Port Jervis burger joint wins New York’s ‘Best Burger’ title
Ben's Fresh won the statewide competition with it's "Empire State of Prime" burger topped with espresso-bourbon bacon jam, cherry pepper relish and maple aioli.
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A burger from a small Orange County restaurant is now officially being called the best in New York state.
Ben’s Fresh was named the winner of the New York Beef Council’s 2026 “Best NY Burger” competition Wednesday during an event at the New York State Capitol in Albany.
The restaurant’s “Empire State of Prime” burger beat out finalists from across the state after anonymous judges traveled to restaurants and scored each burger in person.
The winning burger features prime beef topped with aged cheddar, espresso-bourbon bacon jam, sweet cherry pepper relish and maple aioli on a pretzel bun. Chef Bobby Geraghty told News 12 the ingredients used on the burger are locally sourced.
Geraghty said the win was years in the making.
“This was our fifth year entering,” he said. “Finally. Finally, finally.”
The restaurant says it previously finished runner-up four times before taking home the title this year.
Customers at Ben’s Fresh Wednesday said they weren’t surprised by the win.
“Ten out of 10. Absolutely,” one customer told News 12 after trying the burger.
The New York Beef Council’s annual competition highlights restaurants across the state serving 100% New York beef burgers.
Other finalists this year included Ale & Angus in Syracuse, Brewer Union Cafe in Brewerton, Columbus Public House in Sherburne, Illusive in Rensselaer, Matteson Hotel in Ilion, Pound Town Burger Bar in Syracuse, Savoy Taproom in Albany, Shelly’s Deli in Endicott and Tap It Bar & Grill in Rochester.
