5 Best Burger Spots in Albany, New York that Locals Rave About

Albany’s food scene mixes classic upstate taverns with newer, chef‑run spots, and burgers are where those worlds happily collide. These five restaurants are the ones Albany locals keep recommending when the burger craving hits.

1. New World Bistro Bar

New World Bistro Bar in Albany’s Delaware Avenue neighborhood is a chef‑driven spot with a cozy, slightly eclectic vibe—perfect for people who like their comfort food with a little creativity.

Their burger is a standout: high‑quality beef cooked to temp, generously seasoned, and topped with smart additions like sharp cheese, caramelized onions, and house‑made condiments. The bun is sturdy but soft, and you get that “restaurant quality” feel from every element. Specials sometimes riff on the base burger with different cheeses, sauces, or toppings, and locals watch for those variations.

2. Crave Burgers & Frozen Yogurt

Crave is exactly what the name suggests: a focused burger and shake (well, froyo) joint that’s become a go‑to in Albany. It’s casual, bright, and built for quick meals that still feel like an upgrade from typical fast food.

The burgers are smash‑style and flavorful, with melted cheese, fresh toppings, and fun sauces. You can build your own or pick house creations with things like bacon, caramelized onions, spicy mayo, or fried toppings. Fries can be loaded or plain, and finishing with frozen yogurt or a dessert‑style shake is part of the ritual for a lot of regulars.

3. The Hollow Bar + Kitchen

Right in downtown near the Capitol, The Hollow is a bar, live music venue, and restaurant all in one. The room feels urban and lively, and the menu always includes a burger that overperforms for a music venue.

Their house burger usually leans thick and juicy, topped with cheddar or another bold cheese, crisp lettuce, tomato, and onions on a toasted bun. You can add bacon, fried egg, or other extras, and the side of fries is reliably good. Vegetarian and vegan burger options are often on the menu too, making it a flexible spot for mixed groups.

4. Crafters & Co. (or similar upscale pub)

Albany’s crop of craft‑beer‑friendly pubs almost all do a good burger, but locals often latch onto a favorite neighborhood spot that turns out consistently solid patties, melted cheese, and house‑made sauces.

Think thick burgers cooked medium, topped with Vermont cheddar or blue cheese, bacon, and maybe a house aioli or bourbon‑onion jam. The bun has a bit of chew, the fries are hand‑cut or seasoned, and the beer list leans local. It’s not flashy, but it’s the kind of burger you go back for again and again because it never disappoints.

5. Swifty’s Restaurant & Pub (Albany location)

Swifty’s is a casual, friendly pub that hits that sweet spot of good prices, generous portions, and better‑than‑expected bar food. Locals know the burger here is simple but very satisfying.

You’ll usually find a classic cheeseburger, a bacon‑cheddar variation, and occasionally a special with mushrooms and Swiss or BBQ sauce and onion rings. Patties are grilled, buns are toasted, and the whole thing scratches that “I want a pub burger with a beer while I watch the game” itch perfectly.