Unearth The Voyage
Florida is a paradise for burger lovers who crave sunshine, salt air, and a side of stunning scenery. From old-school carhop drive-ins to waterfront spots where you can dock your boat and grab a bite, the Sunshine State serves up some of the best burgers with unforgettable views. Whether you’re cruising the coast or exploring hidden gems inland, these spots deliver juicy patties, crispy fries, and that laid-back Florida vibe you won’t find anywhere else.
1. John’s Drive-In in Fort Meade
Step back in time at this authentic carhop classic tucked away in small-town Florida. Fresh-griddled burgers sizzle on the flat-top while you wait in your car, just like folks did decades ago. The onion rings are hand-battered, the milkshakes are thick and creamy, and every order arrives on a tray hooked to your window.
This place has survived the test of time because it sticks to what works: simple, honest food made right. Locals line up on Friday nights, and visitors stumble upon it like a hidden treasure. If you want a taste of old Florida without the tourist traps, this is your spot.
2. Mike’s Drive-In in Bartow
Polk County residents have been making pilgrimages to this drive-in for generations, and the double cheeseburger is the star of the show. Two beef patties, melted cheese, and all the fixings come together in a messy, delicious stack that requires extra napkins. Pair it with crispy tots and you’ve got a meal that hits every comfort-food note.
The atmosphere is pure Americana: neon signs, picnic tables, and families enjoying burgers under the Florida sun. Mike’s has stayed active and beloved because it never tries to be fancy. It’s just good food, friendly service, and a place where memories are made one burger at a time.
3. Dino’s Drive-In in Winter Haven
Retro metal trays, smash burgers with crispy edges, and golden fries define the experience here. Dino’s nails the drive-in vibe without feeling like a theme park version of the past. The patties are thin, salty, and cooked until they get that irresistible crust that locks in flavor.
Recent social media posts show happy customers and busy weekends, proof that this spot is thriving. Families pull up, order baskets piled high with food, and enjoy their meals right there in the parking lot. It’s casual, fun, and totally unpretentious. If you’re road-tripping through central Florida, Dino’s is worth the detour for a genuine taste of drive-in culture.
4. Cabbage Key Inn & Restaurant
You can’t drive here; you have to arrive by boat, which makes every burger taste like an adventure. Nestled in Pine Island Sound, this Old Florida hideaway is famous for inspiring the song “Cheeseburger in Paradise,” and the legend lives on with every bite. The interior walls are plastered with dollar bills left by visitors over the years, creating a quirky, one-of-a-kind atmosphere.
Water views surround you as you dig into a juicy cheeseburger that’s become a pilgrimage for boaters and burger fans alike. The island vibe is slow, relaxed, and wonderfully off the grid. It’s not just a meal; it’s a destination experience you’ll tell stories about for years.
5. Square Grouper Tiki Bar in Jupiter
Pull your boat right up to the dock and step into a laid-back tiki paradise where the burgers are as satisfying as the views. The Paradise Cheeseburger is a crowd favorite, loaded with toppings and served with a side of inlet breezes. Palm trees sway overhead, and the Jupiter Inlet sparkles just beyond the bar.
This is the kind of place where flip-flops are formal wear and everyone’s in vacation mode, even the locals. Live music often fills the air, and cold drinks flow as freely as the conversation. Whether you’re cruising the Intracoastal or just craving a burger with a view, Square Grouper delivers that perfect Florida chill.
6. Whiskey Joe’s on Courtney Campbell Causeway
Sandy “beach” seating right on Tampa Bay makes you feel like you’ve escaped to an island without leaving the city. Boats glide by in the distance as you sink your teeth into the Signature Burger, a juicy creation that pairs perfectly with the waterfront atmosphere. Kids play in the sand while parents relax with cold drinks and good food.
The vibe here is casual and fun, with live music on weekends and sunsets that paint the sky in shades of orange and pink. It’s a local favorite for a reason: great burgers, killer views, and that easy Florida energy that makes every visit feel like a mini vacation.
7. Beachcomber in St. Augustine Beach
Sitting right by the dunes, this casual hangout is where families come to refuel after a day in the surf. The burgers are straightforward and satisfying, just what you need when you’re sandy, sunburned, and starving. Ocean breezes drift through the open-air seating, and the sound of waves provides the perfect soundtrack.
Kids are welcome, menus are simple, and nobody’s judging your beach hair or bare feet. It’s the kind of place that feels like a neighborhood secret, even though it’s right on the sand. After a morning of boogie boarding and sandcastle building, a burger at the Beachcomber is exactly what the day calls for.
8. Schooner Wharf Bar in Key West Bight
This open-air roadhouse sits right by the docks, where fishing boats bob and the smell of salt air mixes with sizzling burgers. The Schooner Burger is a staple here, beloved by locals and tourists alike for its no-nonsense deliciousness. Live music plays almost every night, and the crowd is a mix of sailors, bikers, and anyone looking for a good time.
