May is National Burger Month: 5 essential Tallahassee spots to try for the food holiday
May is National Burger Month and while you may have celebrated without even realizing, the food holiday National Hamburger Day lands on May 28.
To help you get in the spirit, the Tallahassee Democrat went parading around to get our hands on a few stacks we think are both worthy of your dollars and appetite.
It's easy to forget all the pleasures of a good, hand-cooked burger when you can conveniently grab them at a drive-thru. While those can hit the spot at times, our hope is that you'll get out to explore the charming atmosphere at local eateries and enjoy a juicy Tallahassee-made burger.
Here's where to start:
325 N. Bronough St.; 850-222-1075; birdsoystershack.com
Oysters may be the main attraction listed in their name, but if you ask true hamburger fans about their favorite picks in town, Bird's is bound to be on the list. Their 10-ounce patty is a big, juicy burger ($15). Bird's offers a long list of toppings, ranging from pickles to pineapple to decorate your burgers. Burgers are served on a Kaiser roll with a side of either French fries, onion rings or coleslaw. Their specialty burgers can be enjoyed both outside on the picnic tables or inside where fun, funky decor fills the space and live entertainment and karaoke nights bring the space alive.
805 S. Macomb St.; 850-766-7143; Facebook
Originating in Perry, Florida, this burger joint located on South Macomb Street offers towering burgers that aren't for the faint of heart. Its most popular stacks includes the signature "Nelson Burger," dressed with lettuce, tomato, American cheese, onion, pickle, mayonnaise, ketchup and mustard ($10.99). Another fan favorite is the mushroom Swiss burger topped with a generous pile of grilled onion and a mayonnaise shmear ($14.99). Get this, you're not limited by just a double stack, for $7 extra you can get up to four patties for a sky high, jaw-dropping bite. This space offers all the right vibes for anyone whose looking to enjoy a serious game of poker, a hearty laugh at its weekly comedy night and sip on cocktails for a full experience.
3813 N. Monroe St.; 850-562-6500; Facebook
Salty Dawg Pub & Deli, nestled in the Lake Jackson Trading Post retail center, is a vet in the burger game with over 37 years of operation under its belt. Less is more at this pub with only five burgers to choose from. Whichever you pick you're in for a treat with an option to customize your entree with all the fixings. The classic bacon cheeseburger is "perfection, baby," as co-owner Lana Radke, puts it. She prepared it for the Tallahassee Democrat topping the patties with a layer of crispy bacon, a gooey cheese melt and golden buns that hug it all together ($8.99). Switch it up with the patty melt served on toasted rye bread ($8.99). This spot expresses it's cozy, family friendly charm with its attentive staff and decor both inside and out, making it a standout. No wonder its been around for so long.
663 Railroad Square; 786-568-9864; order.toasttab.com/online/trapboyburger-railroadsquare
Lots of people have been singing their praises for this burger joint. If you haven't been on social media lately, let us help you catch you. Trap Boy Burger has been open for only three months and as its name circulates around on all the socials, more people have been flocking to the spot to get their hands on the signature smash burger to try it for themselves. For $7.49 you can grab a single "Trap Boy Cheese Burger" topped with its signature sauce, pickles and onions. Order a side of its shoestring fries ($3.99) to dip in its craveable "Trap Boy Sauce." You may want to order this burger to go. While there are a few seats outdoors on the deck, you may want a little privacy once you get a bite. This isn't clean eating, especially if you get extra sauce on your burger.
2520 W. Tharpe St.; (850) 224-9766; woodchucks-cafe.com
They say some of the best food places are hole-in-the-wall spots and this would ring true for Woodchuck's Cafe. Located next to the Sunoco gas station on West Tharpe Street, this hidden gem decorated in woodchuck decor might take you by surprise. They tote a generous list of burgers, including the "King Kong" a double stack burger topped with 2 slices of cheese, stuffed with golden French fries ($12.75). The "Breakfast Burger" is made with an egg (prepared as guest choice) and crispy bacon piled between two pancake buns ($12.75). Pro tip, this burger deliciously pairs with funnel cake fries ($1.50). For the last 13 years Woodchuck's Cafe has offered a casual dining space with an abundant selection of specialty breakfast items, sandwiches, desserts and more.
Kyla A Sanford covers dining and entertainment for the Tallahassee Democrat. New restaurant opening up, special deals, or events coming up? Let me know at ksanford@tallahassee.com. You can also email your suggestions for a future TLH Eats restaurant profile.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: 5 best Tallahassee spots to try for National Burger Month
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