Where are the best burger joints in Miami (possibly South Beach)?

[Big Bad Voodoo Lou]

Hey, folks. I'm a regular on the Florida board -- I live in Orlando, where I can recommend the best restaurants in town. However, I grew up in Kendall and rarely ventured out of the 'burbs back then, so I'm very much a stranger at home when it comes to Miami.

I'm coming down in a few weeks for a rare trip to hang out with my brother on South Beach. We have tickets to an show at the Fillmore, the old Jackie Gleason Theatre, and I want to take him somewhere fun to eat. He's a real homebody and NEVER goes out. When he goes to restaurants, he sticks to burgers at Betty's in Kendall (in the location of the old Fuddrucker's that I grew up going to), pasta with red sauce, and all-you-can-eat Chinese and Japanese buffets. He is definitely not a foodie, and would feel awkward and out of place at most trendy, hip Miami restaurants. Neither of us drink, and neither of us are anywhere close to rich.

Therefore, I'm hoping to dazzle him with an incredible burger somewhere -- better than Betty's, better than Fuddrucker's. In Orlando, I could rattle off my top five incredible burger joints, ranging from a swanky gastropub to a gourmet food truck to a funky brewpub Guy Fieri would love, but in Miami -- and especially on the Beach -- I'm clueless. Any suggestions?

I'm thinking we'd hit the burger joint for dinner before the show, and then get a late-night meal at La Carreta afterwards, just because we can (and because I miss it very much where I live now).

EDIT: Would Shake Shack fit the bill? For what it's worth, I think Five Guys is horribly overrated.

[freakerdude]

I don't know who is the best in this area but I can say Burger & Beer Joint has a burger worthy of competing with the best. This would be a good place to visit for a pre-concert dinner at the Fillmore. The service at the bar is very friendly and the place is very casual.

I had the Thunder Road burger topped with 3 thick bacon slices. This burger ranked in my top 3 of SoFla. No thin wimpy patties here and the 10oz. might be an understatement. They do have some unique burger combinations but I went with a standard. You can also build your own. Fries are the thin variety which I don't really care for. It would be nice if they had a chargeable sub for fries but they don't.

Cool divey feel inside and a good mix of customers inside and out. It kind of has a rock n roll theme to and it went well before a concert at the Filmore just down the road. I don't drink beer but they have a nice selection to satisfy most. They also have adult milkshakes if you have room for that. I saw 5 Napkin in the area when I was looking for a place to eat but am glad I decided against it after reading these posts just now!

www.bnbjoint.com

[Alfred G]

I was at Burger and Beer Joint last night and also had the Thunder Road burger. Excellent! IMO BBJ is the best around. The burgers are perfect and for people like my wife who doesn't like everything, the build your own was perfect. Next time, I think I'll try the Wagyu burger. Sounded great. Also, the onion rings were terrific. Thick cut and sweet.

[taiga]

Why no mentions of 8oz? Distance?

[tpigeon]

That and the better options available.

[Blind Mind]

Because their burger is awful?

[Frodnesor]

You can get a better burger at a 7-11 in Japan.

[taiga]

Ha! I love it, but doubtful. If that's true, 8oz. is really bad.

[Sandwich_Sister]

I disagree with any that say that 80z burgers are awful.

I hate Fast Food Burgers so Shake Shack does not impress me but the smokehouse bacon cheese burger and the Lamb burger at 80z are delicious.

plus they have awesome beers on tap like Dogfish Head 90 minute IPA.

[BigBonesBradley]

Has anyone tried Flip Burger in N. Miami Beach?

I tried it for the first time this weekend based on their strong reviews on other sites and 25 rating for food in Zagat. The burgers were very good (both patty and bun). Everything else we tried was great as well. The mac and cheese is in the top 5 I have ever had in my life. The wings were well above average. In my opinion, the hand cut fries are much better than the seasoned fries, and are very good.

To make up for the lack of ambiance or decor (this is a true burger joint) the beer list is extensive and the prices are fair.

[The Chowfather]

I went to Flip when it initially opened a couple of years ago and it was just OK. I believe they changed owners recently though.

Shake Shack sucks? That's a first.

