TOP BURGERS IN FLA
ok already with the le tub! they got best in the country props...
1. Jack's Old Fashioned - be sure to top it with self-serve piquant sauce (horseraddish)and other great toppings.(Broward)
2. Scorch (Miami-Dade)
3. Jaguar w/a chiorizo hat (Coconut Grove)
Can you help a bother out?
netmover
Mar 24, 2006 09:21PM
Is the Stained Glass Pub still on Fed. Highway in Ft. Lauderdale? If so worth a checkout. Classic 1/2lb "pub burger" but done right and (used to be) a real good price too.
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this list seems pretty good:
http://cityguide.aol.com/southflorida/bestburgers/
jim
Link: http://cityguide.aol.com/southflorida...
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Well they say Joe Allens is in central miami beach so that is minus 1 on the cred scale right there...
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absolutamente Joe Allens! Here, NY and other jet-set destinations! it's all good there...4 sure. I go from the meatloaf to the veggie stew then back to the burger! Salads are nice and I hear the eggs benedict @ Sunday brunch is A#1...wow, I gotta eat chowhounds!
send your best bugers (3)
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You really don't take time to read messages do you :). I was not complaining about the fact they ranked joe allens as a top burger, I was complaining about the fact they said it was in "central miami beach", which a) it is clearly in south beach and b) I never heard of anything located in "central miami beach" which lead me to the conclusion that the reviewer had no idea what he was talking about.
Joe allens has good burgers and meatloaf. Their best dishes are their mussles app, Main dishes: pork chop, chicken breast, sausage and for dessert the toll house cookie with ice cream is addictive.
Their eggs benedict are good but cafeterias are better. Balans actually has the best eggs benedict I have ever eaten by a long shot.
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much obliged amigo!
may we make our own top 3 ? ? ?
tag
URIT -U2! & U & U
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Bob
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I gave my top three - 3 - now you give yours....this is how we do it BB ! All over the great state of FLA.
Please post your TOP 3 BURGERS from wherever you reign from here in the sunshine state! Tourists too!
BRING IT
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1. Johnny's filling station on Michigan and Ferncreek in South Orlando. Biker bar, converted gas station. Freshly made, cooked perfectly, all the extras, cold beer, no pretense, but plenty of taste and juice.
2. South Beach burger from Chef Justin Plank at Park Plaza Gardens -- Upscale restaurant on Park Ave. in Winter Park. This one's different. Designed for the South Beach diet. No bun. American Kobe beef topped with melted cheese, salsa (almost a chutney) and avacado on the side.
3. Nell burger -- Highland Street Cafe, Mt. Dora. Half pound burger with sweet carmelized onions in the center. Beef is mixed with chunks of jalepeno pepper. A little difficult to manage, but very tasty. Cheese is optional. This is a little country diner where locals eat.
FWIW, I don't claim these to be the best in Florida, nor should you, unless you've eaten your way through the state. Perhaps you mean best burger in town -- statewide, or something similar.
I simply don't believe the top three burgers in the state are all down your way, nor are they all in Orlando. I suppose I get too literal sometimes.
Nice of you to stir up participation.
Bob
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Good contribution...with help like that...we'll all know where to head no matter what part of this great state we're in.
At this rate, we'll have the TOP BURGERS IN FLA in no time!
Keep posting FLA!
Where's the west coast? Sun coast, treasure coast, Esmerald Coast, Space Coast, Gold Coast? How 'bout you all up there in that Redneck Riviera??? Come on now Upper, middle and lower Keys! Monroe county in the house?
Everyone post their Top (3) Burgers in FLA already!!!
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Now I haven't been all over Florida, but I've said it before on here and I'll say it again: My favorite burgers EVER are at Fuddrucker's, which is a chain. Embarrassingly (although not really, because I love it), I've eaten at Fudd's locations in Illinois and Tennessee as well as throughout Florida, and I just don't think burgers get any better. The meat is freshly-ground in each store (and you used to be able to see the hanging slabs of beef through a window into their butcher shop, although that probably grossed too many people out).
