Best Burger Miami-Ft. Lauderdale

[The Chowfather]

New board means time to start a best burger thread for Miami-Ft. Lauderdale

I'll nominate Bourbon Steak.
sleeper-Red Light

[Linda VH]

Love the burgers at Houston's!

[Blind Mind]

Need to update this. Lokal in the Grove is the best burger in Miami.

[CFByrne]

Speaking of burgers, AFAIK we've heard nothing of Shula Burgers here. And they don't appear on the C/F list either. Just a sampling omission, or because they are not good?

Stores already open in Kendall, FLL, and Islamorada.

New store in west Delray opening soon:

http://www.shulaburger.com/locations.php

Any word on Shula Burgers?

[freakerdude]

Yes I have been to the Islamorada location. I had the Wine Country burger with roasted peppers, goat cheese, balsamic greens, & roasted tomatoes. It was good but I wouldn't say it was awesome. Oddly enough with that salad burger, I had a side salad instead of fries.

[BocaHerb]

If I can't order my burger medium rare I can't consider it to be a great burger. I know some people would eat cardboard if they could top it with a bunch of veggies and the right condiments. I can't eat the overcooked meat they serve at most of the so called gourmet fast food burger joints. That's why out of all the fast food type burgers I consider Charm City to be the best.

[Frodnesor]

I don't know of any "gourmet fast food burger joint" in Miami where you can't order your burger medium rare if you so choose - and that includes Shake Shack. They don't ask your preferred temp but you can tell them.

[BocaHerb]

I never tried Shake Shack in Miami but when I tried it in New York I got a well done burger that I didn't enjoy. Most of those places serve two thin burgers because they cook faster than a single thick burger and they just care about getting their burgers out quickly. You can't make a thin 2 or 3 ounce patty medium rare when you have a grill full of burgers to watch.

[tpigeon]

You can order your burgers rare at shake shack in miami. I do it all the time and they come rare.

[BocaHerb]

I have never seen a juicy, medium rare, thin steak or 2 - 3 ounce hamburger patty

[tpigeon]

Fine. All I can tell you is I felt the same way you did about shake shack until I ordered a double shack rare.

[jpr54_1]

are there updates to best burger-

i haven't tried any restaurant burgers?

where should i start?

[tpigeon]

You should check out chowfather's blog. His lists are very good and he did a burger list recently

edit - here is the link.
http://www.thechowfather.com/2012/06/...

And no Blind Mind, I did not link to this just because Burger Beast and CF agree with me on what the best burger is :).

As an aside, I would encourage you to try a frita as well, if you have not already. My favorite is El Mago de Las Fritas.

[Blind Mind]

TP - I'm here to tell ya that I have Shake Shack in my top 3. Burger n Beer Joint has fallen out of the top 3, partially due to a switch in their grind and partially thanks to a new contender which could be the best burger in Miami. That place is Lokal in Coconut Grove. The grass fed burger, mid rare, whatever way you get it, is f'n awesome. Yup, I'm goin' with huge hype right here! Get your ass over there to check it out! No one doing "local" quite like this place either. Even their pink shrimp tacos are the bomb. I live in the Grove and it's been nearly impossible for me to get excited about any restaurant there in the past 8 years but this place is LEGIT.

[tpigeon]

On my list now. Thanks.

[Shooz]

Had a question about Bourbon Steak and their burgers. Preparing to go for the first time but I've heard they only serve the burgers at the bar/lounge.
Do I need to/can I make a reservation?
Does the bar area get crowded?
Is there enough space to eat?
Can any of the other menu items be ordered to eat at the bar in case one of us doesn't want the burger?
Sorry for all the questions, but one of four in party is coming from out of town and is huge burger fan. Figured this would be really nice treat but never been before and don't want to get there and not be able to get a burger (or a seat).

-----
Bourbon Steak
19999 West Country Club Drive, Aventura, FL 33180

[Frodnesor]

Maybe the easier way to answer, though it's not directly responsive to any of the many questions you asked, is this:

You can make a regular reservation at the restaurant, and if you ask nicely, can get the burger bar menu as well as the regular restaurant menu.

