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Where to Get Delicious Burgers in Boston

One of the most historic cities in the entire country, Boston is more than worth a visit. Personally, I think this is one of the most fascinating places in the United States.

burgers in boston offering double deck cheese burger

From the Freedom Trail to the Museum of Fine Arts Boston, and the Arnold Arboretum to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston has plenty to see and do.

We’ve all heard of Boston’s excellent culinary scene, and there are definitely lots of tasty burgers in the city.

I went to several well-known burger spots in Boston just to bring you this list! Check out my list of the best burgers in Boston below!


Mr. Bartley’s Burger Cottage

1246 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02138
Phone: 617-354-6559
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When it comes to burgers in Boston, Mr. Bartley’s Burger Cottage is a must-visit location. This iconic, family-run local restaurant has been around since 1960. Trust me, the Bartley family knows burgers!

This was one of the first burger restaurants I visited in Boston, and I was glad I sampled their dishes to find out if their reputation was grounded in reality.

Their Joe Bartley burger (named after the founder) was an absolute treat and is their classic dish containing one of the juiciest patties I’ve ever had.

I recommend pairing it with their onion rings, which have (rightfully, in my opinion) won plaudits from the Wall Street Journal.

You’ll discover this local gem near the Harvard Art Museum, just a four-minute walk away. It’s located in Harvard Square, so expect to see plenty of students when you visit.


Tasty Burger

Multiple locations
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Tasty Burger has several locations in Boston, so you can enjoy their fantastic offerings all over the city. Some of their most popular dishes include the Rise and Shine Burger, the crispy chicken sandwich, and the bacon cheeseburger.

I ordered the latter, a true Tasty Burger classic. It’s exactly what it sounds like but a million times better, with mouth-watering bacon and cheese with tomato and lettuce on the perfect burger.

If you’re a vegetarian or vegan, check out the veggie burger. I tried it on my second visit (yes, I couldn’t resist) and fell in love with the vegan patty featuring smooth guacamole, tomato, red onion, and greens.


Alden & Harlow

40 Brattle St, Cambridge, MA 02138
Phone: 617-864-2100
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Situated close to Harvard Square, Alden & Harlow is a great place for burgers. Alden & Harlow focuses on traditional American fare made with meticulously sourced ingredients.

Put yourself in the hands of Chef Michael Scelfo and enjoy one of his delicious burger dishes. I ordered the Secret Burger for my lunch.

This legendary offering has an eight-ounce House Creekstone Grind burger, house-made roll, and, of course, the secret ingredients!

Alden & Harlow has a comfy and welcoming atmosphere, and their friendly staff made my day.

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Boston Burger Company – Boylston St.

1100 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02215
Phone: 857-233-4560
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Found near Massachusetts Avenue and the Hynes Convention Center, Boston Burger Company is yet another fantastic spot in Boston.

There’s a wide range of dishes here, but the burgers really stand out. Boston Burger Company – Boylston Street is truly in the heart of things.

It’s a hip hangout with tasty meals for you to enjoy. Just take a look at the burger menu here, and your mouth will start watering.

I went for the ranch burger, and it was scrumptious. It boasts a juicy patty with American cheese, bacon, and homemade ranch dressing.

I had some fries on the side, with the garlic parm option being a sumptuous mix of butter, Parmesan cheese, and garlic.


Charlie’s Kitchen

10 Eliot St, Cambridge, MA 02138
Phone: 617-492-9646
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Kick back in the casual atmosphere of Charlie’s Kitchen, an inviting spot in the heart of Harvard Square. It boasts so many tempting culinary creations here, so it was hard to know where to start.

How do fish and chips, lobster rolls, and chicken fingers sound? While I was tempted, I was here to sample their burgers.

I asked a few patrons (bold, I know!) what they recommended, and they unanimously said the double cheeseburger. So, that’s what I ordered, and I was not disappointed with its delicious texture.


Neptune Oyster

63 Salem St # 1, Boston, MA 02113
Phone: 617-742-3474
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Sure, Neptune Oyster focuses on seafood (especially oysters), but you can get burgers here. In fact, their Neptune Burger is one of the best burgers in Boston!