[BigBonesBradley]

You are correct about the new owners. I would give it another try. From what I have read, it is better under new the new ownership. Worth a try for the mac and cheese alone.

[snayberry]

I think Shake Shack sucks! Elevation Burger is way better, the fries are fresh cut!

[carriesn]

Hey Voodoo Lou... what's the name of that funky brewpub in Orlando? Id love to know :)

[Big Bad Voodoo Lou]

Oblivion Taproom, kind of a rock 'n' roll sort of place:
http://www.obliviontaproom.com/

The Ravenous Pig, a more upscale gastropub, has the best burger in the greater Orlando area, though:
http://www.theravenouspig.com/

[carriesn]

Thanks!

[Big Bad Voodoo Lou]

Well, I got to try Smashburger AND Shake Shack for the first time on my recent trip to Miami -- the Smashburger near my parents' house in Kendall and Shake Shack on our excursion to South Beach. I found them both to be good (if a little overpriced), and both definitely better than the ubiquitous Five Guys and Cheeburger Cheeburger, which we already have in Orlando.

I ordered double cheeseburgers at both places, and they came out juicy, with slightly crispy edges, nice soft buns (possibly buttered and grilled), and great melty American cheese. They reminded me of far better versions of the typical Steak 'n' Shake "steakburger," which is definitely overpriced and not very good. Tomato slices were thick and firm, lettuce was crispy and not wilted or soggy -- all good.

I liked the fries at Smashburger and Shake Shack as well, and I'm usually not a fry guy. Smashburger's fries were very well seasoned with herbs, and Shake Shack had thin, crispy, almost well-done crinkle-cut fries. We got small concretes at Shake Shack -- my brother got the chocolatey Shark Attack, which he devoured like a shark, and I got Key Lime Pie, Oh My, which was pretty good, but a little bland because it wasn't mixed very evenly. I probably should have gone with a strawberry shake or an Abita root beer float instead.

My brother gave a slight edge to Smashburger's burger, but I liked both and hope they make it up to Central Florida. Thank you all for the advice! I wish I was able to try the higher-end burger joints, but with the fast trip I had to take, the timing worked out best with these two places, and the prices were just right.

[Skeeta]

Burger and Beer is best. I also like 5 Guys when I am in the mood for a tasty but greasy burger. Gotta admit Shake Shack and 5 Napkins do not doit forme.

[Raisel]

If you want to have an elegant fancy burger, splurge and go to db Moderne. I know it is out of control in price....where can you get a burger with short ribs in the burger? Although it is only a burger, it is delivered with exquisite service.

[tpigeon]

1) Not what the op was looking for
2) Had that burger, both burger & beer and shake shack are better

[tpigeon]

btw the gastropod truck at least at one time (they change menu items often) had a burger with shortribs. It was also better than db bistos version.

[mrmagee]

Btw, Rok BRG in Ft Lauderdale has a burger with short ribs. Delicious.

[fatstern]

what about checking out a cuban joint to get a frita (cuban style burger)? i'm also a so flo born and raised guy that hasnt lived down there in forever -- but i've been trying to check out more miami when i visit the folks --- so i cant quite comment on which are the best fritas, though i know "el rey de las fritas" is sort of the classic joint. came across this video, and while it doesnt comment on which is best, could give you a heads up on where to go:

http://vimeo.com/20875272

maybe others have comments? FWIW, i love me a shake shack double with cheese.

[tpigeon]

They want to stay in south beach so fritas are not part of this equation. No great fritas in Sobe.

[rugger13]

I think Burger & Beer Joint is your best bet. It has a casual, fun atmosphere and amazing burgers - yes, some of the burgers have...interesting toppings, but you can also create your own - sometimes the best burger is just a simple cheeseburger.

Shake shack, as mentioned in other posts, is a fast food, counter service, restaurant. If you are looking to "dazzle" your brother, I really dont think this is the place.

5 Napkin is an easy choice seeing as it is close in proximity to the fillmore, but I don't think it fits the atmosphere you are looking for, although it would be very convenient.

