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Two Capital Region Restaurants Reach NY Burger Competition Finals
Illusive Restaurant & Bar and Savoy Taproom are among 10 finalists in the 10th annual statewide contest.
Apr. 14, 2026 at 6:12pm
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The finalists in New York's prestigious burger competition showcase the state's thriving culinary creativity.NYC TodayTwo popular restaurants in New York's Capital Region, Illusive Restaurant & Bar in Rensselaer and Savoy Taproom in Albany, have been selected as finalists in the 10th annual Best NY Burger Competition sponsored by the New York Beef Council. The 10 finalists were chosen through online voting from a larger pool of contenders.
Why it matters
The Best NY Burger Competition is a high-profile annual event that celebrates the state's thriving burger culture and culinary creativity. Being named a finalist is a significant achievement that can boost a restaurant's reputation and draw more customers, especially during the busy summer grilling season.
The details
The 10 finalists were selected through an online voting process from a larger pool of contenders. Illusive Restaurant & Bar and Savoy Taproom were the only two Capital Region establishments to make the final round of the competition.
- The Best NY Burger Competition is now in its 10th year.
- The finalists were announced on April 14, 2026.
The players
Illusive Restaurant & Bar
A restaurant located in Rensselaer, New York that is known for its innovative burger creations.
Savoy Taproom
A popular restaurant and bar in Albany, New York that is also a finalist in the Best NY Burger Competition.
New York Beef Council
The organization that sponsors the annual Best NY Burger Competition to celebrate the state's thriving burger culture.
What’s next
The winner of the Best NY Burger Competition will be announced in May 2026. The winning restaurant will receive statewide recognition and promotion from the New York Beef Council.
The takeaway
The selection of Illusive Restaurant & Bar and Savoy Taproom as finalists in the prestigious Best NY Burger Competition demonstrates the high caliber of burger offerings in New York's Capital Region, which is becoming known as a hub for creative and delicious burgers.
