Applewood Smoke Burger operates from the back of Park Place Pub on Bryant Street, serving some of Pittsburgh’s juiciest, most flavorful patties.
This counter-service burger operation inside a neighborhood bar delivers creative builds like the Apple Butter BBQ Burger and Bayou Burger that locals rave about.
It’s the kind of spot where you order at the counter, grab a beer from the bar, and realize you’ve found Pittsburgh’s perfect burger hideout.
How they won locals’ hearts
Applewood Smoke Burger set up shop inside Park Place Pub and quickly earned a reputation for superior meat blends that stay juicy and flavorful.
Diners consistently praise the perfectly cooked burgers, boardwalk-style fries, and friendly staff who make first-timers feel like regulars.
Reddit threads and TripAdvisor reviews call it “the best burgers in Pittsburgh,” with one reviewer noting everyone from food lovers to larger groups claims it’s their favorite.
The creative toppings are apple slices with maple sauce, Cajun spices with banana peppers, and smoked gouda elevate each burger without overwhelming the quality beef.
Located in Highland Park, it became the go-to for casual dinners, takeout, and pub nights where you want something better than typical bar food.
Food Highlights
- Applewood Smoke Burger: Signature build with applewood bacon, cheese, apple slices, and maple sauce, a sweet-savory combination reviewers call addictive.
- Apple Butter BBQ Burger: Tangy apple butter BBQ sauce creates a unique Pittsburgh-style flavor profile worth ordering.
- Bayou Burger: Cajun-spiced patty with grilled onions, charred tomato, banana peppers, and pepper jack, a spicy standout.
- Farmhouse Burger: Comfort-food classic that showcases their burger foundation with traditional toppings done right.
- Blues Burger: Creative blue cheese build for fans of funky, bold flavors.
- Parmesan Fries: Boardwalk-style fries that reviewers pair with burgers or order solo, they’re that good.
Atmosphere
Applewood Smoke Burger shares space with Park Place Pub, creating a casual neighborhood bar vibe where you order burgers from the counter in back.
The setup works perfectly for solo diners grabbing a stool, groups splitting fries and wings, or takeout runs from nearby neighborhoods.
Staff handles both dine-in and carryout smoothly while keeping the energy friendly and unpretentious.
Bottom Line
Applewood Smoke Burger delivers Pittsburgh’s best meat blends and creative toppings from a counter inside Park Place Pub.
The Applewood, Bayou Burger, and Parmesan fries prove this Highland Park spot earns every “best burger in the city” claim.
Address:
Applewood Smoke Burger
5721 Bryant St, Pittsburgh, PA 15206
📞 (412) 522-4592
🕔 Sun: 1:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Mon: Closed | Tue-Sat: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM