Sarasota isn’t just about sunset beaches… it’s a burger town at heart, packed with spots flipping everything from inventive chef creations to classic roadside favorites. Whether you’re after a messy, melty stack or something totally out of left field, the local burger scene has you covered.
Let’s get to it.
Fork and Hen On Main
If you’re craving Southern comfort with a creative twist, Fork and Hen On Main is the spot. Every burger here is a smashed masterpiece, six ounces of local beef pressed until the edges caramelize. The Hitman really goes for it with pimento cheese, a hefty slab of fried mozzarella, and crispy bacon piled high. The El Azteca brings chorizo and a fried egg into the mix, while the Stepbrother nails that classic drive-thru vibe with American cheese and a tangy secret sauce.
Sides get the same attention. You can choose steak-cut fries or Parmesan-garlic wedges, and don’t skip the pimento crab rangoons—they somehow just work. Cocktails swap the usual for surprises like chai-spiced Mai Tais and a lively Southern Paloma. The dining room is laid-back with a quirky feel, and the Main Street patio is perfect on cooler Florida evenings. Fork and Hen On Main has a personality all its own, and downtown Sarasota is definitely better for it.
Food + Beer – Florida Sports Bar
Food + Beer is the ultimate Sarasota hangout for sports fans and burger lovers alike. They cover the basics—classic cheeseburgers and thin, crispy-edge smash patties—then ramp it up with creations from a secret burger lab. The You Jel? mixes chipotle cream cheese with jalapeño jelly, while the Kona Blue Cheese patty sports a coffee rub. Their signature Okeechobee Smash layers onions and pickles on a double patty that shouts “game night.”
Sides keep it fresh. Order hand-cut fries, truffle-parmesan wedges, or sweet potato tots with scratch-made dips. The beer lineup spans dozens of taps, featuring local brews from Calusa Brewing and others, plus playful cocktails like the Key Lime Pie Martini.
Inside feels like a wood-paneled man cave meets a lively sports bar, with TVs everywhere and a chill atmosphere. It’s family-friendly, priced to please, and the kitchen runs late—often into the early morning. Most locations have solid parking, making Food + Beer a go-to for filling pints and plates.
State Street Eating House + Cocktails
When you walk into State Street Eating House + Cocktails, you’ll notice right away how they take the humble burger and crank it up a notch. The State Street Burger is double-stacked, cheesy, and topped with razor-thin ribbons of pickled cucumber and a spicy aioli, all tucked into a toasted, house-baked brioche bun. There’s also a brunch burger stacked with egg, bacon, and a hash brown, plus a surprisingly great veggie version made with chickpeas and yellow zucchini.
The dining room mixes reclaimed wood, exposed brick, and dim lighting in a way that feels upscale but never stuffy. The Staff Fries are almost a meal on their own—hand-cut, dusted with pink sea salt, then covered in spicy aioli, bits of chicharrón, and jalapeños.
The cocktail program uses housemade syrups alongside rotating drafts and a solid wine list, so drinks are never an afterthought. They’re known for a lively brunch and happy hour, and the kitchen stays open until 1 AM on weekends. Independent since 2012 in a converted bakery, this spot really lives up to its Best Burger awards.
Baker & Wife
Baker & Wife hits that sweet spot between laid-back and artsy without feeling like it’s trying too hard. Run by Chef Isaac Correa and his wife Iya, the restaurant is all about great food in a relaxed setting. Their truffle burger is earthy and rich enough to convert anyone into a truffle fan, but they also do a no-nonsense double cheeseburger and a bacon cheeseburger with 100% beef patties on toasted brioche buns.
Most of the menu has a global twist—there’s pizza, creative small plates, and whatever chef’s special is turning heads that night. Fries come regular or dressed in truffle oil, and there’s a crisp salad if you want a break from the indulgence. Drinks are equally thoughtful with local beers, craft cocktails, and a wine list that actually feels exciting.
