Last Updated on March 29, 2024
Looking for the best burgers in Florida? We’ve got you covered.
Food historians tend to agree the hamburger was invented in the United States in the late 1800s or early 1900s.
The reality is some can trace the birth of the burger back to Ancient Rome.
Now let’s take a look at the cheeseburger. Did you know that three different places claim to be the birthplace of the cheeseburger?
California says 16-year-old Lionel Sternberger was working in his father’s Pasadena sandwich shop, The Rite Spot. In 1926, he experimented by dropping a slice of American cheese on a beef patty —and the “cheese hamburger” was born.
Kentucky claims a Louisville restaurant called Kaelin’s invented the cheeseburger in 1934. However, they didn’t trademark it.
Colorado says that the Humpty Dumpty Drive-In in Denver invented the “cheeseburger” in 1935, and has both a 1944 court order and a trademark to prove it.
We found all of this backstory interesting, but our focus today is finding the best burgers in Florida.
Table of contents
- Bev’s Burgers Cafe, High Springs
- Burger Place, Melbourne
- Burger Station, Hernando
- Charm City Burger Company, Deerfield Beach
- Engine No 9, St. Petersburg
- Garbo’s Grill – Key West
- Gilbert’s 17th Street Grill, Fort Lauderdale
- Grease Burger Bar, West Palm Beach
- Le Chick, Miami
- The Le Tub Saloon, Hollywood
- Mac’s Drive-Thru, Gainesville
- Pinegrove Market and Deli, Jacksonville
- The Raintree Restaurant, St. Augustine
- T-Ray’s Burger Station, Fernandina Beach
- Thee Burger Spot, Tampa
- Other Notable Places for Great Burgers in Florida (A-J)
- More Notable Places for Great Burgers in Florida (K-U)
The Best Burgers in Florida
Either way, most of us can agree that the burger is a delicious food that we can all enjoy (unless you are a Vegan or Vegetarian, but we have a separate article for you).
This is where to get the best burgers in Florida or cheeseburgers if you prefer (in alphabetical order):
Bev’s Burgers Cafe, High Springs
Located in High Springs, Bev’s Burgers Cafe prides itself on serving the best burgers and barbeque in town. Additionally, if you’re looking for traditional Southern home cooking, this is the place to be.
They are also known for great service and getting your food quickly. Ask about their specials.
Bev’s Burger Cafe Address: 18732 NW US Hwy 441, High Springs, FL 32643
Burger Place, Melbourne
The Burger Place in Melbourne is a classic retro diner serving delicious burgers made from 100% pure ground beef that’s never frozen.
They also serve homemade buns and homemade fries. Stop by to try out one of the best burgers in Florida.
Burger Place Address: 811 E New Haven Ave, Melbourne, FL 32901
Burger Station, Hernando
The Burger Station in Hernando serves fresh and delicious steakburgers and prides itself on having the best milkshakes and soft serve in town.
The historic building resembles a 1930s-style gas station. Additionally, their burgers are crafted from the highest quality of meat on the market, which is 100% steak.
Burger Station Address: 2700 N Florida Ave, Hernando, FL 34442
Looking to make it a day trip? Check out our favorite things to do on Florida’s Adventure Coast!
Charm City Burger Company, Deerfield Beach
Located in Deerfield Beach, Charm City Burger Company may look small, but don’t let that fool you. They are 100% chef-driven, and their burgers are made from fine ingredients.
They have a wide array of options so there’s something for everyone.
Their Charm City Burger Blend is made daily in Hallandale Beach. All in all, Charm City Burger Company offers “5-star chef-designed burgers at a quick service price!”
Charm City Burger Company Address: 1136 E Hillsboro Blvd, Deerfield Beach, FL 33441
Engine No 9, St. Petersburg
Located in the Edge District of St. Pete, Engine No 9 is a sports bar with a hockey vibe owned by Jason Esposito.
You may not know that Esposito was born into hockey royalty. His father Tony Esposito and his uncle Phil Esposito are both in the Hockey Hall of Fame and the founders of the Tampa Bay Lightning.
They’ve been serving delicious burgers since 2012.
Engine No 9 Address: 56 Dr. M.L.K. Jr St N, St. Petersburg, FL 33705
Garbo’s Grill – Key West
Husband and wife team Eli and Kenna Pancamo make delicious food and burgers at Garbo’s Grill in Key West. Their dream was to one day have their own little restaurant and after years of looking their dream finally came true.
They found a 6×8 food cart and put the wheels in motion. Stop by and see them on Caroline St. in Key West.
The menu changes every season, and every Monday, they have a new special of the week.
Garbos Grill Address: 409 Caroline St, Key West, FL 33040
Looking to make it a day trip? Check out our favorite things to do in Key West!
