This Florida Burger Spot Is So Beloved, Locals Say It’s Worth Every Minute In Line
I first stumbled into Le Tub on a sticky summer afternoon, following the charcoal smoke and the sound of laughter drifting off the Intracoastal.
What I found was a ramshackle palace of driftwood and old bathtubs, packed shoulder to shoulder with people who looked genuinely happy to wait.
That burger—thick as a paperback novel and seared over open flame—changed the way I thought about what a burger could be. Now, years and dozens of visits later, I understand why this quirky Hollywood hideaway has earned its cult following.
Welcome In!
Before you pack the car and rally the crew, know this: Le Tub is alive, thriving, and slinging burgers seven days a week at 1100 N Ocean Dr. in Hollywood.
Sunday through Thursday, the grill fires up at eleven in the morning and doesn’t cool down until one in the morning. Friday and Saturday nights stretch even later, closing at two.
Reservations aren’t a thing here—it’s pure first-come, first-served chaos, and honestly, that’s part of the charm.
The restaurant’s official site confirms the hours, and their social feeds stay active with photos of happy diners and sizzling patties. Knowing you can show up any day of the week takes the guesswork out of planning your pilgrimage.
The Burger That Built the Line
Forget dainty sliders and trendy smash burgers—Le Tub’s signature is a beast of a patty weighing in at thirteen full ounces of hand-formed sirloin.
Cooked to order over crackling charcoal, it arrives simply dressed with crisp lettuce, ripe tomato, and raw onion, letting the beef do all the talking. No fancy aiolis or Instagram-worthy toppings, just pure, unapologetic burger excellence.
That same oversized patty has been the restaurant’s calling card for decades, and regulars swear they can taste the difference charcoal makes. It’s the kind of burger that requires two hands, a stack of napkins, and zero shame. One bite and you’ll understand why people plan beach trips around lunch at Le Tub.
A Waterfront Time Capsule (Born in a Gas Station)
Picture this: a former Sunoco station reborn as a driftwood-draped wonderland perched right on the edge of the Intracoastal Waterway.
Le Tub opened its doors in 1975, and the place still looks like a beachcomber’s fever dream—old bathtubs turned planters, weathered wood everywhere, and tables so close to the water you can hear boats puttering past. It’s kitschy in the best possible way.
Sea breezes mix with the smoky perfume of charcoal, and every corner tells a story of decades spent feeding sun-soaked locals and curious tourists alike. The vibe is laid-back Florida at its finest, where flip-flops are formal wear and nobody’s in a rush.
Why People Wait (Happily)
Two forces conspire to create the legendary Le Tub wait: made-to-order burgers sizzling over live charcoal and a strict no-reservations policy that treats everyone equally.
Those waterside seats are pure gold, especially at sunset, and folks are willing to stand around with a cold drink while their name inches up the list. Local blogs and travel guides mention the lines like a badge of honor.
But here’s the thing—nobody seems to mind. The anticipation builds, the smell gets better, and by the time you sit down, you’re primed for something special. Fans call the burger worth every minute, and after my first visit, I became one of them.
The Legend Status—Beyond the Hype
In 2006, GQ magazine dropped a bombshell, crowning Le Tub’s burger as America’s best—then Oprah echoed the praise, and just like that, a locals’ secret became a national pilgrimage site.
The restaurant still proudly displays that accolade, and honestly, they’ve earned the right to brag. That press transformed the place overnight, drawing burger pilgrims from across the country.
What’s remarkable is how Le Tub has handled the fame without losing its soul. The burger recipe hasn’t changed, the vibe stays wonderfully scruffy, and the staff treats regulars and first-timers with the same easygoing warmth. Legend status fits this place like an old pair of jeans.
What Else To Order
Sure, the burger is the star, but sleeping on the supporting cast would be a mistake. Thick-cut fries arrive golden and steaming, perfect for dragging through ketchup or just eating by the fistful. Key lime pie—tart, creamy, and properly Florida—makes the ideal cool-down after all that charcoal-kissed beef.
Lean into the beach shack side of the menu with conch fritters that snap when you bite them, or go for a shrimp basket piled high with crispy, seasoned perfection.
Every item on the current lineup feels intentional, like it’s been tested by decades of discerning diners. My move? Burger, fries, and pie, every single time.
Plan Your Visit (At-a-Glance)
Ready to make the trip? Here’s everything you need in one tidy package. Le Tub sits at 1100 N Ocean Dr. in Hollywood, Florida, open Sunday through Thursday from eleven in the morning until one at night, and Friday through Saturday until two.
No reservations accepted—it’s all first-come, first-served, so arriving off-peak (think mid-afternoon on a weekday) gives you the shortest wait.
Order the thirteen-ounce sirloin burger—trust me on this—and snag a waterside seat if you can. The restaurant’s official site and active social feeds confirm they’re open and ready for business. Pack patience, an appetite, and maybe a camera, because this place photographs like a dream.