Honestly, if you really want to impress your brother with a great burger at a fun cool spot, i'd go to B&BJ. It's not the closest burger joint to the fillmore, but it sounds more like what you are looking for. And if you are completely unsure now of where to go after reading all these replies - check out Yelp or Urbanspoon. Yelp has definitely helped me narrow down a place in a new city before - and each of these places has plenty of reviews and pictures to give you a better idea...

[tpigeon]

Forgetting the burgers for a moment, for the life of me, I don't see why people think burger & beer has a better atmosphere than shake shack in Sobe. Burger & Beer's best days are long behind as a cool place to go.

[mialebven]

I'd agree with you tpigeon, but I don't think Shake Shack's atmosphere is that great either considering it's just a counter service and a quick in and out (no indoor seating). Both places' hey days are long gone, IMHO. But they both have staying power and will likely be around for a long time (like Cheeseburger Baby, since it is probably the oldest burger joint in the Beach that isn't a chain). B&BJ still has a better vibe in my opinion for this reason (makes it feel somewhat "classier" and on par with 5 Napkins or 8 oz. but with better burgers than both). For the vibe alone, I'd head to the mainland (e.g. Lokal, Filling Station).

[tpigeon]

What are you talking about? Shake shack has indoor seating and it is pretty crowded every day. I can't say the same for burger & beer.

[The Chowfather]

1.Shake Shack
2.Burger and Beer Joint

I've never had the burger at Clarke's but I've heard very good things.

[tpigeon]

I have, I would put burger & beer slightly ahead of it.

[The Chowfather]

Here is my updated list... http://www.thechowfather.com/2012/03/...

[tpigeon]

You definitely have to go to el mago. I dream about their fritas sometimes. I would not run to db for the burger. It is very good but did not knock my socks off. I think the foie and the truffles actually get in the way.

[Blind Mind]

cosign on El Mago. I need to make a return visit there soon.

[netmover]

5 Napkin Burgers on Lincoln Road (SOBE) is your closest and best option if going to the Fillmore. It's literally a two minute walk from the theater and you will have the best people watching in South Beach along with some of the best burgers to come out of NYC. And if you get there early, or late, they have a slider Happy Hour. Burger n Beer Joint may be a little better, but it's location is by far inferior. Grab a cafe table on Lincoln and have at it!

http://5napkinburger.com/south-beach-... 3.5 out of 4 stars on Google reviews

[Frodnesor]

I would go to Shake Shack 5 times before going back to 5 Napkin. It's OK but Shake Shack is a much better burger for the money. And also on Lincoln Road with the same people watching.

If anyone cares about stars on Google reviews they can go to Google.

[netmover]

SS is fast food (quick serve)! 5 Napkins is not, it's sit down casual dining. The value proposition may be better at SS, but the people watching is NOT, in fact I do not think you can actually call that Lincoln Rd, it is OFF the pedestrian mall albeit by a +/-100 yards. And SS is WAY further from the Fillmore. Plus SS has a weird odor about it. My Burger at 5N was admittedly over cooked but aside from that, it was fine. Don't get me wrong, as a local in need of a quick burger I'd still go to SS (due to ease of access and sheer transaction speed), but 5N seems to fit BBVL's request to a tee. Were my bro and I doing a show at the Fillmore and in need of some quality time and a burger, I'd head to 5N. BTW, their Sushi was pretty good too when I tried it a few months back. As for the stars on Google or any other site for that matter, I've found that they do lend credence, especially in areas where CH threads are lacking e.g. Boca.

[tpigeon]

The OP said they don't want a fancy burger which is what they serve at 5 napkin. Plus shake shack is better and more consistent. You said in your own post they overcooked the burger which to me is a fatal flaw. The outdoor seating is just fine at Shake Shack and shake shack is only a few blocks west of the convention. Distance should not be an issue.

I don't think the op cares how they order their burger.

[netmover]

"Dazzle him with an incredible burger"...as good as quick serve Shake Shack maybe, it does NOT live up to that quote, sorry. And it's more like 7 or 8 blocks away, where as 5N is across the street from the venue. And the people watching ON Lincoln Rd is far superior to being out in Right Field over there on Lennox Ave. ++it shouldn't be long b4 even ole O-town has it's very own Shake Shack. My vote for BBVLOU & BRO is and remains 5 Napkins Burger...Let us know Luigi! Bonburgerapettite...

