The Best Burgers in New Orleans

New Orleans cuisine is as vibrant and colorful as the city itself, offering local dishes and flavor combinations that can’t be found anywhere else. Once a major shipping port, this area developed a diverse population of Creole, African, and French people, which continues to influence New Orleans cuisine and the unique local burgers available today. From the chef-driven burger joints to the steakhouses serving gourmet burgers with a New Orleans twist, The Big Easy is known for their fresh-ground, well-seasoned patties, served with sides diners can’t resist. But where should you go to find the best burgers? We looked at our data to find where the most in-the-know locals are going when it comes to burgers in NOLA—here’s where they’re dining now.

The OpenTable Team

15 Restaurants

Updated February 26, 2020

Restaurants:	The Rib Room at the Omni Royal Orleans, Desi Vega's Steakhouse, Ruth's Chris Steak House - New Orleans…
Price Range:	$$$ - $$$
Cuisines:	Steakhouse…
Neighborhoods:	French Quarter, Warehouse District, Central Business District…

The Rib Room at the Omni Royal Orleans

$$$$

Steakhouse

French Quarter

4.1

1612 reviews

While Rib Room may be known as a fine dining establishment, that doesn't mean that diners cannot order a quality burger. Located in the Omni Royal Hotel, this French Quarter restaurant is where tradition meets relevance. Many famous guests have dined here over the past 50 years, offering menu items that are developed with the highest quality in mind. For those looking for the best burger in New Orleans, head to the Rib Room during their lunch service to enjoy an 8-ounce house-ground burger with Vermont cheddar and bacon aioli.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Desi Vega's Steakhouse

$$$$

Steakhouse

Warehouse District

4.9

2332 reviews

When diners want to eat a quality burger, served in an elegant space with high ceilings, Desi Vega's is the place-to-be. This steakhouse is known to draw a crowd and, during lunch service, burger-lovers can order one of many mouth-watering sandwiches. Of these, the Desi's prime burger is a prime ground patty dressed with all the traditional toppings, served on a fresh brioche bun. Any of their infamous steaks are also served during lunch, including their memorable porterhouse for two.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Takeout available

View Takeout Menu

Ruth's Chris Steak House - New Orleans

$$$$

Steakhouse

Central Business District

4.2

2826 reviews

Elegant yet relaxed, Ruth's Chris Steak House in New Orleans features high ceilings and a large outdoor seating area. Known for their signature 500-degree sizzling plates and award-winning wine list, their classic Ruth's prime burger will please any meat lover. Service with hand-cut fries, it's the perfect accompaniment to one of their handcrafted cocktails. Be sure to stop by during happy hours for a buzzing atmosphere and instant savings.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Experiences available

View Experiences

Gallagher's Grill

$$$$

Steakhouse

Covington

4.8

1172 reviews

There’s a reason Gallagher’s Grill attracts diners from near and far. While guests can certainly enjoy seafood, steaks, and decadent sides in this upscale-casual eatery, their burger is a featured lunch menu item for a reason. No ordinary patty, their prime burger is made from 8 ounces of prime beef, dressed with lettuce, tomato, mustard, and mayo. Their oyster po’ boy on toasted French bread is another great choice for those accompanying a burger-lover.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Brown Butter Southern Kitchen & Bar

$$$$

Regional American (Contemporary Southern)

Mid-City / City Park

4.7

917 reviews

Rustic and charming, Brown Butter Southern Kitchen & Bar is a vibrant, creative eatery that specializes in Southern culture and tradition. Sourcing the best local ingredients, diners can expect a cozy dining atmosphere and a lively bar. Although their chicken liver pate and warm pig rinds are a great starter, many burger enthusiasts go straight for one of their many creative creations. Their brunch burger features brie cheese, bacon onion jam, arugula, a fried egg, and garlic aioli, while their Seoul burger highlights the flavors of Korean BBQ, kimchi, fried shallot, and garlic.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Luke

$$$$

French

Central Business District

4.5

8264 reviews

With a combination of French and German cuisine, Luke is an elegant Creole brasserie that serves house brews and a wide selection of memorable dishes. The wood exterior hints at its rustic, comfortable dining experience, matched by its friendly servers. Start off with stuffed oysters, a blue crab gratin, or a buttermilk fried quail. Although many options are available, like their pork schnitzel or steamed mussels, the Luke burger is always a great choice. Topped with bacon, Emmenthaler cheese, caramelized onions, and tomatoes, each flavor is perfectly balanced. After all, it is often referred to as the best burger in New Orleans.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Hard Rock Cafe - New Orleans

$$$$

American

French Quarter

4.0

420 reviews

Diners are always guaranteed a great time at the Hard Rock Cafe in New Orleans. This rock 'n' roll-themed restaurant and bar is known for their American classics, quality burgers, and lively experience. From the funky pink and zebra print chairs to the psychedelic ceiling above, diners can expect a unique, foot-tapping time. With more than a handful of "legendary" burgers to choose from, including a veggie burger, this is the perfect place to come hang out with friends and family.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Toups Meatery

