PHILADELPHIA - With International Burger Day right around the corner, we've got all the juicy details on where to celebrate the food-lovers' holiday in May at Philadelphia-area restaurants, bars, and hotels. Philly's Best Burgers!
Where to Get the Best Burgers in Philadelphia
Philadelphia may be internationally famous for its cheesesteaks and roast pork sandwiches, but the city also boasts an incredibly diverse and highly competitive burger scene. From no-nonsense dive-bar classics to towering, chef-driven creations dripping with truffle peelings, the local culinary landscape offers a perfect patty for every palate and budget. If you are looking to take a break from the traditional Philly staples and sink your teeth into a phenomenal burger, these local heavyweights deserve an immediate spot on your dining itinerary.
Fountain Porter: The Minimalist Perfection
Located in East Passyunk, Fountain Porter is famous for doing exactly one thing when it comes to food, and executing it flawlessly. In an era of overly complicated, towering stunt burgers, they stick to a stunningly simple formula. For just a few dollars, you get a griddled, perfectly seasoned patty, melted American cheese, lettuce, and tomato, all served on a classic Martin's potato roll. Paired with their extensive, rotating craft beer list and a relaxed neighborhood vibe, it is widely considered the best pure, unpretentious cheeseburger in the entire city.
Village Whiskey: The Decadent Splurge
When you are ready to indulge in a truly luxurious dining experience, head over to Rittenhouse Square to visit Village Whiskey. Helmed by Chef Jose Garces, this intimate, upscale tavern is legendary for treating the humble burger like high-end cuisine. Their signature offering is the Whiskey King, a massive, towering masterpiece topped with maple-bourbon-glazed cipollini onions, Roth Moody Blue cheese, applewood bacon, and a thick slice of seared foie gras. It is an incredibly rich, savory bomb that pairs perfectly with an order of their famous duck fat fries and a classic cocktail.
Spot Gourmet Burgers: The Butcher's Craft
What started as a wildly popular, award-winning food cart has evolved into a beloved brick-and-mortar destination in Brewerytown. Owner Josh Kim approaches burger making with a butcher's meticulous attention to detail, grinding his own custom blend of sirloin right in-house. This dedication to fresh, high-quality meat shines through in every single bite. While you can build your own masterpiece, opting for their namesake Spot Burger—which comes layered with sharp provolone, bacon, coleslaw, and their signature Spot sauce—provides a masterclass in flavor balancing and texture.
Lucky's Last Chance: The Creative Mashups
If you prefer your burgers with a massive dose of culinary creativity, Lucky's Last Chance is the ultimate destination. With lively locations in both Manayunk and Queen Village, this energetic spot is notorious for pushing the boundaries of traditional pub food. They are multiple-time winners of the Philadelphia Burger Brawl, largely thanks to creations like the PB & Bacon Burger, which features a generous slathering of creamy peanut butter, American cheese, and crispy bacon with a side of house-made jelly. It sounds unorthodox, but the sweet-and-savory combination is an absolute triumph that draws massive crowds all weekend long.
Royal Tavern: The Elevated Pub Standard
After recently reopening its doors, Queen Village's Royal Tavern has reclaimed its rightful throne as one of the best gastro-pubs in Philadelphia. Their Angus Burger is a legendary menu staple that has kept locals coming back for years. It features a beautifully cooked, thick patty loaded with bacon, caramelized onions, smoked gouda, and a long, hot aioli that delivers the perfect amount of localized Philadelphia heat. Furthermore, they are widely celebrated for having one of the absolute best vegan burgers in the region, ensuring that everyone at your dinner party leaves completely satisfied.
