Are you a burger lover looking to explore the best burger joints in Pittsburgh? Look no further – we've compiled a comprehensive guide to the top-rated burger joints in the city. From classic to gourmet, there is a burger for every taste bud in Pittsburgh. Join us on this culinary adventure through the Steel City to discover the ultimate burger spots.
Top 10 Burger Places in Pittsburgh
If you're in a hurry and can only visit a handful of burger joints in Pittsburgh, here are our top 10 recommendations:
- 1. Butterjoint
- 2. Burgatory
- 3. Tessaro's
- 4. Winghart's
- 5. BRGR
- 6. Stack'd Burgers
- 7. The Vandal
- 8. Proper Brick Oven & Tap Room
- 9. The Pub Chip Shop
- 10. Wingharts Burger & Whiskey Bar
We recommend you visit each of these burger spots to enjoy a truly unique and delicious experience.
However, if you have some extra time, we highly recommend checking out some of the lesser-known burger places in Pittsburgh. Some hidden gems include Tessaro's, which has been serving up delicious burgers for over 30 years, and The Vandal, which offers a unique twist on classic burger toppings. Don't be afraid to venture off the beaten path and try something new!
The Ultimate Burger Guide to Pittsburgh
Whether you're a Pittsburgh native or a visitor, it is essential to explore the city's burger scene. Our ultimate burger guide will introduce you to different burger joints that offer diverse burger variations. From classic, no-frills burgers to gourmet burgers with unique toppings, you'll find it all in Pittsburgh.
One of the must-try burger joints in Pittsburgh is Burgatory. They offer a wide range of burgers, including vegetarian and gluten-free options. Their signature "Build Your Own Burger" option allows you to customize your burger with a variety of toppings, sauces, and buns. Burgatory also has a unique milkshake menu, with flavors like Nutella and Salted Caramel Pretzel. Don't miss out on this burger and shake experience when in Pittsburgh!
Explore the Burger Scene in Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh has a diverse food scene, but its burger scene is exceptional. You'll find some of the best burgers in the country from small burger joints to high-end restaurants that serve unique burger creations. The city of Pittsburgh has cultivated a "burger culture", making it easy to find and taste delicious burgers throughout town.
One of the most popular burger joints in Pittsburgh is Burgatory. They offer a wide variety of burgers, including vegetarian and gluten-free options. Their signature "Build Your Own Burger" option allows you to choose from a variety of toppings and sauces to create your perfect burger. Another must-try spot is Tessaro's, which has been serving up their famous "juicy" burgers for over 30 years. Their burgers are made with locally sourced beef and cooked over an open flame, giving them a unique and delicious flavor.
Best Burgers for Meat Lovers in Pittsburgh
If you're a meat-lover, you'll find plenty of mouthwatering burgers in Pittsburgh. One of the top-rated meat burgers in town is from Tessaro's in Bloomfield. This legendary diner has been serving up classic burgers for decades and has mastered the art of cooking a juicy, flavorful burger.
Another great option for meat lovers is Burgatory, which has multiple locations throughout the city. Their burgers are made with high-quality beef and topped with unique and delicious toppings like truffle aioli and fried egg. Plus, they offer a build-your-own burger option, so you can customize your meal to your liking.
If you're looking for a more upscale burger experience, check out Butcher and the Rye in the Cultural District. Their burger is made with dry-aged beef and topped with bacon jam and gruyere cheese. It's a bit pricier than your average burger, but the quality and flavor make it worth the splurge.
Vegan and Vegetarian-Friendly Burgers in Pittsburgh
Vegan and vegetarian-friendly burgers are a thing in Pittsburgh as well! Restaurants like BRGR and Burgatory have entire vegan-vegetarian menus with meatless burgers that cater to veggie lovers. Vegan and vegetarian burgers made of quinoa, black beans, and lentils are also available in Pittsburgh.
In addition to BRGR and Burgatory, there are several other restaurants in Pittsburgh that offer vegan and vegetarian-friendly burgers. One such restaurant is Apteka, which serves a vegan burger made of beets, mushrooms, and lentils. Another option is B52 Cafe, which offers a vegan burger made of chickpeas and sweet potatoes.
For those who prefer to cook at home, there are also several grocery stores in Pittsburgh that offer plant-based burger options. Whole Foods, for example, carries a variety of vegan and vegetarian burgers made of ingredients like tofu, tempeh, and vegetables.
The Most Unique Burger Joints in Pittsburgh
The city of Pittsburgh has a range of unique burger joints that offer burgers with unconventional toppings. Try the mac-and-cheese burger from Butterjoint or the Whiskey Rebellion burger from Winghart's. Victory Pointe Arcade and Burger Joint will take you back in time with their vintage arcade games and classic burgers. And you won't want to miss the goat cheese burger at The Vandal.
But the uniqueness of Pittsburgh's burger scene doesn't stop there. If you're looking for a burger with a kick, head to Stack'd Burgers and Beer for their spicy jalapeno burger. Or, for a more upscale burger experience, check out Burgatory Bar, where you can customize your burger with a variety of toppings and sauces.
And let's not forget about the vegetarian and vegan options. Apteka offers a delicious vegan burger made with beets and mushrooms, while B52 Cafe has a mouth-watering vegan burger topped with avocado and chipotle mayo. No matter your dietary restrictions or preferences, Pittsburgh's burger joints have something unique and delicious to offer.
How to Find the Best Burgers in Pittsburgh – A Foodie's Guide
If you're a burger lover, you'll want to explore the city's culinary gems to find the best burger restaurants. The Pittsburgh Burger Bash is an annual event that brings together burger lovers and top chefs in the city. Also, keep an eye out for the Pittsburgh City Paper's "Best of Pittsburgh" Awards – these awards showcase the best burgers and other foodie favorites.
