Unearth The Voyage
Florida isn’t just about beaches and theme parks – it’s also home to some seriously amazing burgers that locals can’t stop raving about. From waterfront spots serving charcoal-grilled patties to quirky joints putting burgers between glazed donuts, the Sunshine State has burger experiences you won’t find anywhere else. Whether you’re a Florida resident or just passing through, these six burger spots have earned legendary status among those who know where to find the best bites.
1. Le Tub (Hollywood) — The 13-oz Sirloin Burger by the Water
Perched right on the Intracoastal Waterway, Le Tub serves up one of Florida’s most talked-about burgers in a setting that’s as memorable as the food itself. Their signature half-pound sirloin burger is hand-formed daily and charcoal-grilled to perfection, creating a smoky flavor that keeps people coming back year after year.
The quirky, casual waterfront vibe adds to the experience—think bathtubs repurposed as planters and a laid-back atmosphere that feels authentically Old Florida. Locals and visitors alike make the pilgrimage to Hollywood specifically for this burger.
Frequently featured in “best burger in Florida” roundups, Le Tub continues to thrive in 2025, proving that great burgers never go out of style.
2. Brooks Burgers (Naples) — Donut Burger and Sweet Charlotte
Brooks Burgers has built a reputation that stretches far beyond Naples thanks to its wildly inventive menu creations. The Donut Burger—a juicy beef patty sandwiched between two glazed donuts—sounds crazy but tastes like pure genius, drawing burger adventurers from across the state.
Another standout is the “Sweet Charlotte,” which features bacon jam that perfectly balances sweet and savory in every bite. These aren’t your average burgers; they’re culinary experiments that actually work.
Brooks frequently appears in Florida “must-try burger” guides and road trip itineraries, making it a destination spot rather than just a quick meal. If you’re looking for burgers that push boundaries while still delivering on flavor, this Naples gem won’t disappoint.
3. Skinny Louie (Miami) — The White-Tiled Pilgrimage Burger
Skinny Louie’s white-tiled storefront has become a beacon for burger enthusiasts traveling from Pensacola to Key West. This Miami spot has earned a cult following that borders on obsession, with fans describing their burgers as worth any drive.
People don’t just stumble upon Skinny Louie—they make deliberate pilgrimages to experience what many consider some of the finest burgers in South Florida. The simple, classic approach lets quality ingredients and expert preparation do all the talking.
Still operating strong in 2025, Skinny Louie proves that you don’t need gimmicks when you’ve mastered the fundamentals. The burgers here are reasons entire road trips get planned, and locals guard this spot like a delicious secret they’re almost reluctant to share.
4. El Cap (St. Petersburg/Tampa) — World Champ Burger
Since the 1960s, El Cap has been serving their “World Champ Burger” with the kind of consistency that builds generations of loyal fans. There’s nothing fancy here—just a well-cooked, no-frills burger done right every single time.
This Tampa Bay area institution appears in local burger lore as the kind of place that outshines national chains without even trying. Sometimes the best burgers are the simplest ones, cooked by people who’ve been perfecting their craft for decades.
Still active in 2025, El Cap represents old-school Florida dining at its finest. The World Champ Burger has earned its name not through flashy toppings or Instagram-worthy presentations, but through decades of delivering exactly what burger lovers want: great taste and reliable quality.
5. Mac’s Drive-Thru (Gainesville) — Classic Local Favorite Burger
In Gainesville, Mac’s Drive-Thru holds a special place in the hearts of locals and University of Florida students who’ve made it part of their college experience. While it might not have national fame, within Florida it’s a beloved institution that consistently appears on state burger lists.
The burgers here represent everything great about local drive-thrus—made fresh, served quickly, and priced fairly. Mac’s has mastered the art of the classic American burger without overthinking it.
Florida burger enthusiasts know that some of the best finds aren’t in fancy restaurants but at humble spots like Mac’s. It’s the kind of place where regulars have their usual orders and newcomers quickly understand why locals keep coming back for more.
6. Thee Burger Spot (Tampa) — Hidden Gem Burger
Tucked away in Tampa, Thee Burger Spot embodies the term “hidden gem” in the best possible way. Food writers and burger hunters consistently recommend it as worthy of a deliberate detour, even if it’s not on your usual route.
This hole-in-the-wall spot delivers standout burgers that rival—and often surpass—what you’ll find at much more famous establishments. The lack of fancy decor or big marketing budgets means all the focus goes where it should: on the food.
Featured in Florida’s hole-in-the-wall burger guides, Thee Burger Spot proves that the best meals often come from unexpected places. Tampa locals consider it their delicious secret, the kind of spot they’re proud to introduce visitors to when they want to show off real Tampa flavor.
