Burgertown: Your Guide to Finding a Delicious Hamburger in Lambertville, NJ
by SL Bruno
Burgers, for me, are my death row meal. For many years, I had a specific steak place that made a burger that topped my list—that is, until I moved to Lambertville. Now I don't have a spot because there are too many to choose from!
In deciding what qualifies as a great burger, it's all about the beef. The burger should stand alone, meaning if you had nothing but the burger and a bun, that would be all you need in life. It doesn't mean toppings can't enhance the burger, but if you don't have a good foundation to start from, it can never truly be great. Bountiful, exciting toppings, a tasty bun, or excellent sides can really add to the total package and often will differentiate the various options in town, but rest assured, whichever place you try on the list below, the burger will be the star of the show.
I’m not just a foodie, I’m a full fledged nerd as well, so I’ve totally geeked out here to bring you metrics to better understand the burgers you can get in town. For each restaurant, I’ve added a chart to show the values each burger possesses. Each value is rated from 1-5, with 5 being the best.
Beefy - This is the amount of beef-forward flavor
Juicy - Depends on the fat to protein ratio
Caramelization - When cooked on a flat top, the burger can form a deep, savory crust
Char - When cooked over an open fire, like a grill, a smoky flavor will be imparted to the patty
I honestly do not have a favorite because I love them all for different reasons, so I'm going to name the options heading from the south side of town to the north. Also note, the food was purchased by me, and none of the restaurants were informed of my visit.
The Hawke
As one might expect, a steak place will have a thick burger with a char on the outside. Come hungry because this patty is 10oz of prime cut meat which makes a difference in the flavor. It’s priced lower than other options on the menu and is a solid choice for a place that is now on the pricier side than its predecessor. Served on a brioche bun, the default order comes with cheese (fontina, yum), red onion, lettuce, tomato, and shoe string fries.
The Hawke is a modern steak house with most items served a la carte. They have some lovely cocktails and valet parking. It’s great for a light lunch or a more fancy dinner if you’re in the mood.
Burger Metrics
Beefy: 🍔🍔🍔
Juicy: 🍔🍔🍔
Caramelization: 0
Char: 🍔🍔🍔
Swan Bar
Swan Bar is a whiskey bar behind Anton's at the Swan. If you’ve walked by and smelled something amazing in the air, but never stopped in, you’re missing out. This burger is also the big fat patty style with a big bold char flavor but it feels a little different than the others because it’s so fat. It is reminiscent of what hand formed patties look like at outdoor cookouts, though the flavor is far beyond anything I’ve had at home.
This burger stands out in that it gets a beautiful char that is more flavorful than many other places and has a thick patty full of beefy, savory flavor. The simple potato bun may not seem exciting, but it does its job by stepping aside flavor-wise and letting the burger shine through. Comes with potato salad and chips but you can change up the fixin’s to your preference, including a seasonal salad as a side (watermelon salad pictured here).
The Swan Bar has limited seating, but what they have is cozy and comfortable. Inside, the bar is old school with dark decor, a cast iron stove for warmth in the winter and floor to ceiling windows for a lovely view of the courtyard outside. Parking is not always easy, but it’s on the south side of town so if you find a spot, it will most likely be free.
Burger Metrics
Beefy: 🍔🍔🍔🍔
Juicy: 🍔🍔🍔
Caramelization: 0
Char: 🍔🍔🍔🍔🍔
Liv and Charlie’s
The smash burgers here are not to be missed. When I’m at Liv and Charlie’s I come specifically for the burger. If you crave a patty with an outside that is perfectly caramelized, this is the one for you. Cooked perfectly to maximize the caramelization, the burger is savory and stand-alone, but to make sure you don’t miss the flavor, you get two luxurious patties on your sandwich.
I admit I have not tried the Classic Smash burger because the Mc Smash is pure perfection. With the mix of salty pickles, creamy cheese, and the special sauce, I never knew how good a famous fast-food burger could taste if you made it with 2 high quality smash style burgers and a whole lot of love. Comes with homemade tater-tots or sub out a salad for a truly craveable meal.
Liv and Charlie’s moved not too long ago from what used to be Annie’s (Ennis before that) on Union St, to its new location on the main strip of bustling Bridge Street. It’s an easy stop on foot, but will require meter parking. It’s now located in what used to be Sneddon’s and their decor has been brightened and modernized with booth seating and some bar seats if you're on the go.
