Rochester, NY
For Burgers in Rochester, the local food press points to Jeremiah's Tavern, Moo'd Burger Bar, and The Playhouse // Swillburger. Picks from CITY Magazine, updated July 2026.
Editor’s picks
Press picks, until locals rank their own Top 5s. Sourced from the local food press. As seen in CITY Magazine. Updated July 2026.
Jeremiah's Tavern · Monroe Avenue
A Monroe Avenue tavern known for its smash burger: ground chuck with bacon-chive-blue cheese butter, or American and Swiss with Russian dressing and sauteed onions on grilled sourdough.
Moo'd Burger Bar · East Avenue
A craft-burger bar on East Main Street with a full build-your-own spec and an actual bar, a newer entry to the Rochester burger scene.
The Playhouse // Swillburger · South Wedge
A pinball-arcade bar and burger counter in the South Wedge that won Best Burger in CITY Magazine's 2025 readers' poll. The double smash comes with griddled American and a signature sauce against an arcade backdrop. Order the double smash.
Good Luck · Alexander Street
Good Luck on Anderson Avenue took Best Restaurant overall in CITY Magazine's 2025 readers' poll and placed as a Best Burger and Best French Fries finalist the same year. The Neighborhood of the Arts room pairs a well-regarded burger with its fries. Order the burger with a side of the fries.
The Gate House · Rochester
The Gate House placed as a Best Burger finalist in CITY Magazine's 2025 readers' poll, adding to its reputation for wood-fired Italian-style cooking. The same kitchen shows up in the city's wing rankings. Order the burger, or pair it with an order of the garlic-and-parmesan wings the room is known for.
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