This juicy option features cheddar, garlic mayo, and relish, with the unique twist of fried oysters. Yes, that might sound strange, but I can tell you it’s a great combination.

I’m not much of an oyster person, yet this fried variety made the perfect complement to the other ingredients.

Neptune Oyster is conveniently close to Boston Public Market. Bear in mind that the crowds can get pretty hectic, so plan accordingly!


Back Bay Social

867 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02116
Phone: 617-247-3200
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Looking for a bistro with amazing burgers in Boston? Look no further than Back Bay Social, located in an iconic neighborhood.

It has a charming atmosphere, and you can often catch some live entertainment. Back Bay Social has a reputation for quality food, but you can accompany your meal with a delicious cocktail.

I recommend the spicy margarita if you’re looking for a delightful kick. During my visit, I ordered one of the most popular meals here: the BBS Burger.

It was outstanding, featuring a top-notch burger dressed with smoked bacon, horseradish aioli, aged Vermont cheddar cheese, and caramelized onion. It all comes on a brioche roll with avocado. Superb!


Bred Gourmet

2255 Dorchester Ave, Boston, MA 02124
Phone: 617-698-0103
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Bred Gourmet is a popular burger bar with a plethora of gourmet options in-store. Here, you get to choose your toppings.

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This restaurant focuses on health and taste, so you can also order smoothies and kale drinks alongside your meal. And don’t forget your salad.

I was intrigued and excited about the burger selection here. Some popular options are the Maui, Moody Buffalo, jerk chicken BLT, and the charmingly-named Parisian Burger.

However, it is the Bred Classic that’s one of the most in-demand options here. This burger boasts grass-fed beef with applewood smoked bacon, tomato, and lettuce on a fresh and delicious bun.

I found it juicy and filling, but I had enough room to pair it with some deliciously decadent Parmesan truffle fries.


jm Curley

21 Temple Pl, Boston, MA 02111
Phone: 617-338-5333
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Enjoy a meal at jm Curley as you explore downtown Boston. Jm Curley is proud of its Boston heritage. In fact, it gets its name from a famous Boston politician named James Michael Curley. He was known as the Rascal King, and jm Curley is all about fun (and fantastic food).

As well as outstanding burgers and other dishes, this restaurant serves plenty of beverages like seasonal craft cocktails and American whiskeys.

When it comes to burgers, the most popular is the Curley, and that’s what I ordered. It was unforgettably juicy and delicious!

This unique dish includes caramelized onions, Pop’s Russian dressing, cheddar, and pickles served on a sesame seed bun.


Lincoln Tavern & Restaurant

425 W Broadway, South Boston, MA 02127
Phone: 617-765-8636
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Enjoy the classic Boston tavern experience and enjoy one of the best burgers in the city at Lincoln Tavern & Restaurant, on Broadway in South Boston.

I don’t know about you but I love traditional American taverns with a gourmet twist, and that’s what this establishment is about.

I relished the relaxing atmosphere, and the comfy booth where I was seated left me ready to unwind.

This is a popular eating spot, so it might be a good idea to make a reservation if you don’t want to deal with the competition for a seat.

The Lincoln Burger has earned its place as one of Boston’s best burger creations. It features wood-grilled prime blend beef and bacon aioli, caramelized French onions, and Cabot sharp cheddar cheese on a housemade brioche sesame seed bun.


Roxy’s Grilled Cheese & Burgers – Allston

485 Cambridge St, Allston, MA 02134
Phone: 617-202-5864
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Roxy’s Grilled Cheese & Burgers in Allston is on Cambridge Street, near North Beacon Street. It’s a hip and happening burger joint popular with students, locals, and visitors alike.

That diverse crowd gives it a casual and laidback atmosphere ideal for lunch as you explore the city.

There are several burger options here, including a bacon cheeseburger, mushroom burger, the mysterious-sounding LTO burger, and a good old-fashioned veggie burger.

However, I went with Justin’s Burger because of its unique ingredients, including housemade Pimento cheese, chipotle mayo, Grillo’s Pickles, and caramelized onions.

