Craving an amazing burger? Here are my top picks in Sarasota and Bradenton

Wade Tatangelo, Sarasota Herald-Tribune

Updated September 18, 2023 at 11:22 PM·27 min read

Author's note: Following my picks for favorite sports bars featuring good food, and in honor of National Cheeseburger Day, which is Sept. 18, here's my list of the best burgers in Sarasota and Bradenton. The story originally ran in May, ahead of National Hamburger Day — yes, both hamburgers and cheeseburgers have their own silly holiday — so the prices might have changed a bit during the past four months.

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Ahead of National Hamburger Day on May 28, it's time for my annual list of the best restaurants for burgers in Sarasota and Manatee counties. Over the past year, I've indulged in burgers at local establishments approximately twice a week in order to compile this 2023 edition of the list. It features many of the most popular restaurants in Sarasota and Manatee, along with hidden gems. From upscale dining destinations to casual bait shops, this selection encompasses a wide range of places, offering gourmet burgers priced at nearly $30 as well as affordable diner-style gems under $7.

Yes, these burger joints offer a diverse range of experiences and price points, providing something for every burger enthusiast. While I've included a beloved chain originating from Fort Myers, national chains were skipped for the list. The featured restaurants — located in Sarasota, Bradenton, Venice, Palmetto, Lakewood Ranch, University Town Center, Siesta Key, and Anna Maria Island — are presented in alphabetical order. Please note that menu prices are subject to change, and some burgers come with sides, including hand-cut fries and chips that were totally worth mentioning.

Prepare yourself for an epic journey through the burger scene of Sarasota and Manatee that now includes more than 40 restaurants.

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3 Keys Brewing

2505 E. Manatee Ave., Bradenton; 941-218-0396; 3keysbrewing.com

The popular 3 Keys Brewing in Bradenton lives up to its "best burger in town" boasting by using a blend of locally sourced free range beef from cows who have been fed the brewer's spent grains. There are eight signature burgers and while you can't go wrong with the "say cheese" ($13) simply adorned with a slice of American, my current fave is the Island Hopper ($13) featuring two perfectly thin, crispy-around-the-edges, juicy patties with American cheese, candied bacon, shredded lettuce and onion with the buttered brioche bun given a nice coat of their house-made Thousand Island dressing.

Alpine Steakhouse

4520 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; 941-921-3798; alpinesteak.com

A restaurant and meat market serving Sarasota since 1975 and famously seen producing its turducken dish on “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives,” Alpine Steakhouse is also where us locals go for hearty handhelds. The sirloin burger stars a half-pound of the butcher shop’s fresh and smartly seasoned ground beef, with the lettuce, tomato, yellow onions and pickle on a kaiser roll for $10 (enjoy cheese for an extra buck and bacon for another $2). Really, though, you’ll probably just want to go whole hog and get the signature burger for $15 that finds the same half-pound patty topped by thick, tender cuts of house-made jowl bacon, crunchy onion rings and Swiss plus lettuce, tomato and a nice swipe of mayo.

Annie's Bait & Tackle

4334 127th St. W., Cortez; 941-794-3580; anniesbaitandtackle.com

Hugging the Intracoastal Waterway at the base of the northeastern base of the Cortez Bridge, this Old Florida gem has a history as a bait shop dating back to the 1950s and still provides boaters and fishermen with fuel and supplies while also serving food at a couple inside tables, the cozy beer and wine bar and, my favorite spot, on the covered waterfront patio. Annie's is probably most famous for its fried grouper sandwiches (which I adore!) but also offers an equally impressive burger and fries pairing for about $13. The burger features a half-pound of expertly seasoned fresh ground beef that you'll want to order "all the way" with crisp iceberg lettuce, juicy tomato and white onions with a smear of mayo.

Blue Marlin

121 Bridge St., Bradenton Beach,; 941-896-9737, bluemarlinami.com

Most famous for being one of the top destinations for fresh seafood in the region, Blue Marlin on Anna Maria Island also serves an excellent burger ($17). It’s eight ounces of ground sirloin topped with smoked gouda, slab bacon and onion marmalade, served in style with a side of roasted potatoes. Ordered medium, you should find it arrives perfectly cooked with flavorful juices bursting with each stunningly good bite. The beef alone is a treat — but it's then enhanced by the top-shelf toppings that include that onion marmalade worthy of being eaten alone with a spoon.

