Charcoal-grilled burgers just hit different, and Upstate New York happens to be full of roadside spots that have been cooking them over open flame for decades. Some sit right on the water, others come with putt-putt golf or water-ski shows, and a few are old-school drive-ins where you order at a window and eat outside.
This list rounds up eight real, still-open joints that New Yorkers keep coming back to, from the Capital Region to the Lake Erie shoreline. Whether you are planning a summer road trip or just looking for a quick bite with a view, these places deliver simple food done right.
Grab some napkins and a little cash, because a couple of these spots are old-fashioned in more ways than one.
1. Jumpin’ Jack’s Drive-In, Scotia, NY
Right on the Mohawk River in Scotia, this seasonal drive-in cooks its food over a charcoal pit and serves it up through a walk-up window. The signature Jackburger is the reason many people make the trip, and it pairs nicely with a batch of Seasoned Twister Fries.
The menu runs classic and affordable, with fried clams, onion rings, and fried dough joining the burgers. Sundaes, shakes, and banana splits round things out if you want dessert.
The setting is a big part of the draw. Sitting by the park and the water, you get the full old-school drive-in atmosphere, and on some days the river even features water-ski shows.
Open daily from 11 AM to 9 PM in season, it is family-friendly, welcomes dogs, and has plenty of parking. Expect counter service with outdoor seating and no table service, which keeps things moving.
2. Red Top Hot Dogs, Hamburg, NY
Serving Western New York since 1946, this little shack in Hamburg overlooks Lake Erie and cooks everything on an open charcoal grill right in front of you. It is best known for a custom-blended Wardynski red hot, but the hamburgers hold their own.
Bring cash, because that is the only way to pay here. Fresh-cut fries, cottage fries, onion rings, and old-fashioned milkshakes fill out a short and focused menu, and a thick chocolate shake is a solid finish.
Seating is entirely outdoors, with plenty of tables and a view of the water. There is an open condiment bar, so you can dress your dog or burger exactly how you like.
Hours run 11 AM to 8 PM most days, though it closes on Wednesdays. There is no restroom on site, so plan accordingly, and enjoy the lakeside setting while you eat.
3. Ted’s Hot Dogs, Tonawanda, NY
A Buffalo-area institution since 1927, Ted’s built its name on charcoal-grilled hot dogs, but the char-broiled burgers deserve just as much attention. The open flame gives everything that distinct grilled flavor that keeps people loyal.
The Tonawanda location on Sheridan Drive is a casual counter-service spot with a cool, straightforward vibe. Alongside burgers and dogs, you can order Polish and Italian sausage, a veggie dog, fries, onion rings, and thick milkshakes.
A popular move is the split order, half fries and half onion rings, so you do not have to choose. It is quick, efficient, and easy for solo diners or groups alike.
Open daily from 11 AM to 9 PM, it tends to get busiest in the evenings, especially on weekends. There is a kids’ menu, high chairs, outdoor seating, and plenty of parking, making it an easy stop any day of the week.
4. Charcoal Corral, Perry, NY
Out in rural Perry, this spot is more than a place to eat. Part of a family entertainment complex, Charcoal Corral pairs its food with putt-putt golf, an arcade, live concerts, and that whole drive-in-movie roadside feel.
The kitchen turns out open-flame charcoal-grilled meats, plus pizza, pasta, and barbecue. You will also find a Beef on Weck, a Western New York classic, along with onion rings and chicken fingers.
It leans hard into family fun, which makes it a natural stop for birthdays, group outings, and kids who need somewhere to burn off energy between bites. There is an all-you-can-eat option, a full vegetarian menu, and free wi-fi.
Hours stretch to 10 PM on Friday and Saturday, with 8:30 PM closings the rest of the week. Between the games, the concerts, and the food, it is easy to turn a quick meal into a whole evening out.
5. Andrew’s Burger Shed, Slingerlands, NY
Sometimes the best burger comes from the simplest setup, and this roadside shed in Slingerlands proves it. Fresh-made burgers are the star, grilled to order and served at fair prices.
The mushroom burger is a standout, and the sides get plenty of love too. Onion rings, fries, and milkshakes round out the comfort-food lineup.
What sets this place apart is the relaxed outdoor setup. Picnic tables and open lawn space give kids room to run around while you eat, which makes it an easy family stop on a nice day.
Open daily from 11:30 AM to 8 PM, it keeps things casual and quiet. It offers dine-in, takeout, and delivery, welcomes dogs in the outdoor area, and has plenty of free parking.
If you want a fresh char-broiled burger without any fuss, this is a solid pick along New Scotland Road.
6. Schaller’s, Rochester, NY
Few places capture Rochester nostalgia quite like Schaller’s, a throwback drive-in near the Lake Ontario waterfront that has been a hometown favorite for generations. The old-fashioned charm is genuine, right down to the counter service and simple menu.
The classic here is a thin, grilled ground round hamburger that overhangs the bun, topped with the shop’s signature meat hot sauce. That local-style burger is a Rochester tradition worth trying if you have never had one.
Beyond the burgers, the menu keeps it regional with sausage on a hard roll and a Friday fish fry that has its own following. Fries, milkshakes, and soft-serve custard cover the rest.
One nice touch is that you can pile on as many dill pickle slices as you want. Open daily from 10:30 AM to 10 PM, with weekends and Sunday afternoons drawing the biggest crowds, it is dog-friendly and easy to reach along Edgemere Drive.
7. Bill Gray’s Webster, Webster, NY
Ask a Rochester-area local about cheeseburgers and Bill Gray’s is bound to come up. This regional chain has been serving its cheeseburgers, hot dogs, and frozen custard for decades, and the Webster location on Ridge Road keeps the tradition going.
The headline item is the World’s Greatest Cheeseburger, a charbroiled staple that keeps regulars returning trip after trip. The burgers, fries, and onion rings all get high marks from the crowd that grew up on them.
The Webster spot is big, clean, and built for fast, efficient service even when it is busy. It offers table service, a kids’ menu, free wi-fi, and frozen custard for dessert.
Hours run to 9 PM most nights and 10 PM on Friday and Saturday, with Friday evening being the busiest stretch. Dine in, take out, or order delivery, and settle the long-running debate about that famous cheeseburger for yourself.
8. The Original Charbroil House Restaurant & Catering, Rochester, NY
The name says it all at this established Rochester eatery, where charbroiled is the whole point. Located on Island Cottage Road, it has a longtime reputation for burgers, ribs, and other pub-style fare.
Oscar’s Cheeseburger Plates are a signature, and the burgers get plenty of praise across the board. You will also find chicken sandwiches, Texas hot plates, steak sandwiches, and a basket of onion rings that regulars swear by.
The menu is broad enough to please just about any table, with breakfast on Sundays, brunch, salads, seafood, and a full kids’ menu. There is table service, catering, and a welcoming, clean setting that works for groups.
Hours run daily, opening at 11 AM most days and 9 AM on Sunday, with weekend evenings being the busiest. Between the outdoor tent seating and the variety on the menu, it is an authentic Upstate spot for charbroiled just about anything.
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