If you’re craving a seriously great burger in or around Palm Coast, tracking down the top spots can be its own adventure. From roadside taverns with runway views to cozy local joints serving patties piled high with creative toppings, the area has plenty of options to satisfy every craving.
Let’s get to it.
Turtle Shack Cafe
Beach vibes hit differently at Turtle Shack Cafe in Palm Coast’s European Village. Since opening in 2011, this family-run spot has focused on friendly service and a menu that’s anything but basic.
Burgers are the main event. They use 100% USDA Prime beef for options like the “Primo Prime Time” stacked with shaved prime rib or the Bleu Ribbon topped with blue cheese and bacon. You can size up or down, swap for organic chicken, or choose a veggie patty. There’s even a choice of buns. Beyond burgers, coconut shrimp and crab cakes shine, and pierogies or avocado eggrolls add a fun twist. Sides range from seasoned fries to black & blue chips and a pineapple poppyseed slaw that feels fresh.
Patio seating lets you catch ocean breezes if the tide is right, and free parking makes it easy to stay a while. No corporate feel here—just good food, friendly faces, and a bright beach atmosphere.
The Brown Dog
Simplicity rules at The Brown Dog in Palm Coast. This casual spot leans into a burger-first concept with wooden floors and a laid-back atmosphere that welcomes families and friends.
Burgers come in a thick half-pound beef version or a black bean chipotle patty for plant-based cravings. The menu reads like a playground: Fungus Amongus for mushroom lovers, a Breakfast Burger with egg and bacon, or the Peanut Butter Burger—yes, peanut butter on a burger. They even offer a smash-style Fatty Melt and a towering creation called The 300. Every month, the Burger of the Month brings fresh toppings and flavors to try.
Standard sides are crispy seasoned fries, but you can upgrade to fried avocado if you want something different. The drink list includes 16 Florida craft beers on tap plus a full bar for cocktails. Located in St. Joe Plaza with free parking, The Brown Dog feels like a true community hangout where every burger is an invitation to dig in again.
Burger Bros Pc
Take your burger game up a notch at Burger Bros Pc. It’s exactly the spot if you want to load up on toppings and no one raises an eyebrow when you mix goat cheese with chili or stack multiple patties. The menu is like a playground for burger lovers, with standbys like the Classic Burger and mashups with names like Monster Burger… heads up, it comes with enough patties to challenge your napkin skills. The X-Tudo Cheeseburger and Bro’s Flaming Burger are there to spice things up, plus a Black and Blue Cheese Burger and a southwestern chili option for an extra kick.
It’s pure counter service tucked into a cozy corner of a plaza. Families swing by for the hand-dipped milkshakes… six flavors, and nobody stops at just one. Little ones grab a “Jr. Bros” mini burger with their choice of fries, tater tots, or onion rings. You can load those sides with bacon or cheese if you want. There’s no drive-thru but online ordering makes grabbing dinner easy, and parking’s never a headache. It feels local, like a family runs the place, and that friendly vibe shows in every bite.
The Landing Strip Tavern
Nestled beside the runway at Palm Coast Airport, The Landing Strip Tavern delivers small-town charm with a side of aircraft views. The aviation theme is everywhere, from the decor to the patio seats where you can watch planes taxi by. Their burger menu feels built by mechanics who love bold flavors. You’ll find black and bleu burgers, Italian gourmet options, shrimp burgers and a jerk-seasoned turkey patty for a twist on the usual.
If you’re in the mood to get creative, build your own burger with toppings like pepper jack, mango salsa, crispy onions or classic bacon on a ciabatta bun that holds everything together. Sides aren’t an afterthought either, and that full bar has rotating happy hour deals… hello, $2 drafts and bottomless mimosas if brunch is more your speed.
The Landing Strip Tavern even welcomes dogs on the patio and has a kids’ playground to keep little ones busy. It’s definitely not a drive-thru joint, but who’s rushing when you’ve got planes taking off and landing within arm’s reach? The friendly staff and easy parking make it an airport hangout worth the stop.
