9 Must-Try Burgers in Philadelphia

The Ultimate Philadelphia Burger Guide: 9 Must-Try Spots for Every Craving

While Philadelphia may be world-famous for its cheesesteaks, the city's burger scene is equally passionate, diverse, and delicious. From old-school pubs serving up half-pound patties to gourmet kitchens crafting culinary masterpieces, the City of Brotherly Love is a premier destination for burger lovers. Whether you crave a classic no-frills burger, an inventive award-winner, or an upscale creation, this guide will lead you to nine of the best burger spots in Philadelphia.

1. Lucky's Last Chance (Manayunk & Queen Village)

• The Burger: If you're looking for creative, award-winning burgers, Lucky's Last Chance is a must-visit. They are famous for winning the Philadelphia Burger Brawl multiple times with their unique creations. Their signature PB&J Burger, a bold and delicious combination of sweet and savory, is a true Philly experience.
• The Vibe: A fun, modern American comfort food spot with a diverse and exciting beer menu and friendly, knowledgeable bartenders.
• Locations: 4421 Main St, Manayunk, PA 19127 | 848 S 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19147

2. The Good Dog Bar (Center City)

• The Burger: A long-standing Philadelphia institution, The Good Dog Bar is legendary for its signature burger. Their famous offering features a juicy half-pound sirloin beef patty stuffed with Roquefort cheese, served on a brioche bun. It's a rich, flavorful, and unforgettable burger that has kept patrons coming back for years.
• The Vibe: A cozy, three-story bar with a grungy-chic, dog-themed decor. It's a popular spot with the local crowd and also offers upscale versions of traditional diner favorites.
• Location: 224 S 15th St, Philadelphia, PA 19102

3. Village Whiskey (Rittenhouse Square)

• The Burger: From acclaimed Iron Chef Jose Garces, Village Whiskey is known for its high-end "Village Burger." This gourmet masterpiece features a house-blend beef patty, often topped with classic ingredients or elevated with options like Rogue's Smokey Blue Cheese or foie gras. It's a perfect example of a simple dish executed with flawless technique.
• The Vibe: A cozy, intimate spot reminiscent of a Prohibition-era speakeasy. The centerpiece is a stunning bar showcasing an incredible collection of over 200 whiskeys, alongside expertly crafted specialty cocktails.
• Location: 118 S 20th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103

4. Royal Boucherie (Old City)

• The Burger: Another chef-driven creation, the "Boucherie Burger" at Royal Boucherie is an elevated version of a classic cheeseburger. This mouthwatering sandwich is stacked with Cooper Sharp cheese, applewood smoked bacon, half-sour pickles, and a rich truffle sauce, served on a brioche bun.
• The Vibe: A stylish American brasserie in a historic Old City building, offering a sophisticated yet welcoming atmosphere perfect for a date night or a celebratory meal.
• Location: 52 S 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19106

5. Kensington Quarters (Fishtown)

• The Burger: For the purist who values quality meat above all else, Kensington Quarters is the destination. As a whole-animal kitchen and butcher shop, they serve a burger made from 75% grass-fed local chuck that is ground and cut daily. Their grilled burgers have a simple, profound tenderness and smoky taste that isn't overdone, letting the high-quality beef speak for itself.
• The Vibe: A modern, rustic space that functions as both a restaurant and a butcher shop, emphasizing sustainability and local sourcing.
• Location: 1310 Frankford Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19125

6. SouthHouse (South Philly)

• The Burger: This comfortable, family-friendly neighborhood pub serves up excellent New American fare, and their burgers are a local favorite. It's a great spot for a delicious, well-priced burger without the downtown crowds.
• The Vibe: An easygoing and casual neighborhood bar with several TVs for game days, a huge beer list, and plenty of bar seating. They also offer weekend brunch.
• Location: 2535 S 13th St, Philadelphia, PA 19148

7. Red Owl Tavern (Old City)

• The Burger: Located in a prime spot near the Liberty Bell, Red Owl Tavern serves good burgers and other American classics with smart twists. Their signature Tavern Burger is a classic combination of a quality patty, bacon, lettuce, tomato, onion, and cheddar cheese. You can also upgrade it to include applewood-smoked bacon, avocado, and truffle fries.
• The Vibe: A contemporary tavern with a historic feel, situated adjacent to Independence Mall, making it a perfect stop after a day of sightseeing.
• Location: 433 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19106

8. GateHouse (Philadelphia Navy Yard)

• The Burger: GateHouse serves one of the city's best burgers in a truly unique setting. This modern American restaurant is located in the former gatehouse of the historic Philadelphia Navy Yard.
• The Vibe: A casual, spacious restaurant featuring a large outdoor patio and beer garden, perfect for warm weather. It's a great spot to grab a drink and a delicious burger, with regular happy hour specials and a variety of vegan and vegetarian options.
• Location: 4503 S Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19112

9. MilkBoy (South Street & Center City)

• The Burger: Known primarily as a renowned live music venue, MilkBoy also serves up fantastic pub grub, and their burgers are consistently ranked among the best in town.
• The Vibe: A two-story bar, restaurant, and music hotspot. You can dine indoors or enjoy the people-watching on South Street from their outdoor seating. They also offer a wide range of gluten-free and vegan options.
• Location (South Street): 401 South St, Philadelphia, PA 19147

Philadelphia's burger scene is a culinary force, offering an incredible range of options that go far beyond the standard fast-food patty. From award-winning, creative marvels at Lucky's Last Chance to the gourmet perfection at Village Whiskey and the classic pub-style burgers at The Good Dog Bar, the city is packed with delicious choices. Next time you're craving a burger in Philly, be sure to explore these top-tier spots.

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Joy Franklin
Food and Event Writer
My joy is aimed at food and foodie lovers. I enjoy covering trends, issues, and all things Philly