Hudson Valley Burger Joint Named Among New York's Best

Ben's Fresh in Port Jervis makes the top 10 list for the 5th straight year.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 9:00pm

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A highly stylized, pop art-inspired illustration featuring a repeated grid of a single, iconic burger icon rendered in vibrant neon colors with heavy black outlines, conceptually representing the celebration of a local restaurant's culinary achievement.A Hudson Valley burger joint's creative take on a New York classic earns it a spot among the state's top 10 burgers.NYC Today

The New York Beef Council has announced its top 10 best burgers in New York state for 2026, and a beloved Hudson Valley restaurant, Ben's Fresh in Port Jervis, has made the list for the fifth consecutive year.

Why it matters

The annual Best New York Burger competition highlights the thriving burger culture across the state, from Syracuse to Albany and Rochester to the Hudson Valley. Ben's Fresh's continued recognition as one of the top burger destinations in New York underscores the restaurant's commitment to quality ingredients and creative culinary flair.

The details

Ben's Fresh entered its 'Empire State of Prime' burger, which features premium beef, 5-year-old Grand Reserve cheddar, espresso bourbon bacon jam, sweet-heat cherry pepper relish, and a smooth Crown maple aioli, all served on a pillowy pretzel bun. The burger brings together several New York-based producers to create a bold, balanced flavor profile that represents the best of the state's culinary offerings.

  • Ben's Fresh has made the top 10 list for the 5th consecutive year.
  • Last year, Ben's Fresh placed second in the competition.

The players

New York Beef Council

The organization that hosts the annual Best New York Burger competition to recognize the top burger joints across the state.

Ben's Fresh

A beloved burger restaurant located in Port Jervis, New York, that has been named one of the top 10 best burgers in the state for the past 5 years.

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What they’re saying

“These incredible restaurants have been recognized for serving up the best burgers in New York. From Syracuse to Albany, Rochester to the Hudson Valley—these are the establishments raising the bar for beef excellence across our great state.”

— New York Beef Council

“Crafted with premium beef and built to represent the bold flavors of the Hudson Valley, our entry features Prime beef stacked with a 5-year-old Grand Reserve cheddar, our espresso bourbon bacon jam, sweet-heat cherry pepper relish, and a smooth Crown maple aioli — all served on a pillowy pretzel bun.”

— Ben's Fresh

What’s next

Over the next few weeks, secret judges will be trying the nominated burgers at each of the top 10 restaurants to determine the overall winner.

The takeaway

Ben's Fresh's continued recognition as one of New York's best burger destinations showcases the Hudson Valley's thriving food culture and the region's commitment to using high-quality, locally-sourced ingredients to create innovative and delicious culinary experiences.