A group of people did not create this Best Burger in Miami List but Burger Beast, who is dedicated to creating an ultimate Miami Burger List for true burger fans.
The first Burger Beast‘s Best Burgers List happened in December 2013. I later created one to celebrate National Burger Month in May 2017 and another for the Miami Herald in May 2018.
How do I select which burgers make the “Best Burgers in Miami” list? I spend the entire year scouring Miami and beyond, looking for the best burgers in town.
This list is fluid, so I will add and remove burgers as I see fit throughout the year, although a significant update happens every May during National Burger Month.
Apple Maps for the Best Burgers in Miami
Burger Beast Best Burgers Methodology
It’s important to note that all burgers on this list are fresh beef; no frozen patties are allowed. I then put together a list based on what I’ve eaten and then cut out burgers.
The list shrinks to 30. The hardest part is to cut five burgers. From there, it’s a matter of deciding which burger I would prefer to eat when comparing the two.
To be 100% clear, I have eaten every single burger on this list and taken every picture. If you’re looking for burger list shenanigans, go elsewhere.
The burgers are listed in alphabetical order; if not, we both know that you’d only try the Top Five.
Apocalypse BBQ
Burgers weren’t on the original Apocalypse BBQ menu; it was strictly ‘que with a badass chocolate chip cookie. Jeff’s (Apocalypse BBQ owner) initial foray into beef patty sandwiches was a smash burger.
Since then, he’s settled into a thicker patty that is turning heads and even won my Hamburger House Party this past March 2023. People are lining up to eat this burger, and once you try it, you’ll understand why.
Apocalypse BBQ
9980 SW 104th Street
Miami, FL
Are You Hungry Grill
I ate Are You Hungry Grill‘s Wagyu Beer Cheese Burger (jalapeño beer cheese, IPA BBQ, and garlic cilantro sauce with potato stix) and could not wrap my brain around enjoying a burger on a pretzel bun. I still can’t, but I do know it’s phenomenal.
Are You Hungry Grill started as a burger pop-up, then transitioned to a food truck, and now a restaurant. Finally, AYHG‘s full menu is available and in air conditioning!
Are You Hungry Grill
12486 SW 8th Street
Miami, FL
(954) 651-2353
Babe’s Meat and Counter
After a long run at the Pinecrest Farmer’s Market, where they sold under the Babe Froman Fine Sausages name, Babe’s Meat & Counter opened its butcher shop in Palmetto Bay. They were able to expand their selection of meats, and now a tasty, tasty burger would find its way onto the permanent food/sandwich menu.
So what’s on this tasty, tasty burger? Their house-ground beef patty is topped with American cheese, housemade pickles, and Sriracha mayo on a toasted bun.
I’ve been known to eat one in my car before leaving the parking lot with another for consumption later in the day. It’s the only sensible thing to do when you know the smell will drive you up the wall.
Babe’s Meat & Counter
9216 SW 156th Street
Palmetto Bay, FL
(786) 429-1315
Between Two Buns Food Truck
My two favorite items at Between Two Buns are the chicken sandwich and the sliders. The only problem with wanting the sliders on a regular basis is that they are only available on Tuesdays.
Their regular burger is nothing to shake a stick at, but you know the old saying, great things come in small packages? Well, they must have been talking about Between Two Buns‘ sliders.
Between Two Buns Food Truck
12005 SW 129th Court
Miami, FL 33186
Blue Collar
The original version of Blue Collar’s Dry Aged Cheese Burger had a pretty standard but tasty brioche bun. Chef Danny Serfer would later change the bread to its now burger-iconic Portuguese Muffin.
It’s probably one of the first things you notice when looking at it. Also important to note, this is the only burger to have been on every incarnation of my Best Burger list since the first one in 2013, and that’s saying something!
