Take a Bite Out of the Bradenton Area’s Best Burgers

The Burger. A great American classic. A summertime staple. Simple enough to make on the BBQ grill in your backyard but sometimes you want more. Fortunately in the Bradenton Area there is no shortage of delicious, juicy burgers of all kind. Looking for unlikely but mouth-watering toppings? We have that here. Hankering for the classic cheeseburger with lettuce and tomato? We’ve got your back. So here are some of the all-time best burgers you’ll find in the Bradenton Area.

Skinny’s Place

In 1952 a man named Skinny opened this burger joint on Anna Maria Island and the rest is history. You’ll know you’re in the right place when you see the sign outside proudly proclaiming “#1 Best Burger”. Not much has changed since its opening – Skinny’s Place still serves the same made-to-order burgers that sometimes create wait times as long as 2 ½ beers (that’s right – your wait time is measured in the number of ice-cold beers you can consume until your food arrives). By the time you get to the counter to order be sure you know exactly what you want and if you want that burger with or without mayo – the rest of the toppings come on the side so you can build your burger your way.

Central Cafe

If you’re looking for a burger with a little upscale flair then be sure to check out Central Café. Their burgers are made from angus sirloin steak and are always perfectly grilled to medium well and sit on a buttery toasted brioche bun. Try the jalapeno and swiss or try something unique with the portabella mushroom burger smothered with brie cheese. Enjoy your choice with their hand-cut (and super crispy) French fries or go for the green apple slaw.

Duffy’s Tavern

Anna Maria Island’s “Hamburger Heaven”, Duffy’s has been making their juicy burgers since 1958. They were even once called one of the “top ten hamburger heavens in the country” by USA Today! Duffy’s Tavern has a laid-back dive sort of vibe where everyone is relaxed, the beer is chilled and the food is decadent. Try a crumbled bleu cheese burger or go with a classic – choose “all the way” to get lettuce, tomato, onion and mayo or make it your own. All of their burgers are flavored perfectly and made on an old seasoned grill.

Shake Station

Ellenton’s Shake Station serves up 50s-inspired classics like burgers, sandwiches, salads and signature ice creams that the whole family will love. You’ll love the fresh, hand-pattied, hormone-free beef they use for their burgers. Oh, and the great taste can also be attributed to the nearly 40-year-old grill on which they are cooked! Shake Station is the former home of the legendary Big L restaurant, an Ellenton institution for generations, known for delicious burgers and other comfort food in a low-key setting.

Smoque House

Near the southern end of Anna Maria Island you’ll find a small but modern looking space called Smoque House. Their menu is chock-full of heavenly sandwiches made with a variety of different types of smoked meats and perfectly paired toppings. Their crown jewel is the Brisket Burger topped with caramelized onions and oozing with smoked cheddar and their signature ‘smoq’n sauce’. Be sure to grab a side of their in-house made potato chips or upgrade with a basket of poutine that would have any Canadian singing for more!