If you'd prefer to eat in the bar area (not entirely separated from the restaurant anyway), there is some table / booth seating there as well, you can probably reserve one if you wish, and I'm sure you can order the full menu there. It is generally pretty busy whenever I've been, so if your heart is set on going and you don't want to wait, I'd make a reservation.

[Shooz]

Thanks for the help.
Love reading your reviews even if I never get to try any of the places you talk about. I feel like I eat vicariously through you.

[Frodnesor]

Thanks. It's a lot fewer calories that way.

[taiga]

Shooz: Wonderful compliment toward Frod. I feel the same way but prefer to say that I am just jealous. Still, fewer calories that way.

[jessierandall]

I was at Le Tub this weekend and thought the burger was pretty darned good. It's certainly not the best ever (and the experience was admittedly a bit dimmed by the furry and brown something that scampered over my foot).

I thought Shake Shack beat Le Tub. I also think the Shack beats the pants off of FIve Napkin Burger. The burger was just meh.

I think I may have to try Bourbon out this weekend.

-----
Le Tub
1100 N Ocean Dr, Hollywood, FL 33019

[OysterHo]

Georgie's Alibi - Wilton Manors - the Knock Out. Amazing burger! Sorry I took a bite of it first. I loved their burger at this year's burger battle too.

Knock out had jalapeno cream cheese, bacon jam, cheddar, and caramelized onions.

-----
Georgie's Alibi
2266 Wilton Dr, Wilton Manors, FL 33305

[SouthFloridaFoodNerd]

i can't believe no one has voted for ROK:BRGR? Dumb name, great burger.

[SKhan]

I'd definitely throw in ROK:BRGR to the 'best of' list. An amazing burger! Though, the hand-cut fries could have been a bit crispier.

[mattstolz]

gotta agree on this one. wondering if its because the thread started early last year?

[Wademcnary]

Gotta dissent on this one. Lots of enticing toppings, but the actual burger is nothing special. They've been open for a while now, and they still can't seem to cook the burger to the temperature you order. I'll throw J. Mark's name out there. They mix some nice ingredients into the meat that makes it really juicy and flavorful, plus they always cook it right.

[alcaplan]

Hands down...no contest...."The Rolling Stove" food truck. Travels all over So. Fl. Frequently at Bedner's Farm in Boynton on Rte. 441. Chef/owner is a culinary grad. Check them out on Facebook for location schedule. Best burger ever. Must also try his jerk chicken sandwich.

[SaminSFL]

alcaplan, I am going to have to agree with you on that one. Troys burgers have Ribeye, Shortrib and bacon ground into it, and man is it good.

I also stumbled upon Quickies Burgers yesterday in Hollywood, and DAMN was it good also.
I had the M.O.A.B. Burger - (Mother Of All Burgers) which was a 1 lb burger cooked Med Rare - topped with Bacon, Lots of Cheesse, Quickie Sauce(which was awesome) Crispy Onions, Tomoato, Lettuce, Raw Onion, Bacon - (did I say bacon already?) and French fries - served on a sesame toasted bun..

It automatically gets a + rating for being able to cook the burger to order - it was juicy, and very tasty, cant wait to go back.

[BurgerBeast]

All hail the Stove burger from The Rolling Stove.

[taiga]

Very disappointed in the GastroPub burger last week. Stylish as the vibe was, the burger was flavorful, but skimpily topped and overcooked.

[croissantkelly]

I don't know if it is the best burger in South Florida, but I visited Gilbert's 17th Grill in Fort Lauderdale over the weekend and they have a damn good burger. Worth giving a shot if you are in the area

-----
Gilbert's 17th Street Grill
1821 Cordova Rd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316

[racer x]

And a related thread
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/624684

[racer x]

Miami Herald ran an article last fall listing blogger Burger Beast's top 6 picks at that time:

El Mago de las Fritas, Miami
Quickie's, Hollywood
Charm City, Deerfield Beach
Kingdom, Miami
Keg South, Pinecrest
Le Tub, Hollywood

http://www.miamiherald.com/2009/11/11...