Bortell's Lounge

10002 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria; 941-778-5487, bortells.com

The new and improved Bortell's Lounge on the north end of Anna Maria Island serves a totally craveable burger simply called "The Beef" ($17.95). It's a one-third pound of flavored beef grilled and then topped with American cheese, crisp romaine lettuce, tomato, and thinly sliced red onion on a hearty bun to absorb all the delectable juices. Served with a side of seasoned crinkle fries and black pepper coleslaw, it's the perfect companion for an evening of post-beach boozing.

BrewBurgers

370 Commercial Court and 545 Tamiami Trail, Venice; brewburgers.com

Established in 2010 and now with two Venice locations, BrewBurgers serves a third-pound of fresh ground Angus chuck on a buttered bun with choice of lettuce, tomato, onion and pickle and remains best known for offering about a bunch crazy-good specialty burgers featuring a buffet of toppings. My personal fave, the “Ollie G.,” finds the patty covered with crispy bacon slices, garlic and herb cheese, spicy olive tapenade and more fiery flavor in the form of chipotle ranch ($13.99). Too healthy for ya? The Widow Maker ($17.99) is a half-pound beef patty topped with American cheese and a meat lovers’ dream of ham, pulled pork, bacon, and chili!

Brewster’s Gastropub

The Fuego Burger at Brewster's Tavern in downtown Sarasota.

1454 Main St., Sarasota; 941-343-2380, brewstersgastropub.com

One of the best restaurants in downtown Sarasota, Brewster’s offers a fun sports bar setting for elevated renditions of pub-grub classics including wings, fried chicken sandwiches and, yes, burgers. The Brew Burger ($14.99) features a custom blend of Black Angus beef smothered in melted cheddar and topped by iceberg lettuce, a thick tomato slice and red onions, placed in a brioche bun kissed by a spread of secret sauce I would like to purchase by the gallon. Feeling frisky? The Fuego Burger ($13.99) takes the same thick and juicy patty and covers it with pepper jack cheese, jalapenos and Brewster’s irresistible jalapeno ranch, which you’ll also want to use for dipping with the truffle fries ($4.99).

Best restaurants in downtown Sarasota from fancy to casual

Central Cafe

906 Manatee Ave. E., Bradenton; 941-757-0050; centralcafe941.com

Occupying a handsome first floor space in the old Manatee Hotel by the Bradenton Riverwalk East expansion, Central Cafe offers indoor and outdoor tables as well as a fun hang at their full-liquor bar to go with its winning menu of comfort food ranging from first-rate pizza, to a standout French-cut pork chop, to one of the Friendly City's best burger and hand-cut fries combos. Ordered medium, the mid-sized Angus sirloin steak arrives juicy with a touch of pink and flame-kissed char that adds both texture and smoky flavor augmented by pickles, pickled red onions, lettuce and fresh tomato on a toasted butter brioche fun. I typically just have mine adorned with a slice of cheddar ($13.50), but there are plenty of other toppings options for about the same price including my other favorite, the jalapeno Swiss burger.

Restaurant review: Central Cafe for salads, soups, fries, pizza and pepper-crusted ahi tuna

Chateau 13

535 13th St. W., Bradenton; 941-226-0110; chateau-13.com

Bradenton's most acclaimed restaurant, Chateau 13 serves a positively decadent burger sharing a named with a French King and cognac. The Louis XIII features a juicy disc of beef covered with truffled mushrooms, shallot jam, a generous slice of gruyère, and for extra fabulousness, foie gras. Priced at $29, it comes with the restaurant's standout French fries and asparagus. Consider pairing the burger with the Chateau's yummy champagne cocktail or perhaps a local craft beer from nearby Motorworks Brewing.

City Pier Grill and Bait Shop

A large crowd walks on the Anna Maria City Pier hoping to be among the first people to see the new Mote Marine Laboratory's Marine Science Education & Outreach Center following a ribbon-cutting ceremony Friday morning.

