The Ultimate Guide To Bill's Bar & Burger: 7 Secrets Behind America's CNN Top 10 Burger (2025 Update)

Step into the bustling, high-energy world of Bill's Bar & Burger, and you're not just ordering a meal—you're experiencing a piece of New York City's modern culinary history, now expanded across the US. As of late 2025, this establishment continues to be celebrated not only for its massive, juicy burgers but also for its unique 'American Classic' diner-meets-bar atmosphere, cementing its status as a must-visit destination for both locals and travelers seeking the ultimate comfort food experience.

The journey of Bill's Bar & Burger, from its humble origins in the Meatpacking District to its current status under the hospitality empire of Landry's, Inc., is a testament to the enduring appeal of a perfectly crafted patty. Forget everything you thought you knew about simple diner food; Bill's has elevated the classic burger joint to an art form, complete with award-winning creations, monster shakes, and a menu that keeps evolving with the times, making it a critical entity in the contemporary burger scene.

The Bill's Bar & Burger Profile: History, Ownership, and Awards

Bill's Bar & Burger is a quintessential American restaurant concept, known for its commitment to premium, fresh ingredients and its vibrant, retro-inspired setting. The brand has cultivated a loyal following by focusing on high-quality, never-frozen beef and a menu that perfectly balances nostalgia with modern culinary trends.

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• Origin & Founding: Bill's Bar & Burger was first launched in 2009 in the Meatpacking District of New York City.
• Original Restaurateur: The concept was developed by restaurateur Stephen Hanson, as part of his BR Guest Hospitality group.
• Current Ownership (Entity): The restaurant group, BR Guest Hospitality, was acquired by Texas billionaire Tilman Fertitta's Landry's, Inc. (a major entity in the hospitality sector) in 2016, integrating Bill's into a vast portfolio of dining and entertainment venues.
• Flagship Location: The Rockefeller Center location in Midtown Manhattan is renowned as the biggest standalone burger joint in the country, boasting 400 seats.
• Signature Award: The restaurant gained national recognition when its "Fat Cat Burger" was voted one of the Top 10 Best Burgers in America by CNN.

The 7 Secrets Behind Bill's Bar & Burger's Enduring Success (2025 Menu Highlights)

Bill's isn't just a place to grab a quick bite; it's a culinary experience built on a few core, high-quality items that have become legendary. These seven features are the reason why Bill's continues to draw crowds and maintain its "Top 10" status.

1. The CNN Award-Winning Fat Cat Burger

The undisputed king of the menu is the Fat Cat Burger, the creation that earned Bill's a spot on CNN's prestigious list. This signature burger is a masterclass in flavor and texture, going beyond the simple cheeseburger formula. It features a juicy, perfectly cooked patty topped with melted American cheese, a generous layer of savory caramelized onions, and the restaurant's famous, tangy special sauce. It’s a messy, decadent, and deeply satisfying experience that embodies the 'American Classic' ethos.

2. The Iconic, Gravy-Drenched Disco Fries

No trip to Bill's is complete without an order of Disco Fries. This New Jersey/New York diner staple is a cult favorite and a key entity on the menu. These are not your average side of fries; they are typically crispy french fries generously smothered in rich brown gravy and topped with melted cheese curds or shredded cheese. The combination of salty, crispy potatoes, savory gravy, and gooey cheese is the perfect high-calorie companion to any burger or boozy shake.

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3. The Legendary Bill's Burger (The Classic)

While the Fat Cat gets the headlines, the classic Bill's Burger is the foundation of the menu. This option keeps things simple yet perfect, featuring American cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles (LTP), and the essential special sauce. It’s the benchmark for a great smash-style or griddled burger—a simple, elegant execution of the American staple that showcases the quality of the beef itself. The consistency of this 'classic' is what keeps the regulars coming back.

4. The Decadent Boozy and Monster Shakes

Bill's is as famous for its milkshakes as it is for its burgers. The menu includes a variety of "Monster Shakes" and, for the adult crowd, "Boozy Shakes." These are not thin, simple milkshakes; they are thick, creamy, and often over-the-top creations, sometimes spiked with liquor for a truly indulgent treat. The boozy shakes are particularly popular, offering a fun, dessert-cocktail hybrid that perfectly complements the salty, savory nature of the burgers and fries.

5. Strategic Locations in High-Profile Venues

The restaurant's locations are intentionally placed in high-traffic, high-profile areas, often within major hospitality entities like hotels. Current locations, updated for 2025, include:

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• Rockefeller Center, NYC: The massive flagship location.
• Downtown NYC: Located inside the Marriott Downtown NYC.
• Pittsburgh, PA: Situated within The Westin Convention Center.
• Atlantic City, NJ
• Lake Charles, LA

This strategic placement ensures constant visibility and a steady flow of both tourists and business travelers, vital for a successful restaurant brand.

6. The Landry's Inc. Hospitality Powerhouse

The acquisition by Tilman Fertitta's Landry's, Inc. provided Bill's Bar & Burger with the corporate backing and expansion potential of a major national entity. This ownership ensures consistency, quality control, and the financial stability required to maintain a high standard across multiple locations, from the Downtown NYC Marriott to The Westin in Pittsburgh. Being part of the Landry's portfolio positions Bill's as a serious player in the competitive American casual dining market.

7. A Menu Beyond the Burger

While the burgers are the star, Bill's Bar & Burger offers a full 'American Classic' menu that extends topical authority beyond the patty. The menu includes the "Ultimate Cheeseburger," various chicken sandwiches (Cluck), and a "Snack Attack" section featuring items like onion rings and wings. This variety ensures that the restaurant appeals to a broad audience, solidifying its role as a versatile, all-day dining spot that caters to every craving, from a quick lunch to a late-night dinner.

Bill's Bar & Burger: A 2025 Must-Visit Destination

The continued success of Bill's Bar & Burger into 2025 is a clear indicator that the formula—high-quality, fresh burgers, nostalgic sides like the famous Disco Fries, and over-the-top Monster Shakes—is a winning one. Whether you are visiting the massive Rockefeller Center location or stopping by the Downtown NYC spot, the experience is consistently one of big, bustling American comfort food. Under the ownership of Landry's, Inc., the brand maintains its commitment to the "Top 10 Burger" quality while ensuring the atmosphere remains fun, vibrant, and welcoming, making it a reliable choice for a truly satisfying meal.

For burger aficionados, the journey to Bill's is a pilgrimage to taste a nationally recognized masterpiece. The combination of the Fat Cat's caramelized onion perfection and a side of Boozy Shakes guarantees a memorable, indulgent dining adventure that lives up to the hype and the legacy started by Stephen Hanson in the Meatpacking District over a decade ago.