There’s nothing fancy about this place, and that’s exactly the point. It’s raw, real Key West: cold beer, hot food, and a waterfront view that never gets old. If you want to experience the island’s true character, grab a burger and soak in the scene.
9. The Waterfront Brewery in Key West
Harborside seating and house-brewed beers make this spot a favorite for burger lovers who appreciate a good craft pour. The Chop House Burger is thick, juicy, and cooked to perfection, with toppings that elevate it beyond the ordinary. Sunset views over the marina are included at no extra charge.
The atmosphere is relaxed but polished, with a menu that goes beyond typical bar food without losing its soul. Locals gather here after work, and visitors stumble upon it while wandering the waterfront. Between the cold brews, hot burgers, and sparkling harbor views, it’s easy to lose track of time in the best possible way.
10. Sunset Grille & Raw Bar in Marathon
Poolside tiki vibes meet sweeping ocean views at this Marathon gem, where the Seven Mile Bridge stretches across the horizon like a postcard. The burger lineup is solid and satisfying, with options that please everyone from picky kids to adventurous eaters. Order at the bar, grab a seat by the water, and let the tropical breeze do the rest.
This is the kind of place where time slows down and worries drift away with the tide. Families lounge by the pool, couples watch the sunset, and everyone agrees the burgers hit the spot. It’s quintessential Keys dining: laid-back, scenic, and absolutely delicious.
11. The Old Salty Dog on Siesta Key
Dockside seating and a menu famous for hot dogs might make you overlook the burgers, but that would be a mistake. The Maui Wow-Wee Burger brings a tropical twist with pineapple and teriyaki glaze, delivering sweet and savory in every bite. Boats drift by as you eat, and pelicans perch on pilings hoping for a handout.
This place has been a Siesta Key institution for years, beloved for its casual vibe and waterfront charm. Families, boaters, and beachgoers all find their way here, drawn by the promise of good food and even better views. It’s unpretentious, reliable, and exactly what a Florida waterfront spot should be.
12. Hurricane Dockside Grill in Tavares
Lakeside seating and boat slips make this a favorite for Central Florida boaters looking to refuel with a great burger. The full burger section offers plenty of variety, from classic cheeseburgers to creative specialty builds. Views of the lake stretch out in every direction, and the atmosphere is as relaxed as a Sunday afternoon.
This isn’t oceanfront, but the lake vibe is just as appealing, especially for those who prefer freshwater over salt. Live music, cold drinks, and friendly service keep people coming back week after week. Whether you arrive by boat or by car, Hurricane Dockside delivers a satisfying meal with a view worth savoring.
13. Two Georges Dockside Grille — Port Salerno/Stuart (dock-and-jam)
Boat lovers and burger fans unite at this legendary marina spot where you can literally sail up to your table. Two Georges has been serving the Stuart community since the 1980s, becoming a beloved landmark where locals and visitors mingle over cold drinks and hot food. The restaurant’s claim to fame is its double-decker burger stacked high with fresh toppings, perfectly charred and juicy.
Live music fills the air on weekends, creating a festive atmosphere that makes you want to linger long after your plate is clean. Watch manatees swim by while you munch on crispy fries, or catch the sunset painting the water in brilliant oranges and pinks. The dock-and-dine concept means boaters can tie up and walk straight to their seats without ever leaving the waterfront vibe behind.
14. Grills Seafood Deck & Tiki Bar — Port Canaveral (watch the cruise ships)
Few dining experiences match the thrill of watching massive cruise ships glide past your table as you bite into a perfectly grilled burger. Grills sits right on the harbor, offering front-row seats to one of the busiest cruise ports in the world. The casual tiki atmosphere keeps things fun and relaxed, with colorful umbrellas and island-inspired decor setting the scene.
Their signature burgers come with creative toppings that go beyond the basics, from tangy coleslaw to spicy jalapeños. Fresh seafood shares the menu, but the burgers hold their own against any coastal competition. Families love this spot because kids get excited spotting the giant ships while parents appreciate the cold beverages and ocean breeze.
15. Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill — Clearwater Beach (Gulf-front sunsets)
Positioned right on the powdery white sands of Clearwater Beach, Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill offers dining with your toes practically in the surf. This beloved beach shack has earned its reputation by serving up hefty burgers that satisfy hungry beachgoers and tourists alike. The grouper sandwiches steal most headlines, but their classic cheeseburger deserves equal praise for its simple perfection.
Sunset here transforms into a nightly celebration as the sky explodes in colors over the Gulf of Mexico. Grab an outdoor table early to secure the best views, or belly up to the bar where friendly staff keep the good times rolling. The laid-back beach vibe means flip-flops and swimsuits are perfectly acceptable dinner attire at this coastal treasure.
