South Beach may be Miami’s burger epicenter, but it’s not the only stretch of sand where you can find perfectly charred patties and melty American cheese. On this list—in addition to those Ocean Drive classics—you’ll find a hidden gem tucked behind a hotel lobby, a late-night counter with cult-like devotion, and a waterfront spot where the burgers rival the sunset views. Prepare for towers of truffle fries ahead.
El Desembarco Miami Beach
$ | (786) 253-9805 | WEBSITE
El Desembarco’s Hercules burger has a juiciness that you can practically taste from across the table. You’ll find it on the menu at this Miami Beach spot, alongside the San Telmo burger and vegetarian options like Spiro. For a sub-$25 meal that’ll leave you satisfied without emptying your wallet, it doesn’t get better.
Grab a seat at the cozy indoor tables or the charming outdoor patio by the beach and dive into a burger paired with board games, which is, on its best nights, just as enjoyable as the food itself.
RedHead Burger
$ | (786) 620-2800 | WEBSITE
In South Beach, you’ll see lots of spots with signs for burgers, but RedHead Burger stands out, because they’ll deliver a heaping double cheeseburger with fresh veggies on a potato bun that fills you up for the afternoon. Order the classic hamburger, so that you can enjoy a good value under $10, and pair it with chicken wings and a caramel milkshake. Squeeze the provided ketchup on very liberally, and wash it all down with that shake.
This spot is on the beachfront and would be easy to miss if it weren’t for the crowd of burger lovers outside.
Roasters ‘N Toasters
$$ | (305) 531-7691 | WEBSITE
The soundtrack at Roasters ‘N Toasters consists of a sizzling griddle. There’s usually a steady flow at this Miami Beach diner (with its freshly renovated look), and at the counter you’ll find cheerful staff plating up orders with friendly efficiency. Ask for the steak and eggs with a side of latkes, or the pastrami sandwich on a kaiser roll, then find out first-hand how this place earned its reputation.
Their blueberry blintzes have a golden exterior that crisps like a delicate wafer, and a soft interior that stays perfectly comforting. If you’d care to supplement, there are plenty of other solid diner options, like stuffed cabbage and that highly recommended bacon and cheese roll. But good as they are, they’ll always be supporting players here. The coffee, favored by black coffee drinkers, provides the perfect, affordable finish.
Shake Shack South Beach Miami
$ | (305) 434-7787 | WEBSITE
Shake Shack South Beach Miami, a burger joint on a main shopping street, is known for their ShackBurger, which comes on some of the most incredibly soft bread we have ever had the pleasure of biting into. But their avocado burger is also pretty good, like their version with extra lettuce, tomatoes, and crispy onions, and we love the staff, who might offer a friendly tip or two about the gluten-free options as they help you at the self-service kiosks.
Add on the fries, which arrive at your table perfectly salted, with a golden exterior and a fluffy, potatoey inside.
Pink Love Donuts and More (Miami)
$ | (786) 431-5144 | WEBSITE
Pink Love Donuts and More is a celebration spot even on a quiet morning, when this place fills up with beachgoers grabbing breakfast, and friends treating themselves to something sweet after a walk. The menu is varied, but your first priority is the thick, fresh-baked donuts this place has been known for since they opened. Round out your order with some Crème Brûlée French Toast, or a hearty plate of chicken and waffles, full of flavor and attention to detail.
Pink Love also has a charming location near the Miami Beach shore.
Cafe Bernie
$$ | (786) 481-3996 | WEBSITE
Here’s something you should try: waterfront dining in Miami Beach. Cafe Bernie has a charming spot in a lively part of the city, right on the intracoastal with beautiful water views. At this cozy restaurant you can get a table under the large canopy or at an umbrella-fitted table on the water’s edge and enjoy a variety of delicious dishes, from guacamole and ceviche to salmon, pasta, and Key lime pie.
The location is perfect for a meal with friends or a relaxing retreat, especially with the sun setting and a nice breeze wafting in, making it a dining experience worth trying.
Essensia at The Palms Hotel & Spa
$$$ | (305) 908-5458 | WEBSITE
The lush garden entrance of this Miami Beach restaurant should be a stop on any coastal walking tour. The romantic, verdant setting within sparks daydreams of your next special evening, and the jungle curry with shrimp here is particularly lovely, with tender seafood, and a rich but balanced coconut broth. Essensia also serves bright, citrusy shrimp ceviche with Tiger milk, and very good, roasted corn and leek soup.
Try one with black truffle (theirs is earthy and aromatic, with tons of depth), just be sure to savor it slowly, so the warmth doesn’t fade in the ocean breeze. That won’t be too difficult.
Crazy Good Kitchen
$ | (786) 962-9273 | WEBSITE
This counter-service spot inside The Lincoln Eatery layers their viral chicken burger with a formidable portion of spicy fries, topped with crispy tenders and hot honey. But it’s not just a social media-ready gimmick: The combination creates an addictive, satisfying crunch in every bite. It also appears on the maximalist hot mess and cheese burger (get it with the recommended steak burger), which we actually like even more than the regular option.
The traditional burger fare here is good too, especially the big, juicy beef burgers loaded with cheese and their liquid dream of a milkshake, made with classic American vanilla.
Chloe Miami Beach
$$ | (305) 951-3848 | WEBSITE
This cheerful Miami Beach spot has been a local favorite for years, and it’s run by a team who’s here every morning, all season long. Breakfast Marseilles—a satisfying combination of two eggs any style, seasoned potatoes, wheat toast, and traditional pancakes—is a morning staple, and it’s particularly wonderful on weekends. The generous plates they serve from the kitchen are perfectly seasoned with things like herbs, spices, and care.
You can get a classic breakfast plate, or share the amazing chicken tenders, or even enjoy the memorable sex on the beach cocktail. Lots of people get the pancakes. In fact, all those families gathered in the clean outdoor seating area are bringing kids and good coffee to their tables.
YES! Cafe
$ | (305) 397-8897 | WEBSITE
With its chic, tranquil vibe and cozy wooden booths, this Miami Beach spot feels like a peaceful urban retreat—if that retreat served incredible smash burgers. This quietly stylish cafe makes some delicious food, like a $15 burger feast in the form of their Wynwood Burger with perfectly crisp French fries, or the double cheeseburger with its flawless combination of meat, cheese, bacon, and bun. Order ahead for pick-up if you’re in a hurry.
There are a few tables inside, where you can sit and enjoy the good music, but if you want to linger, take your affordable, flavorful meal to one of the nearby parking spots and enjoy the fresh air.
Burger and Philly
$$ | (786) 536-2267 | WEBSITE
Burger and Philly could work well for a casual lunch in Miami Beach, with its bright interior and clean counter seating. Or, come here for a quick dinner, if your evening necessitates the Provolone burger—a standout creation made up of juicy beef, melted provolone, and fresh toppings. Burger and Philly does other classics well—like the chicken Philly served hot and delicious, and the Mexican burger with its flavorful spices. But we also like their shrimp burger with crispy batter and zesty sauce.
Ask for the thick milkshakes, which are creamy with a satisfying sweetness.