Captain’s BBQ
If you’re craving true Southern flavor, Captain’s BBQ at Bing’s Landing is your spot. This family-owned counter-order joint sits right by the water in a county park and nails wood-smoked barbecue alongside inventive burgers.
Their half-pound patties mix brisket, short rib, and chuck for serious flavor. The Captain’s BBQ Burger arrives piled high with pulled pork and thick-cut bacon, and you can always build your own. The patty melt on thick rye is a solid option, too. Not into beef? They’ve got grilled chicken or an Impossible patty. Sides include baked beans, mashed yams, and mac and cheese. Rotating specials keep things interesting.
Seating is simple picnic tables under a covered dock deck, where the vibe stays unpretentious and family-friendly. Grab a craft beer on tap, order at the window, and settle in to watch boats float by. It’s got a relaxed riverside chaos that just works for a laid-back barbecue experience.
Metro Diner
Retro charm meets hearty portions at Metro Diner, a chain born in Jacksonville that now spans over 60 locations. The atmosphere brings classic diner booths, free Wi-Fi, and a menu that celebrates American comfort food around the clock.
Burgers stick to the old school—flame-grilled 100% Angus beef on soft toasted buns. You’ve got the straightforward Classic or inventive takes like the Wisconsin Burger with cheese curds or the Big Kahuna topped with pulled pork and pineapple. The Breakfast Burger goes full indulgence with hash browns, egg, bacon, and Hollandaise. Sides are mostly seasoned or hand-cut fries and a pickle spear.
Indoor booths feel cozy, while outdoor seating is an option when the weather cooperates. A full bar serves breakfast cocktails and rotating craft beers. Metro Diner leans into nostalgia and flavor without apologies. After a feature on “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives,” it’s clear locals appreciate the all-day breakfast and no-judgment policy on ordering pancakes at dinner.
Houligan’s Palm Coast
Game day or just plain day, Houligan’s Palm Coast has you covered. This sports grille runs like a neighborhood spot with TVs everywhere, trivia nights, and a laid-back patio when the weather’s nice.
Burgers use hand-packed half-pound patties on toasted pub-style buns from local bakeries. You’ll find a straightforward Houligan’s Burger alongside options like the Black & Bleu with bleu cheese crumbles or the Mushroom Provolone. Plant-based patties, double meat, onion straws, or classic toppings are all fair game.
Wings are equally popular—Wally wings come with tiger sauce or a bourbon glaze for dipping. Sides feature cut-style fries that taste fresh off the spud, not factory-made. A full bar and a long beer list, including the local Houli’s American Red Ale, round out the menu.
Service stays friendly whether you’ve brought the whole crew or just yourself. Free parking and community support nights show that Houligan’s isn’t flashy, but it does deliver good food, cold drinks, and a local sports bar vibe you’ll want to revisit.
Texas Roadhouse
From the moment you step into Texas Roadhouse in Palm Coast, you’re greeted by country music playing, peanut shells on the floor and an open kitchen sizzling with hand-cut steaks. This place takes American comfort food seriously, serving fall-off-the-bone ribs and burgers so hefty they could feed you all week. The Smokehouse Burger is a standout… crispy bacon, sautéed mushrooms and onions drenched in BBQ sauce over a char-grilled patty that’s never frozen and always cooked to your liking. You might need two hands and a stack of napkins.
On the side, you’ll find classic steak fries, or you can swap in a loaded baked potato or a cup of chili. They’ve got a full bar pouring frosty local beers, signature cocktails or even milkshakes for dessert. It’s full table service and totally family-friendly, complete with a kids menu featuring simple favorites. When the weather’s nice, the patio is perfect for dinner. With easy parking and early bird specials, Texas Roadhouse keeps things big, lively and guaranteed to leave no one going home hungry.
