Meet the Chefs Competing for Best Burger in Florida

Welcome to the Battle for Best Burger—where top chefs from South Florida compete for the ultimate burger crown at the annual Boca Burger Battle – A Grilling Affair! This sizzling competition, taking place on Saturday, July 12th, showcases the region’s best burger restaurants. Each is battling it out for the coveted titles of Judges’ Pick for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place Best Grill Master, as well as the People’s Choice Award for Best Battle Burger in Florida.

Our 2025 Battle for Best Burger contenders represent top burger joints from Boca Raton, Coral Springs, Deerfield Beach, Delray Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Lake Worth, Oakland Park, Pompano Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, and beyond. Each chef is carefully selected for their passion, creativity, and commitment to delivering mouthwatering, battle-worthy burgers.

Whether you’re craving a classic hamburger, a cheesy cheeseburger, or a bold, over-the-top creation, the Battle for Best Burger lineup promises something for every burger lover. Many of these chefs use the competition as their test kitchen—creating and perfecting new burger recipes that aren’t even on their menus. From juicy ground beef patties stacked high with cheddar cheese and signature fixings, to savory sandwiches piled with bold toppings, you’ll get the first bite of these one-of-a-kind burgers—hot off the grills and into your hands.

This is your chance to taste the most flavorfultasty, and downright hearty burgers in South Florida—crafted exclusively for the Battle for Best Burger.

Florida’s Top Burger Contenders from Cities Across the State

The Battle for Best Burger showcases chefs from cities all across Florida. Many represent multiple locations, bringing their creative burger recipes from places like foodie hubs in Miami, Orlando, Tampa, St. Petersburg, and West Palm Beach—making this the ultimate Florida burger showdown.

Food participants may change without notice. Fan favorites may not be available for the full duration of the event!

Yard House

2023 & 2024 CHAMPION 1st Place Judge’s pick Best Grill Master

Yard House is a well-known restaurant chain with locations across the United States, including one in Boca Raton, FL. The restaurant is famous for its extensive menu of American-style cuisine, with a particular emphasis on burgers, beer and other classic food favorites.
The Yard House menu features an impressive array of burgers, each made with high-quality beef and served on a freshly-baked bun. From classic cheeseburgers to more adventurous options like the Truffle Burger or the Hawaiian Poke Stack, there is something for every taste at Yard House.

The Boca Restaurant has over 100 beers on tap, as well as a full bar serving up cocktails, wine and other libations.

Yard House | 201 Plaza Real Boca Raton, FL 33432 | 561.417.6124 | Web
Burtons Grill and Bar Roca Raton
Burtons Grill and Bar Roca Raton - Winning Burger
2023 CHAMPION 2nd Place Judges’ pick and 2022 CHAMPION 1st Place Judges’ pick “Best Grill Master” and People’s Choice winner “Best Battle Burger”
Burtons Grill and Bar is located in the new Park Place Shopping Center on Military Trail in Boca. Burtons is fast becoming the lunch and dinner spot for locals. And is also a great place for power lunching and socializing after work. We do offer reservations and take-out is also available. Since 2005 Burtons Grill & Bar has one simple goal in a complex and highly competitive business, “Delight every Guest“ one at a time, every time! Whether it’s our traditional fare you will come to love or our chef-driven innovative local preparations, we promise you’ll be coming back for more. In our legendary scratch kitchen, we are also able to customize our menu offerings, so we meet your dietary needs or wants. Our business provides guests with an array of high-quality food and beverages along with friendly knowledgeable staff so that we keep you coming back again and again! We appreciate your loyalty, and we know we must earn it every time you visit.

Burtons Grill and Bar | 5580 North Military Trail Boca Raton, FL 33496 | 561.465.2036 | Web

Tucker Dukes Deerfield Beach
Tucker Dukes
2023 3rd Place Judges’ pick “Best Grill Master”, 2016, 2015, 2014 People’s Choice winner “Best Battle Burger” and 2018 2nd Place Judges’ pick “Best Grill Master”

Tucker Duke’s Lunchbox philosophy on food is one of refined simplicity. Shop LOCAL first. Use local, seasonal ingredients to create a twist on old classics. The power to create and invoke memories is precisely what we do.

