From neighborhood joints with secret sauce to riverside taverns serving up bacon-stacked masterpieces, the burger scene around Fort Myers is packed with personality. Whether you crave classic comfort or a chef-inspired creation, there’s a patty in town calling your name.
Let’s get to it.
Artisan Eatery
At Artisan Eatery in Fort Myers, burgers take center stage. The menu feels like a burger nerd’s dream. Wagyu patties land on soft, house-baked brioche, bacon has that deep smoky flavor, and gruyère cheese melts just right. They even have a plant-based burger topped with piquillo aioli that might convert a few meat lovers. Keep an eye out for the pork belly-blend burger with provolone and pepper jelly if you’re feeling adventurous.
Breakfast and brunch run all day. Croissants and biscuit donuts come from local bakeries. You can grab a classic breakfast sandwich or try something more creative.
The sides get special treatment, too. Fries come dusted with truffle and parmesan, or you can go for sweet potato fries. Local craft beers rotate on tap, which pairs perfectly with the Black and Blue burger (bleu cheese and bacon on wagyu).
This isn’t a fancy white tablecloth spot. You grab a table yourself and soak up the laid-back vibe. Best of all, parking is easy and stress-free.
Farmer’s Market Restaurant
Since 1952, Farmer’s Market Restaurant on Edison Avenue has been the go-to for no-frills Southern comfort food. This family-owned diner oozes charm. You’ll hear staff calling regulars “hon” and serving meals with a genuine smile. The menu focuses on classics you know and love.
Half-pound Angus beef patties headline the burger section. You’ll find simple hamburgers, cheeseburgers, and even ones with bacon, all served on bakery buns. Sides let you choose fries, sweet potato fries, or the daily vegetable.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served every day. Kids have their favorites, too, like chicken nuggets or hot dogs. Everything feels homemade, down to the sweet tea that arrives the moment you sit down. If you’re still hungry after your main course, the dessert list is tough to resist. Tony’s Bunch of Deliciousness pie is a must, and just seeing it on the menu might make you save room for a slice.
Parking’s easy nearby, and the booth seats feel like a warm hug. It’s Southern comfort at its most honest.
The Standard Restaurant Downtown
Right in the heart of the River District, The Standard Restaurant Downtown stands out from your regular burger joint. The scratch-kitchen approach shows in every detail, even the homemade BBQ chips that come with the classic chargrilled 8-ounce burger.
Burger options span the basics—bacon and cheese on an OG burger—to a plant-based Impossible Burger on a vegan pretzel bun with house-made mayo. There’s also a black bean-and-quinoa burger topped with caramelized onions and chipotle mayo. When the GOAT burger pops up, fried goat cheese and jelly come together on one plate.
Weekends bring bottomless mimosas, trivia nights, and even karaoke. Brunch arrives with home fries, and later they switch to BBQ chips or fries dressed up poutine-style or with garlic parmesan.
Cocktails and craft beers rotate often, and the sauces—like avocado horseradish and chipotle hollandaise—are all made in house. The vibe is lively, sometimes a little rowdy, but always fun. Service is friendly and the kitchen never cuts corners.
Skinny Dogz Brunchery
If you love all-day brunch vibes, Skinny Dogz Brunchery really delivers. This lakefront café has one cozy location, free parking, and pups wandering under tables while you settle in. The menu reads like a brunch fever dream—hand-formed burger patties ground fresh each morning, plus an Impossible burger that brings its A-game. You can choose smashed classics like the Jammin’ Bacon Bleu or go all-in with the spicy “911.” Breakfast fans rave about the Breakfast Burger, stacked with a fried steak patty, egg, cheese, and a pile of other toppings.
The kitchen insists on making nearly everything in-house. Expect bourbon bacon jam, fire mayo, house onion straws, collard greens, and even their own poutine. Buns arrive fresh from a local bakery, and sides include hash browns and a side of cheddar-bacon grits. There aren’t milkshakes or cocktails, but coffee nerds will geek out over espresso drinks and lattes. It’s not walkable from downtown, but if comfort dishes and hearty brunch plates are your thing, this spot hits the mark.