The buns are freshly-baked, soft and lightly-grilled, from their in-house bakery that also serves delicious fresh desserts such as cookies, pies, brownies, and the best Rice Krispies Treats I've ever had. They have an expansive bar of fresh toppings so you can dress your own burger (including awesome pico de gallo and hot cheese sauce from a pump), and a variety of delicious menu options other than burgers (although the ostrich burger is quite delicious too). They serve the best onion rings I've ever had, in addition to the flawless burgers.
Best of all, they're not terribly expensive. I always order the one-pound burger for $7 and change, pile it high with toppings, and eat the whole thing in one sitting, plus rings. You'd pay that much for a half-pound burger at any generic "casual dining" restaurant such as Friday's, Bennigans, or my personal favorite, the "Six Orthodontists In Search of a Tax Shelter Cafe," and the quality at Fuddrucker's is so much better.
So if I'm eating out, I'll very rarely order burgers at other restaurants because I don't expect them to be as good as Fudd's. Jungle Jim's in Orlando, off I-4 near Disney World, also has some tasty burgers, with an entire menu page full of different varieties. Theirs are char-grilled, so they aren't as moist and juicy as Fudd's, but my friend likes the faux-tropical jungle atmosphere at Jim's more. They offer the Headhunter, a 1 1/2-pound burger with three buns, two half-pound patties, cheese, bacon, and all the usual toppings, plus a mound of fries, for $15 and change. If you eat the whole thing, fries, pickle, and all, you get a coupon for another Headhunter free on your next visit. I tried this, and failed miserably. I was so disappointed. I knew I should've skipped lunch before going! But like I said, I can do Fuddrucker's one-pounder no problem, and you don't win any prizes for that, aside from possibly getting your picture taken and posted on the wall. I am forever immortalized at Fudd's location at the Festival Bay mall in Orlando.
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I second the love for Fudd's. I haven't been to the Orlando location but I loved the one in Tucson, thus the curse of the chain. I always get a simple burger and head to straight to the condiment bar and load up with that cheese sauce. Yum.
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I also love Fudd's. We were in Orlando this weekend and went out of our way to go. The only thing I would keep in mind is that I ordered medium-rare and got closer to medium. We also love the Frings!
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Halfway between Gainesville & Tallahassee in small old-FL town of Mayo is Mayo Cafe run by a lady named Shirley who makes a large or small hamburger, full of jucy meat and covered with all the fixins. A tad messy to eat but oh my so good. Brings back memories of NC drive-in's in my youth. Dry county so sweet tea or soft drinks only. Not fancy, a locals place with lunch buffets daily.
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If your ever on the Emerald Coast you should check out a place called Hammerheads Bar located in Baytowne Wharf at Sandestin. They have the best burgers I've ever tasted. They cook them to order. They only have a grill so all you get is cheese on them, but it's ten ounces of pure heaven!
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Bob, I have to say I finally after living 40+ years in Orlando had a "fillin station Burger". I though the meat was juicy, well proportioned and quite tasty, but the lettuce (shredded??), onions (I needed a magnifying glass), tomato (I could read my menu through it) were, as you can tell quite disappointing. Fries were average. Good atmosphere and good people. So my experience has led me to question, should a burger be judged just on its meat alone or should the whole "experience" be a factor in your opinion, ie accompaniment's.
As for your other 2 recs I haven't had the good luck to try them, but now seem as if I must.
Love the topic, but must admit I do NOT see the whole "Love Affair" with In-N-Out Burger that so many on this board have. Must be a California thing. Something I equate with good acting and Paris Hilton. Just MY OPINION!
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My five fatorite Orlando burgers in that column were:
*Johnny's Fillin' Station - ranked best (your'e right, fries just average -- but order the tater tots)
* Friends - a small neighborhood restaurant in the ViMi District on Mills, ranked second
(TOSSUP)
* BJ's Restaurant & Brewwhouse - a new national chain that recently opened near the Mall at Millenia
*Citrus - CAB burgers offered two different ways at lunch only
* Houston's - 'nuf said, but it was based on more than just the great burger
I did not include restaurants outside of the Orlando area. However, I mentioned as worthy of inclusion: Casey's Grille in Tuscawilla, the Highland Street Grille's famous Nell burger in Mt. Dora and the selection of burger choices at Toucan Willie's in Oveido.
I recognized separately -- in my wine column which paired wine and burgers -- the Kobe-style Waygu beef sliders with caramelized onion and gorgonzola sauce at Midnight Blue in Thornton Park. Everyone is making Kobe sliders now -- it's that sauce that makes these stand out.
I tried a number of others that did not make the cut. Those that come to mind include Fuddrucker's, too bland, Five Guys, well-done burgers only (and greasy fries), Back Yard Burgers, great food, lousy service experiences, Logan's Bistro, same thing. Very slow, complacient service at What-A-Burger trumped a pretty good sandwich. The fact the place was empty at the two I went to contributed to my uneasiness.
There were others -- my notes are at the office.
Two that I missed and that may have made it were Dubsdread CC -- they were closed two times that I tried, but previous visits had been list-worthy and the Capital Grille burger, honestly overlooked, but again worthy of the list from previous visits.
I tried several of the purely QSR restauants -- but didn't include the nformation. Of the big three, for my money, the Whopper with cheese at Burger King is still the king. They also offer an awesome spicy onion ring sauce -- you must ask -- that is killer on fries, onion rings, the burger, my sandals . . .
There is something inedible (for me) about MCDonald's meat. However they win for best fries.
I have enjoyed Hardee's Thickburger series and the new Wendy's Baconater seems to fit in that category. We opted not to go in that direction, however in light of the more upscale nature of our readership.
Like any list, other people are entitled to their opinions about mine. If I redid it today, I suspect several might change.
To answer your question, the burger is the prime, but not only thing I grade. Ambiance, service, consistancy, quality of sides as well as price are measured on top of the meat texture, flavor, moistness, the quality of the bun and the condiments, the ability of it all working together, etc.
Sorry you had a bad day at Johnny's. Some people like shredded lettuce instead of a leaf (I do, Houston's also served chopped lettuce.) Some people hate onions. That's why we have servers who we tip to handle those things.
Don't get me started on tomatoes in Florida. They universally suck and I almost never eat them -- one look is enough.
Bob
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Bob, you recently mentioned going to LeTub in another post. How did it fare against Orlando's best? Have you ever tried a burger from Char- Hut?
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Not Char Hut -- yet -- nor Prime 112 either. I have a list and they are both on it.
Since my sis and her hubby are in Ft. Lauderdale, I hit at least one or two of my places when I visit, which isn't often enough.
That said, LeTub was great. And I can get a martini with it -- although we had some good old bloody Marys to start. Great seat on the water, and interesting to see how many rich folks seem to congregate there.
Burgers are huge, man, and they do taste like steak, not like a hamburger. There's apparently no seasoning other than smoke and salt and pepper -- I thought I tasted some thyme but our crusty server (not as in the Simpson's clown, but as in been here awhile) said absolutely not -- although if they are using MSG you couldn't taste it.
Service started at abysmal, I'm sure there's a reason, as if they need more business, but we coaxed our server into almost being nice.
Fries were great. Fish dip was above average. Key lime pie sucked.
I don't mind their attitude, part of the charm -- like New York waiters -- and it isn't hard to get in if you know the flow and get there just ahead of opening on the weekend.
Also love reading the AOL City Guide (and other Internet services) user comments -- all the more reason to go if those people hated it . . .
Bob
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Flytr:
I should have looked at the post you referenced before writing the previous post. Please note that it is almost a year and a half old and does reflect a broader geographic area than my column for Executive Living.
Not sure if PPG still serves that South Beach burger -- and I mentioned the Nell burger.
The other burger that sorely dissapointed me was the one at Beaches 'n Cream at Disney's Yacht and Beach Club.
What had been a hand made patty, juicy and fresh, has turned into another commissary-frozen sandwich not worth crossing the street for.
Bob
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Le Tub-Hollywood
Haulover Shark & Tarpon Club-N Miami Beach
Ye Olde Falcon Pub-Davie
Uncle Al's-Davie
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top 4 4 U !
who's next ?
