Florida Burger Joints Locals Say Are Worth The Drive For Their Signature Burger
Florida isn’t just about beaches and theme parks. The state has some seriously amazing burger joints that locals drive miles to visit.
From creative toppings to perfectly grilled patties, these spots serve burgers that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance. Get ready to discover ten places where the signature burgers are so good, you’ll want to plan your next road trip around them.
Brooks Burgers
Where creativity meets comfort food magic, this Naples gem has been blowing minds with burgers you never knew you needed. Brooks Burgers takes wild ideas and transforms them into handheld masterpieces that taste even better than they sound.
The Donut Burger is exactly what it sounds like, and yes, it’s as glorious as your imagination suggests. Sweet meets savory in a way that shouldn’t work but absolutely does.
Then there’s the Sweet Charlotte, crowned with house-made bacon jam that’s sticky, smoky, and dangerously addictive. Every bite feels like a flavor adventure you didn’t know you signed up for but are thrilled to be on.
Engine No. 9
This St. Petersburg hotspot knows how to build a burger that makes you reconsider everything you thought you knew about beef between buns. Engine No. 9 crafts the Demi God, a towering creation that lives up to its mythological name with every layer.
Cheddar and Swiss cheeses melt into each other like they were meant to be together forever. Sautéed mushrooms add earthiness while caramelized onions bring sweetness that dances across your tongue.
The horseradish mayo kicks in with just enough heat to wake up your senses without overwhelming the party. It’s bold, balanced, and absolutely worth whatever traffic you hit getting there.
Thee Burger Spot
Are you the kind of person who needs their burger exactly their way? Thee Burger Spot in Tampa gets you, and they’re ready to make your wildest patty dreams come true with fresh, daily-made beef.
Customization here isn’t just choosing ketchup or mustard. We’re talking a full-blown topping bar where your imagination is the only limit to what lands on your burger.
The patties are made fresh every single day, which means you’re getting quality that shines through no matter what you pile on top. It’s like having a burger artist at your service, ready to paint your perfect meal.
Mac’s Drive Thru
Since 1987, this Gainesville institution has been proving that sometimes simple really is better. Mac’s Drive Thru doesn’t need fancy gimmicks because their burgers have been speaking for themselves for over three decades.
The Mac’s Way and All-the-Way options have created a loyal following that spans generations of burger lovers. These aren’t complicated creations, just perfectly executed classics that hit every single note right.
What makes people drive across town? Consistency, quality, and that nostalgic feeling of biting into a burger that tastes like it came from a simpler, more delicious time.
Le Tub
Hollywood’s waterfront treasure serves up a burger experience that’s equal parts delicious and picturesque. Le Tub sits right along the Intracoastal Waterway, where the views almost compete with what’s on your plate.
Almost. Because that 13-ounce hand-formed sirloin burger grilled over hardwood is the real star of this show.
The hardwood grilling technique imparts a smoky flavor that gas grills simply cannot replicate. It’s primal, it’s perfectly charred, and it’s the kind of burger that makes you understand why people have been coming back here for years. The waterfront breeze is just a bonus.
El Rey de las Fritas
Did you know Miami has its own special burger style that’s been perfected since 1976? El Rey de las Fritas has been serving up fritas, a Cuban specialty that blends spicy chorizo with beef in a way that’ll make you forget regular burgers exist.
The magic happens when they top this spiced patty with crunchy papitas, those crispy shoestring potatoes that add texture and pure joy.
It’s a taste of Miami’s rich culinary heritage squeezed between a bun. Every bite tells a story of culture, tradition, and the kind of flavor innovation that happens when communities share their food love.
T-Ray’s Burger Station
When a converted gas station serves better burgers than most fancy restaurants, you know something special is happening. T-Ray’s Burger Station in Fernandina Beach has transformed an unlikely location into a burger destination that locals guard like a delicious secret.
The juicy patties here are cooked with care and served with genuine warmth that makes you feel like family.
The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, the kind of place where everyone knows everyone and strangers become friends over shared burger appreciation.
It’s proof that great food doesn’t need a fancy address, just passion and quality ingredients.
Pinegrove Market & Deli
Hidden gems are called that for a reason, and Jacksonville’s Pinegrove Market & Deli is the definition of a treasure worth hunting down. This unassuming spot focuses on what really matters: fresh, high-quality ingredients that let the burger shine without unnecessary fuss.
The relaxed setting makes it feel like you’ve stumbled into a neighborhood secret that only the cool kids know about.
Quality and value come together here in a way that’s increasingly rare. You’re not paying for Instagram-worthy presentations or trendy decor, just honest-to-goodness delicious burgers made by people who care about what they’re serving.
The Salty Donut (Burger Pop-Up Collab)
Though primarily known for artisan donuts, Miami’s culinary scene occasionally delivers burger collaborations that make headlines and long lines. The Salty Donut has hosted pop-up burger events that combine pastry creativity with serious burger-making skills.
These limited-time offerings bring together unexpected flavors and techniques that push boundaries. When they announce a burger event, locals set alarms and clear schedules.
The innovation level here is off the charts, with chefs experimenting like mad scientists who happen to be really, really good at making things taste incredible. It’s proof that Miami’s food scene never stops evolving and surprising.
Kush Hospitality Group Locations
However you feel about chains, Kush Hospitality Group’s various Miami locations prove that local mini-empires can maintain quality across multiple spots. Their commitment to locally-sourced ingredients and creative burger construction has earned them serious street cred among Florida foodies.
Each location brings its own vibe while maintaining the same dedication to craft burgers that taste like someone actually cares.
The rotating specials keep regulars coming back, always curious about what wild combination the kitchen will dream up next. It’s neighborhood pride meets culinary ambition, served on a perfectly toasted bun with a side of Miami attitude.
