Burgers so big, they won’t even fit in a blog cover photo (RusTeak Burger pictured). Instagram influencer Christina Petsos is back with a look at her favorite Orlando burgers, including a contender from a MICHELIN Guide restaurant.
It’s officially summer — and to me, that means burger and fries season. When I was asked to compile a list of the best burgers I’ve had in Orlando, I thought, “Wow, thank you for this impossible task.” Kidding, of course! However, narrowing it down is hard because Orlando is an ever-growing food community, creating an unbelievable amount of choices.
So, without further ado, and in no particular order, these burgers are without a doubt worthy of recognition. I hope you find at least one new spot to try!
All images courtesy Christina Petsos.
The Whiskey
Part of Orlando’s Restaurant Row, The Whiskey has been voted as the best burger in Orlando by several sources, and it’s clear to see why. They use locally sourced products and grass-fed game meats for all their food — including a large selection of craft burgers that you’re not going to find just anywhere. The patties are thick and juicy, made with 100% certified angus beef, and are a blend of short rib, brisket and chuck.
Discover: Restaurant Row
Their most popular burger, The Salty Pear, sets itself apart with its bourbon-poached pears and creamy brie sauce. When I tell you this sauce is banging, I mean it. I also tried The Southerner, which uniquely has pimento cheese and fried green tomatoes. I’m such a sucker for anything with pimento cheese, so I knew I needed it, and my goodness was it amazing.
Everything about these burgers is absolute perfection, and I can’t forget about their parmesan truffle fries that I am addicted to. It is absolutely worth the trip from anywhere to try their food.
RusTeak Thornton Park
From the original owners of Teak comes the spinoff RusTeak, a more upscale yet casual eatery that better showcases their love of food and spirits. While they specialize in elevated dishes, they continue to create some of the best burgers in Orlando at their locations in downtown Orlando’s Thornton Park District and Ocoee near Winter Garden.
Discover: Orlando Neighborhoods
I was lucky enough to try their famous RusTeak Burger (pictured in this blog’s cover image) and the Straight Trufflin’. Both offer an incredible taste that is truly unique from other burgers. Garlic cilantro paired with an egg and potato straws brings their RusTeak burger to the next level.
With the Straight Trufflin’ burger, the mushrooms are cooked to perfection so they aren’t too tough or mushy. The truffle herb mayo and champagne vinaigrette offers an incredible flavor palette that no other restaurant in the area has. I would hands down eat this burger daily if I could.
Swine & Sons
This wonderful little counter service spot received a Bib Gourmand honor from the MICHELIN Guide this year! I too have always been impressed by Swine & Sons.
Discover: Orlando’s MICHELIN Guide Restaurants
Currently, you can find Swine & Sons at The Local Butcher in Winter Park and Tuffy’s in Sanford. Soon, they will be collabing with The Courtesy bar in a new location, located in the same building as Foxtail’s Farmhouse in Winter Park.
They have a few different smash burger options that are made from great quality meat. There is something about the sauce they are adorned with that really puts this double-stack burger on the map. I stuck with the classic and ordered The Simple Man Smash. It is hard to go wrong with this one. My friend ordered the OK Onion Smash, which she confirmed was fantastic.
Speakeasy Burger
Speakeasies are historically a secret, but it is no secret that Speakeasy Burger’s owner, Julian, has developed an incredible burger that people line up for 30 minutes or more for before his pop-ups even start. I’ve had the pleasure of waiting in these lines multiple times, and I can tell you that it is worth the wait!
Julian only brings a limited number of burgers with him, and he always sells out. It is a smash burger with a secret sauce that will undoubtedly keep you lining up. The only way to know where this business will be popping up next is through the schedule he posts via @SpeakeasyBurger on Instagram.
Super Rico Colombian Restaurant & Bar
Nestled off Central Avenue in downtown Orlando lies the small restaurant with huge flavor, known as Super Rico. They are my choice to stop at when I’m in this area.
Discover: Downtown Orlando
This restaurant started as a food truck but had so much success they were able to open a brick and mortar. They pride themselves as the ambassadors of Colombia in Orlando.
Colombian burgers are one of the better style of burgers I’ve had. They are always so unique and flavorful. I knew when I saw they had an arepa burger that it was necessary to try it. I love that this burger uses a thin arepa for a bun, and their signature sauce (cilantro, pina and rosada) brings everything together so beautifully.
Teak Neighborhood Grill
When I think Orlando burgers, Teak is one of the first places that comes to my mind because they have an incredible selection of gourmet burgers. I have been going to Teak for years and they will always have my patronage — not only for the fact that they have some of the tastiest patties around, but because of their support to the U.S. Armed Forces. Being a veteran, this is a cause that is near and dear to my heart, and I love to see their patriotism.
I’ve tried many different burgers here from the waffle burger to a classic burger. The first I ever had was The Brazilian; topped with ham, over-medium egg, potato strings, provolone and ranch. It was so different that anything I’ve had, monstrous, and it had me hooked!
I’ve also tried their donut burger and one from their secret menu called The Idaho, but added cheese sauce to it. If you want to order off their secret menu, make sure you check their Facebook to get the password! They have locations in Orlando’s Metrowest area and in Maitland close to Winter Park.
As you can see, Orlando is full of choices for the beloved burger, no matter what part of town you’re visiting. I urge you to try one that you have not yet and support local.
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