Best Cheap Burgers in NYC Under $15
The best cheap burger in NYC is Lion's Bar (9.0) in the East Village — a Hall of Fame-tier burger at a price point that doesn't require a second mortgage. You don't need to spend $35+ on a burger to have a great one in this city. These are the burgers under $15 that we'd genuinely recommend, plus a few higher-priced options that punch way above their cost.
We've eaten 81+ burgers across NYC and scored them all. Most "cheap burger" lists are filled with tourist traps and nostalgia plays. This one is filled with burgers that actually taste good, ranked with decimal-precision scores.
| # | Restaurant | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lion's Bar | 9.0 |
| 2 | Smacking Burger | 8.5 |
| 3 | 7th Street Burger | 7.5 |
| 4 | Hamburger America | 9.0 |
| 5 | Bill's Bar & Burger | 7.8 |
Best Value Burgers
This is the entry on this list that will surprise people. Lion's Bar scores a 9.0 — Hall of Fame tier — and while $16 isn't dirt cheap, the quality-to-price ratio is unmatched in NYC. You're getting a burger that competes with $35+ options at nearly half the price. In the East Village, this is the move.
Order: The burger. Don't overthink it.
Elite tier (8.5) at $8 from a gas station bodega. This is the single best value burger in Manhattan. The patty gets proper crisp, the cheese is melted correctly, and the bun doesn't disintegrate. At this price, there's no excuse not to try it.
Order: Big Smack burger. Cash or card.
George Motz literally wrote the book on hamburgers, and his MacDougal Street counter serves Oklahoma-style fried onion smash burgers for around $10. Hall of Fame tier (9.0) at fast-food prices. The onions are grilled directly into the patty. Crack a High Life and enjoy.
Order: Oklahoma Fried Onion Burger with American cheese.
The most accessible good burger in NYC. With 10+ locations, open late (until 3 AM at some spots), and a double cheeseburger for around $7, 7th Street is the reliable choice when you need a smash burger without planning. It's not elite, but at this price and availability, it doesn't need to be.
Order: Double Cheeseburger. Simple, reliable, cheap.
Solid smash burger in the Financial District at a fair price. Good execution, decent bun, and it comes with fries. If you work in FiDi and want a burger that doesn't cost $30 or taste like a corporate cafeteria, Bill's is your spot.
Order: Smash burger with fries.
On Our Radar
A NYC institution since the '60s. Cash only. The Bistro Burger at ~$13 with bacon and cheese has a loyal following. We need to revisit.
Albany import smashing grass-fed patties until 2 AM. Great late-night value option we want to try.
Two burgers, two hot dogs, fries. Thin weighted patties (not smashed). Open until 3 AM on weekends. Under $10.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best cheap burger in NYC?
For pure value, Smacking Burger in the West Village (~$8, score 8.5) and Hamburger America in NoMad (~$10, score 9.0) offer the best quality at the lowest prices. Both are Elite tier or above in our rankings.
Can I get a good burger in NYC for under $10?
Yes. Smacking Burger (~$8), 7th Street Burger (~$7), and Hamburger America (~$10) all offer genuinely good burgers at fast-food prices. Hamburger America at 9.0 is the highest-scoring burger under $10 in our entire ranking.
What is the best budget burger in Manhattan?
Lion's Bar in the East Village (9.0) at ~$16 offers the best quality-to-price ratio. For under $10, Smacking Burger (8.5) in the West Village at ~$8 is the best value burger in Manhattan.
All scores are from the Burgerverse ranking system, based on Brotherly Burgers' reviews of 81+ NYC burgers. Scores use a 0-10 scale with decimal precision. Updated regularly.