Pittsburgh is a city with a hearty appetite, and while it's known for its industrial heritage and iconic sandwiches, it also boasts a seriously impressive burger scene. From classic, no-frills tavern burgers grilled over hardwood charcoal to modern, gourmet creations piled high with inventive toppings, the Steel City offers a fantastic journey for any burger lover. Here is a guide to five must-try and most beloved burger joints in Pittsburgh.
1. Tessaro's American Bar & Hardwood Grill (Bloomfield)
- The Vibe: An undisputed Pittsburgh legend, Tessaro's is an old-school, no-frills tavern that has been a neighborhood fixture for decades. The atmosphere is classic, unpretentious, and all about the food.
- The Burger: This is the place for a purist. Their famous burgers are made from fresh, never-frozen ground chuck and are cooked over a hardwood charcoal grill, giving them an incredible, smoky flavor that is hard to find anywhere else. It's a simple, perfect, and iconic Pittsburgh burger.
- Location: 4601 Liberty Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15224
2. Butterjoint (Oakland)
- The Vibe: The cozy and beloved bar connected to the acclaimed Legume restaurant, Butterjoint offers a more refined yet still comfortable pub atmosphere. It's a go-to for fantastic cocktails and high-quality, thoughtfully sourced food.
- The Burger: Their burger is consistently ranked among the city's best. It features a house-ground, grass-fed beef patty on a house-made bun. They focus on perfecting the simple combination of quality meat, cheese, and bread.
- Location: 208 N Craig St, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
3. Burgatory Bar (Multiple Locations)
- The Vibe: A fun, modern, and high-energy restaurant dedicated to all things burgers and shakes. Burgatory is a Pittsburgh-born chain that has become a regional favorite for its creative approach.
- The Burger: Known for their gourmet, custom-blended beef patties (like a mix of sirloin, chuck, and brisket) and a massive list of creative toppings, allowing you to build your own custom burger. They are also famous for their thick, hand-spun milkshakes, including alcoholic "spiked" shakes.
- Location Example: 342 N Shore Dr, Pittsburgh, PA 15212
4. Moonlit Burgers (Multiple Locations)
- The Vibe: For fans of the smash burger, Moonlit Burgers is a top-tier destination. It's a modern, fast-casual spot with a cool, retro-diner feel.
- The Burger: They specialize in smashed-style patties, which are pressed thin on the griddle to create a crispy, caramelized edge. Their classic cheeseburger is fantastic, and they also offer unique creations and a popular breakfast sandwich.
- Location Example: 1015 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 (Uptown)
5. Burgh'ers Brewing (Multiple Locations)
- The Vibe: A perfect combination of a craft brewery and a gourmet burger joint, Burgh'ers Brewing offers a relaxed and family-friendly brewpub atmosphere.
- The Burger: They are committed to a farm-to-table ethos, using locally sourced, grass-fed beef for their delicious burgers. The menu features a variety of creative signature burgers that pair perfectly with their excellent house-brewed beers.
- Location Example: 3601 Butler St, Pittsburgh, PA 15201 (Lawrenceville)
From the classic charcoal-grilled perfection at Tessaro's and the refined simplicity at Butterjoint to the endless creative options at Burgatory, Pittsburgh offers a world-class burger experience for every taste. These five establishments showcase the passion, quality, and diversity that make the Steel City a truly fantastic destination for any burger aficionado.
