Captain John’s Steamed Cheeseburgers in Homestead, Florida

Just as I pulled into the strip mall where Frita Queen was located, I noticed two things. First, Frita Queen closed, and secondly, what in the world is Captain John’s Steamed Cheeseburgers (28838 South Dixie Highway, Homestead)?

I was originally introduced to this regional style of burger because of the George Motz documentary Hamburger America where he profiled Ted’s Restaurant in Meriden, Connecticut, and their Steamed Cheeseburgers.

The steamed cheeseburger is cooked in a stainless-steel cabinet that contains small trays that hold either an individual hamburger or a chunk of cheese to be melted. The cheeseburger is served by scooping the meat onto a bun and pouring the melted cheese over the meat. The burger can be served with a number of customary toppings.

Steamed Cheeseburger description from Wikipedia 

I’ve never had a Steamed Cheeseburger, so I was ecstatic. My dad, who was with me, was more amused at my excitement than at the idea of trying a new style of cheeseburger. The melted cheese had the consistency of cheese fondue, and the burger was moist like a great meatloaf.

The bun isn’t exactly my favorite, but something about the combination of all the parties involved continues to intrigue me. This burger won’t work without that kind of cheese on it, and that could be the gamechanger.

Captain John's Steamed Cheeseburger Open Face
Open Face Steamed Cheeseburger
Captain John's Steamed Cheeseburger with chips
Steamed Cheeseburger with chips

There was a standard chargrilled cheeseBurger on the menu, which was pretty good too. I didn’t try anything else, but the entire menu is below so that you can check it out. Captain John’s even has a daily quiche. I’m gonna try to hit them up for breakfast as those sandwiches sound killer.

Captain John’s Steamed Cheeseburgers Menu

Captain John's Steamed Cheeseburgers Menu Page 1
Menu Page 1
Captain John's Steamed Cheeseburgers Menu Page 2
Menu Page 2

I would eat at Captain John’s Steamed Cheeseburgers a total of three times between January and June of 2014. They closed not too long after my third visit when John Wambolt, the owner, fell sick and was hospitalized. Another great burger joint opened up to replace it, Larry, Curly, Burgers & Moe.

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