Another great way to find the best burgers in Pittsburgh is to ask the locals. Strike up a conversation with your bartender or server and ask for their recommendations. You can also check out online reviews and food blogs to see what other burger enthusiasts are saying about their favorite spots in the city. Don't be afraid to try something new and adventurous – some of the best burgers in Pittsburgh are found in unexpected places!
Locals Recommend Their Favorite Burger Spots in Pittsburgh
When it comes to finding the best burger joints in Pittsburgh, ask a local! Locals recommend establishments like Tessaro's, Wingharts, and Butterjoint. However, there are always hidden gems that only locals know about. So, don't hesitate to ask a local for their burger joint recommendations.
One of the lesser-known burger spots that locals rave about is Burgatory. Their burgers are made with high-quality ingredients and can be customized to your liking. They also have a great selection of craft beers to pair with your meal.
If you're looking for a more unique burger experience, head to Stack'd Burgers and Beer. They offer a build-your-own burger option with a variety of toppings and sauces to choose from. Plus, their beer selection is extensive and constantly rotating.
Best Burger Deals and Happy Hours in Pittsburgh
Who doesn't like a good deal? If you're looking for the best burger deals and happy hours in Pittsburgh, you'll want to check out BRGR's happy hour, which is from 4-6 pm every day. You can get a Shake Shack-style burger at Stack'd Burgers for $5 on Mondays. And Winghart's Whiskey and Burger Happy Hour is perfect for those looking for a deal on bourbon and burgers.
But that's not all! If you're in the mood for a gourmet burger, head over to Burgatory on Tuesdays for their "Burger of the Week" special. Each week, they feature a new, unique burger creation for only $10. And if you're a fan of craft beer, check out the "Burgers and Brews" happy hour at The Yard in Shadyside. From 5-7 pm on weekdays, you can enjoy $2 off all burgers and $1 off all draft beers.
For those who prefer a vegetarian or vegan option, B52 Cafe in Lawrenceville offers a "Meatless Monday" deal, where you can get a vegan burger and fries for only $10. And if you're looking for a happy hour with a view, head to the rooftop bar at Il Tetto in the Cultural District. From 4-6 pm on weekdays, you can enjoy $5 burgers and $3 beers while taking in the stunning city skyline.
The History of Burgers in Pittsburgh
Burgers have been an essential part of Pittsburgh's food culture for over a century. The history of burgers in Pittsburgh can be traced back to the early 1900s when diners, drive-ins, and burger stands first began popping up around the city. The "Pittsburgh-style" burger, topped with coleslaw and fries, was first introduced in the 1930s and has become a local delicacy.
During the 1950s and 60s, fast-food chains like McDonald's and Burger King began to expand across the country, including in Pittsburgh. However, many locals remained loyal to their favorite hometown burger joints, such as Tessaro's and the Original Hot Dog Shop.
In recent years, Pittsburgh's burger scene has continued to evolve with the rise of gourmet burger restaurants and food trucks. These establishments offer unique and creative burger toppings, such as avocado, truffle aioli, and even peanut butter. Despite the changes, the classic Pittsburgh-style burger remains a beloved staple of the city's food culture.
What Makes a Burger Great? An Analysis of the Perfect Patty, Bun, and Toppings
A great burger is the sum of its parts. So, what goes into making the perfect burger? First, a juicy, well-seasoned patty is crucial. The bun should be fresh, lightly toasted, and the right size relative to the patty. And finally, the toppings should complement the burger, not overpower it. These three elements are what make a burger great!
But there are other factors that can elevate a burger from good to great. One of these is the quality of the ingredients. Using high-quality beef, fresh vegetables, and artisanal cheese can make a huge difference in the taste and texture of the burger. Additionally, the cooking method can also impact the final product. Grilling, for example, can add a smoky flavor and char to the patty that can take it to the next level.
Another important aspect of a great burger is the overall experience. The atmosphere of the restaurant, the quality of the service, and even the presentation of the burger can all contribute to the enjoyment of the meal. A great burger should not only taste delicious, but it should also be a memorable and enjoyable dining experience.
Behind the Scenes: Meet the Chefs Behind Pittsburgh's Best Burgers
Behind every great burger is a great chef. Pittsburgh's top burger joints have talented chefs who have elevated burger-making to an art form. Chef Kevin Sousa of Superior Motors in Braddock is a James Beard Award nominee and a renowned chef. Chef Justin Severino of Morcilla and Cure has also made a name for himself in the Pittsburgh culinary scene.
From Classic to Gourmet: A Review of the Different Types of Burgers Available in Pittsburgh
From classic to gourmet, Pittsburgh has it all when it comes to burgers. You'll find classic burgers with no-frills toppings at places like Tessaro's and Winghart's. And if you're looking for a more gourmet experience, head to The Vandal or Butterjoint. The "Shake Shack" style burgers at Stack'd Burgers are also a must-try!
Burger Crawl: A Day-Long Food Adventure Through the City of Pittsburgh
Ready for a day-long food adventure? We recommend embarking on a burger crawl through the city of Pittsburgh! Start with a classic burger at Tessaro's in Bloomfield, then head to Winghart's in Market Square for a unique burger experience. Continue your crawl with a "Shake Shack" burger at Stack'd Burgers in Oakland. Finally, finish your crawl with a mac-and-cheese burger from Butterjoint in Oakland.
Overall, the city of Pittsburgh has an exceptional burger scene that offers something for everyone. Whether you're a meat-lover, vegan, or looking for a gourmet burger experience, you'll find it all in Pittsburgh. So, put on your stretchy pants, grab your friends, and discover the best burgers in the Steel City!
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