Burger cravings hit hard in The Villages, and locals know the best spots serve up more than just a great patty. Whether you want a classic cheeseburger at a lively sports bar or an upscale twist with a lakefront view, there’s a burger haven waiting around the corner.
Let’s get to it.
Chop House at Lake Sumter
Chop House at Lake Sumter nails both steakhouse polish and a fun burger twist. The dining room has candlelit tables, crisp white linens and a clean, upscale feel that makes you want to wear your Sunday best.
You can watch the wood-fired grill at work through the open kitchen window. The open grill adds a dinner and a show vibe. The menu covers USDA steaks and gourmet burgers like the wagyu Chop House Burger with aged cheddar and bacon jam. Sides are just as thoughtful, including garlic whipped potatoes, house-cut steak fries and Brussels sprouts seasoned to win over any vegetable skeptic.
Families find a friendly setup, too, thanks to a full kids menu and plenty of parking, which is a big plus around Lake Sumter. The lakefront patio is perfect for a happy hour cocktail or a casual drink with a view. Don’t skip the cocktail list, it covers classics and seasonal twists. Even the brioche buns arrive from a local bakery, so every bite feels a little more special. It’s polished enough for date night but still relaxed enough that bringing the kids won’t ruffle any feathers.
Harvest Restaurant & Bar
Tucked in Brownwood Paddock Square, Harvest Restaurant & Bar strikes a balance between upscale-casual comfort and a curated drink selection. The art deco bar catches the eye, and there’s a full wine wall that sets a more refined tone.
The burger lineup is simple but solid. You can go with a classic cheeseburger featuring a brisket-chuck blend on an artisan bun or pick the plant-based patty on brioche. Fries come standard, or you can upgrade to garlic mashed potatoes or a baked potato. The rest of the menu includes shareable apps, fresh bowls and house-made pastas, all built around local ingredients. The cocktail menu mixes inventive twists with familiar favorites, and the wine list covers everything from light whites to bold reds. Service tends to be attentive without feeling stuffy.
There’s outdoor seating overlooking the square, so you can enjoy mild evenings. Families will appreciate the kids menu, which offers a mini burger and fries. Harvest stays open daily with extended hours on weekends and they often roll out seasonal specials or host wine dinners, making it a go-to for both casual nights and special occasions.
Tap House Social
Tap House Social takes the classic sports bar vibe and gives it a serious upgrade. TVs cover the walls with live games and you still get a menu that feels more gourmet than basic bar fare.
Burgers come in all shapes and sizes, from steakhouse-thick patties to double-stack smash creations. The GOAT Burger pairs goat cheese, hot honey, field greens and fried onions for a sweet and tangy kick. The Jalapeño Smash Burger combines bacon, cream cheese spread and fried jalapeños for some real heat. There’s even a Sourdough Smash Burger that skips the bun for grilled sourdough slices. Rotating burger specials also pop up on the menu now and then.
For sides, you’ve got seasoned fries, sweet potato fries, cheese fries, onion rings and house slaw. The ever-changing beer list covers local brews and rotating drafts, so regulars always have something new to try. A kids menu handles the little ones without a fuss, and the atmosphere doesn’t mind if your crew cheers a bit loud. With free parking and an easy location, it feels like home base for solid burgers, craft beer and a side of live sports action.
Legacy Bar & Grill
Legacy Bar & Grill brings that laid-back, poolside energy to your burger and beer fix. It sits right on the grounds of Legacy Golf Club and even flirts with the tennis courts next door if you work up an appetite.
The menu leans on classic American favorites. You’ll find half-pound Harris Ranch beef patties made into bacon cheeseburgers, gyros and shareable apps like loaded nachos and chicken wings. The Smokehouse Burger stacks bacon, cheddar, crispy onion rings and tangy BBQ sauce. Buns come from a local bakery and fries are hand-cut. If you want something different, swap in onion rings or a side salad.
The bar keeps it casual, pouring cold beer, wine by the glass and well-crafted cocktails. TVs near the bar show the latest games and sometimes live music or trivia rounds happen outdoors. The poolside seating is perfect for a breeze on warmer days and big groups can spread out across tables. Service kicks off at 11 AM and last call is around 8 PM. Weekly specials like Sunday BOGO burgers make an ordinary Tuesday feel like a win.
RJ Gator’s Florida Sea Grill & Bar
RJ Gator’s Florida Sea Grill & Bar brings a laid-back seafood-shack vibe to The Villages. This family-run spot opened in 1986 and still serves juicy burgers alongside fresh seafood. The classic RJ Burger is solid, but the Biscayne Bay Burger steals the show with crispy onion strings and their addictive Parrot Bay sauce. The Hawaiian Burger adds grilled pineapple and onions, all on a soft brioche bun that actually gives when you bite into it.
Every patty is hand-pressed and cooked to juicy perfection. The crispy fries are a must, and bar snacks like fried green beans round things out. The patio overlooks the lake, complete with live music and a steady breeze. Families sink into slider baskets while adults unwind with fruity cocktails during happy hour. Even the kid menu has fun options. With lake views, friendly service and a menu that balances burgers and seafood, RJ Gator’s feels like a weekend escape without leaving town.
