By Kelly Rouse
This summer, if you’re not grilling at home, venture out to try some of the best burgers in the Burg! Our restaurants have tasty offerings for all foodie preferences – thick, juicy burgers with inventive toppings, thinner old-fashioned style patties and plentiful vegan/vegetarian options. Is your stomach growling yet?
ENGINE NO. 9
While the residents of Sunshine City are always actively debating the topic, a consensus has formed that Engine No. 9 is the place to find the best gourmet burger in town. The sports bar debuted in the Edge District in 2012 and owner Jason Esposito (of the Tampa Bay Lightning Espositos), has consistently found his restaurant voted as having one of the best burgers in Tampa Bay. I have to admit I am a big fan. All of their burgers are made with 8oz. of prime Black Angus beef and a choice of side (my go-to is the sweet potato fries). My favorite on their menu is the Demi-God burger: swiss and cheddar cheese, sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions and horseradish mayo – cooked to perfection. Also popular is the Heart Attack Burger topped with a fried egg, American cheese and bacon, and chipotle mayo. They don’t take reservations, but their burgers are well worth any wait.
Sun. and Mon. 11:30am-10pm, Tues.-Sat. 11:30am-12am
www.no9burgers.com
EL CAP
El Cap is a St. Pete classic. The restaurant opened in 1964 and is under new ownership as of last year; however, it still retains its charm. El Cap is one of the best old school restaurants in the city, serving no-nonsense fare that the locals continue to crave. The servers make you feel like family, and you’ll find comfort in the memorabilia on the walls and the laid-back atmosphere. Their burgers will more than hit the spot (I suggest the Daily Double) and their fries and onion rings are addictively good. The covered outdoor seating is pet-friendly and there are plenty of big screens inside, if you’re there to watch a game. With great prices and friendly faces, you can’t go wrong with El Cap.
Sun., Mon.-Thurs. 11am-9pm, Fri.-Sat. 11am-10pm
www.el-cap-restaurant.shop.com
BRICK & MORTAR
Brick & Mortar is the culinary vision of husband and wife duo chefs Jason Ruhe and Hope Montogomery. They launched on Central Avenue in 2015 and have had a loyal following since, repeatedly landing on Top Ten dining lists in St. Pete. With a rustic chic vibe, attentive service and a seasonal menu featuring creative New American cuisine, Brick & Mortar offers an exceptional dining experience. Their burger, with house ground beef, sharp white cheddar, arugula, bacon onion jam, and garlic aioli on a pretzel bun, paired with handcut truffle fries, scores high on locals’ lists with good reason. Other favorite menu items include the braised short rib pasta with crispy brussel sprouts and the flavorful seafood bouillabaisse. Chefs Ruhe and Montogomery are also the creator/operators behind Sea Worthy Fish and Bar in Tierra Verde and Pulpo Kitchen and Lounge in the Grand Central District, which are both excellent eateries as well.
Closed Mondays, Tues. 5pm-9pm, Wed.-Thurs. 5pm-10pm, Fri.-Sat. 4pm-10:30pm, Sun. 4pm-9pm
www.brickandmortarstpete.com
BOULEVARD BURGERS & TAP HOUSE
On the beachside, the best burger can be found at Boulevard Burgers & Tap House (and it may be the biggest in town, too!). They are known for their unique burgers, from the ultra-spicy Ghost Rider burger (you’ve been warned) and the Epic Shrimp burger, to the Kage the Bay burger (topped with a chicken tender) and the Haystack, which is piled high with skinny onion rings. The Veggie Burger is a hit with plant-based diners. Boulevard is popular for its all-day happy hour, offering $6 margaritas and $5 well drinks, and their Yappy Hours on Saturdays are “Fido approved.” With indoor and outdoor seating and live music on weekends, Boulevard delivers both a terrific meal and a fun time.
Sun.-Thurs. 11am-10pm, Fri.-Sat. 11am-11pm
www.blvdburgers.com