Tucker Duke’s Lunchbox | 1101 S Powerline Road #102 Deerfield Beach, FL 33442 | 954.708.2035 | Web
Marcos Top Burgers
Marcos Top Burger Food Truck

In 2018, Marco and his wife Ana started a food truck business with a purpose to serve tasty, homemade and completely original burgers. Marco has explored various trades throughout his life, but his passion for cooking has always drawn him back to the restaurant industry. With a background of working in restaurants in Brazil and in the USA, Marco and his wife decided to take a leap of faith and pioneer the Brazilian Style Burgers to the local Brazilian community in South Florida. Ever since 2018 when they opened up, Marco’s Top Burgers strives to serve up delicious food for those looking for Brazilian-style burgers that taste like home. There are many trying to perfect this type of burger, but we think we’ve mastered it! Serving Coral Springs, Deerfield Beach, and on the road with a Food Truck.

Marco’s Top Burgers
3636 W Hillsboro Blvd, Deerfield Beach, FL 33442 | 954.366.3651
4320 N State Road 7, Coral Springs, FL 33067 | 954.999.8665
Mobile Food Truck
Web

American Social
Chef Nicole Fey

American Social Bar & Kitchen is one of the newest additions to Mizner Park in Boca Raton and is set to compete again at the Boca Burger Battle this year. With a winning track record of bagging big awards at the 2021 SOBEWFF Burger Bash, American Social promises to bring a unique twist to the competition.
At American Social, eating, drinking, and socializing go hand in hand. The high-energy atmosphere, award-winning cuisine, live entertainment, and crafted cocktails make it the perfect place to unwind and enjoy a great time. Designed specifically for socializing, American Social boasts a space where conversations flow freely, and connections run deep.
The restaurant offers a tantalizing take on American cuisine, with bold and classic dishes infused with an #AmSo twist. From fire-grilled burgers topped with horseradish cheddar sauce to meatballs infused with a Knob Creek Maple Bourbon Glaze, there are flavors for everyone and endless conversations to go with them. With its wide variety of dishes, American Social has quickly become a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike.
Whether dining with old friends on their chic and relaxing resort-style patios or flying solo to meet new ones at their lively bars, at #AmSo, you’re never alone. “Social” isn’t just part of their name, it’s ingrained in their spaces, embodied by their staff, and celebrated by all, especially you.
At American Social, the experience is more than just the food and drinks; it’s about the connections you make. With their high-energy atmosphere, fantastic cuisine, and lively entertainment, American Social is the perfect spot to satisfy your cravings, unwind, and have a great time. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or dinner, a place to celebrate, or a spot to enjoy drinks and live music, American Social has something for everyone. So come and join the fun, meet new friends, and make lasting memories at American Social Bar & Kitchen.

American Social Bar & Kitchen
351 W Plaza Real, Boca Raton, FL 33432 | 561.710.7272
721 E Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
690 SW 1st Ct, Miami, FL 33130
601 S Harbour Island Blvd. #107, Tampa, FL 33602
7335 W Sand Lake Road Suite 101, Orlando, FL 32819 Web

The Cove Waterfront Restaurant and Tiki Bar

Welcome to The Cove Waterfront and Tiki Bar, where the good times flow as freely as our cocktails. Our waterfront restaurant sits right on the Intracoastal Waterway and is the perfect spot for a fun and casual dining experience with friends, family, or hey, maybe even a romantic evening out. With a laid-back, fun atmosphere and an amazing selection of craft cocktails, frozen drinks, wines, and thirst-quenching beers, you’ll never want to leave.

Whether you choose to sit inside or outside, or prop up at the Tiki Bar, you’ll be surrounded by breathtaking views of the Marina and waterway. And on those warm Florida evenings, our outdoor tiki bar and seating area is the perfect spot to unwind, or let loose and have a good time.

The Cove Waterfront Restaurant and Tiki Bar Web
1754 SE 3rd Ct, Deerfield Beach, FL 33441 | 954.421.9272

Lucky Fish Pompano
Lucky Fish Pompano Beach

Simple eats, tiki bar drinks, toes in the sand while watchin’ the waves. Add some palm trees for shade and our laid-back vibe… We welcome you to Lucky Fish Beach Bar & Grill! Our slice of oceanfront paradise is the south side of the new Fisher Family Pier along North Pompano Beach Boulevard. Whether you are looking for a place to grab a meal to picnic on the beach or sit with friends to relax over food and drinks, Lucky Fish is always the right place and the right time.