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You are so right on! I was trying to think of the best burgers in the Ft Laud area while scrolling thru replies and you definitely got 2 top places. Le Tub and Falcon. Not sure about Uncle Al's and or Haulover. Another good place in FL when traveling is in Captiva Island, FL. The Mucky Duck is an awesome place to eat and their burger (even take out) is top notch.
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steak N Shake
Crystal's
big pink
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WOW
NICE TOP 3 ! ! !
ANY STEAK&SHAKES IN DADE YET?
KRYSTAL'S R CONTAGIOUS!
BP IS IN THE HOOD GOOD NEWS!!!
gimme more. . . (3)
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There's a Steak 'n' Shake in West Kendall, on North Kendall Drive and SW 162th Avenue (I think) -- basically, right across from the Wal-Mart, whatever avenue that is. It opened a few years ago, but it's the only one I know of around Miami.
Last I checked, there still weren't any Sonics down there, though.
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There is a Steak N Shake across from Gulftsream Racetrack in Hallandale.
I'd grab one there then hit Le Tub
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Some honorable mentions in Broward:
- I've had really good burgers at the Billabong Pub in Hallandale, but that was a coupla years ago.
- L'il Ole Caboose, Deerfield Beach: Good White Castle-y sliders and obsessive replicas of Nathan's fries as they used to be before the Coney Island flagship switched over to the franchises' equipment and recipes, right down to the wooden forks. If only they had the orangeade.
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LIL OLE CABOOSE yes siree! I finally tried them a month or two ago, that place ROX! Them cows are holy!!! I could slide a six pack right now...good one!
POST YOUR TOP (3) BURGERS FLA
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In North Florida, at least, it is What-a-burger.
By popular demand!! Try the double meat and cheese.
Puts Stekk-n-shake to shame. Also better than Fudd ruckers.
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Orlando finally got the first one open about a year ago, out near UCF. It's owned, I'm told, by the same family that founded Beefy King (another story).
I honest don't see what all the fuss is about at What-A-Burger. Not bad, but nothing great. Decent flavor, but again nothing that many of the other chains do just as well, with nothing distinctive about any of it.
We could use a place like Hamburger Hamlet in California -- see link below -- or the In-and-Out Burger, if we are talking chains.
At least Steak 'n Shake burgers have some unique qualities, such as their shakes are made to order, they have the fruit shakes, and they serve great, fresh shoestring fries.
Or like Backyard Burger. Great meat and charcoal grilled. Still a chain, but I'll eat there.
Hell, I'll eat at Burger King . . .
I'm a Fudd fan too, but I don't care for the new one that Lou likes out near I-Drive. Some of the older shops, where the meat is haning in the case, had a lot more cachet.
Bob
Link: http://www.hamburgerhamlet.com/
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I've always wanted to try In-N-Out Burger (I love the name!) and Fatburger, the two that my West Coast homies brag about. Funny, Jack in the Box doesn't have that "exotic appeal" to me, even though I've never been there either.
However, even though I've drastically cut back on fast food and junk food in the last few years, I'm currently reading Fast Food Nation by Eric Schlosser, so I'm wondering if I will ever patronize fast food joints again.
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Nothing tops an In n Out burger as far as chains go and there's none west of Nevada. Oh well. Jack in the box is actually nasty and Fatburger is more overkill than anything else (do you really need chopped boiled egg on a burger?). I haven't found anything in S.FLA to match west coast burgers. Tobacco Road is OK. At least the fritas we can get in Miami are unique (basically ground beef and chorizo served on cuban bread with onions and julienne potatoes). Okay, it's not technically a burger, but it's realllly good.
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In-N-Out is good and I agree the west coast burgers did seem to stand out. Plus In-N-Out has such great business practices that it's easier to like them even though it's a chain. And with a limited menu, there's no confusion on what to order (except for that famous hidden menu), though I was never a fan of their fries.
Unfortunately I haven't been around Orlando enough to sample its best burgers. I had a good burger at Froggers grill. The complete burger including condiments and additions made it good but the burger itself lacked a bit.
The best I've actually had so far was from Pauly's. Can't describe why, other than it was juicy and well priced. The burger is comfort food and it hit the spot.
I did once have a burger at Johnny's Fillin' Station but it was extremely dry. I think it was just a bad night, we were there late. So I'll definitely be back there to try again.
