I personally eat in every restaurant I recommend, but this simply would not be possible without suggestions from neighbors, friends, fellow travelers, Paradise News readers and others devoted to the pursuit of really good food. For certain, everyone’s taste buds differ, your input is important.
My latest adventure is to find the best burgers in the area. Five years ago this was not a difficult challenge. Places to go (when St. Petersburg was a hidden secret) were ma-pa places like El Cap and even Ted Peters Smoked fish, but today, the choices are abundant as evidenced by a mass of burger fans asking, “Where do I go for the very best burg?”
When judging a burger, one must take into account the quality of the beef, added ingredients as well as price value. This fulfilling experience of finding the best burg has everything to do with you, the customer, yearning (and often craving) to return again for that delectable, memorable experience.
When searching for the best burg, one must also consider who’s running the place. Is it an independent striving to create the world’s “best”, or a chain aiming for a delicious burg at a great price? And don’t forget the most significant important criteria: your taste buds.
Though there are hundreds of places in Tampa Bay serving good burgs here area my favorites:
Burger Monger, new on the burger scene recently squeezed in between a new Pei Wei and Marion’s Specialty Shop on Fourth Street North near downtown. The burgs at Monger are unique and one of the tastiest I’ve found. They use a very healthy beef known as Akaushi. It’s a distinct breed established in Japan back in the 40s, now being bred by Heartbrand Beef in Texas. The unique buttery flavor of Akaushi makes for an absolutely scrumptious burger. Additionally, it’s all-natural and contains a higher percentage of marbling than most. An added benefit is that the burger comes with any and/or all of 20 toppings without an upcharge, and costs only $6.99 for a 6 ounce patty. ($5 on Mondays) Cheese is a dollar extra. I’ve been there at least six times. The bun is toasted and super fresh. My favorite is topped with grilled onions, mushrooms, lettuce, tomato, pickles, banana peppers and their special Monger Sauce.
I always feel full after one of their burgers, but not bloated. Perhaps that’s because Akaushi beef contains a much higher ratio of mono-saturated fat relative to saturated fat, which the American Heart Association says can actually lower cholesterol and preventions heart disease. No need to tip at Burger Monger because
you place your order cafeteria style. Service is fast, efficient and friendly. Located: Burger Monger, 1325 4th St. N. St. Petersburg, 33702 (727)-592-4206. Other locations in Tampa, Safety Harbor, Brandon and Wesley Chapel.
My second favorite was at Engine No. 9, located on a corner downtown on MLK Boulevard Jr. Their signature burger is 10 ounces, non-fatty, and nicely presented. Though the action revolves around the bar, there are tables to the rear. There’s a long list of burger choices, but according to my waitress the most popular is the “Demi-God” consisting of cheddar, swiss, portabella mushrooms, caramelized onions, and horseradish mayo. Spectacular — including a fresh baked and toasted bun.
If you’re in the mood for a touch of Greek cuisine there’s the Saganaki made with fried Kasseri cheese, Tzatziki sauce, feta and Kalamata olives. All burgs are served with fries or a choice of sweet potato fries, pencil fries, tater tots, baked beans or a delicious cucumber-tomato salad. Prices for a burg with a side range from $11.95 – $15.95. Engine No. 9 is located at 56 MLK Jr. Street North, St. Petersburg (727) 623-0938.
My third best discovery was found at Willy’s Burgers & Booze on St. Pete Beach. This den of deliciousness was suggested by a patron I befriended at another burg bar. Signage is poor, so keep your eyes peeled. Yet, once located I guarantee you’ll go back for more.
Just a short stroll from the beach, this bastion of scrumptious food turns out 10 burgers, thick, juicy, loaded with lettuce, red-ripe tomato and a good bun. Order it with cheese and call it The Big Gooey! Dine al fresco if the weather’s cool; otherwise choose to dine in the rather teeny inside bar where you can here the latest beach gossip from the local dudes enjoying their daily beers. Willy’s Burgers & Booze, 675 Corey Avenue, St. Pete Beach, Florida, 33706, 727-329-8667.
There are many honorable mentions, in fact I sampled so many burgs that I may be on a pesco-vegetarian diet for a few weeks.
Sandbar Bill’s, behind the Bonaire, is situated on the Gulf. Here you are welcome to dine in your bikini, shorts, flip flops…you get the idea. Grab a seat at one of the tables overlooking the Gulf, or hang with the friendly locals at the cozy rum-runner filled bar. Their burg is famous for its generous eight ounces, nicely dressed with lettuce and tomato on a sesame coated bun. Not to mention that it is one of the best values on the beach where a burg runs you about $6. Sandbar Bill’s is located at 4350 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach 33706, (727)-360-5596.
The Avenue in downtown St. Petersburg is populated with millennials who travel the distance to enjoy their eight ounce Angus burgs and unique craft beers. If you don’t mind the noise, (it is loud!) this one of the best downtown eateries. Burgs are served on a lovely toasted brioche bun with a hefty side of fries. Other winners are their wings, fried pickles, corndog nuggets and chicken mac n’ cheese. A superb burg menu runs the gamut from $12 to $15. The Avenue is located at 330 1st Ave. S, St. Petersburg 33701 (727)-851-9531.
At Ted Peter’s Famous Smoked Fish you expect to order smoked mackerel, their red oak smoked salmon, an awesome fish dip and a side of German Style potato salad. These guys have been blowing smoke for years, but they’ve also been serving one of the best burgs near the beach. Burgs weight, about one-third of a pound and will cost you a mere $6.99 Ted Peter’s Smoked Fish is located at 1350 Pasadena Ave. S, So. Pasadena, 33707 (727) 381-7931.
Locale Market, the downtown gourmet marketplace by Wunderkind, Mike Messina serves a luscious burg, composed of aged and non aged beef served on an amazingly fresh bun along with all the accompaniments. It will cost you around $13 but, it’s worth every bite. Upstairs is a lovely bar where you can find a hearty red wine to go along with it. Locale Market is located at 179 Second Ave. N., St. Petersburg 33701 727-523-6300.
I’ve been patronizing The Chattaway in south St. Petersburg since my kids were in diapers — and that’s a lot of years. Never once been have I been disappointed. The history of this uniquely-decorated icon is unique. It once housed a grocery store, a gas station and a trolley stop. You must try the seven ounce Chattaburger “All the Way” with relish, onions, pickles, tomatoes, lettuce, tomatoes and mustard. Onion rings are so large they’re more than a mouthful. Chattaway is located at 358 22nd Avenue, St. Petersburg, 33705 (727)-823-1594.
And last— but never least— is a sports bar called El Cap, an institution alive and well after 60 seasons. Hamburgers are only four ounces, but the beef is ground daily and the price is right, only $4.75 for a “World Champ” burg, or you could opt for the Daily Double, two burgs in one. Owner Mary Jean Bonfili oversees the busy operation and keeps the décor much as it always was with sports memorabilia flanking the walls. At least half of the décor on the walls was contributed by avid sports fans. Check out the “Up for the Game” daily specials including a Sunday Super dog. El Cap – 3500 4th St. N, St. Petersburg, 33704 (727)-521-1314.
Story by Joyce LaFray