It was fantastic, and I can’t wait to try it again the next time I go to Boston.


The Haven

2 Perkins St, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130
Phone: 617-524-2836
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A Scottish food fan? Don’t miss out on a burger at The Haven while you’re in Boston. The Haven is one of the most popular gastropubs in the city and is close to Hyde Square.

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Their Haven Burger is a must-try, and it truly earned its place on my list of the best burgers in Boston!

It boasts an eight-ounce grilled beef chuck patty dressed with Huntsman cheese, house pickle sauce, bacon-onion marmalade, farm tomato, and lettuce. It comes with hand-cut chips, thick and rustic.


The Publick House

1648 Beacon St, Brookline, MA 02445
Phone: 617-277-2880
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Have a burger in an iconic Boston beer hall! Not only are the burgers here incredible, but The Public House, near Washington Square, has a great atmosphere.

The staff are so welcoming and I felt like a local from the start. When I had lunch here, I ordered their signature Publick House Burger.

I loved it and highly recommend you give it a try. It features a hefty ten-ounce all-natural ground beef patty with whatever fresh and delicious garnishes you choose.

Don’t forget to order a side dish. For me, the standout was their Caesar salad, which had some of the freshest ingredients I’ve had for this dish (and I am a stickler for quality salad).

If you feel like something more casual, consider their classic coleslaw.


Wahlburgers

Multiple locations
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When you’re looking for a tasty burger at a counter-service restaurant, Wahlburgers is on hand to offer a lot of variety. Just ask the locals and they’ll tell you how great they are.

There are several Wahlburger locations, befitting this brand’s reputation as a Boston institution. I visited their Brookline Avenue spot, conveniently located near Fenway Park.

Which burger do I recommend? Well, I thoroughly enjoyed the BBQ bacon burger, which melted in my mouth.

Other delicious options that I hope to try the next time I’m in the city are the Impossible Burger and the double decker.

Don’t forget to order some onion strings or crispy onion rings with your sandwich, and take advantage of their unlimited fountain drinks.


So, now you know where to get the best burgers in Boston!

Which burger restaurant will you try first? Don’t just stop at one Boston burger. Make time to try at least a few during your Boston adventures.

Craving Greek food instead? Check out Boston’s best places to get a gyro and other Greek favorites here!

Did we leave a restaurant out of this list of the best burger restaurants in Boston? Make sure you leave us a comment and we’ll check it out!

Why Trust Us?

When it comes to local restaurant recommendations, we pride ourselves on being a reliable and trustworthy resource. Our suggestions are not just based on our personal experiences, ensuring a more authentic and well-rounded perspective, but also on extensive online research. We diligently searched the internet and reviewed 6 credible sites and blogs, including Timeout.com and Boston.eater.com. 

We compiled all the findings in one location and sorted them by the frequency of mentions to ensure you receive top-notch recommendations. We strive to present you with a curated list of establishments that truly stand out, allowing you to enjoy the best dining experiences possible. 

Interested in the sources we consulted? Check out the list of all 6 sites we referenced below this paragraph, offering transparency and an opportunity for our readers to explore further. Our commitment is to deliver trustworthy and unparalleled recommendations, helping you make informed decisions on your culinary journeys.

https://www.timeout.com/boston/restaurants/best-burgers-in-boston
https://boston.eater.com/maps/best-boston-burgers
https://www.bostonmagazine.com/restaurants/best-burgers-in-boston/
https://www.thefoodlens.com/boston/guides/burgers/
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurants-g60745-zfd10907-Boston_Massachusetts-Hamburger.html
https://www.gayot.com/restaurants/best-boston-ma-top10-burgers_12bo.html

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Written by Brian Nagele

Brian attended West Virginia University, then started his career in the IT industry before following his passion for marketing and hospitality. He has over 20 years experience in the restaurant and bar industry.

As a former restaurant owner, he knows about running a food business and loves to eat and enjoy cocktails on a regular basis. He constantly travels to new cities tasting and reviewing the most popular spots.

Follow him on LinkedIn, Instagram, Quora, Google Guide and Facebook.