This Popular Florida Restaurant Is Home To The Best Cheeseburger Around
Florida’s culinary landscape is full of surprises, but few discoveries have delighted me as much as Brooks Burgers in Naples. This unassuming local favorite has earned a cult following thanks to its bold and quirky creation: the legendary Donut Burger.
Imagine a juicy, perfectly seasoned patty nestled between two sweet, pillowy glazed donuts—the kind of combination that sounds outrageous until you take that first bite and realize it’s absolute genius.
With three bustling locations, Brooks has become a must-visit for both locals and curious travelers. Having tasted burgers across the Sunshine State, I can promise this one is unforgettable.
1. A Sweet and Savory Marvel: The Donut Burger at Brooks Burgers
My taste buds nearly exploded the first time I bit into Brooks Burgers’ legendary Donut Burger. The combination sounds bizarre – a juicy all-natural beef patty, melty American cheese, and crispy bacon sandwiched between two glazed Krispy Kreme donuts.
What should be culinary chaos somehow transforms into perfect harmony on your palate. The warm donut glaze mingles with the savory beef juices creating a flavor that dances between dessert and dinner.
Taste of Home didn’t name this Florida’s most delicious cheeseburger for nothing! I’ve brought skeptical friends here who became instant converts after just one bite of this sweet-meets-savory masterpiece.
2. Why the Donut Burger Stands Out
Flavor balance is everything in the culinary world, and Brooks Burgers has mastered it perfectly. Their Donut Burger creates a symphony where each element plays its part – the salty crunch of bacon cuts through the sweet glaze while the cheese adds creamy richness.
I remember watching my food-snob cousin (who normally turns her nose up at “gimmicky” dishes) take her first bite. Her eyes widened as the contrasting flavors melded together.
What makes this burger extraordinary isn’t just novelty – it’s thoughtful construction. The warm donuts don’t disintegrate, the meat remains juicy, and every ingredient maintains its distinct personality while contributing to the whole.
3. A Hometown Favorite with Three Locations
Success speaks volumes, and Brooks Burgers’ expansion to three Naples locations tells you everything about their local popularity. My Saturday tradition became rotating between their spots – each with its own neighborhood charm but consistent burger excellence.
Family-owned businesses often have that special touch, and owner Todd Brooks infuses genuine passion into every aspect of his restaurants. You can taste the commitment to quality in each bite.
What impressed me most was how they’ve maintained their standards across all locations. Whether you’re grabbing lunch downtown or visiting their newest spot, that signature Donut Burger tastes identical – a feat many growing restaurants fail to achieve.
4. Voted One of the Nation’s Top Burger Joints
National recognition doesn’t come easily in America’s competitive burger landscape. When TripAdvisor ranked Brooks Burgers as the #2 burger joint nationwide, I wasn’t surprised – but I was definitely proud of this Florida treasure.
The wall of accolades inside each location tells a story of consistent excellence. Magazine clippings, awards, and glowing reviews create a tapestry of culinary achievement that few restaurants can match.
What’s remarkable is how they’ve maintained their humble, welcoming atmosphere despite the fame. Last month, I watched Todd himself greeting regulars by name while newcomers snapped photos of their towering burger creations – celebrity status hasn’t changed their commitment to hospitality.
5. Variety Meets Quality
Culinary creativity flows through Brooks Burgers’ extensive menu beyond their signature Donut Burger. During my quest to try everything they offer, I discovered their commitment to quality ingredients extends to every creation – from classic cheeseburgers to innovative specialties.
Their all-natural beef patties arrive fresh daily, never frozen. The difference is immediately apparent in that first juicy bite that practically melts in your mouth.
Fresh toppings elevate each burger from good to extraordinary. My personal favorite after the Donut Burger? Their Mushroom Swiss with hand-sautéed mushrooms that retain perfect texture and flavor – proving that fundamentals matter just as much as innovative concepts.
6. Tourists and Locals Alike Make It a Must
Restaurants that captivate both tourists and locals have cracked a special code. Overhearing conversations at Brooks Burgers reveals a fascinating mix – snowbirds planning their annual pilgrimage, first-timers gasping at the Donut Burger’s arrival, and Naples natives debating their favorite specialty burgers.
The genuine enthusiasm crosses all demographics. I’ve seen elegant retirees in golf attire sitting beside tattooed twentysomethings, all united by the universal language of exceptional burgers.
Word-of-mouth remains their most powerful marketing tool. Last week, I watched a family from Michigan enter because “everyone at our hotel said we couldn’t leave Naples without trying the Donut Burger” – proving that truly remarkable food creates its own buzz.
7. A Singular Cheeseburger Experience
Originality defines Brooks Burgers in Florida’s crowded restaurant scene. Their Donut Burger transforms an ordinary meal into a conversation piece – I’ve literally watched people at neighboring tables lean over to ask “What IS that?” when it arrives.
The restaurant’s atmosphere enhances everything. Bright, clean interiors with burger-themed décor create the perfect backdrop for food that’s both comforting and surprising.
Memory-making matters in dining experiences. My nephew still talks about his first Donut Burger from three years ago – the way the sweet and savory flavors came together, how everyone at the table wanted a bite of his burger, and how he’s measured every burger since against this unforgettable standard.