100 N. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria; 941-254-4219, citypiergrill.com

Located at the end of the landmark Anna Maria City Pier by the new Mote Marine Laboratory's Marine Science Education & Outreach Center, this grill is essentially a concession stand that happens to serve a very good burger ($15.95). It's six ounces of fresh ground beef that's chargrilled with judicious house seasoning and served with a slice of American, lettuce, tomato and red onion on a toasted bun with a side of tasty coleslaw. Be sure, though, to also order a side of their thin, hand-cut French fries, which are some of the best in town ($3). Fun fact: You can get basically the same burger, fries, and much more at the nearby Anna Maria General Store, whose proprietor co-owns City Pier Grill.

Clancy’s Irish Sports Pub & Grill

6218 Cortez Road W., Bradenton; 941-794-2489; clancysirishsportspub.com

Clancy's is a lively spot that combines an Irish pub, sports bar, live music venue, and full-liquor “freaki-tiki.” This fun hangout is also known for its great comfort foods, including their burgers made with hand-formed Angus beef. During my recent Monday visit, coinciding with an entertaining game of trivia hosted by Cap'n Mitch Stewart, I savored a perfectly cooked medium burger bursting with juicy flavors. The burger was topped with a melted blanket of American cheese, complemented by lettuce, tomato, red onion, mayo, and served with a side of fries ($12). I couldn't resist ordering the Clancy Rolls ($9.95) as well, which are egg rolls filled with corned beef, sauerkraut, and Thousand Island dressing. Just like the burger, they paired wonderfully with a pint of Guinness ($5.50).

The Cottage

153 Avenida Messina, Siesta Key; 941-312-9300; cottagesiestakey.com

No visit to Siesta Key Village should be complete without stopping by the adorably Key West-y Cottage to enjoy a cheeseburger in paradise. Dubbed "The Billionaire Burger" and priced accordingly, it's worth every penny of its $25 price tag. The main attraction is a melt-in-your-mouth short rib and brisket blend flavor bomb of ground beef. And then there are the terrific toppings: melted sharp cheddar, bacon onion jam, truffle aioli, lettuce and tomato on a toasted buttery brioche. You can add egg, bacon, or avocado for a few bucks more, but really, I would not recommend messing with perfection here. I would, though, suggest spending an extra $3 for the truffle fries.

Duffy's Tavern

5808 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach; 941-778-2501; duffystavernami.com

Owned and operated on Anna Maria Island by the beloved Geyer family since 1971, Duffy's Tavern serves exceptional, diner-style burgers that pair perfectly with a frosty mug of beer in the tavern's laid-back setting. While you can't go wrong with a cheeseburger served “all the way” (lettuce, tomato, onion and a dollop of mayo for $7.55), I’m also a big fan of the brie and caramelized onion cheeseburger ($8.45) as well as the jalapeno and havarti cheeseburger ($8.95).

Food + Beer

multiple locations in Sarasota and Manatee; eatfooddrinkbeer.com

Originating in Sarasota’s Gulf Gate district in 2018 followed by a Fruitville Road location in 2019, a Bradenton one in 2021 (which I reviewed) and a location in The Rosemary District that opened earlier this year, the locally-owned Food + Beer has flourished thanks to creative comfort foods such as its burgers. Take for instance, the “You Jel?” burger, which, yes, should make onlookers envious. It’s a salty, diner-style patty given a tasty kick courtesy of chipotle cream cheese and jalapeno pepper jelly with hickory bacon on top and a big ol’ roasted jalapeno on the side for those seeking additional heat ($9.89). I’m also partial to Food + Beer’s “Basic Cheeseburger” served with just a blanket of melted American ($8.25).

Ford's Garage

295 N. Cattlemen Road, Sarasota; 941-803-3673; fordsgarageusa.com

While I typically don't review chain restaurants, this one at University Town Center originated right down the road in Fort Myers, is headquartered right up the road in Tampa, and boasts an all-star roster of burgers to go with its dazzling build-out that pays homage to Henry Ford and his game-changing Model T automobile. There are a dozen "Burgers of Fame" featuring a "hand-pattied, never frozen half pound of Black Angus beef" that always hits the spot with my current fave being the Estate Burger ($16.99). It's smoked gouda, sweet red onion marmalade, arugula, tomato, fried onion straws and "white truffle" bacon aioli on the brioche bun branded with the restaurant's name. Yeah, all that sweet and savory marmalade and aioli tends to get a bit messy. But, trust me, it's worth it.