Blue Collar
6730 Biscayne Boulevard
Miami, FL
(305) 756-0366
CalaMillor
I wasn’t expecting to enjoy the Smash Burguer from CalaMillor this much: Two Black Angus burger patties, American cheese, bacon, caramelized onions, and burger sauce on a toasted homemade brioche bun. The burger is not smashed super; it’s a little thicker, so the burger patties stay juicy.
This smash burger technique is not used often, which is a nice change of pace from what everyone else is doing. I’m looking forward to trying the Smash Burguer Ibérica on my next visit. It has Iberian ham, Manchego cheese, and smoked paprika sauce. It sounds dynamite.
CalaMillor
4000 SW 57th Avenue
Miami, FL
(305) 456-3938
Chefs on the Run
Let’s take a moment to admire the majesty of Chef La Burger (provolone cheese, grilled red onions, hot pastrami, and creole mustard) from Chefs on the Run.
It should be a crime if you’ve never had one. And because of that, I have now officially deemed it a crime against burgers if you haven’t. So, get ta steppin’, or you’re going straight to Burger Beast jail!
Chefs on the Run are winners of the 2017 Hamburger House Party People’s Choice Award.
Chefs on the Run
10 E Mowry Drive
Homestead, FL
(305) 245-0085
Chug’s Diner
The Chug Burger is a double patty topped with American cheese, pickles, and Ariete Sauce. It is the ideal version of a well-constructed burger with superior ingredients. You can add bacon, but I wouldn’t taint it.
I wrote those three sentences for the Miami Herald back in May of 2018 when I named the Chug Burger the Best Burger in South Florida. I still stand by every word I wrote; it is an incredible burger.
Chug’s Diner
3444 Main Highway
Coconut Grove, FL
(786) 353-2940
Cowy Burger
When I discovered that Cowy Burger would replace Ted’s Burgers on Sundays at J. Wakefield Brewing, I knew that meant big things were in store for them. But the truth is, they had already won one of the coveted best burger awards at SoBe Burger Bash.
The namesake Cowy Burger features American cheese, bacon jam, grilled onions, and sauce on a potato roll. The bacon jam and sauce combine to give the burger a slight sweetness. The burger is freakin’ awesome.
Do you know why? Everyone knows that burgers go with onions like coffee goes with milk, and these combinations are undeniably delicious.
Cowy Burger
223 NW 23rd Street
Miami, FL
Farmhouse BBQ
How do I know Farmhouse BBQ is not playing games? Well, we dropped in for some beers and BBQ but found croquetas, a cheesesteak, and a smash burger covered in chopped BBQ beef on the menu.
Well, actually, the Sloppy on Top is on their super secret menu. This smash burger was perfectly executed in looks and taste. I’m surprised no one else has mentioned how great it is….wait…I just did!
Farmhouse BBQ at MIA Bruhouse
10400 NW 33rd Street
Doral, FL
(786) 801-1721
Fukin Burger
Eating from Fukin Burger was a surprise. I’ve been known to search through delivery apps looking for my next burger, and there it was: Fukin Burger.
Fukin Burger, what a great and, at the same time, ridiculous name for a restaurant. Regardless of their marketing “genius,” it’s a tasty burger on a pillowy bun you must try.
Fukin Burger
1900 NE Miami Ct
Miami, FL
(305) 350-5306
Hate Mondays Tavern
I love everything about Hate Mondays Tavern. They’re best known as a BBQ joint with excellent comfort food dishes.
Karl (chef and owner of HMT) has stolen my patty melt heart. Sure, he’s bending some of the patty melt rules, but at the end of the day, all that matters is that it tastes great. Right? Right!
Most importantly, Hate Mondays Tavern won the 2018 Hamburger House Party People’s Choice Award for their Mondays Remedy Burger, pictured above.
Hate Mondays Tavern
12461 SW 130th Street
Miami, FL
(305) 378-4900
iBurger
Right down the street from Chef Danny Serfer‘s seafood restaurant Mignonette is iBurger. The beef patty’s crust made me fall in love with their burger.
