Philadelphia, a city known for its rich history and vibrant culture, also boasts a surprisingly diverse and delicious burger scene. From classic cheesesteaks to gourmet creations, Philly's burger joints offer something for every palate. This comprehensive guide explores 19 of the best burger experiences the city has to offer, ensuring your next Philly burger adventure is unforgettable.
Discovering Philly's Best Burger Joints: A Culinary Journey
Finding the perfect burger can be a quest, but in Philadelphia, the options are plentiful and exciting. This list isn't ranked, as the "best" burger is subjective and depends on individual preferences. Instead, we've categorized the options to help you find your perfect match. This list includes iconic spots and hidden gems, ensuring you'll find a new favorite burger place no matter your preference.
Classic Cheesesteak-Inspired Burgers
Philadelphia's iconic cheesesteak naturally influences its burger scene. These burgers put a unique spin on the classic cheesesteak experience.
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Jim's Steaks: While primarily known for cheesesteaks, their burger is a surprisingly satisfying option. It's simple, but the quality of the ingredients shines through.
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Pat's King of Steaks: Similar to Jim's, Pat's offers a burger alongside their legendary cheesesteaks, offering a good alternative for those looking for a burger in a classic cheesesteak environment.
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Sonny's Famous Steaks: This spot offers a unique cheesesteak-burger fusion, blending the best of both worlds in a single, juicy bite.
Gourmet Burger Experiences
These establishments elevate the humble burger to an art form, using high-quality ingredients and innovative techniques.
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Shake Shack: A national favorite, Shake Shack's Philly location offers consistently delicious burgers with a range of toppings and sides.
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BurgerFi: This fast-casual chain offers a higher-end burger experience than your typical fast food, featuring juicy patties and fresh toppings.
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BRU Craft & Wurst: BRU offers a sophisticated burger menu, complementing their extensive selection of craft beers. Their gourmet burgers use high quality ingredients and unique flavor combinations.
Unique and Creative Burger Options
Philadelphia's burger scene is constantly evolving, with creative chefs pushing the boundaries of what a burger can be.
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The Spotted Pig: While known for gastropub fare, their burger is a fan favorite. They often have seasonal specials that explore unique flavors.
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Monk's Cafe: A Belgian-inspired pub, Monks offers a burger that balances classic flavors with a touch of Belgian flair.
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Talula's Garden: This farm-to-table restaurant offers a refined burger experience. The focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients makes each burger unique.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
These are some smaller, lesser-known joints with exceptional burgers that are worth seeking out.
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Good Dog Bar: This South Street institution is known for its amazing hot dogs, but their burger is a hidden gem, perfect for late-night cravings.
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Devil's Den: Their burger is a delicious choice in a lively, fun atmosphere.
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South Street Philly Cheesesteak: While primarily a cheesesteak establishment, they make a surprisingly good burger.
Beyond the Patty: Exploring Sides and Beverages
No burger experience is complete without exceptional sides and drinks. Here are some suggestions to complement your Philly burger adventure:
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Fries: Many locations offer their own unique variations of fries, from classic steak fries to truffle parmesan fries. Be adventurous and try different varieties!
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Onion Rings: A classic burger companion.
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Craft Beer: Philadelphia's craft beer scene is thriving. Many burger joints pair perfectly with locally brewed beers.
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Milkshakes: Many restaurants offer thick, creamy milkshakes that are the perfect sweet complement to a savory burger.
Tips for Your Philadelphia Burger Adventure
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Make Reservations: For popular gourmet burger spots, reservations are highly recommended, especially on weekends.
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Explore Different Neighborhoods: Philly's diverse neighborhoods each have unique burger offerings. Venture beyond Center City to discover hidden gems.
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Check Online Reviews: Read reviews before visiting a new spot to get a sense of what to expect.
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Be Adventurous: Don't be afraid to try something new! Philadelphia's burger scene is full of surprises.
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Take Pictures: You'll want to commemorate your delicious culinary journey!
This comprehensive guide covers a wide range of burger styles and locations across Philadelphia. Remember, the best burger is subjective, so explore, discover, and find your own favorite Philly burger! Happy eating!
