7 Florida Burger Chains That Disappoint & 7 That Totally Deliver
Florida might have sunshine and sandy beaches, but not every burger chain here is a tropical dream.
Some serve up dry patties, bland toppings, and fries that leave you questioning your choices.
But don’t worry, the state also dishes out plenty of burger joints that get it right with juicy bites, bold flavors, and that satisfying crunch you’ve been craving.
Whether you’re a burger purist or a flavor adventurer, knowing where to go makes all the difference.
1. Burger King: The Fallen Monarch
Born in Jacksonville, Florida in 1953, Burger King should be the state’s pride and joy. Instead, the home of the Whopper has become the home of the whopping disappointment.
Dry patties, wilted lettuce, and a general sense of fast-food fatigue plague most locations. The flame-grilled promise rarely matches the lukewarm reality that slides across the counter.
2. Checkers: All Bark, No Bite
Those iconic black and white checkered buildings promise speedway-inspired excellence. Pull up to the drive-thru window, however, and you’re likely racing toward regret.
Famous for their seasoned fries (admittedly delicious), Checkers’ burgers fall flat with thin, often overcooked patties.
Founded in Mobile, Alabama but headquartered in Tampa, this Florida-based chain needs a serious tune-up in the burger department.
3. Steak ‘n Shake: Nostalgia Can’t Save These Patties
Remember when Steak ‘n Shake was the spot for late-night burger cravings? Those days are sadly gone.
Financial troubles have left this once-proud chain a shell of its former self. Service crawls at a glacial pace. Signature steakburgers arrive lukewarm.
Even their hand-dipped milkshakes can’t compensate for the disappointing main course that has Florida locations particularly struggling to maintain quality.
4. Krystal: Small Burgers, Smaller Satisfaction
Southerners might defend these tiny square sliders to their dying breath, but the truth is harder to swallow than their mushy buns. Krystal’s mini-burgers come in quantity, not quality.
Steam-grilled to a questionable texture and swimming in onions to mask their flaws, these sliders leave Florida diners with greasy fingers and regret.
The chain’s expansion throughout Florida hasn’t improved their recipe for disappointment.
5. Sonic Drive-In: Skating on Thin Ice
Car hops on roller skates deliver food straight to your window – a charming gimmick that can’t disguise mediocre burgers. Sonic’s Florida locations seem particularly guilty of serving up flat, forgettable patties.
While their drink combinations and shakes deserve applause, their burgers need serious help.
The toppings often arrive wilted, with special sauces doing heavy lifting for underwhelming beef that leaves Florida customers wondering what happened.
6. Hardee’s: Hard Pass on These Patties
Hardee’s commercials showcase thick, juicy burgers that could make your mouth water. Reality check: the actual product rarely resembles those glamour shots, especially at Florida locations.
Greasy, often overcooked, and served with a side of disappointment, Hardee’s Thickburgers are thick in name only.
Their breakfast menu outshines their burgers – never a good sign for a chain that stakes its reputation on beef.
7. Dairy Queen Grill & Chill: Stick to the Blizzards
Venturing beyond ice cream was a mistake for this beloved chain. DQ’s burgers are the definition of phoning it in – thin, often overcooked patties that taste like they were an afterthought.
Florida’s hot climate makes their ice cream treats the star, while their burgers melt into mediocrity.
The flame-broiled promise falls flat with dry meat and assembly-line construction that lacks any personality or care.
8. BurgerFi: Eco-Friendly Excellence
Founded in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, BurgerFi is Florida’s homegrown hero.
Their commitment to all-natural Angus beef free from antibiotics and hormones isn’t just talk – you can taste the difference in every juicy bite.
The restaurants sport eco-friendly designs with tables made from recycled milk jugs.
Their signature BurgerFi cheeseburger comes with double natural Angus patties, double American cheese, and their secret BurgerFi sauce that’ll have you planning your next visit.
9. Shake Shack: Worth the Wait
Lines snake around Florida Shake Shack locations for good reason. Their 100% Angus beef is freshly ground daily, creating a perfect balance between fast food convenience and gourmet quality.
The ShackBurger’s potato roll hugs a perfectly seared patty topped with American cheese, crisp lettuce, and their tangy ShackSauce.
Florida locations offer special regional items like the Key Lime Pie Oh My concrete mixer that celebrates local flavors.
10. Five Guys: Burger Perfection in a Foil Wrap
Watching your Five Guys burger being made is half the fun. Cooks hand-form fresh patties before smashing them onto the grill, creating those perfect crispy edges that burger dreams are made of.
Florida locations maintain the chain’s high standards with consistently juicy burgers and those famous boardwalk-style fries.
Their toppings bar lets you customize to your heart’s content, though purists know a little cheese, mayo and grilled onions are all you need.
11. Culver’s: Midwest Magic in the Sunshine State
Wisconsin’s finest export has found a happy home in Florida. Culver’s ButterBurgers feature fresh, never-frozen beef seared on a hot grill and served on a lightly buttered bun that creates an almost criminal level of deliciousness.
Florida locations maintain the Midwestern hospitality the chain is known for. Their frozen custard makes the perfect chaser to a perfectly cooked burger.
The cheese curds alone are worth the trip for a taste of Wisconsin in Florida.
12. Whataburger: Texas-Sized Flavor in Florida
Texans who relocate to Florida rejoiced when Whataburger followed them to the Sunshine State.
Their distinctive orange-and-white striped buildings house some of the best fast-food burgers you’ll find anywhere.
The signature Whataburger spans five inches across, requiring both hands and several napkins.
Made-to-order with 100% pure beef, fresh veggies, and their famous creamy Whatasauce. The 24-hour service means your cravings never go unsatisfied.
13. Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers: Retro Done Right
Freddy’s thin-pressed patties with crispy edges might look simple, but they deliver complex flavor that puts thicker burgers to shame.
Their steakburgers are smashed thin on a flat-top grill, creating caramelized edges that lock in the beef flavor. Florida locations capture the chain’s 1950s diner aesthetic perfectly.
The signature Freddy’s sauce adds a tangy zip to their double steakburger. Don’t leave without trying their frozen custard – the perfect cool treat for hot Florida days.
14. SmashBurger: The Art of the Smash
True to their name, SmashBurger elevates the smashed patty technique to an art form. Certified Angus Beef is smashed onto a butter-brushed grill, creating a sear that locks in juices and maximizes flavor.
Florida locations offer regional specialties like the Miami Burger with chorizo and fritas.
Their rosemary-garlic-olive oil fries complement rather than compete with the star attraction. The toasted artisan buns hold up to the juicy patties without getting soggy.