Then you add some caramelized onions and super melty cheese on a toasted bun, and you’ve got a winner. And, absolutely, no sauce is needed!
iBurger
275 NE 18th Street
Miami, FL
(786) 360-1240
La Birra Bar
The selection of burgers at La Birra Bar can be overwhelming on your first visit. They grind beef in-house to make their burgers, and they bake the fluffy, slightly sweet buns, so they mean serious business.
The Royale with Cheese, with its American cheese, diced onion, ketchup, and yellow mustard, reminds me of something I’d eat as a kid. And while I’m far from a kid anymore, I absolutely loved it.
One important last note is that La Birra Bar won People’s Choice Best Burger at the 2022 SoBe Burger Bash.
La Birra Bar
14831 Biscayne Boulevard
North Miami Beach, FL
(305) 705-2143
Le Chick
I was mesmerized by pictures of the Le Chick cheeseburger. After eating it, I can confirm that it’s even better than it looks—as unbelievable as that sounds.
The housemade roll complements the special sauce and cheddar cheese. The two patties are cooked with plenty of love. Take home an extra one for a late-night craving cause you will regret it later if you don’t.
Le Chick
310 NW 24th Street
Wynwood, FL
(786) 216-7086
Masa Craft
Masa Craft has a super solid array of hamburgers on its menu. Not all of the burgers are smashed, and I’ve tried their chargrilled burgers, which are just as good, if not better.
You could probably get away with asking for one when they’re not busy. In the meantime, please sit back, relax, and enjoy an awesome burger with a cheesesteak at one of their pop-ups around town.
Follow Masa Craft on their Instagram to see where they will be next.
Off Site
What I like about Off Site is that they’re taking iconic comfort food dishes like burgers, hot dogs, and chicken wings to the next level. Every single thing at this comfy spot has been well thought out.
These folks are putting in work, and the burger is no different. Do you know how hard it is to make something taste incredible when it looks like an everyday burger?
It takes a great talent to do that, and owners Adam Darnell and Steve Santana are magicians.
Off Site
8250 NE 2nd Avenue
Miami, FL
(786) 360-4237
PINCHO
The classic PINCHO burger is always a solid choice as a starting spot. But once you’ve gained a little experience, you’ll want to move on to the monthly PINCHO burger specials.
Last year, the Bacon ME Gouda (a great burger with a horrible name) left an impression on me, but the Black Magic Burger, with its Swiss cheese, sautéed mushrooms, grilled onions, and black garlic truffle aioli, is a game changer. Do yourself a favor and get a side of the aioli to dip your fries or tostones.
PINCHO
9251 W Flagler Street
Miami, FL
(786) 590-1455
Pipo Burgers
If you visit the Pipo Burgers food truck, you might have a totally different experience than at the Pipo Burgers restaurant in Doral. Well, that’s cause the menu is expanded at the brick-and-mortar location.
There are plenty of burgers to be had between both menus, but for me, the Triple Cheese Burger can’t be beaten. It’s a single 7oz patties with diced onion and pink sauce, but it’s covered in three different kinds of cheese: American, cheddar, and Venezuelan queso de mano. What a genius move!
Pipo Burgers
10808 NW 58th Street
Doral, FL
(786) 703-9584
Shorty’s BBQ
A few folks insisted that I eat the Shorty’s BBQ cheeseburger, aka the Big Shorty’s. It has been years since I had pulled to Shorty’s BBQ when I arrived for lunch.
Their Big Shorty’s Burger is a chargrilled 10oz masterpiece of a burger. I added cheese, and that’s it! It doesn’t need anything else, but I wouldn’t hold it against you if you dipped it in their warm, vinegary BBQ sauce.
Shorty’s BBQ
11575 SW 40th Street
Miami, FL
(305) 227-3196
Smoke and Dough
Burger Fridays are a recent addition to Smoke and Dough‘s menu. While I suggest starting with their smoked cheeseburger, the move is really to go the brisket burger route.
