Menu
Menu
Here are 5 delicious, arguably the best burger spots in Downtown Rochester, New York:
Lucky's is a welcoming neighborhood restaurant and bar, conveniently located at 628 Winton Road North, right next to Wildflour on the corner of Winton Road North and Browncroft Boulevard. This restaurant offers a comfortable and laid-back atmosphere with ample table and bar seating, making it perfect for either a classy date night or a casual stop for a quick beer or cocktail at the bar.
Their menu truly shines with an eclectic mix of American classics and global influences. You'll find unexpected delights like the absolutely delicious curried wings, generously topped with pickled carrots, spiced yogurt, and cashews, or the savory corned beef patty melt with Gruyère, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing on rye.
However, the Lucky's Pub Burger, is easily one of my favorite burgers in all of Rochester. It's consistently fresh, deliciously juicy, and its subtle, unique flavor never misses. Each bite delivers a perfect blend of a hot, juicy patty followed by the refreshing crunch of fresh sweet pickles and red onions, all brought together with their signature Lucky's sauce. If that already wasn't worth the trip, these burgers include a generous side of seed-oil free beef tallow fries. These pub burgers aren't smashed patties. They offer excellent quality and size, especially for their price.
If you're in a hurry but don't want to miss out, you can conveniently order from the bar to-go, ensuring you can still enjoy their fantastic food on the run!
Located at 20 Carlson Road in Rochester, right next to Comedy @ The Carlson, this restaurant is far more than your typical dining spot. This massive 42,000-square-foot indoor recreational hub, housed in the historic Stromberg-Carlson warehouse, boasts 34 bowling lanes, ample restaurant and bar space, and areas for both indoor and outdoor games. With an additional 10,000-square-foot outdoor patio, it's a sprawling venue designed for fun and relaxation, offering Sunday brunch and a unique take on Middle Eastern-inspired meals and cocktails.
The menu at Radio Social reflects a commitment to quality, originally crafted by Executive Chef Steve Eakins, who honed his skills at Marc Murphy's renowned Benchmarc Restaurants in NYC. Now under the guidance of Chef Josh Prahler, the kitchen continues to deliver. Their bar program, designed by local legend Chuck Cerankosky and managed by Jared Steeves, consistently creates deliberately concocted libations and curates an expert selection of beer, wine, and spirits.
Their Waveburger is a delicious beef smash burger that hits all the classic notes with cheddar, lettuce, and tomato, elevated by a unique touch of Moussa Aioli, all offered at a respectable price. While the burger doesn't come with fries, you absolutely must try their crispy potatoes—served with a fresh tomato amba and a black garlic aioli sauce that will undoubtedly leave you craving more.
The Playhouse // Swillburger, located at 820 South Clinton, delivers a fantastic burger experience within a vibrant arcade setting. Their griddle-cooked burgers are celebrated for their delicious, crispy crust and use of quality, local ingredients, featuring farm-fresh beef from Seven Bridges Farms.
They're locally known for creative topping combinations and excellent fresh-cut fries. The lively atmosphere, with the attached Playhouse arcade, boasts an impressive collection of pinball and vintage games, adding a unique and fun dimension that makes Swillburger a lively destination for all ages. They also do a great job catering to vegan diners with flavorful plant-based options, ensuring there's something delicious for everyone.
The Gate House, nestled at 274 N Goodman Street in the vibrant Village Gate Square, offers an affordable, casual, and family-friendly dining experience without ever compromising on ingredient quality.
This spot truly stands out for its commitment to both gourmet burgers and sustainability. Their Angus ground chuck burgers are never frozen, ensuring a consistently fresh and flavorful patty at the heart of their thoughtfully crafted creations. With burgers cleverly named after local Rochester icons, there’s a wonderful sense of community woven right into the menu. The restaurant's dedication to using local ingredients, operating on renewable energy, and even growing their own herbs adds significantly to the appeal of enjoying a delicious burger in a conscious and responsible environment. And seriously, don't miss their highly praised rosemary garlic fries—they're a must-try.
Moo'd Burger Bar, located at 1344 University Avenue, just a short walk from Tony D's, is a laid-back space dishing out burgers, shakes, and other comfort fare with colorful and creative twists.
While Moo'd Burger Bar certainly offers a truly indulgent burger experience, it's their sensational milkshakes that often steal the show. The burgers themselves are excellent, frequently described as having that satisfying smash-burger crispness and juicy flavor. However, it's the towering, artistically crafted milkshakes, bursting with inventive flavors and elaborate toppings, that provide a truly memorable and Instagram-worthy treat. The friendly staff and inviting, spacious atmosphere make it a perfect spot for a fun meal, whether you're craving a classic burger or an over-the-top dessert. They also offer excellent gluten-free and plant-based options, ensuring there's something delicious for everyone.
Let us know what your favorite desert and burger spots in Rochester!
Send us an email at info@esgrochester.com or tag us on Instagram @esgrochester
