FLORIDA - While Florida is famous for its fresh seafood and key lime pie, the Sunshine State also boasts a seriously impressive and creative burger scene. Beyond the classic cheeseburger, talented chefs and inventive restaurateurs are crafting over-the-top, unique, and extravagant burgers that are true culinary destinations. From quirky peanut butter creations to award-winning Wagyu smash burgers, the state offers a delicious journey for any adventurous burger lover.
Florida's Burger Quest: A Guide to the State's Most Extravagant and Unique Burgers
Here is a guide to some of the best and most unique burgers you can find in Florida.
1. The "Big Daddy Burger" at McGuire's Irish Pub (Destin & Pensacola)
- The Burger: An iconic destination in the Florida Panhandle, McGuire's Irish Pub is as famous for its unique atmosphere as it is for its massive burgers. The "Big Daddy Burger" is a standout, often highlighted for its generous toppings, including bacon, cheddar cheese, and a pile of jalapeños, all on a perfectly cooked, substantial patty. It's a big, bold, and delicious pub burger that has even been featured on the Food Network.
- The Vibe: A massive, old-world Irish pub famous for having over a million signed dollar bills stapled to its walls and ceilings. It's a fun, lively, and unforgettable experience.
2. The PB&J Burger at Midtown Caboose (Tallahassee)
- The Burger: For those with a truly adventurous palate, Midtown Caboose in the state's capital is a must-visit. This spot is known for its wildly unusual burger combinations, and the most talked-about is the PB&J Burger. This quirky creation features beef patties smothered in melted peanut butter and cheddar cheese, offering a surprisingly delicious sweet and savory flavor profile.
- The Vibe: A fun, casual, and eclectic eatery with a railroad caboose theme, perfect for trying something new and unexpected.
3. The Wagyu Smash Burger at Only Doubles (Southwest Florida)
- The Burger: This pop-up burger stand has quickly gained a cult following and is winning awards for a reason. Only Doubles specializes in high-quality Wagyu smash burgers, known for their crispy, lacy edges and incredible flavor. Topped with their signature dressing, their burgers were named the best in Collier County in 2024.
- The Vibe: A trendy, often mobile or pop-up operation. You'll need to follow their social media to find where they'll be, but the hunt is part of the fun for this top-tier burger experience.
4. The Donut Burger at Thee Burger Spot (Tampa)
- The Burger: For the ultimate sweet and savory indulgence, Thee Burger Spot in Tampa offers a showstopper: the Donut Burger. They take their juicy, flavorful burger patty and serve it between two glazed donut buns, creating a decadent and unforgettable meal.
- The Vibe: A classic, no-frills burger joint lauded for serving up incredible, juicy burgers at affordable prices. It's a local favorite for a reason.
5. The X-Tudo Burger at Marco's Top Burgers (Coral Springs & Deerfield Beach)
- The Burger: Specializing in Brazilian-style burgers, Marco's Top Burgers offers bold flavors and fresh ingredients. Their most famous creation is the X-Tudo Burger, which translates to "everything." This massive burger is loaded with a variety of toppings that often include cheese, bacon, egg, corn, and potato sticks, creating a flavor and texture combination that one reviewer called "out of this world."
- The Vibe: A casual, family-friendly spot that brings the unique and delicious flavors of Brazilian street food to South Florida.
From peanut butter and jelly toppings in Tallahassee to award-winning Wagyu smash burgers in Southwest Florida, the Sunshine State offers a diverse and exciting landscape for burger enthusiasts. These restaurants prove that Florida's culinary creativity extends far beyond its coastline, making it a true destination for anyone seeking an extravagant, unique, and delicious burger adventure.