[netmover]

Oh yeah and BTW, I could've and should've sent my 5N Burger back for being over cooked, but it was late and I was lazy, furthermore they were still relatively new in town at the time so by now ALL their kinks should be worked out.

[Big Bad Voodoo Lou]

Gentlemen, I'm starting to think we should try BOTH: Shake Shack for an early dinner before the 7 PM show, and 5 Napkin for our celebratory late night munchies, since it's open until 1 AM. My brother can go to La Carreta in Kendall anytime he wants, so this may be the ideal option for us. Thank you all for your input and insight!

[Blind Mind]

5 Napkin Burger was one of the worst burgers I've ever had.

[lax2mia]

I gotta agree. It began falling apart after 2 bites.

[tpigeon]

I would do burger and beer before 5 napkin (way before).

[mialebven]

I'd do Burger & Beer before 5 Napkins AND Shake Shack. Seriously, who gets impressed with fast food burgers anyways that's just made up of thin patties that's meant to be cooked well-done all the time simply because... it's thin? I just don't understand how a fast food burger can be considered a great burger, when you'd be hard-pressed to judge the meat itself. And as for 5 Napkins, had it in New York even, and was far from being impressed. Burger & Beer is better than 5 Napkins, here and in New York.

But seriously, you want people-watching, walkable from the Fillmore AND good-burgers? Forget a burger joint with these criteria - just doesn't exist in South Beach. Just do The Cafe at Books & Books on Lincoln Rd. If it gets too late, then do Flame Caffe & Grill on Espanola Way (closes at 2 am). Both of these places probably would do it better than 5 Napkins & also have plenty of burger options even though they both are not true burger joints.

[Frodnesor]

Shake Shack burgers are cooked medium unless otherwise requested and one of their virtues is that despite being a thin patty they use a pretty high quality of freshly ground beef which is well seasoned and pretty darn tasty. I'm not mental for them like some people, but it's a good burger.

Considering that OP specifically asked for a burger joint, I hardly think sending him to the Café at Books and Books is terribly helpful.

[tpigeon]

Which is, of course, why so many people rave about the burgers at shake shack.

[netmover]

Or try "Beat the Clock" at Spris Pizzaria or Tiramesu for an amazing pasta first. Order at 5:30pm pay just $5.30, 6pm just 6 bucks! You must order b4 6:45. Their Carbonara is richer than The Donald. Served table side out of a Bowl, you and your bro can mix and match the 3 or four pastas offered, or you can also order from Spris Pizza for the same deal since they're owned by the same group and only two doors down right on Lincoln. Pizza and a Pasta followed by your Burger feast after the show. Burger and Beer Joint Burgers are the best on the beach IMHO, but the 5N option is so close to the Fillmore and offers optimal people watching. Google 5 Napkin Burgers for more info, it has a bad rap here, but it's shows up pretty solid elsewhere. Welcome to MYami...or back anyway!

[mialebven]

I would pick the Filling Station in downtown Miami. It's Burger & Beer Joint at a slightly lower price point and just about as good, IMHO. I do like Burger & Beer Joint, and if you were staying on the beach, I'll probably refer you to go to Burger & Beer Joint - especially since they also have more to offer (I love their fried string beans). For "locally-sourced" burgers, Lokal in Coconut Grove is the perfect spot. While I like the burgers there, I do find it a little bit underseasoned compared to the other burger places in Miami - but it doesn't disappoint for sure.

Shake Shack is just fast food - I wouldn't consider it as one of the best burger place around. It's just good for what it is - a fast food burger, and is better than other fast food burgers. It's a different ballgame.

[LargeLife]

I would recommend JR's Gourmet Burgers in Miami Springs.....They're outstanding.....1/4, 1/2 and 1lb. Burgers are available with a wide variety of toppings.....These guys really have a quality product.....My favorite is the N.A.G. Burger....."Not A Girl's Burger"......(although my wife thoroughly enjoyed it).....It has small Onion Rings, Cheese, Bacon and BBQ sauce......Cozy, comfy family atmosphere......The only drawback is that they don't offer a milkshake there......But folks come from far and wide to enjoy JR's......