Culver’s
If you’re looking for no-fuss comfort food, Culver’s has it down. They keep it simple with Midwest flair, starting with ButterBurgers made from 100% Midwest beef, grilled right after you order and served on a lightly buttered bun. You can go single or double, or try one of their seasonal burgers when they drop unique flavor combinations you won’t find elsewhere.
Sides get the same attention. Fries are cut in-house and onion rings come golden and crispy. Those Wisconsin cheese curds are a must-order if you love a good snack. Their ranch dressing is scratch-made, so it’s more than just a pump from the bottle. Drinks are self-serve, letting you mix soda, lemonade and iced tea into your own secret recipe. Kids love the simple menu and friendly service.
Don’t forget the frozen custard. Sundaes, concrete mixers and rotating seasonal flavors keep fans coming back. The bright dining room feels welcoming for families, and there’s plenty of free parking. If you’re in a hurry, the drive-thru moves fast. Culver’s nails comfort food without any extra fuss.
The Brass Tap
Over at The Brass Tap in Palm Coast, you get a chill bar vibe with just enough polish. Live music, trivia nights and specialty cocktails set the stage for a relaxed evening. The real draw though is the beer selection… over 150 craft brews on draft and bottle, ranging from local Florida favorites to international finds you’ve probably never tried.
The food menu doesn’t skimp either. Their Biggy BBQ Mac Burger is a crowd pleaser with cheddar, bacon, pulled pork and little mac and cheese bites all piled on a butter-basted brioche bun. Every burger comes with hot crinkle fries and you can swap in an Impossible patty if you’re plant-based. Rotating specials keep things interesting, and they stay open late on Fridays and Saturdays.
If wine or cocktails are more your thing, they’ve got premium options that don’t feel watered down. The atmosphere is perfect for catching up with friends or unwinding after work. With regular events and a local bakery supplying fresh buns, The Brass Tap always has something new going on without feeling over the top. Parking’s easy, and no reservation is needed.
Miller’s Ale House
At Miller’s Ale House, game day energy rules every hour. Sixty HD TVs light up the place, tables carry burgers as big as small plates, and the beer list tops 35 options—enough to keep any weekend busy. The burger lineup goes from classics to over-the-top creations like the Prime Burger with sliced prime rib, mushrooms, onions, and tangy garlic-lime crema…not exactly first-date fare. Then there’s the Brunch Burger crowned with bacon and a fried egg for lunch that aims to shock your taste buds in the best way.
Bun choices include toasted sesame, pillowy brioche, or sturdy ciabatta, so diners can load up with any toppings they dream up. Standard fries come golden and crisp, but sweet potato fries and onion rings earn extra napkins and a second order. The sports bar vibe is totally relaxed—drop in through the open patio, walk right up, and park for free out front. Weekday lunch deals, family bundles, and daily drink specials seal the comfort-food deal. Loud, casual, and wide open to everyone—kids included—this is the spot where no one bothers to dress up.
Bob Evans
Stepping into Bob Evans feels like a modern farmhouse meets retro diner. Checkered tabletops, warm wood, and cozy lighting create a laid-back mood that makes you forget you’re in a strip mall with ample parking. The burgers start with half-pound, 100 percent black Angus patties on toasted brioche—sometimes sourced from a local bakery.
Standouts include the Rise & Shine burger, topped with a fried egg, hash browns, bacon, and spicy maple honey that blurs the line between breakfast and dinner. The Smokehouse burger shows off with Memphis-style bacon and smoky chipotle mayo, while traditional cheeseburgers satisfy any simpler craving.
Sides stick to the classics: hand-cut fries turn golden crisp, and homestyle mashed potatoes taste straight out of someone’s family kitchen. Seasonal additions pop up now and then, and kids get plastic placemats to doodle on. Friendly service keeps coffee refills flowing, and smoothies are on hand for anyone who’s had enough maple honey. All told, Bob Evans hits that homey, feel-good note without any fuss.