Restaurant review: Ford's Garage at University Town Center for burgers, wings, onion rings and pickles

Hob Nob Drive-In

1701 N. Washington Blvd., Sarasota; 941-955-5001; hobnobdrivein.com

A Sarasota landmark dating back to the 1957, The Hob Nob serves exactly the kind of cheeseburger you would expect from such a place, and it’s tasty: Diner-style patty covered in yellow American cheese with iceberg lettuce, tomato, white onion, pickles, mayo, mustard and the classic white bun your dad used at every cookout you can remember. Plus, the basket for $11.50 includes comforting crinkle fries and a sizable pickle spear tastier than the ones offered at most delis. You might also want to consider the bacon cheeseburger ($12.50) topped with Swiss and pay an extra buck for the onion rings that come with a horseradish-laced cream sauce that you will want to pour on everything.

Indigenous

239 S. Links Ave., Sarasota; 941-706-4740; indigenoussarasota.com

One of the most acclaimed chefs in the region, owner Steve Phelps earned a James Beard Foundation nomination for Best Chef, South, in 2014 and 2015, and was more recently featured on “CBS This Morning,” where he discussed his use of ingredients native to the area, as well as fish farming. Yes, people come to Indigenous for the amazing seafood dishes that change daily, but what Phelps does with a burger – fortunately a fixture on the menu – is ingenious. My Uncle’s Burger ($24) is two thin, perfectly seasoned, grass-fed beef patties covered with cheddar, bacon jam and a shot of addictive “Indigenous sauce” on a brioche. The masterpiece is served with duck fat roasted potatoes and pickled veggies.

JR’s Old Packinghouse Cafe

The Blackened Ybor Burger with Swiss cheese, shredded pork, grilled onions and Thousand Island dressing on toasted Cuban bread at J.R.’s Old Packinghouse Cafe in Sarasota.

987 S. Packinghouse Road, Sarasota; 941-371-9358, packinghousecafe.com

Opened in 1999, J.R.’s Old Packinghouse Cafe is where you go for comfort food inspired by owner/chef J.R. Garraus’ Cuban heritage, and perhaps enjoy some live music in a positively funky, Old Florida setting. While J.R.’s Cuban sandwich is among the best around, you’ll also want to feast on his equally formidable burgers, especially the Blackened Ybor Burger ($16.95). Presented on Tampa legend La Segunda Bakery’s premium Cuban bread, it’s a half-pound chuck patty covered in premium melted Swiss cheese, Garraus’ show-stopping roast pork, grilled onions, and Thousand Island dressing to pretty much guarantee you will have messy fun with this one-of-a-kind burger creation, which could’ve only originated here in the greater Tampa Bay region.

Knick’s Tavern & Grill

1818 S. Osprey Ave., Sarasota; 941-955-7761; knickstavernandgrill.com

An adorable tavern and grill with cozy indoor and outdoor seating operating in Southside Village for more than two decades, Knick’s remains best known for their beloved burgers. The Brunch Burger ($16) is the most famous of the bunch, offering the timeless combination of Angus beef, bacon, fried egg and American cheese with red onion, lettuce and tomato; but given an interesting twist via its placement on a grilled pita. It was created by owner Knick Barger, a fact I learned while noshing on my first Brunch Burger years ago. These days, his affable daughter Knickole Barger runs the restaurant with Knick still drops by for his burger creation. In addition to the Brunch Burger, you will also want to consider the burger topped with a mound of crumbled blue cheese and lots of spicy and smoky chipotle sauce that costs $15. And be sure to save room for the waffle fries, which pair exceptionally well with Knick’s jalape?o remoulade.