Bob, which burger from Johnny's is your favorite, or do you just get a plain old hamburger?
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Medium rare bacon cheese burger with Swiss.
I've tried the variations, the barbecue, the Philly and the mushroom, at least, and I always go back to the original.
Love the cheese fries and/or the fried mushrooms also . . .
Bob
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I had a really good burger at the Johnny Rockets in the Loop in Orlando. I also like Lindburgers - usually go to the one in Boca Raton. And sometimes we go to Cheeburger Cheeburger in Delray Beach.
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el cap in st. pete. i always go for an extra burger after i eat.
sadly, Tampa's Goody Goody is now gone.
i don't know of any others i would strongly endorse.
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I can't keep track - has anyone mentioned Chattaway's in St.Pete?
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I forgot charhut
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Royal Castle?
They were Florida's answer to White Castle. The original sliders. I seem to recall the chain had some connection to the Singer family (Miami Beach pioneer).
I grew up on them in South Florida in the 50s thru 70s.
Fluffy white bun, pickle, ketchup, mustard and fried onion on top.
They were open around the clock.
What I remember most was breakfast. I had a job that started at 5 a.m., and a breakfast there -- full breakfast -- cost about 50 cents. They made honeybuns, breakfast swirled rolls, out of the leftover burger buns.
Delicious.
Bob
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Still there just off 125th on I95. NW 7th Ave, one block west of the I.
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Really!
Same menu and the same atmosphere? I'm sure the prices have changed. I cannot imagine some genius hasn't decided to update things.
Gotta' go next trip south to see family . . .
Bob
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yes, that's the one
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The Royal Castle in North Miami has been closed for ages after a fire. They have a sign in the window claiming they will reopen soon. That was months ago.
The RC on 27 Avenue and 79 Street is still there but the burgers I had there recently were poor.
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I remember them down in FL when the whole family would come down for vacation. We would stop at an RC on the way home from the beach. I do miss them.
John
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I think there still is one on 441 in North Miami area
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http://www.miaminewtimes.com/Issues/2...
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What a coincidence. I lived in Miami when I was young, right near the intersection of Bird and Red roads. There was a Royal Castle right off of Eighth Avenue going towards Coral Gables that still exists in my mind as the quintessential hamburger.
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I ate many breakfasts at Royal Castle -- not that one, however.
Do you recall the sweet cinnamon "sticky rolls" they used to make out of the left over burger buns? They were so good . . .
Bob
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NEED MORE TOP BURGERS IN FLA - PLEASE GIVE YOUR TOP 3 NOW
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seems like we have a lot as it is. why the push for so many? are we striving for an arbitrary number? what if those are all the good burgers in the state? The best i know of i make at home on my smoker...
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1-Abe & Louis Boca Raton
2- Jacks Pompano & Ft Laud
3- Houstons Boca Raton
All of these three grind meat fresh daily. Abes is the very best. Large and juicy
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1 Never heard of Abe & Louis, and a google search revealed nothing, what can you tell me about the place?
2.Any difference between the two branches of Jack's?
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I've never heard of A&L either so don't feel bad.
As for the two Jack's - they are the same. There are only two Jack's as the sign says and they both ROCK!
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I finally located Abe and Louis. It is in Boca, on Glades, just west of 95 south side of the street. It looks like another Brewzies and is part of a restaurant group. I did not try it as I was on my way to Jack's. Loved Jack's. One odd thing about my visit was that I ordered lettuce and tomato and it came in a small sandwich ziplock bag sitting on top of my burger,absolutely bizarre.
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abe and louie's is an expensive steakhouse. think mortons but more expensive. not a place i'd suggest for a burger... if you go there, you get a steak. that's like suggesting to go to prime 112 and getting the kobe hot dog
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Char Hut wins hands down. Went today after reading all the burger talk.
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The best burger in Florida--The Brass Ring Pub in Lake Park. Perfect run-down-your-arm juicy deliciousness.
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I love the award winning burgers from "New Pass Bait Shop & Grill" in Sarasota...... Its on the water, and the cost is $4.75 loaded or $6.75 with fries.....
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