Gramercy Tavern is NYC’s fine dining legend, but the Tavern Burger steals the show from its casual tavern side.
This $35 wood-grilled patty comes with thick bacon, melted cheddar, smoked onion aioli, and duck-fat potato chips that make it one of the city’s most talked-about burgers.
It’s the kind of burger that justifies steakhouse prices because a Michelin-starred kitchen grinds the beef fresh daily.
How they won locals’ hearts
Gramercy Tavern’s tavern side serves the burger alongside braised pork and grilled fish, but the Tavern Burger consistently gets the loudest buzz.
Diners rave about the 70/30 chuck/brisket blend sourced from upstate farms, wood-grilled for smokiness, and served on a buttered Orwasher’s bun with Shelburne cheddar and belly-cut bacon.
YouTube reviewers and Reddit threads call it “NYC’s best burger,” while food blogs praise the execution as the “platonic ideal” of a chef’s burger.
The duck-fat fried potato chips with smoked onion aioli elevate the entire plate beyond typical pub sides.
That combination of pristine ingredients, woodfire technique, and tavern accessibility keeps burger obsessives returning despite the formal dining room next door.
Food Highlights
- Tavern Burger: House-ground chuck/brisket beef, cheddar, thick bacon, smoked onion aioli on buttered sesame bun with duck-fat chips, the main event. 🍔
- Beef Meatball: Polenta, mushrooms, Fontina, a hearty alternative that shows the tavern kitchen’s range. 🥩
- Braised Pork Shoulder: Sweet potato, Brussels sprouts, pickled Fresno, rich comfort that pairs with the burger vibe. 🐷
- Duck-Fat Potato Chips: Crispy, luxurious side that reviewers call “utterly superb” and worth the price alone. 🥔
- Chicken Liver Mousse: Meyer lemon marmalade, pickles, grilled bread, a starter that sets the tavern’s quality standard. 🥄
- Citrus Upside-Down Cake: A seasonal dessert that balances the burger’s richness perfectly. 🍊
Atmosphere
The tavern side feels polished but approachable, with white tablecloths, warm wood paneling, and bustling energy without stuffiness.
It’s walk-in friendly, while the formal dining room requires reservations, making it perfect for spontaneous burger runs.
Professional servers navigate the room efficiently while making fine dining feel genuinely welcoming.
Bottom Line
Gramercy Tavern’s Tavern Burger delivers Michelin-level beef grinding, woodfire grilling, and thoughtful toppings that justify the $35 price tag.
This Flatiron District tavern proves a casual burger can compete with tasting menus when the kitchen obsesses over every detail.
Address:
Gramercy Tavern
42 E 20th St, New York, NY 10003
📞 (212) 477-0777
🕔 Tavern: Daily 11:30 AM – 10:30 PM