Pittsburgh, PABurgers

Moonlit's Dormont shop centers its menu on thin patties cooked against a hot griddle for deeply browned edges. Pittsburgh Magazine follows the local response to its Classic Double. Shoestring fries, simple toppings and a compact neighborhood storefront keep the experience focused on the smash burger format.

Burghers pairs house beer with burgers built from responsibly sourced beef and house condiments at its Lawrenceville tap house. Pittsburgh Magazine's dedicated review describes the kitchen's farm focused approach and playful combinations. The current city location adds a working brewery without pushing the burger into the background.

Lot 17 is a long running Bloomfield bar and restaurant with a burger that TABLE Magazine includes in its 2025 city guide. The house build layers bacon, Swiss, pickled onion and chipotle mayonnaise over beef. A broad draft list and relaxed room support its neighborhood tavern character.

Tessaro's cooks burgers over a hardwood grill in a narrow Bloomfield tavern that has served the neighborhood for decades. Pittsburgh Magazine identifies it among the city's established burger destinations. The live fire gives the beef a smoky edge, while simple toppings and hand cut potatoes preserve the classic format.

The Commoner serves its burger inside the Hotel Monaco, applying a polished kitchen to familiar tavern food. Pittsburgh Magazine includes it among the notable entrants in its city burger survey. The downtown dining room, full bar and careful cooking make this a useful sit down interpretation of the form.