Libby’s Neighborhood Brasserie

1917 S. Osprey Ave., Sarasota; and 8445 Lorraine Road, Lakewood Ranch; libbysneighborhoodbrasserie.com

The locally owned Libby’s, with the original in Sarasota’s Southside Village and a second one in Lakewood Ranch, both serve the Brisket Burger ($18.50). It’s a brilliant brisket blend with aged cheddar, lettuce, tomato, and elevated with just the right amount of a bold roasted garlic aioli.

Made Restaurant

1990 Main St., Sarasota; 941-953-2900; maderestaurant.com

Featured on a 2018 episode of Travel Channel’s “Food Paradise,” Made offers clever twists on numerous American classics, including its namesake burger ($24). It’s a beef blend covered with pork barbacoa, barbecued peppers and onions, and pepper jack cheese. Plus, there’s a fried green tomato under the patty for an extra helping of Southern goodness to go with the butter lettuce. It’s served on a tasty, Hawaiian-style brioche roll. And be sure to pair your handheld with the cheesy tots, which are basically deep-fried balls of mashed potatoes and cheese that take tater tots to a whole new level of deliciousness.

Mattison’s

multiple locations in Sarasota and Manatee; mattisons.com

Chef and owner Paul Mattison has three namesake locations ("Forty-One" on South Tamiami Trail, and "Grilles" in downtown Sarasota and on Bradenton Riverwalk) all serving superior burgers made with freshly ground Niman Ranch beef, routinely cooked spot-on to order ($16-$18). I prefer mine these days with either just American cheese or perhaps Monterey Jack cheese and bacon (a bit extra) if I’m feeling naughty. Also, you get a choice of two sides at dinner at the Mattison's Grilles in downtown Sarasota and Bradenton and let me recommend the truffle mashed potatoes and Mattison’s house salad, which might be the best house salad in town with seasonal greens, cherry tomatoes, toasted pine nuts, chunks of gorgonzola and an impossibly good balsamic vinaigrette.

Molly’s Pub

1560 Main St., Sarasota; eviesonline.com

The locally owned Evie’s — with Sarasota locations on Bee Ridge Road and Main Street — offers tasty “build your own burgers” ($9.50 for a half-pound Angus beef patty) but I'm partial to the signature burger served at their Molly’s Pub, which is next door to the Evie's in downtown Sarasota. It's a half-pound of Angus prime topped with cheddar and a killer bacon jam as well as horseradish aioli swiped across the toasted bun ($13). And be sure to pair your burger with house-made “curry dusted crisps,” ($9) which come with a side of malt mayo and will make you rethink the possibilities of potato chips.

MVP - My Village Pub

5200 Ocean Blvd., Siesta Key; 941-777-6787; mvpsiestakey.com

Locally owned Above the Bar Hospitality Group operates a bunch of great restaurants and bars throughout Sarasota County and especially right in Siesta Key Village, where you will find their outstanding sports bar MVP with 35-plus TVs spread across an indoor and outdoor bar and tables for watching the game or just the folks strolling along Ocean Boulevard. And like neighboring sister business The Cottage, MVP serves an outstanding burger. Actually, the menu contains various burgers that are probably outstanding, but the one that grabbed my attention, and then my tastebuds, is their "MVP Mac Double Cheeseburger" ($16), which is basically an elevated version of McDonald's Big Mac with two beef patties, "special sauce," lettuce, American cheese, pickle, onion, on, you guessed it, a sesame seed bun.

New Pass Grill & Bait Shop

1505 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota; 941-388-3050; newpassgrill.com

Every Sarasotan owes it to themselves to at least once experience the Old Florida joy of visiting City Island for a burger and a cold can of beer while seated on the docks of New Pass Grill and Bait Shop. Established in 1929, New Pass has been famously serving burgers since the 1950s. There are other menu items, but, really, go with a burger — standard ($9.99) or upgrade to Angus ($15.99, $2 more for bacon) — nestled inside their remarkably hearty and flavorful buns that excel at soaking up the juices.

