Pittsburgh’s Butterjoint is the kind of place you hear about in a friend’s breathless “you HAVE to try this burger” rant long before you ever see the sign.
Lines snake through the cozy bar, cocktails clink, and plates of golden fries keep landing in front of wide‑eyed first‑timers who suddenly get why locals call it their go-to burger bar in North Oakland. 🍔
The Juicy Pittsburgh Burger Locals Keep Calling Their “End‑Of‑Day Reward”
From the outside, Butterjoint looks like your classic Oakland hangout near the universities, but step in on a busy night and you’ll realize you’ve walked into a full‑blown burger obsession.
What started as a snug bar next to the beloved Legume grew into a destination where people happily wait just to bite into a thick, perfectly seared patty crowned with melted cheddar, crisp lettuce, and a swipe of house Butterjoint sauce that regulars swear is half the magic.
Students, professors, and in‑the‑know Pittsburgh food lovers drift here from all corners of the city, drawn by talk of “the best burger ever” and a menu that mixes pierogi traditions, French bistro touches, and local comfort food like it’s the most natural thing in the world. 🤤
Reviewers rave about evenings that start with fried snacks and pierogies and end with burger‑induced silence at the table, as friends pause mid‑conversation to marvel at how a simple sandwich can be this juicy, beefy, and absolutely worth the hype.
Food Highlights
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Butterjoint Burger: The signature Butterjoint Burger features an 8oz beef patty with cheddar, Butterjoint sauce, sour dill pickles, and lettuce on a soft milk‑bread bun, served with tallow fries for that extra rich, crispy edge.
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Fancy Burger: The Fancy Burger builds on the classic with two smashed patties, Gruyere, bacon, hatch chile aioli, and sour dill pickles, making it a favorite for burger fans who want something a bit more amped‑up and indulgent.
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Chicken Sandwich: The Chicken Sandwich (often ordered by guests looking for something other than beef) features crispy fried or grilled chicken with fresh toppings and a flavorful sauce on a soft bun, making it a must‑try alternative for diners who still want that big, comforting handheld experience.
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Fancy Veggie Burger: The Fancy Veggie Burger takes the same robust veggie patty and layers on Pear BBQ, whipped goat cheese, aioli, and garlic scape kraut, making it a must‑order for groups that want a showstopper meatless burger on the table.
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Pierogies: Butterjoint’s Just Pierogi plate features potato‑and‑cheese pierogi sautéed and topped with caramelized onions, served with sour cream, and often called out by guests as a can’t‑skip side to share before diving into those burgers. 🥟
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Fried Pickles: The Fried Pickles arrive as sour dill pickle spears in a light beer batter with spicy aioli, bringing a tangy, crunchy, and slightly spicy bite that pairs perfectly with a cold drink and a big burger.
Atmosphere
The vibe at Butterjoint is warm, eclectic, and effortlessly cool, the kind of place that works for a casual date, solo burger mission, or post‑work hang.
A well‑stocked bar hums in the background, and the crowd is a fun mix of neighborhood regulars, Pitt students, and food‑loving visitors exploring Pittsburgh restaurants. 🥃
It feels like an upgraded neighborhood bar: cozy lighting, friendly staff, and plates of pierogies and burgers zipping out of the kitchen.
On busy nights, the energy in the room turns that first bite into its own little event, making your burger feel like the star of the show.
Bottom Line
Juicy, thoughtfully built burgers, crave‑worthy pierogies, a fun bar vibe, friendly service, and an Oakland location that makes Butterjoint a must‑visit Pittsburgh comfort‑food stop.
Address:
208 N Craig St, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
📞 +1 412-621-2700
🕔 Open daily, Mon–Sat, 11 AM–11 PM; Sun, 10 AM–3 PM