Every year, the New York Beef Council hosts its annual Best Burger Competition, where 62 burger joints from across the state make it to the highly competitive voting round. This year, out of all 62 nominees from across New York State, four are right here in Steuben County. 

If you’ve visited us and consider yourself a certified burger connoisseur, you might already know (and love) some of these spots. But if not, now’s the perfect time to hit the road and taste them for yourself. 

Ready to dig in? Here are the four local nominees: 

Butcher’s Son – Corning, NY 

Butcher’s Son is a classic butcher shop with a modern twist. They source their meats locally, with a focus on flavor, freshness, and quality. You can learn more about Butcher Son’s sourcing here. 

Along with their shop that features high-quality meats, sauces, and spices, they have a full kitchen and menu. They’ve got sandwiches, salads, and of course, BURGERS! From their signature Son Burger, made with fresh, smashed patties, American cheese, and their yummy house-made Son sauce, to their spicy and sweet firecracker of a burger, the Ghost Burger, which has candied jalapeños, provolone, BBQ sauce, and jalapeño basil pickles. Hungry yet?  

Butcher’s Son is located at the far west end of historic Market Street in Corning’s Gaffer District, which makes it a perfect place to start your visit with! Get a great meal, then explore the shops, drink options, and desserts that this famous street offers.  

R&M Restaurant and Bar – Corning, NY 

Just a few doors down from Butcher’s Son, you’ll find R&M Restaurant and Bar, tucked away on a cozy corner of Market Street. R&M has been a go-to for both locals and visitors for years, known for its great burgers and standout pasta, an unexpected but unbeatable combo. 

This year’s nomination isn’t R&M’s first time in the burger spotlight—they’ve been recognized by the New York State Beef Council multiple times, and in 2016, they were crowned Best Burger in Upstate New York by New York Upstate…talk about a victory!  

Their burgers are award-winning, crowd-pleasing, and consistently delicious. With a solid menu and accolades to back it up, R&M lets the food speak for itself. 

Paddy’s Pub – Hornell, NY 

Located in Hornell, a town known for its Irish heritage and beloved annual St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, Paddy’s Pub delivers classic Irish pub fare with some delicious twists.  

This pub is home to an iconic menu featuring fish fry specials, Irish food classics, and satisfying beer-and-burger pairings. The burgers here are big, flavorful, and perfect alongside a cold pint. Feeling extra festive? Order the Dublin Gate burger! Trust us, you’ll thank us for this recommendation later…it has Irish cheddar on it. ‘Nough said.  

As for the sides? They go well beyond fries. You’ll find tater tots, house-made tortilla chips, baked potatoes, and more. When you’re at Paddy’s Pub, not only will you enjoy the warm, and equally electric atmosphere of an Irish pub, you’ll enjoy hearty, amazing eats!  

Maybe Baby Burgers – Bath, NY 

Step back in time to the 1950s at this retro diner in Bath, New York, featuring a menu of delicious burgers, classic American eats, and milkshakes that’ll have you planning your next trip back before you even take your last sip. Tap your feet to some Buddy Holly, take in the 50s décor, checkered floors, red booths, and all, and enjoy a burger so good that it’s being named one of the best in the state. 

Hey – Bun more thing before you go:  

Those are just four of the Steuben County names listed for Best Burger in New York State, but don’t be fooled. That doesn’t mean there are only four good burger places in the area! In fact, there are so many more. 

Dive deeper into our burger scene by checking out our Where to Eat Guide to discover even more spots to eat, sip, and enjoy all around Steuben County.