Charm City Burger Company photo
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If there’s one thing Fort Lauderdale consistently gets right (besides its incredible seafood spots), it’s burgers — and not just any burgers. We’re talking juicy, gloriously messy, flavor-packed hamburgers and cheeseburgers. In Broward County, burger fandom runs deep, inspiring rivalries between backyard-style smash burgers, double-stacked classics dripping with cheese, and gourmet versions that come topped with truffle aioli and artisanal buns. These are the bites that spark debates, fill group chats, and turn first-timers into lifelong regulars.
From cult-favorite food trucks hidden in parking lots to white-tablecloth steakhouses serving prime beef on brioche (like these swanky spots on Fort Lauderdale Beach), Fort Lauderdale’s burger scene has it all. The city’s kitchens have mastered the art of the patty — whether grilled over an open flame, seared to a caramelized crust, or cooked low and slow for smoky perfection. And because this is South Florida, you can just as easily eat your burger barefoot by the beach as you can under chandeliers. Here are 11 of the best burgers in the 954, listed alphabetically — because there’s no way we’re ranking these legends without starting a burger battle.

American Social photo
American Social Bar & Kitchen
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Smashburger fans, welcome home. American Social’s Social Smash doubles down on everything that makes the style great: two juicy quarter-pound patties, melted cheddar, sweet caramelized onions, pickles, and a house-made smash sauce that hits the salty, tangy, creamy trifecta. The pretzel bun holds everything together without overshadowing the flavor. Pair it with happy hour energy and a steady hum of people-watching, and it is bold in all the right ways.721 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale; 954-335-7207; americansocialbar.com.

Billy’s Curbside Grill photo
Billy’s Curbside Grill
Set up outside Invasive Species Brewery, this food truck slings some of the most raved-about burgers in the 954. Billy’s Curbside Grill keeps things unfussy yet bold, serving thick, flavor-packed patties alongside local craft beers that can be enjoyed inside and on the picnic tables. When you want to stray from burger goodness, their quesadillas have cheese grilled into the exterior of the tortilla. You are welcome. 726 NE Second Ave., Fort Lauderdale; instagram.com/billyscurbsidegrill.

BMC Smash photo
BMC Smash
Tucked just off Oakland Park’s main drag, BMC proves that good things come on challah buns. With just a griddle, a dream, and a hyper-focused menu, this spot has fast become a local smashburger cult favorite, emerging from a food truck outpost regularly parked outside Laser Wolf to its first brick-and-mortar location. Expect crispy-edge patties layered with gooey cheese, tangy pickles, and house sauce, along with rotating specials that keep loyalists coming back for more. 3499 N. Dixie Hwy., Oakland Park; instagram.com/eat.bmc.

Brgr Stop photo
Brgr Stop
Do not let the unassuming strip-mall setting fool you, Brgr Stop is a wild ride. The menu reads like a mad scientist’s burger lab, with indulgent creations spanning ghost pepper pineapple jam-topped patties to a French-inspired build with Dijon aioli and brie. It is playful, kitschy, and perhaps not the best choice for a first date, but it is delicious and unforgettable. Bring your appetite and, if needed, a bib. 1930 E. Sunrise Blvd., Fort Lauderdale; 954-533-8621; brgrstop.com.

Charm City Burger Company photo
Charm City Burger Company
It is technically in Deerfield, but we would be committing burger treason not to include Charm City. This chef-driven dive blends culinary craft with laid-back vibes, offering one of the best proprietary burger blends in the region. Their meat is ground fresh daily, the toppings range from classic to wild, and the atmosphere is laid-back and neighborhood-friendly. Try the “Cowboy Burger” with thick-cut pepper bacon and thank us later. 1136 E. Hillsboro Blvd., Deerfield Beach; 954-531-0300; charmcityburgerco.com.

Gilbert’s 17th Street Grill photo
Gilbert’s 17th Street Grill
An unassuming gem in the Harbor Shops plaza, Gilbert’s is what happens when a seasoned restaurant family decides to do burgers their way. Their Angus beef is fresh, never frozen, and grilled to juicy perfection. Add in hearty portions, friendly service, and standout sides like the sweet potato fries, and it is clear why this local favorite has stood the test of time. 1821 Cordova Rd., Fort Lauderdale; 954-768-8990; gilberts17thstgrill.com

Jack’s Old Fashion Hamburger House photo
Jack’s Old Fashion Hamburger House
If you crave a burger with retro vibes and no pretension, Jack’s is the spot. This throwback burger shack has been slinging juicy, no-frills burgers for more than a half-century and feels like stepping into a simpler time, when lunch was under $10 and dessert meant sharing chili cheese fries under fluorescent lights. It is not flashy, but the charm and flavor make Jack’s forever relevant. 4201 N. Federal Hwy., Oakland Park; 954-565-9960; jacksoldfashionhamburgers.com.

La Birra Bar photo
La Birra Bar
Originally born in Buenos Aires, La Birra Bar brings Argentine swagger to the Fort Lauderdale burger scene. Their burgers balance juicy patties, imported cheeses, and soft, buttery buns with serious attention to detail. It is equal parts street food and refined comfort, with plates that are as photogenic as they are satisfying. The vibe is sleek and stylish without trying too hard. 2031 E. Oakland Park Blvd., Oakland Park; 954-410-5256; labirrabarusa.com.

Le Tub photo
Le Tub Saloon
Part burger shack, part local legend, Le Tub built its reputation one oversized patty at a time. Housed in a former gas station decorated in driftwood beach shack glory, this Hollywood icon was crowned Best Burger in America by GQ in 2006 and even earned praise from Oprah. The signature 13-ounce patty is no lightweight, so arrive hungry and settle in. Fun fact: 2025 marks 50 years of slinging burgers here. 1100 N. Ocean Dr., Hollywood; 954-921-9425; le-tub.com.

Steak 954 photo
Steak 954
Yes, it is a steakhouse, but the burger deserves just as much attention as the ribeyes. The bacon cheeseburger at Steak 954 arrives with premium beef, white cheddar, crisp bacon, and the signature Churchill sauce, offering a savory, balanced, and rich flavor experience. The kicker is the setting: oceanfront views inside the W Fort Lauderdale. It is an indulgent, slow-bite kind of meal that feels like a vacation even if you live down the street. 401 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd., Fort Lauderdale; 954-414-8333; steak954.com.

Temple Street Eatery
This Asian comfort-food café has a devoted following, and the “Katsu Burger” is a big reason why. The patty is panko-crusted for a satisfying crunch, then topped with Asian slaw, a pineapple slice, tonkatsu sauce, and cilantro mayo, for a balanced blend of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. It is inventive, satisfying, and a refreshing detour from classic American builds. 416 N. Federal Hwy., Fort Lauderdale; 754-701-0976; templestreeteatery.com.