fantastic burger – an 8 oz blend of Short Rib, Brisket, and Chuck. And, it will set you back $50. This is where you wanna go if you want a fancier burger experience. The Capital Grille is a winner of TripAdvisor’s Certificate of Excellence.
The Capital Grille // 120 W 51st St, New York, NY 10020
Hard Rock Cafe
If you’re looking for a sit-down restaurant with a lively atmosphere, the Hard Rock Cafe is a great choice. Some people feel like it’s very “touristy” but many like the familiarity of eating at a chain restaurant. Hard Rock Cafe is located on Broadway, close to Aladdin, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, St. James Theater, Majestic Theater, Schubert Theater, New Victory Theater, and a couple of (short blocks) to the Nederlander Theater (current home of Shucked).
They have a variety of burgers to choose from, including the Original Legendary Burger, which is topped with smoked bacon, cheddar cheese, and a crispy onion ring. You can also try their Local Legendary Burgers, which feature flavors from different cities around the world. The restaurant is decorated with rock and roll memorabilia, and you can enjoy live music while you dine.
Hard Rock Cafe // 1501 Broadway, New York, NY 10036 // 212.343.3355
P.S. Kitchen
P.S. Kitchen is a nice, vegan restaurant that is close to Broadway and Times Square, but it’s so charming and quaint that you feel like you’re miles away. So, if you’re looking for a great vegan burger in the Theater District, you gotta check out P.S. Kitchen!
Current Hamburger options Include:
- Black -N- Bleu Burger – Impossible Burger patty, Bleu cheese crumbles, lettuce, tomato, onion, sweet relish, and bleu cheese dressing.
- P.S. Burger – Beyond Burger, Queso, Lettuce, Tomato, Red Onion, and Thousand Island Dressing on a Pretzel Bun (Lettuce Wrap and Gluten-free bun available)
- Smokey BBQ Burger -Beyond Burger, American Cheese, Caramelized Onion, Smokey Portobello Mushrooms, BBQ Sauce, and Pickles on a Pretzel Bun (Lettuce Wrap and Gluten-free bun available)
See the full menu HERE.
P.S. Kitchen // 246 West 48th Street – New York, NY 10036 // 212.651.7247
Five Guys
Five Guys is another fast-food chain that has gained a loyal following for its delicious burgers. You can customize your hamburger with a variety of toppings, including grilled onions, mushrooms, jalapenos, and more. Their burgers are made with fresh beef and cooked to order, so you can be sure that your meal will be hot and fresh. You can also grab a side of their famous hand-cut fries (Allergy NOTE: fries are cooked in pure peanut oil.)
Five Guys // 252 West 42nd Street – New York, NY 10036 // 212.398.2600
Ted’s Montana Grill
One of the standout features of the burgers at Ted’s Montana Grill is the use of bison meat, which is leaner than traditional beef and has a unique, slightly sweet flavor. The burgers are made with 100% bison meat that is sustainably raised and sourced from ranches in the United States. They also offer gluten-free buns provided by local bakeries.
The burgers are served on a freshly-baked bun and you can choose classic toppings like lettuce, tomato, and onion, as well as more unique choices like blue cheese, fried onions, and jalapenos. They also offer also offers specialty burgers like the “Green & Hot” hamburger, which is topped with Pepper jack cheese, grilled jalapeño, guacamole, and Sriracha aioli. Another specialty hamburger is “Ted’s Bacon Cheeseburger” which features crispy bacon and melted cheese. You can see the full menu HERE.
Ted’s Montana Grill //110 West 51st Street at Sixth Avenue – New York, NY 10020 // 212.245.5220
Junior’s Restaurant and Bakery
Okay, so when you think of Junior’s, cheesecake is what probably comes to mind. But, they are also known for their delicious steakburgers. Their burgers are made with high-quality beef and served on a soft, fresh bun.
The menu offers a variety of options, including classic cheeseburgers and bacon burgers, as well as more unique offerings like the Pastrami-Swiss Cheeseburger (served with Onion Rings & Steak Fries). The restaurant prides itself on its commitment to using fresh, locally sourced ingredients and providing friendly, attentive service to its customers. See the full menu HERE.
