The Hamburger Wars on Pensacola Beach
I don't know about you, but I love a GOOD hamburger. I'm not talking about Whataburger or McDonalds. Although I don't have a beef with a good chain burger, in a pinch. I'm talking about a real, prime beef, seared to perfection, made to order quality hamburger only found in either the finest restaurants or the deepest dive.
If you are a hamburger aficionado, or just someone who while visiting the beach gets tired of seafood (gasp!), Pensacola Beach has you covered. There are plenty of dives in Pensacola (and Gulf Breeze too) who are suited to the tourist with time and transportation, put here we will focus on "the Beach and Burgers."
One of the best (undisputed) burgers on Pensacola Beach is at The Grand Marlin. The burger there is definitely quality done right! The price is fair, for the venue, and when bought during their Happy Hour, well worth the visit to the bar. The burger is seared to perfection, but the toppings are typical. Lettuce, tomato, pickle and condiments are included, for those who like a salad with their burger. But anything else will cost you. Cheese? Bacon? Order it, and pay. But for a really good burger, really good service, and reliable quality in a great restaurant, Grand Marlin it is! But be aware, that if you are having dinner with a group, and eating in the restaurant, you will probably wish you ordered one of the great seafood dishes or steaks that the rest of the group ordered. Their hamburgers are very good, but the rest of their menu may be even better!
Looking for burger with a view? Latitudes, located behind the Hilton, is a beach bar that sits looking out on the Gulf of Mexico. There are no indoor seats here, but the view is perfect! And so is the burger! They offer a "Create Your Own Burger" that comes with french fries or tater tots. Their black angus, flame broiled burger on a brioche bun comes with a choice of 3 toppings at no extra charge. They have everything (almost) you could ask for. Avocado? Roasted red peppers? Peppered bacon? Cilantro crème fraiche? Yep! But they also offer the salad on a bun too. My favorites are carmelized onions, roasted portobello mushrooms and swiss cheese. They do offer other menu items, but they only serve until 7 p.m. So go early and enjoy the sunset while you eat!
Another opportunity to build your favorite burger is at Shaggy's. Their "Cheeseburger Topping Bar" is a menu option that allows you to customize, for a price, your burger to perfection. The burger is similar quality to the rest, but the bun is sour dough, and the toppings are unique. Add shrimp, potato salad, pulled pork or the more usual fare. But the additions are not free. And if I had my way, I would end up with a $20 burger! But, Oh! What a burger!
Another outdoor dining opportunity, is at Paradise Bar & Grill. With cover for rainy or cool days, Paradise is located on the Sound side. They offer some smaller burger options, if you want a lighter choice. They also have the typical toppings you would expect. They do offer a "Black and Blue" burger as well as some special toppings at a cost. But if you want to each your burger with your toes in the sand, or just want to go where the locals go, this may be your place. They often have live music and always have a real beach atmosphere.
This list is not complete, and I will continue to add to it as I explore my options on the beach. Feel free to offer your recommendations in the comments for places I HAVE to try. Don't worry! I plan to add to the list as time goes on! I am always looking for a good burger!
A good place to start your burger adventure is in Tiki House's amazing kitchen. The best part of renting a home at the beach is you have the option of eating out OR eating in!
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