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This Is The Best Burger In Florida According To Reader’s Digest

Who doesn’t love biting into a good, juicy burger? With summer right around the corner, all our mind can think about is grilling out on the pool deck and enjoying…

Hand holding a warm homemade hamburger in outdoors Best burger in Florida
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Who doesn't love biting into a good, juicy burger? With summer right around the corner, all our mind can think about is grilling out on the pool deck and enjoying some good old-fashioned grilled meats. Want to know where to find the best burger in Florida? Well the good news is Reader's Digest did the work for you and found the best and most satisfying burger spots around the country. The bad news is the best burger in Florida is quite the drive from Tampa Bay.

Are you more of a fan of the classic cheeseburger? Or do you like something fancier or outside the norm. Personally, I can only justify paying for a $15 burger if it does have some crazy toppings/sauce.

Here's Where To Find The Best Burger In Florida

According to Reader's Digest, MEAT Eatery & Tap Room has the best burger in Florida. They have 2 locations in the Sunshine State, but unfortunately, none are on the west coast. You can see them next time you go down to south Florida or the keys. They have locations in Islamorada and Boca Raton.

MEAT Eatery & Tap Room is known to brand "meat" into each bun. Their menu consists of not only burgers but also fish, chicken, veggie burgers & salads and other fun items like zucchini fries, smoked potato salad and homemade coleslaw. Surely, their menu is filled with tons of unique dishes like their duck fat French fries and the homemade Nutella ice cream in the “adult milkshakes”.

MEAT Eatery & Tap Room clearly knows their stuff. They've even been visited by Guy Fieri for an episode of Diner's Drive-Ins, and Dives back in 2016. They've also been recognized by USA Today, TripAdvisor, and more.

I was kind of surprised to see them on the list, as they only have 2 burgers on their actual menu. The "Nancy Pants with Cheese Burger" is a 5 oz. angus burger with American cheese, lettuce, tomato. Aka your typical American cheese burger. Or you can try the "Inside-out Juicy Lucy Burger" which is a Pimento cheese and bacon stuffed 7 oz. burger topped with American cheese, lettuce and tomato.

There's never a bad time for a good burger. Thankfully, you have lots of options in the Tampa Bay area to satisfy your cravings! Whether you're looking for the classic cheeseburger with lettuce, tomatoes, and onion, or want to venture into bolder flavors, here are the places and burgers you need to try.

It's no secret that the Tampa Bay area is home to so many great restaurants. It doesn't matter if you're looking for a casual setting, or want to dress up. We have endless options of tasty menus to try. We got some inspiration from the best-rated places on Yelp but also added a few of our picks.

Since it's Tampa Bay Burger Week (from Nov 2-Nov 12), we thought we would do a deep dive of our favorite burger restaurants, or even restaurants with must-try burgers. Tampa Bay Burger Week is donating a portion of proceeds to Feeding Tampa Bay. You may notice that some of the places on our list are hosting specials for Burger Week. To take advantage of Tampa Bay Burger Week 2023, all you have to do is simply ask for the Tampa Bay Burger Week special.

How do you like your burgers?

Some like to keep it classic. All they need is some beef cooked to perfection, cheese, lettuce, onion, tomato (and maybe a pickle on the side.) Some only eat burgers unless it's got unique or bolder ingredients. Props to those who are bold enough to try burgers with donut buns at the Florida State Fair. We like to keep it interesting and try the more flavorful burgers, but it's hard to turn down a true classic.

Any place we missed from the list? Let us know on social media!

Here's where you can find the best burgers in the Tampa Bay area

Burger Culture

Number 1 on our list is Burger Culture. With a name like that how could you not be in the top 5?! This is the place to go to for any kind of burger you're craving. But personally, we think it's worth it to try one of their specialty burgers like The Street Burger or the Ramen Burger.

Isaac's World Famous Burgers

Located off Columbus Ave, Isaac's World Famous Burgers is quite the hidden Tampa gem. Their classic burgers are always a good way to go but we recommend trying the Cheesy Mr. Peppa Steak Burger. It's made with their one-of-a-kind spicy cheese cream sauce. Provolone cheese and sautéed sweet onions and Pepperoncini peppers.

Thee Burger Spot

Thee Burger Spot made Yelp's list of the most "outrageous" burgers in America. Thee Glazed One from Thee Burger Spot made the list of 11 "eye-popping patties.

Foody's

Foody's Tampa is a great hole in the wall spot with a huge menu! But what will keep you coming back for more is their French Toast Burger....

Boozy Pig

The Boozy Pig is another one of our favorite Tampa spots. For some of the highest-quality meats and fresh ingredients, go to The Boozy Pig. The only downside is they are open for lunch only and Brunch on the weekends where you can get their Breakfast Burger.

El Cap

Cross the bridge to St. Pete for one of the most classic burger joints around. El Cap has always been a staple in St. Pete and has some of the best smash burgers in town! In 2023 they changed owners, but the delicious food remains the same.

Engine No 9

Last but not least on our list is Engine No. 9. This St. Pete gem has some of the best specialty burgers in Pinellas. The XXX Burger is our favorite made with: Cheddar Cheese, Barbecue Sauce & Jalapeño Bacon. Served on Pretzel Roll.

Jen was born and raised in the Tampa Bay area. She’s been with Beasley Media Group since 2022. In her spare time, you can find her at Tampa Bay Lightning games, Tampa Bay breweries, or the beach. Catch up on Jen’s content about the highest-rated restaurants/bars in Tampa, things-to-do around the area, and upcoming concerts.