Junior’s is located near Times Square and the Theater District and they are open Sunday through Monday 7 a.m. – 11 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday 7 a.m. – 12 a.m., Friday through Saturday 7 a.m. – 1 a.m. So, with Junior’s being open late, it’s actually a great place to grab a hamburger AFTER seeing a show. And, hey, you might as well get a slice of cheesecake too!
Junior’s Restaurant and Bakery // 1515 Broadway -45th St. B/W Broadway & 8th Ave – New York, NY 10019 // 212.302.2000
Ellen’s Stardust Diner
Okay, so let’s be honest – most people go to Ellen’s Stardust Diner for the atmosphere more than the food, but I thought the food was pretty good. We went there on our last trip to NYC and we had a great time. The wait staff is made up of aspiring Broadway singers and they take turns singing your favorite show tunes (while delivering food and pouring drinks). Sometimes, they throw on costumes and dance around the restaurant. It’s a lot of fun!
We did order burgers with sweet potato fries and they were really delicious. So, if you want a good hamburger and have an even better time, Ellen’s a great place to visit. Ellen’s is located just down the street from Wicked and a short walk to Chicago, The Book of Mormon, and HADESTOWN.
P.S. The line just to get into Ellen’s can get LONG. I recommend eating a late breakfast, late lunch, etc – go at an odd time. We went for “lunch” at about 2:30 and waited 30 minutes to get inside – which is pretty good considering some have waited 3 hours (at peak times).
Ellen’s Stardust Diner // 1650 Broadway, New York, NY 10019 // 212.956.5151
No matter where you choose to go, you can be sure that these restaurants will serve up some of the best hamburgers in the Theater District. So next time you’re in the mood for a juicy and delicious burger, head to one of these spots and satisfy your craving.
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About The Author
KristyB
Wife. Mom. Graphic Designer. Photographer. Professional Nap Taker. Part-time Traveler (with kids in tow, of course!)
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Oooh! I love this! Bookmarking for next time my husband and I are in NYC. Sounds fun!!
Fun and yummy!
You can’t leave New York without enjoying a burger. There’s a few on this list that I still need to try!
NYC – so much to eat, so little time…
This is perfect for when I want to grab a delicious burger in the Theater District of New York City. You have done a thorough job of compiling a list of the 15 best burger joints in the area, giving me plenty of options to choose from.
Thank you, Devan.
These all sound like awesome options. So much great food, and the restaurants look like they have a nice atmosphere to them.
Yes, the atmosphere of these restaurants really make dining here a whole experience.
Not all burgers are created equal I have discovered over time. It helps to know where you can get the best ones in the Theater District. Thanks for this xxx
So true! These are definitely not the burgers you usually find at fast food restaurants!
Oh wow! I like that these places serve really big portions of burgers and fries. I’m always starving after walking around New York City. I look forward to visiting some of these on my next trip.
There’s never a shortage of delicious food in NYC!
You made me crave for burgers just by looking at the pictures. I think the best place for me is The Counter. It would be great to build my own burger with all the delicious choices they offer.
Yes! Great choice!
My family and I visit NYC almost every year, and we love trying out new restaurants. Definitely bookmarking this for the next time we go. Thank you! 🙂
Yay! I hope you have a wonderful trip!
I’m always starving in New York City because of all of the walking. I love that there is so many restaurants on every block! These burger restaurants sound amazing.
Yes, so true. I think we walked more in New York City than we do on our Disney World trips!
These are all really amazing and great places to eat! I’d love to visit all of these!
All of these burgers look delicious!
Who would have thought NYC would have so many great places to grab a burger!? I’ve lived in the metro area for many years and have only heard of a few of these. Thanks for the recommendations – will have to check out a few of these.
I’m going to New York next month so I have saved this for reference. There is nothing better than a good burger! Thank you for sharing
We are absolutely burger lovers. I wish I had seen this post a few months ago, because we were just there! I will bookmark this page and visit some of these burger joints next time we’re in New York. Thanks for sharing!