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Tampa Bay’s Most Underrated Burger Joint

Author Daniel Morabito
Homemade Cheese Smash Burger with Lettuce Tomato and Fries

Everybody’s got their own opinions on what makes a burger great. There seems to be the unfair common ground that everyone who enjoys their burger ‘well done’ isnā€™t worthy of an opinion. Not today. This Largo burger joint might just be the best burger spot in TampaĀ Bay.

Lukeā€™s Sport Shack Bar & Grill is Tampa Bayā€™s most underrated burger spot. Lukeā€™s Sport Shack Bar & Grill has been serving the Tampa Bay area since? This isnā€™t just some modern, corporate sports bar. Lukeā€™s brings together all the elements needed to paint the classic American sports bar and grill. Theyā€™ve got live music, karaoke, booze, sports, and of course outside dining.Ā 

ā€œWe pride ourselves on our awesome food. You’re going to love our Pizza and French Dip. As for our Wings and Bacon Paradise? Put it this way, you’ll be coming back for more and more. Remember, wings come first!ā€, says Lukeā€™s Sport Shack Bar & Grill.

Whatā€™s the burger like at Lukeā€™s Sport Shack Bar & Grill?

Since I guess this matters in a food review, I like burgers to be well done, at a minimum. Whenever Iā€™ve gone to Lukeā€™s I get the BYOB (build your own burger). First, I get the burger cooked well done and for toppings; lettuce, tomato, ketchup, mustard, bacon, a sunnyside up egg, pickles and a few fries on top all smashed in between the bun.

What does everybody like most about burgers? When they’re thick and juicy. The toppings are fresh and have just enough butter to satisfy the craving, but not enough to drench the bun. Like Portnoy says, “one bite everybody knows the rules.” The first bite always sets the tone for the meal. The egg yolk oozes on the first bite and the fries on top supply the perfect crunch.

What else is on the menu at Lukeā€™s?

Lukeā€™s is well known for their pizza and wings, but their menu rolls much deeper than that. Youā€™ve got starters like quesadillas, nachos, wings, mozzarella sticks, fish & chips, garlic knots and more, but what about the sandwiches? Thereā€™s chicken Philly cheese steak, pulled pork sliders, Italian subs, Cuban sandwiches, patty melt, fish filet and more.

For Main entrees, youā€™ve got the grilled, blackened or fried chicken breast, hand breaded chicken tendy dinner, fish & chips, or three soft beef or chicken tacos topped with all the goods. The Pizza menu is everything you need and nothing that you don’t. They’ve got all the classic favorites and of course, Hawaiian Pizza.Ā 

Sides matter ā€¦ We said sides. Your choice of a basket of fries or tater tots, broccoli, coleslaw or potato salad. Lukeā€™s is equipped for the whole family. The kids menu has cheeseburgers, chicken tenders, cheese pizza and grilled cheese.Ā 

Luke’s Sports Shack Bar & Grill might be the best burger spot in Tampa and is located at 999 Missouri Avenue North, Largo, Florida. For more information, visit their Facebook page or website here.

Originally from the Midwest and moved down to Tampa Bay after college. When Daniel is not working on Beasley Content, you can find him fishing or skateboarding. Daniel enjoys writing about local restaurants across the Tampa Bay area, Florida lottery stories, and concert reviews/photos.

Where To Find The Best Burgers In Tampa Bay

There’s never a bad time for a good burger. Thankfully, you have lots of options in the Tampa Bay area to satisfy your cravings! Whether you’re looking for the classic cheeseburger with lettuce, tomatoes, and onion, or want to venture into bolder flavors, here are the places and burgers you need to try.

It’s no secret that the Tampa Bay area is home to so many great restaurants. It doesn’t matter if you’re looking for a casual setting, or want to dress up. We have endless options of tasty menus to try. We got some inspiration from the best-rated places on Yelp but also added a few of our picks.

Since it’s Tampa Bay Burger Week (from Nov 2-Nov 12), we thought we would do a deep dive of our favorite burger restaurants, or even restaurants with must-try burgers. Tampa Bay Burger Week is donating a portion of proceeds to Feeding Tampa Bay. You may notice that some of the places on our list are hosting specials for Burger Week. To take advantage of Tampa Bay Burger Week 2023, all you have to do is simply ask for the Tampa Bay Burger Week special.

How do you like your burgers?

Some like to keep it classic. All they need is some beef cooked to perfection, cheese, lettuce, onion, tomato (and maybe a pickle on the side.) Some only eat burgers unless it’s got unique or bolder ingredients. Props to those who are bold enough to try burgers with donut buns at the Florida State Fair. We like to keep it interesting and try the more flavorful burgers, but it’s hard to turn down a true classic.

Any place we missed from the list? Let us know on social media!

Here’s where you can find the best burgers in the Tampa Bay area

  • Burger Culture

    Number 1 on our list is Burger Culture. With a name like that how could you not be in the top 5?! This is the place to go to for any kind of burger you’re craving. But personally, we think it’s worth it to try one of their specialty burgers like The Street Burger or the Ramen Burger.

  • Isaac's World Famous Burgers

    Located off Columbus Ave, Isaac’s World Famous Burgers is quite the hidden Tampa gem. Their classic burgers are always a good way to go but we recommend trying the Cheesy Mr. Peppa Steak Burger. It’s made with their one-of-a-kind spicy cheese cream sauce. Provolone cheese and sautĆ©ed sweet onions and Pepperoncini peppers.

  • Thee Burger Spot

    Thee Burger Spot made Yelp’s list of the most “outrageous” burgers in America. Thee Glazed One from Thee Burger Spot made the list of 11 “eye-popping patties.

  • Foody's

    Foody’s Tampa is a great hole in the wall spot with a huge menu! But what will keep you coming back for more is their French Toast Burger….

    https://www.instagram.com/p/Cp2degguJX_/

  • Boozy Pig

    The Boozy Pig is another one of our favorite Tampa spots. For some of the highest-quality meats and fresh ingredients, go to The Boozy Pig. The only downside is they are open for lunch only and Brunch on the weekends where you can get their Breakfast Burger.

  • El Cap

    Cross the bridge to St. Pete for one of the most classic burger joints around. El Cap has always been a staple in St. Pete and has some of the best smash burgers in town! In 2023 they changed owners, but the delicious food remains the same.

     

  • Engine No 9

    Last but not least on our list is Engine No. 9. This St. Pete gem has some of the best specialty burgers in Pinellas. The XXX Burger is our favorite made with: Cheddar Cheese, Barbecue Sauce & JalapeƱo Bacon. Served on Pretzel Roll.

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Author Daniel Morabito
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