$$$$

Cajun

Mid-City / City Park

4.6

2090 reviews

At Toups Meatery, meat lovers are spoiled for choice. Steeped in tradition, the menu at Toups Meatery celebrates over 300 years of Louisiana culture, as well as the unique relationship that the people of Louisiana have with the land and its food. Because it serves some of the finest cocktails by the pitcher, diners come here to unwind and relax. The restaurant's signature dishes include slow-roasted lamb neck, hot fried quail, and pastrami rubbed duck breast. During lunch, enjoy their buttermilk fried chicken sandwich or Toups' burger, topped with pickled squash, cheddar, bacon, and Creole aioli.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Revel Cafe and Bar

$$$$

American

Mid-City / City Park

4.5

75 reviews

This craft cocktail and wine bar is a chic yet funky establishment, known for their gourmet sandwiches served on housemade bread. Their bar snacks and small plates are too good to pass up, so diners should come hungry and ready to indulge. Don't miss out on their Creole crawfish corndog, garlic black butter fries, or smoked drum taco. As far as burgers go, diners can certainly opt for the classic chargrilled burger. However, there's also a burger that is topped with peanut butter, basil. cilantro, mint, jalapeno, and sweet chili sauce.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Mr. B's Bistro

$$$$

Creole

French Quarter

4.7

4984 reviews

This wood-paneled bistro is the perfect place to meet for special occasions, but is also a great spot to unwind, have a drink, and enjoy a delicious burger. First opening its doors in 1979, Mr. B's sits right in the heart of the French Quarter. Here, diners can expect classic Louisiana food and warm Southern hospitality. Although its tough to choose from the menu at Mr. B's, for burger lovers, it will be an easy choice. Their 10-ounce wood-grilled beef tenderloin burger is topped with white cheddar, pecan wood smoked bacon, lettuce, red onion, and tomato, served on a fresh-baked onion bun. Other local favorites include their catfish fingers and pasta jambalaya.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Red Fish Grill

$$$$

Seafood

French Quarter

4.5

7493 reviews

This buzzing and lively restaurant is the perfect spot to bring the whole family. Casual, yet award-winning, this seafood joint is located one block off Canal Street, providing an authentic experience. The laid back vibe, fun decor, and quality food have made Red Fish Grill a local landmark. When foodies have burgers on their mind, the infamous blackened Red Fish Burger is a must-try. Topped with grilled pineapple relish, pickled mirliton slaw, and red pepper aioli, it's a true taste of New Orleans. Also, don't miss out on their oyster bar — it's one of the best in the city!

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Experiences available

View Experiences

Willa Jean

$$$$

Regional American (Southern)

Central Business District

4.7

1984 reviews

Many diners flock to Willa Jean for their baked goods, as well as their specialty coffees and teas. However, this retro-chic establishment also offers a selection of cocktails and Southern dishes. The dining room itself is modern and elegant, with a relaxed atmosphere. While the snacks at Willa Jean are hard to pass up, including their cornbread BBQ shrimp, diners in the mood for a burger should save room. Theirs has two patties, topped with American cheese, caramelized onions, and housemade sauce — those who have it state that it is the best burger in New Orleans.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Restaurant R'evolution

$$$$

Creole / Cajun / Southern

French Quarter

4.7

6389 reviews

This swanky, high-end restaurant is known for their Creole menu and 10,000-bottle wine cellar. Building an experience based on the history and traditions of New Orleans, Restaurant R’evolution is a meeting hub for both locals and tourists. Although their gumbo is a fan favorite, they have two exquisite burgers on offer. Their beef option is topped with grilled onion, blue cheese, arugula, oven-dried tomatoes, and a sunny-side-up egg. Those in the mood for seafood and a burger will appreciate their shrimp patty topped with crab aioli and fried green tomatoes.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Palace Café

$$$$

French / American

French Quarter

4.4

4851 reviews

Located at the foot of the French Quarter, Palace Café is a classic New Orleans restaurant. Dishing up contemporary Creole food, this upbeat cafe has won several local and national awards, ensuring an excellent experience with each and every visit. Their Palace burger is high in quality, showcasing all the classic toppings on a locally sourced Leidenheimer bun. Those who come hungry should be sure to sample the crabmeat cheesecake or crab claws bordelaise beforehand. Also be sure to check out their extensive craft cocktails menu.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Ruth's Chris Steak House - Metairie

$$$$

Steakhouse

Metairie

4.4

1740 reviews

Less than 8 miles from downtown New Orleans, Metairie is home to another beloved Ruth's Chris Steak House location. The menu at this location is similar and the service offered is held to the same standard. A more intimate setting, this location is smaller, yet equally sophisticated. The same burger can be ordered here, as well as spicy shrimp, a crab cake sandwich, and of course, a wide selection of steaks and sides.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Experiences available

View Experiences

Explore OpenTable

New Orleans

The Best Burgers