Best East Village Burger: Paul’s Da Burger Joint

If you find yourself craving a burger in the East Village, do try Paul’s Da Burger Joint, a family-run burger joint and self-described 50s eatery. Established in 1989 during the peak of lively East Village rock clubs, the joint continues its tradition of providing counter service, checkered tablecloths, and vintage decor. Known by regulars as “their home away from home” because of its welcoming, cozy atmosphere, you can often find customers casually chatting with cooks while drinking a cold beer and devouring giant burgers.

On that note, let’s get on to what matters: the actual burgers at Paul’s. Paul’s offers a large array of traditional burgers of high-quality, from their famous, straightforward beef burger to their “Soul Burger,” a bacon cheeseburger with ham and fried onions. They also offer a range of toppings to go with all burgers, from jalapenos to bacon.

Paul’s house specialities are the Eastsider Burger (a bacon cheeseburger with ham, mushrooms, tomatoes, and onions) and the Saint Marks Burger (a cheeseburger topped with mushrooms and fried onions). Buy a shake, egg cream, or soda float on the side, strike up a convo with a friendly cook, and you’re good to go.

Paul’s Da Burger Joint is located at 131 2nd Avenue.