Quick, handheld, warm and juicy, a burger is an iconic, all-American meal with a global reputation. It’s believed that in America we eat over 50 billion burgers per year and here in Tampa, we’re doing our fair share to contribute to that statistic. There are plenty of burgers to enjoy throughout the city, whether you’re looking for a humble handle or a decadent creation. In our Ultimate Burger Guide, you’ll find carefully curated selections of the best places to bite into a classic or try something new.
Ramen Burger
At Burger Culture, the Ramen Burger’s bun is made from, you guessed it, ramen noodles. Inside, you’ll find a juicy 8-ounce patty topped with provolone cheese, sweet-and-spicy sauce, shredded lettuce and a light squeeze of sriracha mayo.
A food truck with outdoor seating on a cozy and comfortable patio, Burger Culture’s aim is to create a fun atmosphere for guests to try one of their crazy takes on a burger, enjoy an original or create their own.
“We pride ourselves on fresh ingredients, consistency and a comfortable atmosphere for all burger lovers,” co-owner and operator Ashley Crone says.
Burger Culture
6920 N. Dale Mabry Hwy. | Tampa | (813) 992-7444 | burgerculture-tampa.com
Peanut Butter Solution
A 100% wagyu beef patty is served with bacon-infused peanut butter, roasted jalapeño raspberry blumpkin jam, provolone cheese and arugula. All this flavor is sandwiched between a butter toasted brioche bun for maximum indulgence.
“It’s a truly unique creation that showcases the culinary know-how and inventiveness of our team,” general manager Chris Falls says. “We’ve developed a menu that we’re really proud of, elevated beyond basic bar food.”
Gen X Tavern is devoted to celebrating all things ‘80s and ‘90s. The location features a full bar and kitchen, weekly DJs, large TVs, karaoke and live music.
GENX Tavern
103 E. Jackson St. | Tampa | (813) 694-7001 | genxtavern.com
Oak Grilled Burger
Pané Rustica may regularly switch up the featured toppings on its Oak Grilled Burger, but what stays the same is the certified Angus beef patty cooked over an Aztec wood-burning grill to create next-level flavor. Smoky, juicy and served on a fresh, house-made brioche bun, this isn’t your typical fast-food burger. The restaurant offers plenty of options beyond burgers, too.
“We’ve been in Tampa going on 23 years,” co-owner Karyn Kruszewski says. “We are a scratch artisan bakery and restaurant, which makes each product unique and special. It’s always been our mission to make each dining visit an experience for our guests.”
Pané Rustica
3225 S. MacDill Ave. | Tampa | (813) 902-8828 | panerusticabakery.com
The Frogmore Burger
A scrumptious option at Butter’s Burgers, the Frogmore Burger is made with a peppercorn-encrusted patty, gorgonzola cheese, thick applewood-smoked bacon, locally farmed blueberry sauce and a soft brioche bun. The casual joint offers a menu of 12 handcrafted burgers, a welcoming atmosphere and expansive views of Curtis Waterfront Hixon Park and the University of Tampa.
“Butter’s Burgers may be the new dog on the block, but we quickly gained a following,” owner Rob Wickner says.
At weekend brunch, enjoy bottomless mimosas and bloody marys. Home to Tampa’s largest TV wall, Butter’s is the perfect place to enjoy watching your favorite team!
Butter’s Burgers
777 N. Ashley Dr., D1 | Tampa | (813) 221-2500 | buttersburgerstampa.com
Tex-Mex Haystack Burger
Burger 21’s Tex-Mex Haystack Burger is made with a Tex-Mex seasoned, 100% certified Angus beef patty, applewood smoked bacon, onion strings, smoked gouda, chipotle-jalapeño sauce, guacamole, lettuce and Roma tomato all on a toasted brioche bun.
The counter-service chain serves flavor-forward, chef-crafted burgers focusing on high-quality, fresh ingredients like crisp lettuce and the juiciest tomatoes. Burgers are hand-cut and pattied in the kitchen for every order.
“We really love burgers and it shows,” marketing coordinator Carly Palmer says. “We get creative and we aim to be the go-to place for anyone looking for a gourmet burger at a neighborhood spot.”
Burger 21
Locations in Carrollwood, New Tampa, Tampa International Airport, Lakeland and Westchase | burger21.com
The Cheesy Beast Burger
The Cheesy Beast Burger at TNT Burger will make a cheese lover out of you. A seasoned Angus beef patty is topped with glazed smoked sausages, lettuce and tomato. It’s all sandwiched between toasted brioche and the entire thing is smothered and drenched in mozzarella cheese. TNT Burger serves up anything but your ordinary burger, and its owners aren’t afraid to think outside of the box.
“We’re family owned, offering 100% fresh, never frozen burgers handmade with love,” says co-owner Carolina Martinez, who started TNT alongside her partner, Sergio Rueda. “You can experience so many different cultures in one place.”
TNT Burger
7206 N. Dale Mabry Hwy. | Tampa | (813) 812-2869 | instagram.com/tntburgertampa
Social Smash Burger
Made with two quarter-pound smashed patties, sharp Vermont cheddar cheese, American Social’s signature Smash Sauce, pickles and caramelized onions, the Social Smash Burger is served between a pretzel bun. Lucky for burger lovers, American Social also offers this burger for $10 every Monday evening.
“The pretzel bun definitely enhances both the flavor and presentation of this burger,” says Ryan Leonard, chef at American Social. “Also, our burger blend is something we are very proud of.”
Situated right on the water on Harbour Island, American Social offers upscale casual dining with picturesque Tampa Bay views. A menu filled with all-American options is available, along with a full bar featuring signature cocktails and an extensive craft beer menu. American Social specializes in late-night entertainment and crowd-pleasing music and provides a fun atmosphere to watch a game or unwind and enjoy time with friends.
American Social
601 S. Harbour Island Blvd., #107 | Tampa | (813) 605-3333 | americansocialbar.com
Check out TAMPA Magazine’s 2022 Tampa Bay’s Best Burgers contest winners here.