Gilbert’s 17th Street Grill, Fort Lauderdale
Located in Fort Lauderdale at the Harbor Shops, Gilbert’s 17th Street Grill makes delicious burgers, ribs, and homemade soups and salads.
Check out their daily blackboard specials. These include pan-seared tuna, roast pork on garlic toast, and a grilled portobello mushroom burger.
Don’t forget to save room for Mrs. Gilbert’s homemade key lime pie and cheesecake. One of their family members is always working and is happy to help you, “treating your family like family.”
Gilbert’s 17th Street Grill Address: 1821 Cordova Rd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
Looking to make it a day trip? Check out our favorite Things to do in Fort Lauderdale.
Grease Burger Bar, West Palm Beach
Located in West Palm Beach, Grease Burger Bar not only has award-winning burgers but also over 120 craft beers of Palm Beach.
Grease Burger Bar also has salads, chicken sandwiches, wings, and fantastic sides.
The restaurant looks similar to buildings of the NYC Meat Packing District at the turn of the century. This is due to their fireplace, oak bar, and steel meat hooks hanging from the ceiling.
Check them out in downtown West Palm Beach near the Clematis Street fountain!
Grease Burger Bar Address: 213 Clematis St, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
In case you want to make it a getaway, check out 6 Fun Things to Do Around the Palm Beaches.
Le Chick, Miami
Coco Coig and Jorge Sanchez, owners of Le Chick in Miami, traveled worldwide for inspiration to create the best burger in the world.
They were inspired by Rotisserie Amsterdam, a Dutch restaurant that serves rotisserie chicken as well as burgers.
Coig and Sanchez discovered this restaurant in 2015 and fell in love. They particularly liked the style of food as well as the inviting atmosphere.
Le Chick’s menu, prices, atmosphere, and outdoor seating area all make them a top destination for someone seeking a delicious meal and craft cocktails.
Le Chick Address: 310 NW 24th St, Miami, FL 33127
Looking to make it a day trip? Check out our favorite Things to Do in Miami!
The Le Tub Saloon, Hollywood
The Le Tub Saloon in Hollywood, Florida opened on November 2nd, 1959 as a Sunoco gas station. It was eventually closed and bought again in 1974.
The owners of LeTub completely renovated the space and turned it into a multi-level outdoor seating saloon.
For several decades it was home to locals, who either stumbled upon the restaurant while boating or by word of mouth. There were never any signs or advertising.
However, in 2006, GQ called the Le Tub Saloon burger the #1 burger in the nation, which quickly made it very popular and on everyone’s radar as one of the best burgers in Florida.
The Le Tub Saloon Address: 1100 N Ocean Dr, Hollywood, FL 33019
Mac’s Drive-Thru, Gainesville
As the name suggests, Mac’s Drive-Thru in Gainesville is a drive-thru restaurant that has been serving delicious burgers since 1987.
Don’t let the small building fool you – Mac’s serves up homemade burgers, french fries, and also hot sandwiches.
There are two drive-thrus and a walk-up window where you can order your food.
Mac’s is incredibly popular and usually has long drive-thru lines – so get there before you’re hungry!
Mac’s Drive-Thru Address: 129 NW 10th Ave, Gainesville, FL 32601
Looking to make it a day trip? Check out our favorite Things to do in Gainesville!
Pinegrove Market and Deli, Jacksonville
Located in historic Avondale, Pinegrove Market and Deli has been in Jacksonville for over 60 years.
This deli and butcher shop has an old-world charm and family atmosphere. Personal attention is given to every order and you’re sure to get a delicious meal every time you visit.
Pinegrove Market and Deli Address: 1511 Pine Grove Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32205
While in the area, check out Things to Do in Jacksonville.
The Raintree Restaurant, St. Augustine
Since opening in 1981, The Raintree has been called one of Florida’s top restaurant destinations.
The menu has many cuisines – Mediterranean, American, and Asian all made from delicious and fine ingredients.
The owners, the MacDonald family, immigrated to America from England in 1979 on their yacht, the Instholo III.
The restaurant’s design is a replica of the yacht that took them on their journey. Their burger is one of the best burgers in Florida.
This is a favorite of the locals, so we recommend getting there early.
The Raintree Restaurant Address: 102 San Marco Ave, St. Augustine, FL 32084
Looking to make it a day trip? Check out our favorite Things to do in St. Augustine!
T-Ray’s Burger Station, Fernandina Beach
This Sunshine State favorite T-Ray’s Burger Station began as an Exxon gas station in 1972. The owner Big Ray’s son T-Ray’s hidden passion was opening his own restaurant.
Big Ray eventually let him sell sandwiches out of the gas station. This began a transformation of the Exxon station.