Oak & Stone

Multiple locations in Southwest Florida; oakandstone.com

Debuting in 2016 with the University Parkway location, Oak & Stone restaurants can now be found from St. Petersburg to Naples, with a rooftop location in downtown Bradenton. While perhaps best known for their beer wall, thin-crust artisan pizzas and slow-roasted wings (I highly recommend experiencing all three), Oak & Stone also serves a pair of great burgers. The Griddle Burger ($15 with fries) finds a juicy, mid-sized patty smothered in a cheddar blend with crispy onion straws, overflowing shredded lettuce, and a “secret sauce” that recalls a richer and more robust Thousand Island. Or, you can roll up your sleeves and dive into the BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger for a $1.50 more. It's the same tasty patty topped by a slab of fried cheese that explodes upon first bite with candied spicy bacon, lettuce, tomato, and for flavor and to guarantee you make a mess, theri Carolina gold barbecue sauce (which you might also want to try on some wings).

O'Bricks Irish Pub & Martini Bar

427 Old Main St., Bradenton; 941-896-8860; obricks.com

One of the best restaurants in Bradenton, O'Bricks on downtown's Old Main Street excels at just about everything they serve including Irish comfort food, grilled chicken wings and a fine fried chicken sandwich. O'Bricks also offers one of Sarasota-Manatee's tastiest and most distinctive burgers. It's their nicely seasoned and grilled half-pounder of Angus beef, and to make it even better, you'll want to add provolone, bacon, and the best part: one of their baked banana peppers stuffed with Italian cheeses, herbs, and spices. The burger comes with a side of very good fries for about $17. If you prefer a more basic option, I also highly recommend a burger with just your choice of cheddar, Swiss, smoked gouda, or American for about five dollars less.

Patrick’s 1481

1481 Main St., Sarasota; 941-955-1481; patricks1481.com

You can’t do downtown Sarasota without spending an evening – or long lunch – sipping martinis and eating a burger and fries at the bar or shaded sidewalk tables of Patrick’s, which has been a downtown destination for 35 years. The menu includes several burger options including sliders, and you can’t go wrong with the basic cheeseburger ($14), served with a choice of American, cheddar, Swiss, Monterey Jack, blue cheese, pepper jack or ghost pepper. The Kress Burger ($15.) remains king, though. It’s Patrick’s thick, flavorful cheeseburger topped with crispy bacon and onion straws, and served with a side of their homemade chili, which is ideal for French fry dipping.

Pier 22

1200 First Ave. W.; 941-748-8087; pier22dining.com

A local landmark that places guests right on the Manatee River for indoor or al fresco dining, Pier 22’s signature burger is a winning combination of a half-pound of Angus beef grilled to order topped by avocado, basil mayo, a fried egg, smoked cheddar and some amazingly good brown sugar spiced bacon ($20). The only catch is that the Pier 22 Burger is only available on the weekends at brunch (11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays). The rest of the time you can still get the burger, and with the cheddar and bacon, but no egg.

Riviera Dunes Dockside Social Bar & Grill

102 Riviera Dunes Way, Palmetto; 941-304-3689; rivieradunesdockside.com

Located on the water at Riviera Dunes Marina just off the Manatee River in Palmetto near where the Marriott and its rooftop Oyster River Bar are being built, Dockside serves a plump and juicy burger consisting of yummy "ground steak" ($14). Topped with cheddar, lettuce, tomato and red onion on a brioche bun with a side of thick, seasoned fries, it pairs perfectly with a pint of the award-winning V Twin – Vienna Lager ($6, $5 happy hour) by Bradenton's Motorworks Brewing that Dockside serves on draft. Another fun option, available during brunch from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, is the Bunless Hangover Burger. It’s the same choice beef on lettuce with bacon and a sunny-side up egg and peppered bourbon maple syrup plus a side of potatoes or fruit also for $14.

Shake Pit

3801 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton; 941-748-4016

One of Bradenton’s oldest eateries, Shake Pit opened in 1959 and remains one of the most popular spots in the Friendly City, largely thanks to its cherished, diner-style cheeseburgers, which are still a bargain for seven bucks (cash only). Order ’em with “everything,” which means the juicy patty is served on a toasted white bun with iceberg lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, mayo, ketchup and mustard.