Lucky Fish is a first-come, first-serve restaurant. We are not currently accepting reservations. We invite you to join the waitlist upon arrival and enjoy a drink at the bar if there is a wait. We look forward to serving you soon and thank you for visiting us!

Lucky Fish Beach Bar and Grille | 222 N Pompano Beach Blvd Pompano Beach, FL 33062 | 954.247.9967 | Web

Sem Frescura Burger
Thiago Santos Sem Frescura Burger
NEW CONTENDER – BRAZIL!

The translation of “Sem Frescura” into English is “no frills”. We often say that our burgers are “simple, good and that’s it.”

Our story began back in 2015 when Thiago had the idea of making burgers in his home kitchen and offering them to his friends on Facebook. That’s where this dream began. We didn’t have any money at the time but we had a huge desire to make it happen.

The first Sem Frescura Burger store was born in 2017. Founder Thiago Santos decided to show his passion for burgers. Thiago had the opportunity to live in Miami in 1998 when he went to study and at that moment he fell in love with American burgers. Today, we are 3 stores located in cities in Rio de Janeiro Brazil and it is a great honor to be able to showcase our work at this great event. We will do our best to contribute to this incredible day.

Sem Frescura Burgers & Fries
Av. Ver. Antônio Ferreira dos Santos, 363 – Braga, Cabo Frio, Rio De Janeiro, 28908-200
R. Lt. Col. Cardoso, 934 – Centro, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio De Janeiro, 28035-044
Vitoria – Rosendo Serapiao de Souza Filho 630
+55 22 99861-2614 | Web

PZZA Pizza
Josh Spector

2024 Double Win – 2nd Place Judge’s pick Best Grill Master & People’s Choice for Best Battle Burger in Florida

Ever since Josh Spector, the Founder and Owner of PZZA, was a young boy he had a passion for food and hospitality. He was fortunate to experience many different cultures and cuisines throughout his early years which had a big influence on this passion. When Josh decided to embark on this pizza making journey he took his passion and knowledge of food and hospitality and dialed his focus towards wheat, tomato and cheese.
PZZA’s story began in an apartment in Fort Lauderdale during the COVID-19 lockdowns. Josh found himself trapped in an apartment with the inability to let his tastebuds meet their match. With a lot of time on his hands and the need for a hobby he set out on a journey to discover the art of pizza making. Josh taught himself how to make pizza by combing through Instagram, YouTube, blogs and other resources to learn about the best ingredients, methods and practices in pizza making. PZZA’s distinct style was influenced by many Pizza legends including Anthony Falco, Tony Gemignani, Leo Spizziri, Dan Richer, Chris Bianco and many more! From these legends and resources is where he learned about and understood the importance of quality, consistency, and care for ones product which results in a far superior end product.
This journey began in 2020 and the recipe and practice developed over the years up to a point where the talk of Josh’s extended friends and family was “when are you going to sell this stuff?” That time eventually came in May of 2023 when Josh and his business partner, Ed Hamod, signed a lease in Boca Raton and PZZA opened its doors to the public in August of 2023.
At PZZA we simply serve the best pizza around. We only use the highest quality ingredients available and we do not take shortcuts for our end product. Beyond PZZA we also serve the best Sandwiches, Salads, Smash Burgers, and more in Boca Raton. We pride ourselves on quality and strive to exceed your expectations!

PZZA | 126 NE 2nd Street Boca Raton, FL 33432 | 561.931.2854 | Web

Marriott Boca Raton
Chef Moises Hernandez

Chef Moises has more than 20 years of experience. He began his career in 1996 with the Marriott company, working at the Marriott Dadeland. Over the years, he excelled in various positions and won several cooking competitions among Marriotts. For the past 10 years, he has been leading the culinary team at Boca Marriott. Recently, he participated in the Taco contest at the Delray Country Club, where he was awarded the “Best Taco in Boca.”

Now, Chef Moises is aiming for the burger win at this year’s Burger Battle Challenge!

