Searching for the juiciest burgers in Fort Lauderdale? Whether you’re after a classic, crave adventurous toppings, or need a meatless masterpiece, the city is full of local spots serving up memorable, mouthwatering bites.
Let’s get to it.
The Riverside Market Cafe
If you’re searching for a laid-back cafe in Fort Lauderdale that feels like a neighbor’s living room, The Riverside Market Cafe fits the bill. Family-owned since 2009, it welcomes everyone—families, students, artists, even four-legged friends on the patio with its teak furniture.
The interior mixes deep couches, wing-back chairs, and a treasure trove of quirky decor. Outside, dogs lounge beside customers who sip coffee or craft sodas.
On the food side, the burger list keeps it simple with three choices: a classic grilled beef, the Black and Bleu with bacon and tangy bleu cheese, and a Southwestern Black Bean option that delivers a nice chipotle kick. Each burger lands on a toasted local bun and arrives with hand-cut fries that stand out on the plate.
Where things really shine is the beer wall: self-serve coolers stocked with over 550 craft beers plus fancy sodas and teas. There’s a full kitchen, counter service, and an honor-system bar. With free parking and late-night hours most nights, this spot nails the Fort Lauderdale chill vibe.
Gilbert’s 17th Street Grill
Walking into Gilbert’s 17th Street Grill feels like stepping into a backyard cookout that’s run by burger fanatics. The focus here is Certified Angus Beef—no trendy substitutes—cooked fresh and piled high with creative toppings. Local memorabilia and family photos line the walls, giving the place a warm, old-school charm.
You order at the counter but still enjoy full table service, which somehow feels like the best of both worlds. The menu is playful without being over the top. There’s a Havarti Burger on an English muffin that somehow works, a Brie and fried onion combo, and even goat cheese with chipotle mayo. The Godfather Burger doubles down with capocollo and fresh mozzarella. If you really want to test your limits, there’s “The Hottest Burger in South Florida,” complete with extra napkins.
Sides include hand-cut fries, sweet potato fries, and grilled veggies for anyone pretending to eat healthy. Don’t skip the famous Key Lime Pie that locals rave about. After more than a decade, Gilbert’s still feels like the neighborhood spot you can’t forget.
411 South Bar & Grill
Down on Fort Lauderdale Beach Boulevard, 411 South Bar & Grill delivers a beachfront bar vibe that locals actually love. You get sandy views, casual seating, and zero judgment for showing up with salt-sprayed hair. The menu keeps it simple with four Angus beef burgers on squishy brioche, each topped with lettuce, tomato, and your choice of classic add-ons. Go for bacon and American cheese or try the Pub Burger with grilled mushrooms and onions. Every burger arrives with hand-cut fries that disappear surprisingly fast.
On the drink front, there’s draft beer in craft and domestic options, plus all the frozen cocktails you’d expect. Yes, that Miami Vice is real and it’s as colorful as it sounds. The staff moves orders along smoothly whether you’re dining inside, grabbing an outside table with a view, or picking up takeout.
This place is perfect for groups, kids, and anyone rolling in on wheels. They offer free parking and even start serving brunch cocktails at 8 a.m. The kitchen stays open late to keep the good times rolling.
Doc B’s Restaurant
At Doc B’s Restaurant + Bar in Fort Lauderdale, the menu is built for mix-and-match appetites. You can start with a kale salad and follow it up with fries or dive right into a Dragon Burger that brightens up your plate with habanero-honey BBQ and tangy giardiniera slaw.
Burger fans will find staples like the classic cheeseburger, but also the Wedge Burger topped with candied bacon and Danish blue cheese. Veggie and turkey options include the All Green patty, loaded with kale and rice, plus a jalapeño aioli that makes it anything but boring.
Beyond burgers, there are Wok Out Bowls, gourmet salads, pizzas, and a Backyard burger that brings cookout vibes indoors. Sides range from hand-cut sweet potato fries to buffalo-style potatoes. At the bar, local draft beers sit alongside craft cocktails and a varied wine list.
You can grab a seat inside by the open kitchen, hang out at the mid-century bar, or chill on the patio. Free garage parking makes it easy to pop in, and there’s even a kids’ menu and house-made remoulade to keep everyone happy.
Tarpon River Brewing
Tucked inside a 1929 horse barn, Tarpon River Brewing stands out with its industrial-chic makeover, colorful murals, and a roomy outdoor patio perfect for people-watching. Located in Fort Lauderdale’s Arts & Entertainment District, it’s easy to stumble over after a downtown stroll.
The burger lineup is anything but boring. Sure, you’ll find a craft burger with melted American cheese, but the real crowd-pleasers are the PB & J Burger—honey peanut butter, chili-spiked jam, provolone, all on a toasted brioche bun—and the IPA Mac Burger with gooey IPA mac and cheese plus fried onions. Sides get playful, too, from sweet potato fries drizzled with chocolate to Hangover fries piled high with toppings.
Beer is brewed on site, with rotating seasonals and experimental batches. There’s a full bar, trivia nights, live music, and even yoga brunches on the weekend. It’s walk-in only, with full table service, occasional free parking, and late-night hours when a midnight burger feels entirely justified.
Primanti Brothers Pizza and Grill
On Fort Lauderdale Beach, Primanti Brothers Pizza and Grill blends casual vibes with hearty, handheld eats. A Pittsburgh original, this outpost has been serving hand-tossed pizzas, massive sandwiches, and a lineup of burgers around the clock since the mid-’90s.
The star is the Pitts-Burger: a 1/3-pound Angus beef patty topped with fries and slaw, melt-in-your-mouth provolone, and fresh tomato all sandwiched between thick slices of Italian bread. It’s more than a burger—it’s practically an event on its own.
Breakfast and Italian dinner options fill out the menu, while fried sides like fresh-cut “boats” loaded with cheese and crispy mozzarella sticks round things out. There’s a retro-dive feel inside, and outdoor tables offer ocean breezes and A1A views.
Family-friendly touches include highchairs and a friendly staff, plus street parking if you’re lucky. Tradition rules here, so don’t forget to bring cash—it’s the way they’ve kept the spirit alive since day one.
BurgerFi – Sunrise
Stepping into BurgerFi on Sunrise Boulevard feels like you just upgraded your typical burger spot. The place has a modern look that almost convinces you you’re cooler just for being there. It’s fast-casual, so you order at the counter or tap a kiosk if you’d rather skip the chit-chat. Choose to sit inside or grab a seat on the dog-friendly patio. It’s laid-back but can get pretty lively during peak hours.
The menu is where things get fun. You’ll find 100% natural Angus beef burgers or, if you’re splurging, the double Wagyu CEO burger with candied bacon-tomato jam, truffle aioli, and extra flair. There’s cage-free grilled chicken, a quinoa-based VegeFi, and a Beyond Burger for plant-based eaters. All buns are brioche-style and baked in-house. You can swap to gluten-free or go for a lettuce wrap.
Sides are on point too. Fresh-cut fries (try Cajun seasoning), crunchy onion rings, and eleven dipping sauces to mix things up. To wash it down, they’ve got shakes, frozen custard, sugar-cane sodas, and craft beer. Oh, and free parking deserves its own shout-out.
