Best Burgers in Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh mixes classic tavern burgers on Mancini's rolls with a fast-growing smash burger scene, from Bloomfield and Lawrenceville to Mount Washington and the river towns.
Where to Eat
How to eat burgers in Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh is a sandwich town at heart, and that shows up in its burgers. You will see Mancini's rolls, local pickles and pierogi toppings on menus, plus a strong neighborhood bar culture where a good burger is part of the deal. In the last few years a wave of smash burger shops has joined the old-school taverns, so the city now covers almost every style.
Neighborhoods matter here. Bloomfield and Lawrenceville, in the East End, are packed with bars and restaurants and make an easy evening. Mount Washington gives you skyline views from Grandview Avenue. The North Shore is the stadium district, Oakland is the university and museum hub, and river towns like Millvale and Blawnox are only a short drive away. Every spot below appears on the cards above, and you can browse more cities in our restaurant directory. For a wider look at the state, see our guide to the best burgers in Pennsylvania.
Best burgers in Pittsburgh by style
Smash burgers
Moonlit Burgers is the local smash burger favorite. It grew from a pop-up into several shops, starting with the original in Dormont, and its Classic Double topped a large r/pittsburgh reader poll in 2025. In Millvale, Pittsburgh Sandwich Society serves the In-N-Aht Burger, a double smash with Yinz Jam and local pickles, inside Strange Roots Experimental Ales. For more on the style, read smash burger vs. regular burger or browse our best smash burgers picks.
Classic tavern burgers
Tessaro's in Bloomfield is the old-school benchmark, with thick half-pound patties grilled over hardwood. Nox's Tavern & Grill in Blawnox does something different and steams its half-pound burgers, then tops them with white cheddar. Up on Grandview Avenue, Steel Mill Saloon serves an Angus steak burger on a Mancini's roll with a view of the city. In Highland Park, Applewood Smoke Burger runs a small counter in the back of a neighborhood pub. Our best classic burgers page has more in this lane.
Gourmet and creative burgers
Butterjoint in Oakland is known for its Fancy Burger with Gruyere, bacon and maple Dijon. Coughlin's Law Kitchen & Ale House on Mount Washington leans creative with toppings like peach chutney and whipped goat cheese. Burgh'ers Brewing pairs house beer with grass-fed beef and mushroom blend burgers in Lawrenceville, and Burgatory, a local chain, has a North Shore location close to the stadiums. See our best gourmet burgers page for more.
Local burger traditions
Pittsburgh does not have one official burger style, but a few local touches show up again and again. Mancini's, a local bakery, supplies the Italian rolls you will see under burgers at places like Tessaro's and Steel Mill Saloon. Pittsburgh Pickle Co. pickles appear on several menus, and pierogies and kielbasa occasionally make their way onto burgers too.
The other tradition is the neighborhood bar. Many of the city's best-loved burgers come from taverns and pubs rather than dedicated burger shops, which is why a trip to a place like Tessaro's or Nox's feels like a slice of local life as much as a meal.
Tips for visiting
- Group stops by area. Tessaro's and Applewood Smoke Burger are both in the East End, while Coughlin's Law and Steel Mill Saloon are a few minutes apart on Mount Washington.
- Ride an incline. The Monongahela and Duquesne inclines connect Mount Washington with the riverfront below and make a burger with a view easy.
- Plan around game days. North Shore spots like Burgatory fill up before Steelers and Pirates games.
- Check hours before you go. Several spots on this list keep limited or changing schedules, and some neighborhood bars open only later in the day.
- Cooking at home? Our burger temperature and doneness guide covers the USDA-recommended 160°F for ground beef.
Browse by style
Want just one kind of burger? See our shortlists of the best classic burger joints, gourmet burgers in Pittsburgh.
FAQ
What is the best burger in Pittsburgh?
It depends on your style. Moonlit Burgers is the most talked-about smash burger in town, while Tessaro's is the classic pick for a thick, hardwood-grilled burger. For something richer, try Butterjoint's Fancy Burger.
Where can I find a smash burger in Pittsburgh?
Start with Moonlit Burgers, which has several locations, including the original in Dormont. Pittsburgh Sandwich Society in Millvale is another strong choice for a double smash.
Where should I get a burger near the stadiums?
Burgatory on the North Shore is a short walk from the stadiums. Mount Washington's Coughlin's Law and Steel Mill Saloon are a quick incline ride away.
Is there a burger with a view in Pittsburgh?
Yes. Steel Mill Saloon sits on Grandview Avenue on Mount Washington, and Coughlin's Law is just around the corner from the overlooks.