Soon T-Ray, friends, and family all worked to turn the station into a restaurant with the slogan “Eat Here and Get Gas!”
T-Ray’s has been discussed in Southern Living, The Washington Post, USA Today, and even more!
Make sure to stop by and try one of the best burgers in Florida the next time you’re near Fernandina Beach!
T-Ray’s Burger Station Address: 202 S 8th St, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
While in the area, check out these other cool places around Amelia Island.
Thee Burger Spot, Tampa
Looking for a delicious burger at an amazing price? Stop by Thee Burger Spot in Tampa for one of the best burgers in Florida.
If you’re a burger lover, you absolutely have to stop by this memorable spot.
Looking for something other than a burger? They also have delicious sandwiches, sides, and desserts as well.
The Burger Spot Address: 3917 N Tampa St, Tampa, FL 33603
While in the area, check out Top 5 Things to Do North of Tampa.
Other Notable Places for Great Burgers in Florida (A-J)
- Adlers – 543 Ave B SW, Winter Haven, FL 33880
- Andy’s Drive-In – 703 3rd St SW, Winter Haven, FL 33880
- Angel’s Dining Car – 209 Reid St, Palatka, FL 32177
- Ariete – 3540 Main Hwy, Coconut Grove, FL 33133
- Babe’s Meat and Counter – 9216 SW 156th St, Miami, FL 33157
- Blue Dot – 310 N De Villiers St, Pensacola, FL 32501
- Brooks Burger – 330 9th St S, Naples, FL 34102
- Brother’s Kitchen – 4538 E Hwy 20, Niceville, FL 32578
- Cabbage Key Restaurant – Channel Marker 60, Pineland, FL 33945
- Carolina Jax – 2548 Oak St, Jacksonville, FL 32204
- Cobb’s Landing – 200 N Indian River Dr #4424, Fort Pierce, FL 34950
- Coconuts on the Beach – 2 Minutemen Causeway, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931
- Dick Mondell’s – 412 SW 4th Ave, Gainesville, FL 32601
- El Cap – 3500 4th St N, St. Petersburg, FL 33704
- Goody Goody Burgers – 1601 W Swann Ave, Tampa, FL 33606
- Hamburger Haven – 1018 N Tamarind Ave, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
- Hopdoddy Burger Bar – 3425 Thomasville Rd Suite 21, Tallahassee, FL 32309
- Jack’s Old Fashion Hamburger House – 591 S Cypress Rd, Pompano Beach, FL 33060
- Jim’s Place – 4917 State Rd 207, Elkton, FL 32033
- Jimmy P’s Charred – 1839 Tamiami Trail N, Naples, FL 34102
- John’s Drive-In – 17 N Charleston Ave, Fort Meade, FL 33841
More Notable Places for Great Burgers in Florida (K-U)
- Le Tubb Saloon – 1100 N Ocean Dr, Hollywood, FL 33019
- Mac’s Drive-Thru – 129 NW 10th Ave, Gainesville, FL 32601
- Mutt’s on 13th – 1517 13th St, St Cloud, FL 34769
- Pudgee’s Artery and Market – 8435 E Rosko Ct, Floral City, FL 34436
- Red Top Pit Stop – 12160 US Hwy 98 N, Lakeland, FL 33809
- S and L Restaurant – 2915 S Combee Rd, Eaton Park, FL 33840
- Swine and Sons – 1280 N Orange Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789
- Ted’s Luncheonette – 1201 Clearwater Largo Rd, Largo, FL 33770
- The Brass Ring Pub – 200 US-1, North Palm Beach, FL 33408
- The Half Wall – 1889 FL-44, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168
- The Waterfront Brewery – 201 William St, Key West, FL 33040
- USBS – 8300 NE 2nd Ave Suite 102, Miami, FL 33138
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The first hamburgers in U.S. history were served in New Haven, Connecticut, at Louis’ Lunch sandwich shop in 1895, and it’s still open! Another great place for a burger is The Chattaway in St. Pete.
Hi Patti! Good to know about the history of the hamburger. We found it interesting 3 different places claim to be the home of the first cheeseburger. We need to try a burger at the Chattaway. We love their seafood dishes. Also, their tea room is one of our favorites in the state: https://authenticflorida.com/tea-rooms-florida/. The family that owns/runs The Chattaway are awesome people, too.
Absolutely
Love you to check out M.E.A.T. Eatery And Taproom. Been named Best Burger in Florida 3x’s for Inside-Out Juicy Lucy (homemade bacon & pimento cheese stuffed burger) and 2022 for the Nancy Pants burger (brisket/chuck blend 5 oz patty seasoned w American cheese, L/T) served single or double w Duckfat fried French Fries w Mango Chipotle Ketchup