Best Burger in Sarasota :
When you think of Sarasota, Florida, you might imagine beautiful beaches, warm weather, and friendly people. But did you know that Sarasota is also home to some of the best burgers in the state? Whether you’re a local or just visiting, a good burger is never too far away. From classic cheeseburgers to gourmet creations, this city has something for every burger lover.
In this blog, we’ll take you on a journey through Sarasota’s best burger spots. We’ll talk about their signature burgers, what makes them special, and what other delicious dishes you can try while you’re there. So, get ready to discover the tastiest burgers in Sarasota!
1. Shore Diner :
Location: St. Armands Circle
Top Burger: Shore Burger
The Shore Burger is a must-try when visiting Shore Diner. It’s made with a juicy Angus beef patty, melted cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, and a house-made sauce that adds a tangy kick. The bun is soft yet strong enough to hold everything together.
Other Dishes to Try:
- Mahi Mahi tacos
- Ahi tuna salad
- Truffle fries
What makes Shore Diner special is the open-air seating and relaxed beachy vibe. It’s perfect for a laid-back lunch or dinner after spending time at Lido Beach.
2. SOB (Siesta Key Oyster Bar) :
Location: Siesta Key
Top Burger: SOB Burger
The SOB Burger is packed with flavor. It includes a thick beef patty, crispy bacon, American cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles, and their secret sauce. Everything comes together for a satisfying bite.
Other Dishes to Try:
- Fresh oysters
- Lobster roll
- Grouper sandwich
SOB is more than just a burger place. It’s a fun, casual restaurant with live music, beachy decor, and great drinks.
3. Patrick’s 1481 :
Location: Downtown Sarasota
Top Burger: The Classic Cheeseburger
Patrick’s 1481 has been a Sarasota favorite for years. Their Classic Cheeseburger features a hand-pressed beef patty, American cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles. It’s simple but made with care, and that’s what makes it so good.
Other Dishes to Try:
- French onion soup
- Prime rib sandwich
- Chicken caesar wrap
The restaurant has a cozy and elegant atmosphere, perfect for date nights or family dinners.
4. Screaming Goat Taqueria :
Location: South Sarasota
Top Burger: Goat Burger
Even though this place is known for tacos, their Goat Burger is surprisingly amazing. It’s a beef and chorizo mix burger with goat cheese, chipotle aioli, arugula, and pickled onions. It’s bold, spicy, and totally unique.
Other Dishes to Try:
- Chicken tinga tacos
- Queso fries
- Burrito bowl
This is the spot for people who like to try something different. It’s modern, fun, and packed with flavor.
5. Walt’s Fish Market & Restaurant :
Location: South Trail
Top Burger: Walt’s Burger
Walt’s might be known for its seafood, but their Walt’s Burger is one of Sarasota’s best-kept secrets. It’s made with local beef, cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, and a zesty garlic aioli. The burger is juicy and well-seasoned.
Other Dishes to Try:
- Grouper sandwich
- Conch fritters
- Smoked fish dip
You can enjoy your burger outside by the tiki bar with live music in the evenings.
6. Mandeville Beer Garden :
Location: Downtown Sarasota
Top Burger: Bacon Jam Burger
The Bacon Jam Burger at Mandeville Beer Garden is a burger lover’s dream. It has a thick beef patty, house-made bacon jam, cheddar cheese, lettuce, and garlic aioli. The flavors are sweet, salty, and savory all at once.
Other Dishes to Try:
- Giant pretzel with beer cheese
- Chicken wings
- Sausage board
With a wide selection of craft beers and a fun outdoor seating area, this place is great for hanging out with friends or enjoying a sunny day.
7. The Overton :
Location: Rosemary District
Top Burger: The Overton Cheeseburger
The Overton Cheeseburger is a smash-style burger with crispy edges and melted American cheese. It comes with onions, pickles, and special sauce on a soft bun. It’s simple, but that’s what makes it delicious.
Other Dishes to Try:
- Avocado toast
- Fried chicken sandwich
- Mac and cheese
The Overton has a trendy, relaxed atmosphere and is great for brunch or a casual dinner.
8. Gecko’s Grill & Pub :
Location: Multiple locations in Sarasota
Top Burger: Gecko’s Burger
The Gecko’s Burger is a classic American-style burger with your choice of toppings. It’s thick, juicy, and served with crispy fries. You can customize it with bacon, mushrooms, grilled onions, or even a fried egg.
Other Dishes to Try:
- Buffalo chicken sandwich
- Fish tacos
- Steak quesadilla
Gecko’s is a sports bar with big TVs, making it a great place to watch the game with friends.
9. The Burger Shack at The Shore :
Location: North Sarasota
Top Burger: Shack Burger
The Shack Burger is full of flavor and cooked to perfection. It has American cheese, grilled onions, pickles, and shack sauce on a buttery bun. It reminds many people of a classic diner burger with a modern twist.
Other Dishes to Try:
- Chili cheese fries
- Onion rings
- Hand-spun milkshakes
The casual vibe and quick service make it a great place for lunch or a late-night snack.
10. Hamlet’s Eatery :
Location: The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime
Top Burger: Vegan Impossible Burger
If you’re looking for a plant-based option, Hamlet’s Eatery offers one of the best vegan burgers in town. The Impossible Burger is cooked perfectly and topped with lettuce, tomato, pickles, and vegan mayo on a soft bun.
Other Dishes to Try:
- Grilled veggie wrap
- Vegan mac and cheese
- Street corn
Even meat lovers enjoy this spot because the food is full of flavor. Plus, it’s located at a fun local market with live music and art.
Final Thoughts :
All of these burger spots in Sarasota have something special. Whether you want a simple cheeseburger, something gourmet, or even a vegan option, you’ll find it here. If we had to choose just one favorite, it might be the Bacon Jam Burger from Mandeville Beer Garden because of its unique taste and fun atmosphere.
But the truth is, Sarasota has a burger for every kind of craving. Try a few places, explore different flavors, and find your personal favorite!
Tips for Burger Lovers in Sarasota :
- Try local toppings: Many spots use local ingredients, like fresh tomatoes, lettuce, and cheeses from nearby farms.
- Ask for the daily special: Some places change their burger menu weekly or have secret menu items.
- Pair your burger with a local beer: Sarasota has a great craft beer scene. Places like Mandeville Beer Garden and Gecko’s offer local brews that go perfectly with a juicy burger.
- Don’t skip the sides: From truffle fries to onion rings to mac and cheese, many burger places have sides that are just as good as the main dish.
Conclusion :
Sarasota is more than just a beach town—it’s a burger town too! With so many unique and delicious burgers to try, your next lunch or dinner could be the best one yet. Whether you’re a fan of classic cheeseburgers or bold new flavors, Sarasota has a spot just for you. So the next time you’re in town, skip the fast food and treat yourself to a real burger experience.