PENNSYLVANIA - When you think of Pennsylvania's culinary landscape, cheesesteaks, pretzels, and shoofly pie might be the first things that come to mind. But look closer, and you'll find a state locked in a delicious and serious love affair with the all-American hamburger. From the bustling, high-end gastropubs of Philadelphia to the old-school diners of Folsom and the hip, creative kitchens of Pittsburgh, the Keystone State is a true powerhouse of patties and buns.
This is a guide to the must-try burger destinations across Pennsylvania, from the creative and bizarre to the timeless and classic.
The Philadelphia Powerhouses
In a city as competitive as Philadelphia, a burger has to be exceptional to stand out. These spots deliver.
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Lucky's Last Chance (Manayunk & Queen Village): This lively bar has become a true destination for foodies. While its craft beer list is substantial, the burgers are the main event. The undisputed star is the "PB & Bacon" burger—a surprisingly addictive creation that combines creamy peanut butter, American cheese, and crispy bacon, all served with a side of homemade jelly for a perfect sweet-and-savory balance.
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Village Whiskey (Rittenhouse Square): A popular spot for gourmet pub grub, this restaurant offers the "Whiskey King," a burger that defines indulgence. It features maple bourbon-glazed cipollini onions, Roth blue cheese, applewood bacon, and for the truly decadent, foie gras.
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Good Dog Bar & Restaurant (Center City): A must-visit for burger lovers, this cozy bar is famous for its Good Dog Burger. This isn't just any burger; it's a half-pound sirloin patty stuffed with creamy Roquefort cheese, then topped with caramelized onions and served on a buttery brioche bun.
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Prohibition Taproom (Spring Garden): This taproom prides itself on quality, serving a signature burger made with 100% grass-fed beef from nearby Kensington Quarters. It’s topped with sharp Hope Springs cheddar, crisp lettuce, and savory haystack onions.
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Sassafras Bar (Old City): For the adventurous eater, Sassafras offers a "build your own" masterpiece with meat options like ostrich, bison, or lamb. You can even upgrade your creation to "Gangster Style," which adds caramelized onions and Gruyère, or bleu cheese and bacon.
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SouthHouse (South Philadelphia): This laid-back pub serves up a classic done right. "The Big House" is a no-nonsense bacon cheeseburger topped with applewood-smoked bacon, American cheese, spring mix, tomato, red onion, and a kick of Dijon ketchup.
Pittsburgh's Burger Champions
The Steel City's food scene is booming, and these burger joints prove it.
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Burgatory (Multiple Locations): With a devoted following, this local chain has mastered the art of the burger. Their patties are an exceptional blend of chuck, brisket, sirloin, and short rib. Beyond beef, they offer creative options like crab, bison, and wagyu, all perfectly paired with their "sinful" shakes.
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Butterjoint (Oakland): This hip spot is known for its fantastic cocktails and bar bites, led by the "Fancy Burger." This 6oz local beef patty is elegantly topped with Thoma bacon, Gruyère cheese, Wellington Aioli, lettuce, and sour dill pickles.
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Stack'd (Oakland): If you're creative, this is your spot. Stack'd lets you build your own burger from a massive array of sauces and toppings, from traditional classics to wild additions like peanut butter or Fritos.
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Winghart's Burgers (Market Square): This joint is all about unique flavors. The "Jefferson's Repeal" burger is a standout, featuring a bold Jame'O sauce, tangy fried onions, and a generous serving of Irish whiskey cheese.
The Lehigh Valley Scene (Allentown, Bethlehem, Whitehall)
This region is a culinary hotbed, and its burger offerings are second to none.
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Bolete Restaurant (Bethlehem): This James Beard-nominated eatery is a true culinary gem. The star of the menu is the Cast Iron Seared Grass Fed Beef Burger. It's out-of-this-world on its own, but upgrading it "Bolete" style with their delectable mushroom marmalade makes it an unforgettable experience.
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Bell Hall (Allentown): A modern bar with a reputation for exceptional burgers, Bell Hall gets creative. A standout choice is the Lamb Burger, perfectly balanced with brie cheese, lemon and apricot preserves, and the crispness of fresh green apple.
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Wert's Cafe (Allentown): This busy, classic eatery is a local legend. Their signature Wert's Cheeseburger exemplifies timeless appeal. It comes stuffed with savory mushrooms and onions before being topped with cheese for a delicious, old-school bite.
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Burger Shack (Whitehall): This spot specializes in grass-fed beef and their signature move: stuffing the burgers. The Pizza Burger is a fan favorite, stuffed with gooey mozzarella and topped with more mozzarella, pepperoni, and house-made marinara.
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Elevation Burger (Allentown): For those with a towering appetite, the Vertigo Burger is a challenge. You can order between three and ten juicy meat patties, piled high with your choice of toppings.
Central PA Favorites (Lancaster, Harrisburg, Reading)
From state capital staples to retro diners, Central PA delivers big on flavor.
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Jackson House (Harrisburg): An emblem of quality and taste in the state's capital, this local favorite offers an impressive array of burgers with no fuss or pretentiousness. It's a staple in the Harrisburg burger scene for a reason.
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Pike Café (Reading): This down-to-earth sports bar serves up an absolute monster of a burger. The Peach Bottom Double Decker features two 1/2-pound Black Angus brisket burgers, topped with Sriracha-glazed bacon, caramelized onions, Boursin and provolone cheese, prosciutto, and mushrooms.
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Aussie & The Fox (Lancaster): This delightful restaurant offers a taste of Down Under. The Aussie Burger is a juicy beef patty layered with lettuce, tomato, succulent pineapple, griddled onion chutney, tangy pickled beetroot, and a perfectly cooked fried egg on a ciabatta bun.
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Four54 Grill (Lancaster): For a taste of Texas, the Texas Burger delivers a spicy kick with pepper jack cheese, sweet onion marmalade, crispy onion rings, and applewood bacon, all on a grilled brioche bun.
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DJ's Taste of the '50s (Lancaster): This spot offers a delightful retro throwback experience with over 20 burger varieties. As a bonus, they donate twenty-five cents from every cup of coffee sold to charity, making this stop satisfying for the taste buds and the heart.
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Route 66 Restaurant (Lancaster): This 1950s-inspired diner captures the spirit of classic American comfort food. Their Quad Cheeseburger is a hearty meal for any enthusiast, best paired with a side of mozzarella sticks and onion rings for pure nostalgia.
NEPA & The 'Burbs (Scranton, Folsom, New Hope)
Rounding out the state are these can't-miss gems in smaller towns and cities.
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Backyard Ale House (Scranton): This lively establishment buzzes with energy, perfectly complemented by their "Electric City" burgers. For the breakfast-inspired, the Morning After Burger features a juicy patty with crispy bacon, an egg, and cheese on an English muffin.
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The Keys (Scranton): A true insider's tip, head to The Keys on a Wednesday for their mouthwatering $5 stuffed burger special. It’s the perfect opportunity to indulge on a budget, paired with their impressive beer selection.
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Charlie Hamburgers (Folsom): For a true old-school experience, head to this institution, which dates back to 1935. They are known for made-to-order burgers and classic milkshakes. The Bunny Special is a must-try: a simple, perfect combination of cheese, raw onions, mustard, and a slice of tomato.
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Earl's New American (New Hope): This restaurant focuses on high-quality regional fare. "Our Burger" is a testament to this, featuring sharp Cabot cheddar, a sweet pickle-tomato relish, and a toasted brioche bun.
