What’s my last meal on Earth? A deluxe cheeseburger with extra onion, large fries, Diet Coke, and an entire dish of pickles. Pittsburgh is truly lucky to have such a wide array of restaurants doing burgers well — so much so that I feel like I’m adding a new place to my list every day. From staple bar spots to house-made ingredients piled high on house-made buns, check these Pittsburgh places off your list the next time you’re craving a delicious burger.
The Best Burgers to Try Around Pittsburgh
Lot 17
4617 Liberty Avenue, Bloomfield
After being introduced to this spot years ago by a friend, it’s become an almost weekly watering hole for me. Whether catching up with friends visiting from out of town or an impromptu date night, you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. Trust me, I’ve just about tried it all. However, what stands out every time is the Bourbon Burger, loaded with Bourbon glaze, bacon, jalapeños, and pepper jack cheese, at a price you can’t beat.
Jillian’s Restaurant
400 Freeport Street, New Kensington
While this is a bit of a drive outside the city limits, it’s more than worthy of a mention. Every Wednesday is their burger night on Wednesdays. Picture this: a house bun filled with house pickles, 21-day dry-aged beef, American cheese, and special sauce. Yes, it’s as heavenly as it sounds. Don’t forget to order their pickle martini made with the same house pickles. I still think about it to this day! Prop tip: grab seats at the bar and chat with one of the incredible owners, Jillian. The other, Phil, is most likely in the kitchen.
Rugger’s Pub
40 S 22nd Street, South Side
There’s a good chance you’ve heard of Rugger’s Pub, and a decent chance you’ve been there before. They’ve been rockin’ in the South Side since 2000, for good reason: this South Side rugby bar serves up an unbeatable burger deal every Tuesday: BYO burger, fries, and a beer for $10. It has everything you need to set yourself up for success every Tuesday night. The fried pickles cannot be missed, either. In need of something late at night? Their kitchen is open until midnight every day.
Burghers Brewing
South Side / Lawrenceville / Zelienople / Millvale
This may be one of my favorite smash burgers in town, and the best part is they have multiple locations. Crispy, juicy, cheesy, with a perfect ratio of fresh and unique toppings. Plus, you can’t forget the potato bun. I love that they name their burgers after different areas of the city; at the Lawrenceville location, my favorite burger is the South Side, two patties topped with cream cheese, white onion, juicy tomato, and crunchy jalapenos. Don’t knock it until you try it. This is also a spot where you don’t want to miss out on their craft beers. Be sure to visit their newest location in Millvale.
Cobra
4305 Main Street, Bloomfield
Cobra is one of those places that transports you to somewhere other than The City of Bridges, and in the best way possible. To disclose, they are a client of mine. However, they had my loyalty long before I was an employee. An elevated, sophisticated, and delicious burger, the Cobra Wagyu Burger is made with a Japanese-style milk bun by local favorite Mediterra, provolone, cobra sauce, and cabbage slaw. With a side of Furikake fries and sesame ranch (as a saucy girl, this really speaks to me), it’s best enjoyed with a Sapporo to sip on. It’s only available on their barside menu, not the dining room, so book accordingly!
Streets On Carson
1120 East Carson Street, South Side
Chef-Owner Matt at Streets devotes all his attention and effort to curating a menu of classic dishes based on street foods from around the world. If you haven’t had his confit chicken wings yet, they deserve an award. My favorite dish, however, is his South Side Smash. Here’s the lowdown: a pair of seasoned ground beef burgers are smashed, then topped with American cheese, chimichurri, and onion straws on a Martin’s potato roll. It’s exactly how a smashed burger should be, with a few unique touches.
The Speckled Egg
South Side & Downtown
My love for The Speckled Egg extends far past its classic breakfast and brunch offerings, though those are worth noting for future brunch cravings. The team is serving up diner-esque items, from their spin on a tuna melt to a patty melt you’ll most likely pair with a nap after. They assemble theirs with two beef patties, caramelized onions, Swiss and American cheese, pickles, and a healthy serving of their infamous TSE sauce. If you’re feeling crazy, add an egg over-easy or bacon.
Pittsburgh Sandwich Society
501E E Ohio Street, Millvale
One of the simple yet unique luxuries we have in Pittsburgh is the beautiful brewery community. From spots like Trace Brewing with rotating food trucks to the home of Pittsburgh Sandwich Society, Strange Roots Brewing, your whole day can be entirely planned around what you’re craving for beer and eats. The sandwiches at family-owned Pittsburgh Sandwich Society are special in many ways, and their In-N-Aht burger is no exception. Two beef patties rejoice with American cheese, onion jam, spring mix, tomato, and pickles, all on a butter-toasted bun. They still also have their food truck out and about around the city; be sure to keep an eye on their social media for where they’ll be next.
Monterey Pub
1227 Monterey Street, North Side
I’m ending this list with a spot I genuinely wish I had checked out sooner, which cements a new commitment to making sure I add this to my rotating list of most frequented restaurants. Ideal for chatting with friends over a great drink, don’t miss ordering one of their House Smashburgers, like their Classic Smash. You must order a side of house-made ranch and curly fries — I’m making it a Hungry Jess rule. Plus, their bartenders are some of the best and most personable in the area.
Story by Jess Iacullo
Styling by Anna Franklin
Photography by Laura Petrilla
Cobra Burger Photos by Justin Boyd Photo
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