[staciamia]

Please save yourself the aggravation of eating at Le Tub. Parking is annoying (there are only spaces for 10 cars and the public parking is inconvenient). They only have outdoor seating, or covered seating without A/C. The wait staff is aloof. There is a disclaimer on the menu which states that it takes 45 MINUTES from when you order for your burger to be ready. In my opinion, the burgers are too big. Does one really need a pound of meat in one sitting? It's chargrilled lacking any taste. The fries are very good. The few items they have on the menu are good, but it's a very very limited menu. If you order a beer it has to be from a can.

Try it if you want. I just think it is overrated. I am a native of the area and have had much better.

-----
Le Tub
1100 N Ocean Dr, Hollywood, FL 33019

[flavrmeistr]

Parking is across the street at the public garage or at one of the meter spots. Still a memorable burger, but you will invest some time there.

[OysterHo]

Oh the board has split in two! I'm going to post my thoughts on Charm City again.

I was at Charm City a couple of weeks ago and I was NOT charmed. At all. I did love them at one point but I think something has changed in their quality or beef. I ordered it medium because the last time I ordered it medium rare, it was a bit raw inside and not in a good way.

This time it was probably medium or medium/well or something in between those. It had no flavor and was dry. All the cheese, sauce (which I still think is awesome), LTO etc had all the flavor and I could not taste the beef! I also ordered sweet potato fries. They were floppy with absolutely NO crunch.

I loved them at one point but not anymore. :(

Also, we tried Brass Ring several weeks ago and the burgers were awesome. Too bad it's so far away, but if I'm ever up that way again, I will definitely stop there. What a dive of a bar but the burgers truly are worth the visit.

[SaminSFL]

Im sorry to hear that, I hope you just went on an off day for Charm City... Next tim eyou are in the area try The Lodge, they also have some GREAT burgers, and a really good beer selection.

[RickL]

I used to really like the Lodge, especially for lunch when the burgers are $6.95 but the service is usually really bad and over time the food has become less reliable. I can't recommend the Lodge anymore.

On the other hand, Karen and I weren't too impressed on our first visit to Charm City when they first opened, but over time this has become one of our favorite burger joints. The sweet potato fries can be a little floppy at times but the burgers are always good except for that first time.

[The Chowfather]

My first burger at Burger & Beer Joint was outstanding. Went for lunch so I went with the Thunder Road and left the bbq on the side. No reason to mess with a good thing. One of the best in town for sure.

[Blind Mind]

Nice! You finally made it! I go w/ the bbq on the side too and rarely use it. Burger is awesome w/o.

[tpigeon]

I am actually pro sauce in this case as I think it is a great contrast to the bacon

[Blind Mind]

Its good on the side for the occasional dip but the meat/cheese/bacon combo stands well enough on its own.

[Icantread]

leave it for the fries

[racer x]

Here is a list of most of the favorite burgers from netmover's Top Burgers in FLA thread, as of February 2010, including name and location of the restaurant, as well as name of the chowhound who first mentioned the restaurant and the date of their post.
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/134563

The restaurants most frequently mentioned have been (listed chronologically by first mention):

*Jacks (Pompano Beach & Fort Lauderdale) - netmover 3/06
*Joe Allens (Miami Beach) - tpigeon, netmover 3/06
*Char-Hut chain - whitecastle 3/06
*Houston’s chain - lulu 6/06
*Brass Ring Pub (North Palm Beach) - starvin marvin 11/06
*Tobacco Road (Miami) - netmover 1/07
*LeTub (Hollywood) - bob mervine 7/07
*Charm City (Deerfield Beach) - aynrandgirl 2/09
*Burger & Beer Joint (South Beach) - netmover 8/09

_______________________________________________

The rest:

Scorch (Miami) - netmover 3/06

Jaguar (Coconut Grove) - Netmover 3/06

Stained Glass Pub (Fort Lauderdale) - walter judd 3/06

Fuddruckers chain - big bad voodoo lou 3/06

Haulover Shark & Tarpon Club (North Miami Beach) - beachbum 3/06

Ye Olde Falcon Pub (Davie) - beachbum 3/06

Uncle Al’s (Davie) - beachbum 3/06

Billabong Pub (Hallandale) - sm koppelman 3/06

Lil Ol Caboose (Deerfield Beach) - sm koppelman 3/06

Abe & Louis (Boca Raton) - lulu 6/06

Flanigan’s chain - netmover 8/06

Wagons West (Miami) - bette ferne 8/06

Cheeseburger Baby (South Beach) - netmover 10/06

Big Pink (South Beach) - starvin marvin 11/06

El Rey de las Fritas (Miami) - netmover 11/06

Prime 112 (Miami Beach) - restaurantelite.com 11/06

Scrubby’s (Pembroke Pines) - tbone927 12/06

Keg South chain - gzberg 12/06

Cheeseburger Baby (South Beach) - netmover 2/07

Lindburgers chain - JAC13 2/07

Mississippi Sweets (Boca Raton) - bengaliwife 2/07

Royal Castle (Miami) - jzepp 3/07

Smith & Wollensky (Miami) - jzepp 3/07

Armadillo Beach (Dania) - sobe 7/07

Cheeburger Cheeburger (inside Fort Lauderdale Airport) - jmiller07 8/07

Food Shack (Jupiter) - ronijeni 9/07

Sonny’s (Hollywood) -The Chowfather AKA sobe 12/07

Kingdom (Miami) - frodnesor 1/08

El Mago de las Fritas (Miami) - burgerbeast 9/08

Hooters chain - burgerbeast 9/08

Gun Club Diner (West Palm Beach) - rainroosty 11/08

Old Homestead (Boca Resort) - sksmackdown 7/09

Love Food Cafe (South Beach) - blind mind 7/09

Bourbon Steak - blind mind 7/09

The Lodge (Boca Raton) - rickl 7/09

Taurus (Coconut Grove) - blind mind 8/09

Big Bear Brewing Co (Coral Springs) - oysterho 9/09

California Burgers & Shakes (Fort Lauderdale) - aynrandgirl 9/09

Al Carbon (Miami) - jessicam29 12/09

A Chef’s Burger truck - Miami dmo305 1/10

Gilberts (Fort Lauderdale) - danb73 1/10

[The Chowfather]

Le Tub was being mentioned much earlier than 2007

[racer x]

Right you are. Mentioned from 3/06.
That must have been a cut-and-paste error.
I'd fix it, but the edit function locks after a few hours-

[flavrmeistr]

Actually, I put the Brass Ring in this thread in June of 06 and first posted about it on this board back in 2001. Just sayin'....

[racer x]

Indeed, you did, flavrmeistr.
I didn't realize Lake Park is in the Jupiter-Miami strip when I was going through those many, many posts in the Top Burgers in FLA thread! If you'd said North Palm Beach, I would have caught it.

If anyone else sees that I have misattributed their contribution to the Top Burgers in FLA thread here, please accept my apology and feel free to make the correction.

Please note that the point of the listing above was not to show who was the first to mention a particular restaurant - it was to make it easier to recognize names of chowhounds whom you generally trust, as opposed to posters who may have been pursuing agendas related to their being affiliated with the restaurants or who are infrequent visitors to the boards (eg, don't live in So FL and rarely visit the restaurants here).

Many of the restaurants in the second part of the list just had a single or maybe a couple of mentions. I believe Frodnesor was one of only two posters who mentioned Kingdom, for instance. I think we all know who Frodnesor is. Had the only people who had mentioned Kingdom been posters who had not posted in any other threads I've read before, and those two posts on Kingdom been from 2 years ago, I probably wouldn't have given Kingdom a second thought. The fact that it was Frodnesor who mentioned it might get me to try them out at some point.

[flavrmeistr]

Technically, the Brass Ring is in North Palm but it's right on the border with Lake Park. Lake Park was incorporated in 1921 and North Palm not until the early 60's, so many locals still refer to that whole area as Lake Park. I've been eating (and drinking) at the Ring since about 1980 and it's still the best burger in Palm Beach County.

[The Chowfather]

Not that it matters but it looks like you only went back 5 years in your search. I know Koppleman was mentioning Le Tub in 2000

[racer x]

Chowdaddy, I think you misunderstood what I was trying to do. I wasn't searching all of chowhound. I was just excerpting from that one specific thread (Top Burgers in FLA) the names of places that are more relevant to the Miami-Ft.Lauderdale area, since the Florida board has now been split. That thread only came into existence in 3/06.

