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Yahoo
3 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Yahoo
Best burgers in Florida? Forget the chains — 11 local restaurants worth the road trip
While Florida may be best known for its beloved waterfront restaurants, the Sunshine State's burger game is on fire — and these 11 locally loved spots are the hotspots that'll enhance any summer road trip. From sizzling smash patties to wild topping combos (yes, peanut butter is involved), these places are earning serious buzz from Pensacola to Palm Beach. Whether it's a beloved island institution or a rising food truck phenom, each restaurant on this list is drawing crowds and dishing out burgers worth bragging about. So if you're hungry for the best burger in Florida, now's the time to hit the road — or maybe just discover a hidden gem in your own hometown. Best waterfront restaurant near you? 10 Florida favorites for great food, drinks and views Details: 4810 N. Kings Highway, Fort Pierce; 772-588-4087; Bearded Brothers Taphouse & Eatery opened in 2024 in the Indrio Crossings Shopping Center in Lakewood Park, north of Fort Pierce. Brothers Gaetano and Liborio Traina were inspired to open the new restaurant by their Italian heritage, their family's culinary legacy and their passion for flavorful brews. They were brought up in the restaurant industry, learning from their father, Francesco Traina, who owned pizzerias across Palm Bay. Its menu features four smash burgers: "All-American" with mayo, American cheese, lettuce, tomato, red onions and pickles; "Black and Bleu" with blackened beef, bacon and blue cheese crumbles; "My Pregnant Wife's" with American cheese, bacon, lettuce, pickles and peanut butter; and "Mushroom Swiss" with sautéed mushrooms and onions, Swiss cheese, lettuce and mayo. — Laurie K. Blandford, TCPalm/Treasure Coast Newspapers March Madness bracket 2025: See who won area's best burger in basketball-style rankings Details: 2435 N. 12 Ave., Pensacola and 6820 Caroline St., Milton; 850-380-1519; While Pensacola loves and defends its old-school favorites, Brown Bagger food truck has been sparking rumors of the best burger in the Panhandle since opening in January 2021. Brown Bagger is a collaboration between Pensacola locals Tim Thompson and Ellis O'Neal, who opened the business with the mission to serve 'exceptional food consistently" and have since fostered a reputation for their fun-loving service and playful rotating burger specials. They have grown to offer two flourishing permanent locations outside Alga Beer Co. and Milton's Gulf Coast Garage Patio Bar, where diners can enjoy their mouthwatering burger while washing down a pint of Pensacola beer and chatting it up with a local. While there are many interesting varieties to try, we recommend experiencing the food truck's namesake, The Bagger Burger, which comes loaded up with a quarter-pound Waygu beef patty, American cheese, grilled onions, and is topped with their signature Bagger Sauce on a potato bun. It is hard to beat. Don't forget to add the Bangin Brussels or the truffle parm fries on the side. — Brittany Misencik, Pensacola News Journal National Burger Month 2025: 10 essential burger spots to try in the Pensacola area in May Details: 311 S. Washington Ave., Titusville; Family owned and operated, BurgerRobs specializes in gourmet hot dogs and double smash burgers. The Hawaii 5-OHHH burger has teriyaki sauce, pepper jack cheese, pineapple, scallions and red bell pepper with a house-made honey sriracha mayo sauce. Feel free to add another patty or two, they don't mind. Owned by Rob and Shelby Buffaloe, BurgerRobs was recently crowned the winner of our 'Best Burger in Brevard' award, as voted by our readers. Fans can't get enough of their mouthwatering smash burgers, flavorful toppings and the flexibility of enjoying their favorites either at the cozy restaurant or via the convenient food truck. BurgerRobs keeps its loyal following updated on food truck stops throughout the week via their Facebook page. — Amber Olesen, FLORIDA TODAY Hungry? Titusville's top 5 must-try restaurants Details: 310 Seabreeze Blvd., Daytona Beach; 386-872-3298, This burger staple of more than a decade has earned itself a reputation for its funky sandwich concoctions served in quite the character-rich setting. From its infamous 'wall of shame' calling out no-tippers to chalkboard walls scribbled with animations from patrons past, Daytona Taproom's burgers certainly won't be the only thing to leave an impression. While you can choose from the classic smash patty lineup, it's the offbeat array of 'munchie-inspired' burgers that give this place its edge. Try a Krispy Kreme Belly Buster ($14.99) — as simple, yet unlikely as it sounds — sandwiching two quarter-pound patties and bacon jam between two warm glazed Krispy Kreme doughnuts; or The Fat Elvis ($14.99) — a double smash patty bite layering smooth peanut butter and grape jelly with bacon jam, crispy bacon strips and sliced pickles all between two deliciously-gooey grilled cheese sandwiches. Whether opting for a mac and cheese-stuffed Big Richard or a three-tiered, full-pound Belly Buster, two things are certain — each dish is made to order and well worth the wait. — Helena Perray / The Daytona Beach News-Journal 10 best New Smyrna Beach restaurants for a burger Details: 5310 NW Eighth Ave; 352-575-5788; This popular Gainesville food truck seems to have found a quasi-permanent home about a mile and half east of I-75 at Newberry Road in front of CYM Coffee. The burger patties are