Inside, you’ll find cozy seating by reclaimed windows and warm lighting. They also have street-side outdoor tables for catching that evening breeze. Families tend to show up too, thanks to a kids menu with simple burger and pasta choices. Open Tuesday through Saturday evenings, and parking is refreshingly painless.
Tamiami Tap
Tamiami Tap feels like it’s been part of the neighborhood for decades, even though it opened in 2018. They stick with local bakery buns and fresh beef from nearby vendors. The cheeseburger lets you pick your cheese and how pink you like the patty, or you can share a trio of sliders. Veggie fans will appreciate the Impossible Burger option.
Sides are straightforward and well done—fries, tots, coleslaw—and the drink list is impressively long for a neighborhood spot. You’ll find rotating craft beers, solid cocktails, and dangerously bottomless brunch mimosas.
The patio is dog-friendly and gets lively on Sunday afternoons when kids and families filter in. Live music pops up regularly but never drowns out conversation. They stay open late from Tuesday to Saturday, closing at midnight, so it’s a great go-to after trivia night or whatever else you have going on. Tamiami Tap nails the casual hangout vibe without feeling stale.
Connors Steak & Seafood
When you step into Connors Steak & Seafood, you get an upscale-casual vibe that doesn’t demand a suit. There are over ten locations across Florida, Tennessee, and beyond, all offering free Wi-Fi, covered patios in Sarasota or Fort Myers, and cozy lounges for craft cocktails. It’s a place where wearing shorts feels totally fine, but your napkin still feels fancy.
The burgers here are serious business. Half-pound USDA American beef patties meet mesquite grills to give you that steak-like bite. The Boursin Burger is stacked with house-made Boursin cheese, sautéed mushrooms, and crispy tobacco onions. You’ll also find a Classic Swiss Burger, natural-cut fries, and white cheddar mac and cheese if you want to level up your sides.
Service is full-on, happy hour comes around regularly, and there’s a dedicated kids’ menu so families can jump in. OpenTable even named the Sarasota spot one of America’s Top 100 Most Loved Restaurants.
Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant- Sarasota, FL
Stepping into Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant in Sarasota feels like a mini Napa getaway without the blazer. It’s a polished but laid-back space where you’ll see wine flights and Wasabi-Buttered Mashed Potatoes paired with any burger you choose. The airy dining room nods to classic vineyard style, yet it’s totally Sarasota with ample parking and casual chatter about the weather.
Burgers here go next level. The Leonard stacks double patties, caramelized onions, and house “tribute sauce.” The Prime swaps in slow-roasted prime rib with horseradish cream that’s alarmingly good. You can pick beef, turkey, or chicken patties, and grab a gluten-free bun if you need it. Asian Slaw and signature Mary’s Potatoes make for solid sides.
Don’t miss the attached tasting room and wine club, complete with monthly featured bottles and weekend Brunch & Bubbles. Kids are welcome, groups fit right in, and there’s a patio for when the sun isn’t too fierce. Since opening in 2021, it’s stayed a local favorite.
Oak & Stone
At Oak & Stone you’ll find a neighborhood tavern vibe amplified by fifty self-serve beer taps and the smell of bacon drifting off a burger. The brunch-only Heifer & Hen Burger sandwiches a gooey egg between Belgian waffle buns and special sauce. If that sounds over the top, they also offer a griddled burger with crispy onion straws or a BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger topped with Carolina Gold sauce and a fried cheese brick. Veggie or plant-based lovers get a swap at no extra charge.
Beyond burgers you can build your own pizza, dig into pickle fries, or share a bowl of smoky gouda mac that disappears fast. The self-pour beer wall keeps craft enthusiasts busy, and brunch fans can order bottomless mimosas. The sunlit patio is perfect for stretching out on cooler days. Service is easygoing, parking’s usually a breeze, and kids who dig truffle fries will feel right at home.
