Burgers are an American classic, and the Heart of the Commonwealth has a spectacular array of burger options. We’ve got your classic cheeseburgers, gourmet hamburgers loaded with toppings, and incredible vegan and vegetarian burgers in Downtown Worcester.
Think you already know where your favorite burger spot in Worcester is? We guarantee you’ll find a new favorite on our roundup of the best burgers in the city!
We highly recommend planning a tour of all the Downtown restaurants on this list to sample each burger variety before making your selection.
Ruth’s Chris
If you’re looking for a fancy hamburger, you’ll find it at Ruth’s Chris. The restaurant is known for its focus on the very best cuts of meat, prepared perfectly, and their gourmet cheeseburger is no exception. Ruth’s Cheeseburger is made with prime beef and your choice of cheese, served up with crispy fries.
Tip: If you’re dining in, Ruth’s burgers and other sandwiches are only available in the bar and lounge area.
The Mercantile
How do you like your patties: smashed or gourmet? The Mercantile has both, so the choice is yours.
With white cheddar, lettuce, tomato, and the option to add bacon, egg, avocado, and grilled red onion for $1, The Mercantile Burger is an undeniable pick. Then again, their Smash Burger has yellow American cheese, secret sauce, and compressed onions on top of a double patty burger, so your choice just got that much harder. Both burgers come with your choice of house fries or a seasonal green salad. You can also opt for a gluten-free bun.
110 Grill
110 Grill has a classic 110 Grill Cheeseburger, and the “Cure” Burger with American cheese, applewood smoked bacon, a fried egg, smashed tater tots, and caramelized onions. If beef burgers aren’t your thing, try a turkey burger with lemon aioli, red onion, avocado, tomato, and lettuce. If you prefer vegetarian or vegan burger options, you can also choose a Beyond Patty.
Even better, all of 110’s burgers come with a side included (aka free fries or a salad).
deadhorse hill
For its burger, deadhorse hill Chef Jared Forman has gone all out. Worcester foodies love the restaurant’s half-pound burger patty is paired with American cheese, bacon, pickles, greens, red onion, and a carefully-crafted special sauce on a sesame bun.
While fries are not included, we highly suggest splurging. Get a basket of deadhorse’s perfectly crispy, hand-cut fries for the table! (They’re worth it.)
Not Ya Mama’s Vegan Café
If you’re a vegetarian or vegan, or if you just enjoy a Meatless Monday from time to time, then Not Ya Mama’s Vegan Café is the spot for you. Not Ya Mama’s has several excellent vegan burger options. Keep it traditional and enjoy a modern Classic Cheeseburger: an Impossible Burger with lettuce, pickles, and tomato. Or, try their one of their specialty burger options like the BBQ Mac Burger: an Impossible Burger topped with their famous vegan mac ‘n cheese.
Trust us: Even a meat-lover will think twice after trying the vegan burgers at Not Ya Mamas.
Armsby Abbey
Armsby Abbey* smashes its burgers out of the park. Their Double Smash Burger with Vermont cheddar and marrow caramelized onions is a must try. When you add the best house pickles, Dijon aioli, and a brioche bun, this burger goes from “World’s Best” to out of this world territory.
You’ll also love their sweet potato burger. This vegetarian option is house made with chickpeas and sweet potatoes, topped with tahini sauce, kale, and pickled red onions. Both burger options come with dressed local greens or tasty hand-cut fries.
*Seasonal menu may change.
Theatre Café
On the lookout for the perfect lunch burger? The Theatre Café has just what you’re looking for. Their signature Café Burger is fresh and juicy. It comes topped with cheese, sauteed onions, mayo, ketchup, and lettuce. This tasty cheeseburger pairs perfectly with the café’s seasoned, hand-cut fries.
The classic burger has been mastered.
Ziggy Bombs
Ziggy Bombs has more than just specialty subs, they also have a rotation of specialty smash burgers. You’ll love their OG Smash Burger: a multi-patty burger is topped with green peppers, cheese, and a secret sauce. If you’re feeling more adventurous and try the donut smash burger with bacon, cheese, 2 patties, and 2 donuts. You can also take your taste buds southwest to Hawaii, as Ziggy transports you with a Bacon Pineapple Burger, topped with three smash patties, bacon, grilled pineapple, cheese, and thousand island dressing.
Ziggy’s burger options are often on a rotation, so remember to always check their Instagram to see which specialty smash burgers are currently on the menu.
