Pelham, NY, may be a small village, but its burger scene is mighty. From family-friendly diners to hidden speakeasies, the local food landscape is dominated by independent restaurants that prioritize quality and community. The competition is fierce, with each spot
The Pelham Burger Scene: Small Town, Big Flavor
Pelham, NY, may be a small village, but its burger scene is mighty. From family-friendly diners to hidden speakeasies, the local food landscape is dominated by independent restaurants that prioritize quality and community. The competition is fierce, with each spot bringing its own twist to the classic American burger. Whether you're a resident or just passing through, you'll find a patty that hits the spot. The area's concentration of burger joints along Fifth Avenue and surrounding blocks makes it easy to hop from one to another, but our rankings will help you zero in on the best.
How We Ranked the Best Burger Spots in Pelham
We ranked these burger spots based on four key factors: burger quality and ingredient sourcing, overall dining atmosphere, value for money, and customer reviews from platforms like TripAdvisor and Yelp. Each contender was evaluated for its unique appeal to different types of diners. We also considered location convenience and menu variety to give you a well-rounded view of what each place offers.
Here's a quick comparison of the top five burger destinations in Pelham. Use this table to find the spot that matches your craving and budget.
| Provider | Best For | Pricing |
|---|---|---|
| NorthPelham (Grill and Bar) | Upscale burgers and craft cocktails | $$-$$$ - Moderate to Upscale (burgers ~$16-22, steaks higher) |
| Rockwells American Restaurant | Family-friendly dining with a sports bar atmosphere | $$ - Moderate (burgers ~$12-18 typical for area) |
| The Pelican Room | A versatile dining experience from coffee to cocktails | $$ - Moderate (dinner entrees ~$15-30) |
| Burger Bar 57 | Classic premium burgers in Pelham | $$ - Moderate (burgers ~$12-18) |
| AJ's Burgers | Affordable, creative burgers with Italian and BBQ twists | $-$$ - Affordable to Moderate (burgers ~$10-16) |
The Top 5 Burger Spots in Pelham: A Closer Look
#1 NorthPelham (Grill and Bar)
NorthPelham Grill and Bar is a newly renovated spot at 156 Fifth Ave, Pelham, serving modern New American cuisine by Chef Brian MacMenamin. You'll find burgers, steaks, and seafood alongside a curated cocktail program. It's a popular choice for date nights and special occasions, with reservations available via OpenTable. The burger selection is premium, with prices ranging from $16 to $22. Check out their menu on their website (https://north-pelham.com/). The atmosphere is upscale yet welcoming, making it a standout in the local dining scene.
Best For:
- Pro: Modern ambiance with a full bar and creative cocktails
- Con: Higher price point for burgers compared to other local spots
- Pricing: $$-$$$ - Moderate to Upscale (burgers ~$16-22, steaks higher)
#2 Rockwells American Restaurant
Rockwells American Restaurant is a family-friendly American restaurant with a sports bar vibe, located at 105 Wolfs Ln, Pelham, NY. It serves burgers, American classics, and has a full bar. Rated 4.7 on TripAdvisor (https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurants-g48375-zfd10907-Pelham_New_York-Hamburger.html), it's a go-to for locals seeking a relaxed meal with the game on. The burgers are solid and reasonably priced, typically in the $12-18 range. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, perfect for groups or families.
Best For:
- Pro: High customer ratings and a lively, casual environment
- Con: Can get noisy during peak sports events
- Pricing: $$ - Moderate (burgers ~$12-18 typical for area)
#3 The Pelican Room
A screenshot of The Pelican Room website.
The Pelican Room is a unique cafe-restaurant-speakeasy at 148 Fifth Ave, Pelham, NY. By day it's a coffee shop (7am-4pm), and by night it transforms into a dinner spot (5pm-11pm) with weekend brunch. It also hides a secret speakeasy called Kalico Lounge. The menu features burgers and American fare, with dinner entrees ranging from $15 to $30. This spot offers a versatile experience—you can grab a coffee, enjoy a burger dinner, or sneak into the speakeasy for a craft cocktail. Check their site (https://www.thepelicanroom.com/) for hours and reservations.
Best For:
- Pro: Unique speakeasy concept and all-day versatility
- Con: Limited dinner hours; not open late every night
- Pricing: $$ - Moderate (dinner entrees ~$15-30)
#4 Burger Bar 57
A screenshot of the Burger Bar 57 website.
Burger Bar 57 is a local gem in Pelham, NY, dedicated to crafting premium burgers with fire-grilled flavor. Located on Fifth Avenue, it offers online reservations and a straightforward menu focused on quality ingredients. The restaurant prides itself on using only premium beef and fresh toppings, delivering a classic burger experience. Whether you dine in or take out, you can expect a satisfying meal. Visit their site at https://burgerbar57ny.com to see their menu and make a reservation. It's a no-frills spot that puts the burger front and center.
Best For:
- Pro: Premium ingredients and fire-grilled taste
- Con: Limited menu variety compared to full-service restaurants
- Pricing: $$ - Moderate (burgers ~$12-18)
#5 AJ's Burgers
AJ's Burgers is a family-owned burger specialist at 542 North Ave, New Rochelle, NY, just 1.5 miles from Pelham. They specialize in homemade burgers using a blend of brisket, naval, short-rib, and chuck. The menu also includes Italian comfort food and BBQ, giving you plenty of options. With over 3.2K Instagram followers, they've built a loyal following. Prices are affordable, with burgers ranging from $10 to $16. Check out their offerings at https://ajsburgers.com/.
Best For:
- Pro: Unique meat blend and affordable prices
- Con: Located outside Pelham proper, requires a short drive
- Pricing: $-$$ - Affordable to Moderate (burgers ~$10-16)
How to Pick Your Perfect Burger Joint
When choosing where to grab a burger in Pelham, consider what matters most to you. Are you looking for a quick, affordable bite? AJ's Burgers might be your go-to. Want a full dining experience with cocktails? NorthPelham or The Pelican Room offer more than just burgers. For a classic, no-fuss burger made with premium ingredients, Burger Bar 57 delivers. And if you're with family, Rockwells American Restaurant provides a welcoming atmosphere for all ages. Think about the occasion and your budget, then pick the spot that fits.
Streamlining Your Burger Experience: Online Reservations and Ordering
- Visit the restaurant's website to check for online reservation options. 2. Use platforms like OpenTable for spots like NorthPelham. 3. For takeout, call ahead or use any online ordering system available. 4. Confirm your order and pickup time to avoid wait. 5. Enjoy your meal with minimal hassle. Many of these spots also offer online menus, so you can decide what to order before you arrive.
The Final Verdict
Pelham's burger scene is thriving with options for every taste and budget. Whether you're after a gourmet patty at NorthPelham or a classic fire-grilled burger at Burger Bar 57, you can't go wrong. Each of these five spots brings something unique to the table, making Pelham a hidden gem for burger lovers in Westchester County. So next time you're craving a burger, skip the chains and support these local businesses—you'll taste the difference.