Updated as of July 2026
As an NYC native, even though I haven’t lived in New York for a while, I still keep close tabs on the burger scene—and always knock out new spots on my to-do list when I’m back in town.
After my latest trip this past July, here are my NYC smashburger rankings (all photos by me unless noted otherwise).
9. Flat Out Burger — Solid, but a bit shy of the competition from a beef or sauce standpoint. Also tiny… probably needed a triple 😅
8. Gotham Burger Social Club — Need a revisit. Had it pre-smash obsession, didn’t fully click. But there’s a reason when everyone has it top-tier.
7. Harlem Shake — Great beef, great char, great pickles.
6. Smacking Burger — Gas station smash on 8th Ave. Delicious. Only tweak: give me a potato roll over sesame.
5. 7th Street Burger — The “McDonald’s” of smashes (in scale, not quality). Consistent, everywhere, and legit very good.
4. Casa 13urger — Kind of hidden, shouldn’t be. Beef is excellent, but the sauce is the star. Great heat. Could crush multiples easily.
3. Smashed NYC — On my to-do for a long time. Worth it. Few smash spots offer blue cheese + bacon.
2. Burger by Day — In the middle of a SoHo smash gauntlet and still stands out. Super juicy brisket/chuck blend. I’m usually anti lettuce/tomato on a smash… but it works here.
1. KO Burger — Absolute crusher. Perfect smash, savory AF, and that KO sauce brings plenty of heat. Tastes like something my guy Willet Feng of burger-chan fame in Houston would dream up.
Special Mention:
RIP: @burgersonb — Alphabet City legend gone too soon. Oklahoma-style done right. Supposedly coming back in Virginia… which does nothing for me 😂
Let me know what I missed! Where do I *have* to go next time I’m back?
While you’re here, check out my authoritative ranking of the best classic burgers, smashburgers, and restaurant burgers across Houston, as well as my my thoughts on THE ANGRY LARRY, my namesake burger created by Hotline Burger that I recently crowned the #1 smashburger in all of Houston.
Best Burgers Near Me 
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