Newport News (often what people mean when they say “Newport, VA”) doesn’t always get credit for its food scene, but locals know where the good burgers are hiding—mostly in neighborhood spots, sports bars, and casual grills that focus on doing the basics very, very well. These five places frequently come up when locals talk about their favorite burgers in town.
1. Smoke BBQ Restaurant & Bar
Smoke is best known for its barbecue—brisket, pulled pork, ribs—but locals will tell you the burgers are just as worthy of attention. The vibe is lively and rustic: wood, metal, big bar, and TVs for game days.
Their burgers are often made from a blend that includes brisket or other smoked cuts, giving the patty a deep, smoky flavor even before you add toppings. Expect options loaded with cheddar, bacon, BBQ sauce, and fried onions, as well as more straightforward cheeseburgers if you want to keep it classic.
Fries, sweet potato fries, and mac and cheese are all solid sidekicks, and most folks don’t leave without at least considering a side of smoked wings or ribs.
2. Schlesinger’s Steakhouse
Located in Port Warwick, Schlesinger’s is an upscale steakhouse with a polished dining room—but their burger is a local favorite, especially at lunch or in the bar area.
The burger here is exactly what you’d expect from a steakhouse: thick, juicy, and made from high‑quality beef, cooked to your preferred temperature. It’s usually topped with sharp cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, and sometimes bacon or mushrooms, all on a toasted bun that actually holds up.
It’s the kind of burger you order when you want something indulgent but don’t quite feel like committing to a full steak dinner. Pair it with a craft beer or a glass of red wine and a pile of fries and you’ll see why locals talk it up.
3. Fin Seafood (at the bar)
Fin is known primarily as a refined seafood restaurant, but people in the know will tell you: the burger on the bar menu is a sleeper hit. The room is stylish and modern, and the bar area in particular is a great spot for a more relaxed burger‑and‑drink experience.
The burger is usually a thick, carefully seasoned patty, topped with good cheese—often something with a bit of sharpness—plus lettuce, tomato, pickles, and a refined house sauce. Because it’s coming out of a high‑end kitchen, the details are nailed: soft but toasted bun, exact cooking temperature, and crisp fries done right.
It’s a great option when you’re out with someone who wants fresh fish while you’re firmly in a burger mood.
4. Second Street American Bistro
Second Street (with locations in Williamsburg and Newport News) is a modern American bistro with a cozy, slightly upscale‑casual feel: fireplace, warm lighting, and a broad menu that runs from salads to steaks.
Their burgers lean “gourmet pub” style—thick patties, interesting cheeses (think smoked gouda, blue cheese, or sharp cheddar), bacon, caramelized onions, and house sauces. Buns are brioche‑style and toasted, and the toppings are generous without turning the whole thing into a structural engineering problem.
Locals like it for date nights and family dinners alike, and the craft beer and wine selections make it easy to turn a burger into a full, linger‑for‑dessert kind of evening.
5. The Hungry Bear Bistro / Local Grill‑Style Spots
Newport News also has a handful of smaller, local grill‑style joints and bistros that residents quietly swear by—places with straightforward names, casual interiors, and surprising burger quality. Think hand‑patted burgers on the flat top, American cheese melting down the sides, and simple toppings done really well.
At these spots, you’re looking at:
- Fresh, never‑frozen patties
- Soft buns toasted just enough
- Crisp lettuce, ripe tomato, and dill pickles
- Fries or tots that come out hot and salted properly
They’re the kind of places you stop by once on a whim and then end up adding to your regular rotation, especially for casual weeknight dinners or Saturday lunches after running errands. Ask a Newport News local and they’ll point you to their personal favorite “little spot” that does burgers right.
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