Cristof’s on McGregor
Cristof’s on McGregor occupies a historic building on McGregor Boulevard, but its easygoing vibe makes it feel like home. The menu blends Italian-American comfort with a surprising lineup of burgers. You’ll find a classic House Burger and a hefty 10-ounce Big House stacked on a local brioche bun, served with house-cut steak fries. If you want to get fancier, try the Black & Blue with blue cheese and bacon. They even offer salmon and veggie burgers for folks skipping beef.
Toppings feel thoughtful, thanks to house-made remoulade, Mediterranean relish, and more. Sides are all homemade too—potato salad, kettle chips, and buttery garlic knots sit alongside every order. Full table service means no rush, and patio seating opens up on weekends. Kids and dogs are welcome, and the curated wine list fits right in next to casual eats. Sunday brunch fills up fast, but the shaded lawn and pet-friendly vibe make it worth the wait. Easy parking on McGregor is a bonus you don’t always get.
Brooke’s Restaurant & Lounge
Brooke’s Restaurant & Lounge blends small-town Texas energy with North Fort Myers flair. The cowpoke décor and live music set a laid-back scene where you might wander in for a burger, order a drink at the bar, and end up two hours later singing karaoke with new friends. Regulars and newcomers share barstools and good times. Burgers here are fresh-ground chuck, never frozen, and the Dallas Burgers menu runs from the straightforward Original to bold experiments.
The Knife & Fork is an open-face, chili-topped burger that’s more of a saucy feast, while the Hangover Burger with egg and bacon revives even the roughest mornings. You can swap any bun for lettuce if carbs aren’t your thing. Don’t skip the AmiJo chips—a curly-meets-house-chips riff served with ranch. Drinks rotate through local beers, refreshing mimosas, and full cocktail pours. It’s a true neighborhood joint where friendly faces, good tunes, and hearty food make you stay longer than planned.
Fat Katz Sports Bistro
Looking for a fresh take on burgers? Fat Katz Sports Bistro has got you covered. They stick to classic burger builds but add a fun twist that feels totally at home in a sports bar. Case in point: the Wine “Oh” stacks cabernet-infused mushrooms, fig jam, manchego, caramelized onions, and garlic lime mayo on a juicy patty.
Their team grinds a custom burger blend of brisket, short rib, and chuck every day. They also offer a house-made veggie patty for anyone who’s plant curious. Buns arrive fresh from the bakery every morning.
Sides here are just as exciting. Choose hand-cut fries, crunchy onion straws, or even a side of pierogi. Thirsty fans can grab a craft beer served in a giant boot glass and catch the game on any of the dozens of TVs scattered around the room.
The vibe is friendly and welcoming. You’ll see families, trivia teams, couples, and regulars all mixing together. It feels like a true local hangout where everyone can unwind, enjoy great food, and share a laugh without any pretense.
Miller’s Ale House
When you walk into Miller’s Ale House, you know you’re in for a good time. With over 100 locations across ten states, they’ve kept that Jupiter, Florida spirit alive. The place is lively, the staff is friendly, and more than 60 TVs ensure you won’t miss any game action.
Burgers steal the show. Half-pound, hand-formed, flame-grilled patties anchor most of the lineup. You can go for a turkey burger on brioche, a plant-based option with potatoes and carrots mixed in, or the Prime Burger. The Prime Burger packs prime rib, roasted mushrooms, sautéed onions, rich gravy, onion tanglers, and garlic-lime crema.
Sides include crispy fries or golden onion rings, plus the famous onion tanglers. Over 35 beers on tap and a full cocktail menu keep things flowing. You can even order pitchers if you’re in a group.
The restaurant stays open late—2 AM on most nights, with extended hours for big games. There’s free parking, wheelchair access, and consistently solid service. It’s a family-friendly spot that hardcore fans and casual diners both love.
