A solid burger deserves a seat at the head of the table. While the burger category has expanded over the years, with plant-based offerings and smash burgers making their way onto menus at pubs, bistros and even high-end restaurants, the true definition of the perfect burger is impossible to come up with — because it’s highly personal. Well-done or medium rare, with cheese or without, topped with ketchup, mustard or <checks notes> apricot-bacon BBQ sauce?
You name it, you can find it, especially in the Hamptons and on Shelter Island. While the simple burger is a standard during tailgate and summer BBQ seasons, the South Fork is chock-full of restaurants that offer burgers to leave home for year-round. If your appetite is successfully wet, check out these Hamptons and Shelter Island joints with burgers that sizzle and slap.
R.aire at The Hampton Maid, 259 E. Montauk Highway, Hampton Bays, 631-728-4184
Found in the accessible Hamptons inn, R.AIRE is upscale but unfussy. Loved for the tapas and paellas dreamt up by Chef Alex Bujoreanu, who comes to the South Fork from Spain, R.AIRE has a burger worth sinking your teeth into. Made with house-ground prime meat and chorizo and topped with Manchego cheese, the burger seamlessly blends cultures to your taste buds’ benefit. It’s served with a side of hand-cut fries. Word to the wise: It’s also 50 percent off on Wednesdays.
Union Burger Bar, 40 Bowden Square, Southampton, 631-377-3323
As the name implies, this relaxed restaurant is heaven in the Hamptons for burger aficionados. The menu reads like a love letter to all who consider a burger their favorite sandwich. There are protein options aplenty — smashed Angus beef takes center stage in the Double Truffle Smash Burger. Mahi-mahi, chicken, and turkey all play starring roles in other dishes. Regular angus beef? Also there. Veggie options? Check. And, closing the loop, Union Burger is home to the aforementioned apricot-bacon BBQ sauce. It’s found on the Southwest burger, which is also made with 8 ounces of black Angus beef and Habanero pepper jack cheese, and served on a pretzel bun.
The Islander, 63 North Ferry Road, Shelter Island, 631-749-1998
Monday night is burger night at this laidback Shelter Island joint. Diners get around $1 to $2 off the generous burger menu with nine offerings. However, any night is truly burger night there — even if you are cutting a check for the prime rates. The Islander gets the basics perfect — cooked the way you want it with mayo and the option to add cheese. The Stinky, a fragrant option made with bacon, Gorgonzola cheese and mayo, is a multi-sensory roller coaster in the best way. The chili today, hot tamale burger, is best chased with several cups of water.
Jerry and the Mermaid, 469 E. Main St., Riverhead, 855-445=3072
Set in rustic digs along Riverhead’s bustling Main Street, Jerry and the Mermaid is perhaps best known for its seafood. But burgers have claimed turf on menus — and diners’ hearts and bellies. The options include a hamburger, a vegan burger and the ever-popular “Jerry Burger.” A chargrilled wonder of a patty marinated, toasted and sandwiched between toasted brioche with crispy fried onions, it’s a non-seafood standout. On Mondays, the restaurant offers the cheeseburger as part of a special that includes a local craft beer for $19.95.
Phil’s, 1856 Wading River Manor Rd, Wading River, 631-929-0508
Phil’s Wading River neighborhood watering hole has a reputation across the Island for being a prime spot to grab a next-level beer and burger while watching the ballgame. A few of the burger monikers are a home run with baseball fans — and are a grand slam for the taste buds of all (pin)stripes. There’s the World Series burger (chili, cheddar cheese, lettuce and tomato) and the “Babe” Burger (bacon, cheddar cheese and fried egg — the Sultan of Swat would swoon). A Pete’s-a-burger with mozzarella and marinara sauce will leave the member of your crew who voted to order takeout pizza far is a far less salty mood. There’s also a vegan option.
Boom Burger, 85 Montauk Highway, Westhampton Beach, 631-998-4663
A come-as-you-are casual joint, Boom Burger’s vibe is classic, creative and plenty of comics (as in comic books, which inspires the décor). The menu is an ode to experimentation. Diners can build their own burgers — classic or creative. If the juices aren’t flowing, Boom Burger has diners covered with a list of nearly 20 out-of-this-world burger choices. The Boom Mac is a double American cheeseburger with lettuce, pickles, raw onion, 1,000 Island dressing — a golden find, indeed. For the Millennial brunchers in the crowd: The avocado crunch, made with a double feta cheeseburger, lettuce, tomato, and avocado (obviously), hits the spot.
Rowdy Hall, 177 Main St., Amagansett, 631-324-8555
This lively American pub in Amagansett is a hub of comfort classics. Burger enthusiasts can opt for a veggie or turkey burger. But there’s also the Rowdy burger, made with a custom and proprietary prime blend. Regardless of your pick, you can order it with your choice of cheese (American, Swiss, cheddar, or bleu), standard fixings (lettuce, tomato, and onion), applewood-smoked bacon, crispy onions, or a fried egg.
John’s Drive-In, 677 Montauk Highway, Montauk, 631-668-5515
Retro-fit your burger night (or day). Opened in the 1960s but decidedly 1950s in vibe, this sunlit spot at The End has a wide range of burgers. The Big John — a 6-ounce handmade burger made with “special sauce,” lettuce and onions — is classic with the right amount of special sauce that has people driving from Manhattan to Montauk to enjoy.
Sip ‘N Soda, 40 Hampton Road, Southampton, 631-283-9752
Opened in 1958, the Lime Rickey soda and ice cream are this family-owned luncheonette’s calling cards. However, discerning diners know not to give the burgers a cold shoulder. The kitchen checks all the basic boxes — relying on freshness over frills. Options include a hamburger, cheeseburger, bacon burger and Beyond burger.
The 1901 Grill, 26 Sunnyside Ave., Shelter Island Heights, 631-749-5466
The 1901 Grill’s views and amiable service welcome folks of all ages and stages — new beaus getting to know each other on a date night, happy hour goers rolling deep and young families with kids. The menu follows suit and includes the 1901 Smash Burger, a two-patty dish served with American cheese, lettuce, tomato and onion with fried or a side salad. Add on bacon, pickled jalapenos, an additional patty or all of the above for $6. Vegetarians can satisfy burger hankerings with a veggie option.
