10 Pittsburgh Burgers You Must Try Right Now

With the Fourth of July just around the corner, there is something in the air – the smell of delicious burgers! Because we’re already thinking of all the burgers and hot dogs we’ll be grilling soon, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best burgers in the ‘burgh.  And, lucky us, Pittsburgh has a ton of restaurants whipping up delicious patties to hold us over until then. Let’s start eating!

The “My Morning Burger” Burger at Benjamin’s Western Avenue Burger Bar

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The “Meat Your Maker” Burger at Burgatory Bar

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Burgatory has a burger empire that stretches across the city, and at every location customers can build their own custom burger creation, or try one of the restaurants suggested options. The “Meat Your Maker” burger is an all-time favorite, made with dry aged Wagyu beef, topped with onion crust, aged Gruyere, roasted tomatoes, organic field greens and truffled shallot aioli. No meal at Burgatory would be completed with one of their famous shakes, many of which can be spiked if you’re feeling sinful. Burgatory Bar (various locations)

Bobby’s Burger Night at the Pear and the Pickle

Pear and the Pickle Cafe on Rialto Street in Troy Hill is known for their delectable sandwiches, and with the introduction of Bobby’s Burger Night (every Thursday from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.), the cafe is starting to be known for their burgers as well.  Every week Chef Bobby cooks up burgers, veggie burgers, matchstick fries, and a specialty shakes. There is frequently a specialty burger option, which has included “The Grand Brie”  and the “Onion-tended Consequences Burger” (with charred green onions). Shake options have included “Chocolate Peanut Butter.” Pear and the Pickle Cafe (1800 Rialto Street)

The “Pub Burger” at Meat & Potatoes

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It is always hard to pick just one thing off the menu at Meat & Potatoes, but let us help – you want to try the Pub Burger.  This masterpiece is cooked to your liking, placed on a housemade bun, and then topped with pastrami pork belly, horseradish cheddar, a fried egg special sauce. And yes, pastrami pork belly is as delicious as it sounds. Meat & Potatoes (649 Penn Avenue)

The “Bacon and Bleu” Burger at Tessaro’s

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No Pittsburgh burger list is complete without mentioning the king of burgers in Pittsburgh – Tessaro’s.  This classic Pittsburgh establishment has been cooking up burgers on their hardwood grill since the early 1980s. While you’ll never go wrong with a classic cheeseburger at Tessaro’s, the “Bacon and Bleu,” topped with either dry or creamy blue and strips of bacon, is also a menu favorite. Tessaro’s (4601 Liberty Avenue)

The “Polish Hill” Burger at Burgh’ers

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If Pittsburghers are good at one thing, it is throwing pierogies on pretty much anything.  The crew at Burgher’ers have taken their burger menu to the next level with the “Polish Hill,” a juicy burger loaded with Cheddar, caramelized onion, pierogis, and mayo. Every signature burger served at Burgh’ers is named after a neighborhood in Pittsburgh, and diners can pick from options like the “Bloomfield,” the “Fox Chapel,” the “Mexican War,” and more. The Lawrenceville location of Burgh’ers only opened in March, but the Harmony location has been a favorite for years. Burgh’ers (various locations)

The Burger at The Vandal

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At first look, the burger at the Vandal just sounds like your average burger: patty, cheddar, pickles, tomato, mayo, marrow (well, maybe not the marrow part), and fries. However, what is so great about this burger is that it is perfectly sized.  It is fulfills any burger craving, satisfies customers, but doesn’t leave you stuffed and uncomfortable. As it is the Vandal, every component is prepared excellently, and this an upscale interpretation of your classic, backyard BBQ burger. The Vandal (4306 Butler Street)

“Bruges Burger” at Park Bruges

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Let’s just hit the ground running on this one – the Bruges Burger at Park Brugge is topped with shredded short ribs. Yes, shredded short ribs.  Finished with gouda cheese and green peppercorn mayo, prepare yourself for an excellent burger experience.  Another great burger is the “Point Burger,” served at Point Brugge (the sister restaurant of Park Brugge).  The Point Burger is comprised of ground chuck, topped with smoked pork, beer pickled jalapenos and onions, tomato, cheddar, and avocado crème. Park Bruges (5801 Bryant Street)

 The “Fat Cat” burger at Bill’s Bar & Burger

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Bill’s Bar & Burger is a popular New York burger establishment with three locations in New York City, and one location in Downtown Pittsburgh. With the introduction of the Pittsburgh location, we now have the chance to try some of Bill’s award-winning burgers, including the “Fat Cat,” which was named a CNN Top 10 Burger. The Fat Cat is served on an English muffin and topped with caramelized onion and American cheese. Other unique burger options include the “Grilled Shrimp Burger” (served with avocado, Carolina coleslaw, pickles, tartar sauce) and the “Konnichiwa Burger“ (served with lime hoisin ketchup, chili garlic mayo, and Asian slaw).  Be sure to get one of the killer shakes (did someone say Lucky Charms marshmallows?) when you stop through. Bill’s Bar & Burger (1001 Liberty Avenue)

The “el Gaucho Verde” at BRGR

East Liberty’s longstanding burger hotspot, BRGR, has many incredible burger options to choose from, but one of the top-dogs is the “el Gaucho Verde” burger.  This burger is seven ounces of grass fed angus, placed on a wheat bun and piled high with chimichurri, marinated feta, oven-roasted tomatoes, alfalfa sprouts, and pesto aioli. Order a side of fries with truffle cheese whiz, or you don’t know what you’re missing. BRGR (various locations)

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Have a favorite burger in Pittsburgh that we missed? Share in the comments below.