Square 1 Burgers & Bar
Stepping into Square 1 Burgers & Bar feels like entering a burger playground. The menu covers everything from a classic hand-pressed American cheeseburger to a Juicy Lucy stuffed with cheddar. You can choose beef, Angus, lamb, turkey, chicken, buffalo and even ostrich…plus vegan and vegetarian options. Buns get as much love as patties, with toasted pretzel, house-baked brioche and local whole wheat all on offer.
Seating spills inside and out on the patio. The full bar pours local beers and features cocktail specials while shakes are practically begging for an Instagram shot. Brunch pops up on weekends with items like breakfast burgers and benedicts. Shareable sides run the gamut from hand-cut fries to curly tots, each paired with house-made sauces that don’t mess around. Kids have their own menu, but grown-ups appreciate the laid-back vibe that lets you mix and match sides without judgment. Free parking makes stopping by easy, whether you roll in with family or meet friends for a casual meal.
Metro Diner
Metro Diner is the kind of place where diner classics meet unexpected burger creativity. With retro-inspired booths and friendly service, you get comfort food at its best.
Burgers are half-pound Angus beef, never frozen, and served on buttery brioche buns. The lineup ranges from a classic cheeseburger to the Breakfast Burger loaded with hashbrowns, bacon and an egg all smothered in Hollandaise. Feeling adventurous? The Holy Davoli burger brings fresh mozzarella, roasted red peppers and basil pesto.
If burgers aren’t on your radar, the menu still delivers cheese grits, seasoned fries and house-made coleslaw. They also serve house-made BBQ sauce from a local recipe that’s great on fries or burgers. Breakfast runs all day, so pancakes and chicken and waffles are fair game no matter the hour. Mimosa flights and fresh coffee round out the morning menu. Kids get their own mini pancakes or a chicken and waffle option on the children’s menu. Seating includes indoor booths or a patio when the weather cooperates. With more than 60 locations across the South and usually plenty of free parking, Metro Diner keeps that hometown vibe alive no matter where you go.
Beef ‘O’ Brady’s
Here’s the deal with Beef ’O’ Brady’s: it’s the dependable cousin of the sports-bar world, arriving with wings, burgers and maybe a cold beer. With more than 200 spots nationwide, it all started in a Florida strip mall back in 1985. Now you can find one in a bunch of states.
People keep coming back for the Certified Angus Beef burgers, seasoned simply with salt and black pepper, then served on sturdy brioche buns that hold up under double patties or mac ’n’ cheese. The burger lineup is pretty wild—like the Amarillo with fried jalapeños and spicy mayo…you’ll definitely need a napkin. Or you can dive into the OMG Burger, stacked with two patties, bacon and mac ’n’ cheese.
Inside feels like a family-and-friends hangout, complete with big TVs and sports flags. Kids have their own menu, while adults get a full bar with cocktails, wine and plenty of beer for game day. You can swap beef for grilled chicken, and fries come standard—though you can upgrade your sides if you’re feeling fancy. Parking’s easy in most shopping centers, and the chain stays active with youth sports partnerships and handy meal deals for little leagues.
Cody’s Original Roadhouse – Sumter
When you walk into Cody’s Original Roadhouse in Sumter, you know you’re in for comfort food. Burgers start with a half-pound flame-broiled patty, and there’s a Beyond Meat option for plant-based eaters. The Cody’s 1 lb. Burger is a show-stopper, piled high with bacon, cheese and a giant breaded onion ring that feels like a challenge.
The menu covers classics like mushrooms and Swiss, bacon and double cheese. Sides are equally impressive: roadhouse fries, sweet potato fries, cheese and bacon fries and hand-breaded jumbo onion ‘fries’ on a stick. The interior feels rustic and lively with tubs of peanuts, wood décor and the kind of noise that adds to the fun. You get full table service, a separate kids’ menu and a solid dessert list. Whether you choose an indoor booth or a table on the Lake Sumter Landing patio, the staff keeps things moving at a relaxed pace. Closing around ten on weekends feels just right for a spot this friendly.
Johnny Rockets
Johnny Rockets at The Villages delivers a 1940s malt-shop experience with shiny red booths and tabletop jukeboxes that set the soundtrack. Servers break into brief dance routines every half hour, which adds a fun twist to waiting for your meal.
The burger lineup covers everything from the Original Rocket to the Smoke House and the Spicy Houston. All patties are made from fresh Angus beef, never frozen. There’s an Impossible™ burger for folks skipping meat, plus chicken sandwiches and tenders loaded with lettuce, tomato and special sauces like Smokin’ Chipotle Ranch. Sides include skin-on fries, chili cheese bacon tots and onion rings coated in sourdough breadcrumbs. Hand-spun shakes use real ice cream, and they even offer vegan options that hold their own. Families appreciate mini burgers, kids’ shakes and highchairs. With free parking and a pet-friendly patio overlooking The Square, Johnny Rockets feels like a step back in time with plenty of personality.
