5 Best Burger Spots in Pittsburgh that Locals Rave About

Pittsburgh is a sandwich town (hello, Primanti), but the burger scene is just as serious. Grilled, smashed, topped with fries—however you like your burger, there’s a local who will argue passionately for one of these five spots.

1. Tessaro’s

Tessaro’s in Bloomfield is legendary. It’s a wood‑fired burger institution where the grill is front and center and the burgers are huge.

They grind their own meat in‑house and form thick patties that get cooked over hardwood, giving them a distinct smoky flavor. You can customize toppings—cheddar, Swiss, mushrooms, onions, bacon—but most locals stick to fairly classic builds because the meat is the real star. A side of fries or home fries plus a beer at the bar is peak Pittsburgh.

2. Burgatory

Burgatory is a small local chain, but Pittsburghers take it seriously because the burgers actually deliver. It’s bright, modern, and very “build‑your‑own.”

You can choose your patty (beef, bison, veggie, etc.), bun, cheese, and a wild range of toppings and sauces—or go with one of their “chef crafted” burgers. Favorites include the Morty’s Steakhouse (with horseradish cheddar and crispy onions) and the Wagyu options. Thick milkshakes—boozy or not—are part of the whole experience.

3. Butterjoint

Butterjoint is a cozy, slightly upscale bar/restaurant in the North Oakland area that’s famous for its burger. It feels like a neighborhood spot but with serious kitchen chops.

Their burger is understated but incredibly well‑executed: high‑quality beef, American or cheddar cheese, house pickles, and a soft bun, cooked to a juicy medium‑rare unless you say otherwise. Add a side of fries and a cocktail or local beer and you’ll understand why locals say it’s one of the city’s best.

4. Tessaro‑style Cousins: BRGR / Stack’d Burgers & Beer

Pittsburgh has a few burger‑centric mini‑chains that locals swear by, and BRGR and Stack’d are two of the big ones. Both lean into the “craft your own burger” idea with long lists of toppings and sauces.

At BRGR, the Fire in the Hole (pepper jack, jalapeños, spicy aioli) and the Shroom & Swiss‑style builds are big hits, with patties cooked to order and brioche or pretzel buns. Stack’d lets you pile on bacon, fried eggs, onion rings, mac and cheese—you name it. Both places are go‑tos for groups who want burgers, beer, and a loud, fun environment.

5. Tessaro’s‑Level Dive: Moonlit Burgers / Other Smashburger Pop‑Ups

Pittsburgh’s more recent burger wave has brought smashburger‑style spots into the conversation—Moonlit Burgers being one of the most talked‑about.

Here, patties are smashed thin on a hot griddle, developing that crispy lace edge, and then stacked with American cheese, pickles, onions, and special sauce on a soft potato roll. It’s a different style than the giant Tessaro’s patties but just as beloved by locals who like that West Coast/retro fast‑food vibe, executed with much better ingredients.