DRIFT bar and Sonrisa restaurant located at Marriott Boca Center | 5150 Town Center Circle, Boca Raton, FL 33486 | 561.392.4600 | Web

Lazy Dog Restaurant
Lazy Dog Restaurant Menu

2024 – 3rd Place Judge’s Pick for Best Grill Master

We have a long-standing tradition of hospitality in the Simms family and have gathered the knowledge and traditions of three generations to create something we hope will be a special place for you and your family. As a kid, I treasured my time spent enjoying the Rocky Mountains and now, more than ever, I cherish the time I get to spend there with my family. I’ve always wanted to find a way to share that small mountain town vibe. Inspired by unplanned adventures, an enduring love of food and fireside conversations, Lazy Dog was created to do just that.

We have sourced ingredients from places and farmers we love and respect. Each ingredient we use is carefully picked and prepared. We make every meal by hand each day, including all of our sauces, marinades and dressings. We also have a seasonal menu, which is our ode to the current season, and where we celebrate Mother Nature’s beautiful bounty the best way we know how. If you have any questions or feedback about our menu, please don’t hesitate to share them with us. I hope we will be your home away from home! We are so happy you are here. – Chris Simms, Founder

Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar | 9636 Glades Road Building C6, Boca Raton, FL 33434 | 561.489.5607 | Web

Additional BITES! provided by:

The Meat Dealer Shop
The Meat Dealer Shop Boca Raton

Discover The Meat Dealer Shop, your premium source for gourmet meats and exceptional service. Our specialty meat market is a premier destination for discerning customers seeking the finest quality meats from around the world. We pride ourselves on offering an extensive and exclusive selection that caters to a variety of culinary preferences and dietary needs. From the most luxurious Japanese Wagyu, Australian Wagyu to the robust flavors of Prime cuts, our market is dedicated to providing an unparalleled meat shopping experience. We ship to anywhere in the USA and we offer wholesale services for customers seeking large orders. Our easy-to-use online platform ensures seamless ordering and reliable delivery options, bringing top-notch meats directly to your doorstep. With a focus on quality, expertise, and customer satisfaction, The Meat Dealer Shop is your trusted partner for all your meat needs..

The Meat Dealer Shop | 106 NE 2nd St, Boca Raton, FL 33432 | 561.370.2704 | Web

Why the Battle for Best Burger is South Florida’s Favorite Culinary Showdown

The Battle for Best Burger isn’t just a competition—it’s a celebration of South Florida’s vibrant food scene. Every year, chefs bring their A-game, pushing the limits of creativity and flavor. Judges evaluate based on taste, presentation, toppings, bun integrity, and originality. Guests vote for the People’s Choice Award with the wooden chip they receive alongside their Battle Cup upon entry.

Want to see who’s taken home the crown in the past? Check out our past Burger Battle champions to see who’s taken home the title in previous years!

What to Expect at the Longest-Running Burger Battle in Florida

🍔 Unlimited Burger Tastings – Sample creative burgers from every contender in the Battle for Best Burger.

🍟 Bites Beyond Burgers – Enjoy a variety of sides, desserts, and additional bites prepared by select chefs.

🍻🍷🍹 Craft Beer, Wine, and Spirits – Don’t miss the Boca Burger Battle Beverages page for details on the unlimited beverage offerings at the event.

🎶 Live Entertainment – Dance the night away with live music as you eat, drink, and vote for your favorite contender.

🗳️ Your Vote Counts – Guests at the Battle for Best Burger cast their vote for the People’s Choice Best Battle Burger in Florida.

🔥 Get Your Tickets Now – Don’t miss this unforgettable Boca Raton event. Grab your Boca Burger Battle Tickets today for unlimited burger tastings, bites, drinks, and fun!

Event Photos from the Best Burger Battle in South Florida

10th Annual - 1st Place Judge's pick for "Best Grill Master" Yard House - Truffle Burger

Yard House Truffle Burger

10th Annual - 2nd Place Judge's pick for "Best Grill Master" Burtons Grill & Bar

Burtons Grill and Bar Burger

10th Annual - 3rd Place Judge's pick for "Best Grill Master" Tucker Duke's

Tucker Dukes Burger

10th Annual - People's Choice pick for "Best Battle Burger" Papamigo's

Papamigos Burger

Photo of Children's Giving Foundation check presentation

Children's Giving Foundation - 2023 Event

Photo of 10th Annual Boca Burger Battle Chefs

10th Annual Boca Burger Battle Chefs - 2010