Levittown might be known for its tidy grid of streets and classic American homes, but look beyond the familiar facades. Tucked into its shopping centers and main drags are burger joints that elevate the humble patty into something special. From a classic diner with a cult following to a modern spot with a killer secret sauce, here are the places making Levittown a true burger destination.
Murphy’s Beef & Ale
$ | (215) 943-4431 | WEBSITE
One great thing about Murphy’s Beef & Ale is that the atmosphere is fun—if you walk in here on a comedy night or during a pool tournament, there won’t be a dull moment. A lot of the entertainment also has a do-it-yourself component, from the jukebox where you pick the songs to—our favorite—the pool tables that you can challenge friends on. This place usually gets packed with regulars and event-goers, but there somehow there’s always a free spot at the bar.
Hoagie Xpress
$ | (215) 949-1390 | WEBSITE
We wish there was a Hoagie Xpress on every corner. This spot is the quintessential neighborhood sandwich shop that’s always busy and with good reason—they serve hearty comfort food, like Italian hoagies, Big Beef sandwiches, turkey and provolone hoagies, and cheesesteaks that are good for both quick lunches and relaxed evenings when you just need to unwind and dive headfirst into a basket of crispy onion rings.
Texas Chicken & Burgers
$ | (215) 622-2022 | WEBSITE
Some fast-food spots are beyond trends, and Texas Chicken & Burgers is one of them. It’s a little too clean to be called a greasy spoon, but anyone who frequents late-night takeout joints and their requisite fluorescent lighting will feel right at home here. You’re not stopping in for artisanal burgers and a story about ‘this one farm-to-table place we went to,’ you come here because you want to grab a quick meal over some of the best fried chicken in the area or a few affordable burgers.
Maryanne’s Homestyle Cooking
$ | (267) 589-6196 | WEBSITE
The family-friendly spot with homestyle charm is breakfast royalty in Levittown, and everybody knows it. You know how packed Sunday mornings can be at popular local joints? Getting a table at Maryanne’s on weekends is like that. Everyone is here for the tasty scrapple, creamy chipped beef, and breakfast items with generous portions and fast, friendly service. But one of the best things you can get here is the early bird specials.
They’re fantastic quality and great pricing, and the attentive staff takes the experience over the top. If you can’t decide among the greats, try the variety on the menu, which comes with a little bit of everything.
Richman’s Ice Cream & Burger Co.
$ | (215) 943-1801 | WEBSITE
The first thing you notice when you walk up to Richman’s walk-up window is the cooks preparing made-to-order burgers and hot dogs—the view inevitably draws people in. On a perfect summer night, sitting at the outside seating is the way to go, but the other seasons, the clean, bustling dining room does the trick. We especially like the burgers and tots, but if you’re in the mood for something sweet, you can’t go wrong with the classic milkshakes with that great, old-fashioned consistency.
Burger King
$ | (215) 547-7384 | WEBSITE
This Burger King feels like it was ripped out of a Chuck Lorre script. It’s one of those places where you can always swing by, while families with kids wait for a group of four unlikely friends to come in and drive the episode’s plot forward in some hilarious way.
The staff is friendly, there’s a lot of seating, and if you forgot your kids, there’s a whole playground in the back that you can pretend to supervise as the comic relief character bursts through the door to tell the others how a squirrel locked them out of their apartment. Pair the burger standards like Whoppers and chicken sandwiches with hot fries from the fry station or one of their shakes that hit the spot.
Gleasons Bar
$ | (215) 943-4781 | WEBSITE
Gleasons Bar is the neighborhood’s casual weeknight dinner mascot. The low-key dive bar is walk-in-friendly. There’s plenty of place to spread out with an entourage and swarm around mounds of cheesesteaks, wings with Griffins Sauce, and drinks poured by friendly bartenders like Fiona. No visit is complete without a cheesesteak (or two) of their fantastic, real cheesesteaks, complete with a crispy wing curled around the rim.
It’s the closest you’ll get to lively escapism from the east side of Bucks County.
McDonald’s
$ | (215) 943-7004 | WEBSITE
McDonald’s on route 413 has been the reliable spot for fast, fresh burgers and crispy McChicken sandwiches since its opening. The counter-service restaurant—outfitted with clean, modern decor and comfortable seating (as expected)—is also a welcoming place we come to after a long day of errands, or for quick lunches when cooking is absolutely out of the question. The meal order should include the classic McChicken, perfectly cooked and never dry like at other locations.
While it can be a bit pricey lately, with happy meals for kids running around $6–$8, it’s worth every penny for the consistent quality and friendly service.