Burger Metrics
Beefy: 🍔🍔🍔🍔
Juicy: 🍔🍔🍔🍔
Caramelization: 🍔🍔🍔🍔🍔
Char: 0
Bridge Street Burgers
New to town, Bridge Street Burgers has a standard smash burger style burger similar to Liv and Charlie's style. With many topping options named after streets in Lambertville, you'll be sure to find a favorite. Everything is a la carte here so order with onion rings or cauliflower wings to round out your meal. One of the few locally owned fast food places in town, food is ordered cafeteria style and orders are brought to your table with take out in mind for a cheap quick bite. Enjoy a sweet drink and the murals while you wait.
Burger Metrics
Beefy: 🍔🍔
Juicy: 🍔🍔
Caramelization: 🍔🍔🍔🍔
Char: 0
Giuseppe's Ristorante
Did you read that right? Did I just tell you to get a burger at an Italian restaurant? YES! This is one of the best burgers around. Big and juicy style, the patty is a mix of short rib, brisket and prime chuck. With a base like that, how can you go wrong! The mix of meats makes this burger stand out. The default comes with American cheese, mayo, lettuce, tomato and onion on a brioche roll. It comes with a side of fries. This is my “I-just-tanked-an-interview-and-now-I-need-a-pick-me-up” meal. It's also my “I-just-want-to-celebrate!” meal, so happy or sad, this is the burger for everything in between. TRY IT!!!
Giuseppe’s has an old school Italian Bistro feel and is located on the corner of Bridge and Union making it ideal for foot traffic but tough for parking. Order under the menu at the right and pay after you eat on the left, and you’ll make the hard working staff very happy!
Burger Metrics
Beefy: 🍔🍔🍔🍔
Juicy: 🍔🍔🍔
Caramelization: 0
Char: 🍔🍔
Revolution Woodfire Grille
I try to bring you food that is easy on the pocket, but I would be remiss if I didn't mention Revolution Woodfire Grille. As the name implies, they use a wood-fire grill to create the main flavor you will find on this burger—the char. A mix of brisket and sirloin gives this burger such a not-too-dense, savory bite that I had to include it even with its high price tag. The bun is light and fluffy, not like most burgers I’ve had, but it adds a nice touch. Hand cut french fries accompany this decadent treat.
Revolution is a fancier restaurant with a luxurious atmosphere right on the canal with amazing views. Next door is the Boathouse, a famous watering hole where you can order a drink and bring it to your seat. Parking is not provided, so expect to find a street spot with a meter.
Burger Metrics
Beefy: 🍔🍔🍔🍔
Juicy: 🍔🍔🍔
Caramelization: 0
Char: 🍔🍔🍔🍔🍔
Chive Café & Catering
This burger is a big, super juicy style, full of beefy flavor. No matter what temperature you order this burger, it will be so juicy, it will drip down your hands if you’re not careful. This patty is softer than a lot of the other burgers around, with less attention to char, but a perfectly even full forward beefy flavor throughout. This one is the closest to my desert island burger as you can get. It’s filling and savory. This burger proves that you can indeed buy happiness.
Straight off the menu, this burger is served with cheddar, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and onions on an onion brioche roll, though honestly, I prefer to order it on a plain roll, no bacon because the patty in this burger is so flavorful, I don’t like to cover it up with these extras. Comes with a side of house cut fries at lunch (my favorite in town) or sometimes the potato wedges at dinner.
Chive is the closest place in town to an old school diner feel, with seating at the bar, though they also have a nice communal table in the back which is special and different from many places around. Added bonus, it has its own parking lot, so I find myself here often.
Burger Metrics
Beefy: 🍔🍔🍔🍔
Juicy: 🍔🍔🍔🍔🍔
Caramelization: 0
Char: 0
Which Burger is Best?
You cannot get a bad burger in Lambertville. I've lived in larger cities and found far fewer decent burger options than the many amazing burgers you can find in town. Every restaurant that serves a hamburger in town is not just a good burger, but a great one, which is not something I can say about any other place I’ve traveled to.
Try them all if you can. But, if you only have the time to try one, don’t worry too much, you really can’t go wrong!
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