BurgerFi
With a chef-driven vibe, BurgerFi feels a step above the usual fast-casual joint. There are over a hundred locations nationwide, but each one focuses on quality. You’ll find classic cheeseburgers and signature options like the BBQ Rodeo topped with onion rings and BBQ sauce, and the CEO burger with double Wagyu and truffle aioli.
Patties come in beef, Wagyu, plant-based, or a quinoa-veggie blend. Buns range from soft potato to gluten-free, vegan multigrain, or you can skip the bun and go for a lettuce wrap.
Sides bring their own flair. Parmesan fries are the star, and the Cry + Fry combines fries and onion rings in one basket. For dessert, frozen custard shakes rotate with seasonal flavors that change regularly.
The space feels welcoming whether you’re in workout gear or out with family. Indoor and outdoor seating options offer flexibility, and green packaging keeps things eco-friendly. You’ll find free parking and friendly staff ready to keep the line moving. BurgerFi stays open every day from 11 AM to 10 PM, so you can grab a great burger any time.
Ford’s Garage Ft. Myers
Ford’s Garage Ft. Myers feels like a 1920s gas station brought to life. Brick walls, gleaming chrome, and wood beams set the scene for a burger menu that goes way beyond ketchup and mustard. Try the “Jiffy” peanut butter and bacon burger, the bourbon BBQ with bacon jam, or white truffle bacon aioli if you want to step it up. You can even pile on “Burger Bling” like fried eggs, pulled pork, or deep-fried pickles. Buns come in brioche, pretzel, or rye, and lettuce wraps are available if you’re skipping carbs.
Beer lovers will spot over 180 rotating taps, while milkshakes range from classic Oreo to rich chocolate. Sides push past fries too—think sweet potato tots with maple-beer sauce, Brussels sprouts, or house-made tater tots. The outdoor patio is pet-friendly, valet parking means zero hassle, and it’s right in walkable downtown Ft. Myers. Open since 2012, this spot even offers a kids’ menu for little diners. The vibe strikes the right balance between nostalgia and a modern foodie hangout.
Five Guys
Five Guys somehow feels both timeless and fresh. The menu is stripped down to burgers, hot dogs, fries, and shakes, which is exactly the point. Each beef patty is hand-formed and cooked to order—always fresh, never frozen—and you can grab a “Little” burger if you’re looking to save room. With dozens of free toppings, choices range from classics like grilled onions and mushrooms to more adventurous combos.
Fries are another highlight… hand-cut in-store, fried twice in peanut oil, and served in oversized portions that somehow feed more than one person. Some spots offer a dusting of Cajun seasoning for extra kick. While you wait, help yourself to free roasted peanuts scattered around the open kitchen. Seating is casual, with red-and-white tiles, plenty of tables, and even an outdoor patio at select locations. Milkshakes come loaded with mix-ins from strawberry to bacon, so go wild or keep it simple. With strip-mall parking right out front, fast service, and that familiar peanut-shell litter, Five Guys nails the no-frills burger experience fans love.
Burntwood Tavern
Over at Burntwood Tavern you’ll find a woodsy vibe and cool tavern energy. Reclaimed wood walls, hand-blown glass fixtures, and a copper-topped bar set the scene. The menu is simple, but it packs plenty of burger options that feel right at home here.
Their signature Burnt Wood Burger piles on a fried egg, crispy bacon, a hash brown patty, lettuce, tomato, and American cheese. Other choices come on classic tavern buns with house pickles or as sliders oozing Velveeta. If you want something lighter, there’s a black bean veggie burger that holds its own.
On the side you can get hand-cut fries, yucca fries, truffle fries, or tavern-made tots. The bar lineup is solid too with craft draughts, house-infused vodkas, a rotating cocktail menu, and wine by the glass.
Service runs from lunch straight through to late night and there’s a pet-friendly patio for your four-legged friend. The place feels spacious and family-friendly, and parking is easy. You’ll likely stay for another round…because it’s just that inviting.