Shakespeare’s Craft Beer and Gastro Pub

3550 S. Osprey Ave., Sarasota; 941-364-5938; shakespearesenglishpub.com

Featuring a delightfully charming English pub setting that reflects the Essex roots of owners Marilyn and Dick Neal, Shakespeare’s has been one of my favorite beer and burger destinations now for nearly 19 years. All the burgers are made with eight ounces of pure ground Black Angus beef and on every single one of my visits cooked perfectly: the medium I ordered this month arriving with a touch of pink, juicy interior encased in a deftly seasoned black char. Now, Shakespeare’s offers about a dozen specialty burgers and they’re all served on the toasted rosemary Kaiser buns that are among the best burger vessels I have ever encountered. But the most famous burger probably in all of Sarasota-Manatee, and the one I think about far too often, is still Marilyn’s creation topped by two buttery brie cheese slabs and a bed of sweet balsamic caramelized onions that I could eat by the bowlful ($15.75).

The Shebeen Irish Pub and Kitchen

6641 Midnight Pass Road, Sarasota; 941-952-3070; facebook.com

Taking its name from the Irish term for speakeasy, Shebeen is what Irish natives Ross and Louise Galbraith opened on Siesta Key in December after their Pub 32, which was located about four miles away at 8383 S. Tamiami Trail, closed last summer due to issues with their landlord "and a significant increase in rent." Like Pub 32, Shebeen remains the best place in Sarasota County for chef-prepared Irish cuisine such as fish and chips, shepherd’s pie, and corned beef and cabbage, as well as one of the region's best burgers. It's a half pound of char-grilled Angus beef with lettuce, tomato and onion on a toasted brioche with a side of their habit-forming homemade potato crisps for $14. You can also add various additional toppings, which is what I did during my visit earlier this month resulting in a masterwork of a burger enhanced by bacon ($2), braised onions ($1), cheddar ($2) and sauteed mushrooms ($1).

Shore

465 John Ringling Blvd., St. Armands Circle; and 800 Broadway St., Longboat Key; dineshore.com

Offering chic second-floor setting melding outdoor and indoor seating with sweeping views of St. Armands Circle, Shore is a fun spot just to sit back, relax and people-watch. It’s an even more fun spot to dine and drink, though, thanks to items such as the Shore Burger ($23). It’s a patty made from grass-fed beef, ground in house daily, with a rocking bacon jam, Tillamook cheddar, lettuce, tomato and onion, and a side of their top-shelf truffle fries. (The same burger can also be enjoyed at Shore’s waterfront location found on the Manatee County side of Longboat Key overlooking Sarasota Bay.)

Skinny's Place

3901 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach; 941-778-7769; skinnysplace.com

Located just a Frisbee throw away from Manatee Public Beach and the West Coast Surf Shop that opened in 1964, Skinny’s is a delightful burger and beer joint housed in a funky, two-story structure from the 1950s. The “Skinny Cheeseburger” is a fresh, diner-style burger on a toasted white bun (a bit bigger now than I previously recall) with American cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion and pickles – “just say ‘mayo’ or ‘no mayo’” ($7.48). Another fun option is the bacon cheeseburger ($9.35), with the strips strategically placed under the slice of American. And, really, no trip to Skinny’s is complete without a frosty mug or two of beer and a side of fries ($3.50).

Slim's Place

9701 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria; 941-567-4056; slimsplaceami.com

Located near both the sands of Holmes Beach and the city of Anna Maria's beach to the north, Slim's Place is one of Sarasota-Manatee's best sports bars, especially if you're a Philly fan and best known for its excellent Philly cheesesteaks. But Slim's also serves a bunch of great burgers featuring an eight-ounce Angus patty (or in the case of The Pounder, two patties) with various combinations of toppings. My current favorite is The Slim, topped with a magnificent melty mess of gouda, bacon, and homemade crispy onion straws plus lettuce, tomato and red onion on a robust bun. The massive, $17.95 burger comes with choice of side, and while the potato salad, coleslaw, and mac-n-cheese are all very good, you really need to try their tater tots tossed in Old Bay Seasoning and accompanied by a side of their crazy-good homemade cheese wiz.