extremely thin (DJ'S recommends ordering a double) and, as its name suggests, are cooked on cast iron planks, which makes for a great outer crust and a juicy inside. Among DJ's most popular items is the Oklahoma Onion Burger, which includes a double patty, charred onions, DJ's sauce and bread and butter pickles. The new location can be a bit awkward to park, but most cars seem to find a spot in the grass. A few tables are setup for those who wish to dine before they dash. — Alan Festo, The Gainesville Sun Best burgers in Gainesville? Here are 8 favorites Details: 5808 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach; 941-778-2501; Located on Anna Maria Island just south of Tampa Bay, Duffy's Tavern has been a beloved West Coast Florida icon since 1971, proudly run by the Geyer family gals. Cincinnati native Pat Geyer bought the original Duffy's, which dates back to the 1950s, 'to keep her five daughters off the streets and out of trouble.' All five — Patti, Pam, Peggi, Penni, and Polli — put in time behind the bar and grill, with Peggi and Polli most often at the helm today. Cash-only and full of character, Duffy's lives up to its slogan: 'world-famous burger and coldest beer in town.' The star is the diner-style cheeseburger, seasoned to perfection and served 'all the way' with lettuce, tomato, onion, and a swipe of mayo ($8.80). Other favorites include the Brie & Caramelized Onion Burger, Tex Burger (cheddar, bacon, barbecue sauce), Bacon Cheeseburger, and the fiery Fresh Jalapeño & Havarti Cheeseburger. No fries here — but the homemade chili and navy bean soup more than make up for it. And yes, you'll want that beer in a frosty mug. — Wade Tatangelo, Sarasota Herald-Tribune 10 most legendary restaurants in Sarasota, Bradenton and Venice area Details: 4480 Fowler St., Suite 110, Fort Myers; 239-245-7145; and 1402 Del Prado Blvd., Suite 4, Cape Coral; 239-471-7128; When this old Florida-flavored restaurant opened two locations within the last year, it brought frog legs, blue crab fritters and golden-fried gator bites in homemade swamp sauce to Southwest Florida. More importantly, though, creative and crafty gourmet burgers that pay homage to the Sunshine State came along too. There are 15 or so to choose from, including the two-patty Alligator Alley, the Swamp Stomper with thick-cut slabs of bacon, a Big Cypress Dip with au jus, a beer-battered mushroom-topped Florida Scrub and the spicy Black Rambo with alligator sausage and blackened crabmeat. You'll find fried eggs, BBQ pork, beer-battered lobster, blueberry jam and peanut butter on others. Enjoy it all surrounded by oversized fish tanks with baby gators swimming around, stuffed rattlesnakes and squirrels scattered here and there, wild boar heads mounted on walls and python skins stretching from floor to ceiling. Welcome to old Florida. — Robyn George, The News-Press New Fort Myers restaurant full of old Florida flavor, from gourmet burgers to frog legs Details: Popup burger stand in Southwest Florida; or It's hard to imagine you're an auditor at a surgical supply company and in a matter of years you're cranking out delicious Wagyu smash burgers. But that's what happened to Kyle Cravo, whose Only Doubles popup burger stand has become so popular in Southwest Florida that Naples Daily News readers in 2024 crowned it the best burger in Collier County. Fans especially rave about the signature dressing on Only Doubles' burgers. Only Doubles on its Instagram lists where it will be each week. ― Dave Osborn, Naples Daily News Details: 4812 S. Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach; 561-623-7471 and 3421 S. Orange Ave., Orlando; 407-233-4094; Michelin Guide recognition? Check. Tapping into the beef tallow self-care trend? Absolutely, with refrigerated jars for sale to use in cooking and/or moisturizing. From Frito pie to hot dogs and burgers, Palm Beach Meats is all things wagyu beef. West Palm Beach's location is a Bib Gourmand winner, a designation the Michelin Guide salutes as "friendly establishments that serve good food at moderate prices." An anonymous Guide inspector shared such destinations are often where inspectors go on their own time. Beautifully cooked and presented, the wagyu patty seemingly has a finer grind than other burgers, making for a softer, smoother experience bite after bite sans detectable yucky gristle. Though the burger itself is hot, the lettuce, tomato and onion are perfectly cool and refreshingly crisp. Think of it as a high-end McDLT from the 1980s. — Diana Biederman and Eddie Ritz, The Palm Beach Post Behold! 10 best burgers in Palm Beach County Details: 3550 S. Osprey Ave., Sarasota; 941-364-5938; in a nondescript strip mall near world-famous Siesta Beach, Shakespeare's has been serving Sarasota's best burgers for more than two decades. The setting is a charming English pub, but the real draw is the burgers — hand-formed, eight-ounce patties of Black Angus beef, seasoned well and cooked to order. I prefer mine medium, and they consistently arrive with a smart sear and charred exterior giving way to a juicy, tender, perfectly pink center. Each burger comes on Shakespeare's famous toasted rosemary Kaiser bun, an ideal companion to the pub's various signature creations. Of the many burger options, none are more impressive than the caramelized onion and brie burger ($15.95). The umami-rich patty, sweet balsamic caramelized onions, and creamy, nutty brie make for an indulgent combination that every burger enthusiast should try. Pair it with fries and a pint of Guinness, and you'll feel transported — far from the Florida heat and just a few bites away from bliss. — Wade Tatangelo, Sarasota Herald-Tribune Best burger restaurant in Sarasota? My favorite for food, drinks, and a fun setting Details: 2520 W. Tharpe St. Tallahassee; 850-224-9766; 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 Sanford, Tallahassee Democrat Best burger? May is National Burger Month: 5 essential Tallahassee spots to try for the food holiday Wade Tatangelo is Ticket Editor for the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, and Florida Regional Dining and Entertainment Editor for the USA TODAY Network. Follow him on Facebook, Instagram, and X. He can be reached by email at Support local journalism by subscribing. This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Best burgers in Florida? 