Best Cheap Burgers in NYC
By Brotherly Burgers, July 2026
The best cheap burger in NYC is Lion's Bar (9.0) in the East Village, a Hall of Fame-tier burger at a price point that doesn't require a second mortgage. You don't need to spend $35+ on a burger to have a great one in this city. These are the value burgers we'd genuinely recommend, most under $15, plus a few slightly pricier options that punch way above their cost.
We've eaten 102 ranked burgers across NYC and scored them all. Most "cheap burger" lists are filled with tourist traps and nostalgia plays. This one is filled with burgers that actually taste good, ranked with decimal-precision scores.
| # | Restaurant | Score | Price | Neighborhood | Style |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lion's Bar | 9.0 | $19 | East Village | Tavern-Style |
| 2 | Smacking Burger | 8.5 | $8.99 | West Village | Smash |
| 3 | 7th Street Burger | 7.5 | $7 | Multiple | Smash |
| 4 | Hamburger America | 8.5 | $12.50 | NoMad | Smash |
| 5 | Bill's Bar & Burger | 6.6 | $16.99 | FiDi | Smash |
Best Value Burgers
This is the entry on this list that will surprise people. Lion's Bar scores a 9.0, Hall of Fame tier, and while $19 isn't dirt cheap, the quality-to-price ratio is unmatched in NYC. You're getting a burger that competes with $35+ options at nearly half the price. In the East Village, this is the move.
Price $19
Elite tier (8.5) at $8.99 from a gas station bodega. This is the single best value burger in Manhattan. The patty gets proper crisp, the cheese is melted correctly, and the bun doesn't disintegrate. At this price, there's no excuse not to try it.
Price $8.99
George Motz literally wrote the book on hamburgers, and his counter serves Oklahoma-style fried onion smash burgers at fast-food prices, Elite tier (8.5). The onions are grilled directly into the patty. Crack a High Life and enjoy.
Price $12.50
The most accessible good burger in NYC. With 10+ locations, open late (until 3 AM at some spots), and a double cheeseburger for around $7, 7th Street is the reliable choice when you need a smash burger without planning. It's not elite, but at this price and availability, it doesn't need to be.
Price $7
Solid smash burger in the Financial District at a fair price. Good execution, decent bun, and it comes with fries. If you work in FiDi and want a burger that doesn't cost $30 or taste like a corporate cafeteria, Bill's is your spot.
Price $16.99
On Our Radar
Albany import smashing grass-fed patties until 2 AM. Great late-night value option we want to try.
From the Electric Burrito team. Thin weighted patties (not smashed). Open until 3 AM on weekends. Under $10.
The short answer
- Highest ranked here
- Lion's Bar9.0 · #10 citywide
- Score range
- 6.6–9.05 ranked picks
- Price range
- $7–$195 priced
Updated July 2026.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best cheap burger in NYC?›
For pure value, Smacking Burger in the West Village ($8.99, score 8.5) and Hamburger America in NoMad ($12.50, score 8.5) offer the best quality at the lowest prices. Both are Elite tier or above in our rankings.
Can I get a good burger in NYC for under $10?›
Yes. Smacking Burger ($8.99) and 7th Street Burger ($7) offer genuinely good burgers at fast-food prices, and Hamburger America ($12.50) at 8.5 is one of the highest-scoring cheap burgers in our entire ranking.
What is the best budget burger in Manhattan?›
Lion's Bar in the East Village (9.0) at $19 offers the best quality-to-price ratio. For less money, Smacking Burger (8.5) in the West Village at $8.99 is the best value burger in Manhattan.
All scores are from the Burgerverse ranking system, based on Brotherly Burgers' reviews of 102 ranked NYC burgers. Scores use a 0-10 scale with decimal precision.