Yes, the burgers are all smoked and then given a sear. All of the beef patties are ground in-house with housemade pickles and house-smoked gouda cheese on a toasted potato roll. This is next-level, folks!
Smoke and Dough
4013 SW 152nd Avenue
Miami, FL
(786) 362-5698
Social 27
Social 27 is brought to you by the same folks who created the fantastic Doce Provisions just a few blocks away. While Social 27 is predominantly a dinner spot, it also offers a lunch menu.
What I’m trying to tell you is that the Social 27 Burger is delicious, and you need to drop by for lunch with this meaty goodness.
Social 27
2555 SW 8th Street
Miami, FL
(786) 703-9210
The Food Truck Store
I’ve been following The Food Truck Store and its owner, Rodo Camara, online for years. One day, he mentioned in passing that he was considering opening up a location in Miami; he’s from Argentina.
I filed that information away in the “my need to get back to that” file. The next thing I knew, he was inviting me to a friends and family soft launch party at the original North Miami restaurant. Now, a few years later, there is a second South Florida in Broward County in Wilton Manors.
I’ll spare the rest of the story, but I will tell you this: eat the Wisconsin (Butter Burger) or Oklahoma (Fried Onion Burger). I’m all about Regional Burger Styles, and they nail both of those.
By the way, I know what you’re thinking…is there a food truck? Nope.
The Food Truck Store
13448 Biscayne Boulevard
North Miami, FL
(305) 952-3941
Ted’s Burgers
An invitation to participate in the South Beach Wine & Food Festival led to a well-deserved victory at the 2021 Burger Bash event. Now, with a Judge’s Best Burger win under his belt, the only thing left to do is open a permanent spot for all his legions of fans.
And how’s the burger? Ted’s Burger is excellent and craveable, a wonderful super-sized burger combination.
USBS
The USBS pop-up made a few appearances at different events around town and could usually be found at Boxelder Craft Beer Market on a Friday or Saturday until they sold out. Luckily for all of us burger fans, USBS eventually found a permanent home at the Citadel Food Hall.
Over the years, the menu has expanded to include a chicken sandwich as well, but the one to eat is the 2-Day Double + Cheese Stamp. Please take a looksy at the meat candy exterior that Postmaster General Mayta achieves with his smash; he is a master.
USBS
8300 NE 2nd Avenue
Miami, FL
(305) 537-6624
Try the Smash Burger @ Cala Millor on 57th avenue and Bird Road in Miami!
Spectacular!
How about veggies burgers? I hate the ones that turn into mush
There’s no such thing.
The SWOLF burger from Clutch is. One of the best I’ve had.
Have you even tried Juanchi’s near 5 points? Apparently not, because if you had they would be on the list.
What about Palm Beach County? Any recommendations up here?
There is a Broward-Palm Beach Best Burger List coming in 2 weeks.
Thank you! I have been searching for that! I hope you check out Tropical Smokehouse in West Palm Beach – best smash burger (and amazing collards and bakes beans!) Sweetwater in Boynton Beach is another great burger and fries are great too
I love Tropical Smokehouse.
I rarely ever comment on these matters but Hillstone in Coral Gables has the best burger in Miami. They source Allan Brothers beef. They make their brioche buns in house. They make their ketchup in house. The shredded iceberg lettuce is perfect. And it is hardwood grilled. No competition. However, it is an out of town chain so I understand what you did here.
Your last list did not disappoint. I visited a few spotsand were really happy with it!
Babe Froman’s was definitely among the Top 3, probably because of the good company…
Yes, that was a great lunch!
Babe’s is at the top of my list right now. It’s absolutely awesome.
Super solid burger, definitely in my Top 2!
How could You all leave out Fuddruckers❓️❓️…unless this list focused on only local burger joints…
You answered your own question.