11 local restaurants worth the road trip
Thrill Geek
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Thrill Geek
Disney Springs Flavors of Florida Returns with a Record-Breaking Culinary Celebration This Summer
The flavors of the Sunshine State are back in full force as Disney Springs Flavors of Florida returns for its sixth year from June 27 through August 10, 2025. This year's event promises to be the biggest yet, with more than 90 food and drink items inspired by Florida-grown ingredients across 45+ locations at Disney Springs. From citrus-infused cocktails to bold pepper sauces and tropical desserts, the event celebrates the region's rich culinary heritage with dishes that are as creative as they are delicious. Highlights of This Year's Flavors of Florida: Weekly Culinary Series (Hosted by Kroger Delivery): Select Fridays will feature live demos by Disney Springs chefs, sharing behind-the-scenes tips on their limited-time dishes. These sessions are free, but registration is required in advance. Food & Drink Pairing Events: Wine, beer, and cocktail pairings will take your taste buds on a guided tour of Florida flavors. Reservations and payment are required, and details will be announced soon. Discover the Springs Seek and Find: Presented by The Polite Pig, this scavenger hunt lets guests explore hidden gems across Disney Springs with a prize at the finish line. Returning Favorites: Guest-loved items like the St. Augustine Datil Pepper Fritas at The Daily Poutine and the iconic Orange Bird Cone at Swirls on the Water are back for a limited time. With 45+ participating restaurants and dishes ranging from the savory to the sweet, there's something new for everyone to try. Follow @ThrillGeek on Instagram, Facebook, X, and YouTube for even more details coming soon. Janine is a theme park and pop culture nerd from an early age. Since 1994, she's been traversing the theme park world and has enjoyed all things from Halloween events to new ride releases and beyond. When she's not at a theme park, she's probably at a concert or doing something fun with her kiddo.
News.com.au
4 days ago
- Health
- News.com.au
Noel Callow stood down under concussion protocols after physical altercation with fellow jockey Kyle Wilson-Taylor
Noel Callow has been stood down from riding under concussion protocols and will miss a Group 1 ride after being involved in a physical altercation with fellow jockey Kyle Wilson-Taylor at the Doomben races on Wednesday. It means Callow will forgo the ride on Bevan Laming's Group 1 Queensland Derby contender Our Benefactor on Saturday, which would have been Callow's first Australian Group 1 ride in years after re-establishing his riding career in the Sunshine State. The Queensland Racing Integrity Commission has now confirmed Callow has been stood down for 12 days under concussion protocols. The official stewards' report from Doomben Wednesday races was also published online at 11.30am on Thursday. The reference to the incident in the report said there was an 'adjourned inquiry into an 'incident post race (six).' And the report stated that, before race seven: 'The start of this race was delayed approximately five minutes when rider N. Callow, who had weighed out for this event, was then subsequently stood down after being examined by the club doctor and found to be unfit to fulfil his remaining engagements.' It also stated a 'medical clearance was required (including concussion protocol)' before Callow was permitted to ride again. Racenet , which came after ill-feeling between the pair escalated at Doomben. It is understood Wilson-Taylor insisted that he had not been the aggressor in the initial incident. Two Group 1 winning jockeys were involved in a physical altercation at Doomben races today, with one being taken from the course to seek medical treatment. READ: — Racenet (@RacenetTweets) May 28, 2025 Wilson-Taylor, who broke into the elite Group 1 club when he scored in the Tatt's Tiara on Palaisipan in 2023, has three rides at Eagle Farm on Saturday. Callow, with five Australian Group 1s to his name, has collected big-race wins all over the world, including a prolific stint in Singapore. The larrikin jockey they call 'King' has returned to being a formidable metropolitan riding force in recent times, but says after he first arrived in Queensland many trainers thought he was in semi-retirement. Queensland stewards did not take evidence from Callow on Wednesday as he left the course to seek medical treatment. Stewards have adjourned the inquiry, which took a considerable volume of evidence from other riders and racing officials, to a date and time to be fixed. They want more time to complete the inquiry to allow further investigation into the incident and to gather more evidence.