Smoqehouse

1701 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach; 941-242-5340, smoqehouse.com

Located on Anna Maria Island, Smoqehouse has been serving some of Sarasota-Manatee's best barbecue since opening in 2017 as well as an exceptional burger ($12). They use brisket to form a patty and then cover it with smoked cheddar, caramelized onions and then place the perfect sweet and tangy ribbon on it with their Smoq'N sauce ($10). You'll want to pair your burger with their hand-cut fries or poutine ($4-$8 depending on size) or perhaps their hand-cut chips ($4) that you can also get "loaded" with blue cheese crumbles and a spot-on garlic thyme aioli ($6).

Star Fish Company Market & Restaurant

12306 46th Ave. W., Cortez; 941-794-1243; starfishcompany.com

Located on north Sarasota Bay in the historic fishing village of Cortez, the Star Fish Company building celebrated its 100th anniversary earlier this year. One of Sarasota-Manatee's best seafood restaurants since opening in 1996 — with fresh catches provided by owner Karen Bell's fleet of commercial fishing boats that unload at the fish house next door — Star Fish also serves a ridiculously good cheeseburger that comes with fries and views including pelicans and often dolphins for under $12. Served a perfect medium on a soft kaiser roll with lettuce, tomato, chopped white onions and two slices of orange American, the one-third pound of freshly ground beef bursted with juices that made it every bit as satisfying as the grouper, mahi-mahi, scallops, oysters, shrimp and mullet that I've been routinely ordering at Star Fish for the past two decades.

State Street Eating House + Cocktails

1533 State St., Sarasota; 941-951-1533; statestreetsrq.com

Regardless if you’re stopping by State Street to sip cocktails at one of the two bars late into the evening or just dropping by Sunday morning for brunch, you will want to seriously consider the downtown Sarasota restaurant’s signature burger. It’s two thin patties stacked among melted slices of aged cheddar and havarti cheese with pickled cucumber ribbons and red onion, on a toasted brioche bun given a swipe of spicy mayo ($17). If visiting during brunch, you might also want to try their bunless “naked burger” that places cheddar, long strips of bacon, and a sunny-side egg on top of the two beef patties along with a bed of hash browns ($18).

Tony’s Chicago Beef

6569 Superior Ave., Sarasota; and 1856 S Tamiami Trail , Venice; tonyschicagobeef.com

Mentioned in a New York Times article from Dec. 2021 about the best places to find Italian beef outside Chicago, Tony’s is definitely a top spot in Sarasota County for a taste of the Windy City with locations in Gulf Gate and Venice. While they serve outstanding Chicago-style hot dogs with fresh-cut fries and an amazing Italian beef sandwich, these true Chicagoans also serve ace burgers: one-third pound of beef char-grilled and served with mayo lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, mustard, and ketchup on their toasted old-fashioned buns for about $6; with a slice of American cheese for an extra buck, or pay a bit more for the bacon burger. And then there’s my other fave, the burger named after comedy legend and Chicago native John Belushi. It’s smothered in Swiss cheese with fresh grilled onions and mushrooms ($6.99).

Veronica Fish and Oyster

Veronica Short Rib Burger at Veronic Fish and Oyster in Sarasota photographed May 10, 2023.

1830 S. Osprey Ave, Sarasota; 941-366-1342; veronicafishandoyster.com

Local restaurateur Mark Caragiulo’s Southside Village fish and oyster destination named after a great Elvis Costello song also happens to serve a commendable burger. It’s a pair of thin, grass-fed beef patties topped with grilled shiitake mushrooms, gruyere, elevated by a garlic aioli spread across a bun covered with all the seasonings typically found on an everything bagel. The $20 burger comes with a side of Veronica's hand-cut fries and their must-try malt vinegar aioli. Seeking a surf and turf experience? Be sure to start with the superb smoked fish dip (mahi-mahi on my visit earlier this month) covered with "hot sauce gelee" and served with fried saltines.

Wade Tatangelo is Ticket Editor for the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, and Florida Regional Dining and Entertainment Editor for the USA TODAY Network. Follow him on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. He can be reached by email at [email protected]. Support local journalism by subscribing.??????

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Best burger restaurants: Sarasota, Bradenton, Venice, Siesta Key, UTC

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