[freakerdude]

other Palm Beach Co. notables

Brass Ring as mentioned
Grease - West Palm Beach
Relish - WPB
Yardhouse - PBG
CG's Burgers - Jupiter

[CFByrne]

Will be interesting to see how Elevation Burger stacks up when they open. I first noticed one in January when I went to a strip mall in Arlington Virginia. Now they are coming south! From New Times...

----
After a few delays, Elevation Burger, the sustainable, free-range, grass-fed beef burger joint, is finally coming to the Walk in Coral Springs in March.The burger chain sounds sort of like Five Guys gone green. ...

http://blogs.browardpalmbeach.com/cle...

[flavrmeistr]

Not that great, really. At least the hamburgers are not. Dry and tasteless. Their shakes and fries were not bad. I've only been to the location in Falls Church, VA.

[pikiliz]

well finally went to beer and burger last Friday after the Miami boat show the place was packed but we found 2 seats at the bar in the back first of all I have to say the service was some of the best that I have ever hat at any resto much less a restobar beers fast to us and I swear we ordered burgers and there they were within 5 mins, perfect fries and burger I went with the hotel California. I think people sometime focus on asking what does everybody else order(boring) I like to order what lights me up and sound good.This place was first class so that covers south beach
If i was in broward my personal fave is charm city burgers although it is almost in palm beach so I still go there often. also there is Jack's old fashioned really good griddler
Now this is where it gets tough Palm beach county you have Blue Anchor in delray, Doc's In delray,Heartstoppers(new place in delray) also makes a really good burger and north brass ring is hard to beat so to some up there is usually a burger place with great burgers really close to you so look first. My business takes me from one end of Florida to the other there is a good burger in every town almost! haven't found one in wachula yet but still lookin
Happy eating

[bocagal]

Went to Charm City tonight. Burger was good, guy taking order very nice. For my taste, Houston has best burger.

[dmo305]

My Top 5 in Alphabetical Order:

A Chef Burger Truck in Wynwood
Burger & Beer Joint
Houston's (hickory burger)
Michael's Genuine
Red Light

Disclaimer: Still haven't had burgers at Bourbon, Kingdom, Latin Truck

[racer x]

Anybody tried Latin Burger & Taco?
(Anybody other than Chowfather that is - I noticed you mentioned them on your blog.)

I was out shopping and found their van in the Shell Hardware parking lot on SW 27th Ave today, just north of US1. The van moves around - you can check their website or twitter for locations.

I didn't try them but the burgers looked pretty good, and the crowd seemed to be enjoying them.
They top the burgers with chorizo, oaxaca cheese, caramelized onions and jalapeños, and an avocado-based or red pepper mayo sauce - all for about $6.
http://latinburger.com/whats-to-eat/

[Blind Mind]

I was there that day too and ordered a burger. I thought it had a very different taste and it was nice and juicy. I didnt add any condiments, just ate it plain. Actually, I inhaled it. I think that poor burger's off-the-grill life lasted maybe 3 minutes. At $6 I also thought it was a great value.

[Icantread]

gonna have to try it again. Was not impressed when I tried it, but it was the truck's first venture down here.

[Frodnesor]

I also liked the "Macho Burger" - it's a good-tasting burger (I think the chorizo in the grind adds an extra level of flavor even though you don't particularly note it as chorizo), the toppings are tasty too. Had to ask for the sauces, which is worth doing - the "avocadolicious" sauce really helped complete the package.

http://www.foodforthoughtmiami.com/20...

[The Chowfather]

more of my favorites listed here
http://thechowfather.blogspot.com/201...

[RAGHOUND]

Don't know if Rivera Beach is too far north, but the Brass Ring has the best burger I've had in FL. My wife loves the wings, but it's nothing but the burger for me!

[flavrmeistr]

The Brass Ring is actually in North Palm Beach, but they are the best burgers anywhere. They even beat Le Tub.

[lax2mia]

Bourbon Steak

[foodmaven305]

B&B is really good, but I do enjoy 8oz Burger Joint off Alton as well. Haven't had a bad experience there yet (have had one at B&B) and they have a decent list of microbrews and imports.