EMac
Ft. Pierce, FL

[Frodnesor]

I like Shake Shack, it's a good burger for the price (better, and simpler, than Five Guys) and I appreciate that a single is a relatively modest size.

But Burger & Beer Joint would be my choice. It's a little pricier (a 1/2 lb burger starts at $9 and their specialty burgers, usually 10 oz., run about $14 depending on toppings) but they're pretty darn good. The fried pickles are pretty good too. Very casual place, not South Beach trendy.

[tpigeon]

Nothing beats a double shack burger cooked rare. It has to be a double (better bun to meat ratio) and cooked rare, but that is the best burger.

A close second is bourbon steak in aventura.

Both are quite a bit better than burger and beer.

[Frodnesor]

Bourbon Steak's burger surely tops B&BJ's, but OP was looking for something in South Beach and, by the sounds of it, not looking for something fancy.

[tpigeon]

I mentioned the bourbon steak as an aside. I should have made that clear.

PS if you go to shake shack on saturday this month you get the peanut butter and jelly custard special, which was excellent.

[lax2mia]

The PB&J custard is outrageous. Bought a pint on Sunday and it didn't last very long.

My rec on a place would be whether you want a sit down type place or more casual. Both B&B and Shake Shack are casual but B&B is a sit down vs. Shake Shack is counter service. I like both, with a heavy lean towards Shake Shack, so it's just depending on whether you want table service or not.

[tpigeon]

Try it saturday when they make it. It is even better.

[Big Bad Voodoo Lou]

We won't be there until March. Will they have a new flavor by then? I'm leaning toward Shake Shack so far, since my brother is very much a burger purist. All those fancy toppings at B&B Joint won't impress him as much as a place that's awesome, simple, casual, and cheap.

[tpigeon]

Very unlikely. They have rotating monthly specials where they serve a different flavor each day of the week during the month. You will have to check their website after march 1st to know which flavor they are serving in advance. It is pot luck.

Some others to watch out for are gianduja and pancakes and bacon.

[tpigeon]

I meant very likely on the new flavor.

[Frodnesor]

For a burger purist Shake Shack is the place.

[Blind Mind]

If you're seeking a burger - Burger & Beer Joint is a better burger than Shake Shack and Bourbon Steak. Forget about the toppings, you don't need any of them and can build your own burger. The way they season the meat at B&BJ is paramount to any other burger joint in Miami. Shake Shack is good but it's more of a fast casual joint so I guess in that sense it's tough to compare to B&BJ. Bourbon Steak has a fantastic burger but it's way north in Aventura.

[johnmlinn]

"For a burger purist Shake Shack is the place."

Very much agreed.

[tpigeon]

Lax, they have a mutant batch today (last day of PP&J). It has great flavor and larger chunks of jelly. It is the best batch I have had of it by far (I get this flavor a lot).

Also they have a special concrete today (salted caramel and brownie) that kicks some serious butt too.

[lax2mia]

Dang it! Need to check this board more often on the weekend. Had a lazy Saturday at home and was looking for an excuse to get out of the house. This would've done it. Thanks for the heads up.

[Big Bad Voodoo Lou]

So what's the March flavor?

[tpigeon]

I was going to say that the info is not available until March 1st but I was wrong, here goes:
Monday - Salty Chocolate Peanut Butter
Tuesday - Root Beer Freeze
Wednesday - Smores
Thursday - Buttery Caramel Cocoa Nib
Friday - Maple Bacon Bananza
Saturday - Mint Chocolate Chip
Sunday - Fluffernutter

I have tried Fluffernutter in the past and thought it was only ok but they seem to be back on an upswing lately so I might take another shot at that one.

If you go on Saturday, you might get a shot at left over pints of Maple Bacon Bananza - which looks really interesting.

You should also be aware they have a Peanut Butter as a regular flavor, which is really good, especially in a malted.

[tpigeon]

Maple bacon is only ok btw. I don't recommend it.

The salted caramel brownie special is still there and is really great so maybe you will get lucky and it will still be a special. Also I forgot to mention the Vice Crispy concrete is on the regular menu and is also great (salted caramel brownie is better though).