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
WWE Fans Let Ron DeSantis Know Exactly How They Feel
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis received a decidedly frosty reception from the crowd at WWE Saturday Night's Main Event in Tampa, multiple videos showed. Jeers and the chant of 'you suck' broke out among some of the audience as the Republican stepped close to the ring. Advertisement The moment was captured by some in the crowd and shared on social media, fromvariousangles. WWE Saturday Night's Main Event at Yuengling Center in Tampa, Florida. WWE via Getty Images It's unclear exactly why DeSantis was booed. DeSantis' second and final term as governor of the Sunshine State will end in January 2027. He has tipped his wife, Casey DeSantis, as his successor. President Donald Trump, however, has backed Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.) for the role, the election for which will be contested next fall. Trump endorsed DeSantis in his 2018 campaign, with DeSantis then taking on Trump in the 2024 primaries. Trump won and DeSantis then endorsed his former rival in the general. Related...
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Taylor Swift, Travis Kelce tracker: When and where celebrity sightings occurred in Florida
With Travis Kelce temporarily living in Florida, Taylor Swift superfans are on the lookout for a celebrity power couple sighting. It seems they got what they asked for. Keep reading for information on why Travis Kelce is in Florida, why Taylor Swift seems to favor the Sunshine State and how many times we've had a Taylor Swift-Travis Kelce celebrity sighting in Florida — in spring and summer 2025. NFL player Travis Kelce, a tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs, is currently renting a multimillion-dollar mansion in Boca Raton, Florida, for spring and summer 2025 not far from one of the gyms he frequents, Johnny O's Gymnasium. The professional football player has been staying in the Sunshine State since April 2025, according to news reports. His super famous girlfriend is pop star Taylor Swift. They have been dating since 2023. Taylor Swift does not own a home in Florida, however, the singer does seem to favor the Sunshine State. Some recent examples why: According to Taylor Swift, 'Florida!!!' is 'one hell of a drug.' Swift released her highly anticipated album "The Tortured Poets Department" at midnight on Friday, April 19, 2024, with some extra special nods to the Sunshine State. Fans are theorizing that the song could be about Swift and Joe Alwyn's breakup, which happened while she was touring in Florida on the first leg of her record-breaking "Eras Tour" in 2023. Florence Welch of Florence + the Machine co-wrote the song with Swift. In October 2024, Taylor Swift donated $5 million in hurricane relief efforts to victims of Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton. At least 228 people died from Hurricane Helene, according to USA TODAY analysis, and massive areas of Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, South Carolina and North Carolina were left with widespread power outages and horrific destruction with some entire towns wiped away. About two weeks later, Hurricane Milton made landfall on Oct. 9, 2024, in Siesta Key, Florida, as a Category 3 storm. In October 2024, Taylor Swift opened the second U.S. leg of her super-successful "Eras Tour" in Florida. "Miss Americana" played three shows from Oct. 18 to Oct. 20, 2024, at the Hard Rock Stadium near Miami. She also performed in Florida for the "Eras Tour" with three shows here in May 2023. NFL player Travis Kelce has been renting a home in Boca Raton, Florida, since April 2025. Celebrity sightings of Kelce and his super famous girlfriend, popstar Taylor Swift, include: In May 2025, Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift were spotted at the exclusive Meat Market Boca Raton, Florida. In May 2025, the couple was seen at the Royal Palm Yacht and Country Club in Palm Beach County, Florida. Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift were spotted having dinner at Harry's Bar and Restaurant in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Friday, May 23, 2025. Fans snapped pictures and video of the famous power couple entering and leaving the restaurant. Contributing: Kimberly Miller, Palm Beach Post, and Lianna Norman, Samantha Neely and C.A. Bridges, USA TODAY Network-Florida Sangalang is a lead digital producer for USA TODAY Network. Follow her on Twitter or Instagram at @byjensangalang. Support local journalism. Consider subscribing to a Florida newspaper. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Taylor Swift: Travis Kelce living in Florida briefly, list of sightings