[Blind Mind]

Burger & Beer Joint took the crown from Love Food Cafe for me last year. Need to get back to B&B to try the Stairway to Heaven. Jalapeno burger at Love Food Cafe is da bomb. I also like Le Tub a lot but I need to fast for 3 days before and after eating it.

[tpigeon]

stairway is good but not worth the money

[HabaneroJane]

voted for Love Food's jalapeno burger last year and still vote it one of the best in Miami, anyway. Love Le Tub still, but have yet to make it to Charm City

[Icantread]

Really enjoyed B&B
I'd throw Pascal's (lunch) in there for "haute"

[danb73]

Charm City in Deerfield gets my vote.

www.fortlauderdalelunch.blogspot.com

[Fibber McGee]

I've heard the burger at the Isle Casino in Pompano Beach was excellent.

[flavrmeistr]

Le Tub. Still the King. I like Flanigan's as well.

[SaminSFL]

Le Tubs burger isn't worth the attitude, and wait....

Charm City has some great burgers and nicer people..

[flavrmeistr]

Le Tub is an experience all of it's own. The endless wait, the Gaulic insouciance, the ratty Faux-Polynesian ambiance. The burger is the kind I would make for myself. On the whole, my kind of place.

[tpigeon]

I have not been to Le Tub in a long time but their burger was great. I think Charm City edges them out though but I would have to try Le Tub again to be sure. To be frank with you, it is certainly not worth the wait relative to charm city, that is for sure.

a little off topic
I have also been to 8oz and like most find it inferior to B&B which I find inferior to charm city. For anyone who cares...

[racer x]

I lost my Le Tub virginity today.

I really liked the ambiance: the beautiful view of the water as the sun set, the fearless birds cawing and marching overhead and underfoot and chowing down on Hellman's Real Mayonnaise in those little takeout packets (thank heaven none of the birds decided to relieve themselves while over MY head!), the faux-beach hut? design (I wouldn't call it exactly faux-polynesian).

Have to agree that the service didn't leave me with a warm and fuzzy feeling at all: When I somehow missed the little sign(s) that say seat yourself, the staff just kept walking past me as I cluelessly waited to be seated for several minutes. (They should put s huge signs up at the entrances.) The server was also pretty mechanical. And the wait WAS very long.
(However, one of the staff - the owner? - did make a point of visiting tables and asking diners how they were enjoying their meals and thanking them for coming as they were leaving.)

As for the food: the burger patties (maybe mounds would be more appropriate) were just way too big (think Jackson Hole, if you are familiar with NYC restaurants). The equivalent of 3 or 4 Whoppers or QuarterPounders in one burger.

The problem with massive burgers like this is that all the wonderful flavors of the char on the outside of the burger, the bun, the cheese and toppings - all of these flavors are overwhelmed by the pretty bland meat flavor that is the innards of the burger (same complaint I had with Jackson Hole burgers, even though Le Tub's is a better-tasting burger overall).

I also didn't care a whole lot for the fries.
(Frankly, I'd rather have had a McDonald's or BurgerKing's burger.)

So wouldn't consider Le Tub "the best."

[mikek]

I will throw Michael's Genuine's burger on there, though it is only available at lunch.

[RickL]

In the spirit of the new board being extended north of Ft Lauderdale I'll nominate Charm City Burgers in Deerfield Beach.

http://www.charmcityburgers.com/

[tpigeon]

B&B and Charm City are very close....particularly the cowboy vs the thunder road.

[tpigeon]

Update: I just ate at charm city again and thier burgers are better than B&B. This place just keeps getting better every time I go. The peanut butter and jelly shake is awesome too.

[racer x]

I'm trying to remember whether I've been to Charm City.
Is there a pharmacy - a CVS or Walgreens - next door, to the right?

[tpigeon]

No there is a chase bank to the right of it. It is on hillsboro south side of the street (not sure if I spelled the street right).

Racer - I promise you would remember if you had their burgers.

[racer x]

Visited Charm City last week for lunch. MUCH better burger than Le Tub.

I just remembered which place has a CVS Pharmacy next door - it's Quickie's in Hollywood. Also better burgers than Le Tub.