Food & Thought 2 (Naples) – Alfie's Smash Burger
Naples' only all-organic restaurant is home to what may be the area's only 100% all-organic smash burger. Alfie's Smash Burger at Food & Thought 2 features two grass-fed all-beef patties made with 100% Angus grass-fed beef from Brasstown Farms, layered with American cheese, bacon, lettuce, tomato, caramelized onion and house-made smash sauce on a brioche bun. A word-of-mouth favorite among local foodies, Alfie's proves an indulgent burger can also be a clean one, with every ingredient sourced organically, down to produce grown on the restaurant's own local farm. Food & Thought 2 is located at 7941 Airport-Pulling Road N. in Naples.
Sweet Melissa's Restaurant (Fort Myers) – 8oz Wagyu Burger
Sweet Melissa's Restaurant (not to be confused with the ice cream shop) elevates the burger with its 8 Ounce Wagyu Burger, featuring richly marbled Wagyu beef topped with bacon jam, lettuce, tomato and American cheese. Only $22 at lunch.
Formerly located on Sanibel, it's the kind of indulgence diners expect from the beloved restaurant, where chef-driven comfort meets quality ingredients. The proof was in the delicious juice oozing out with each bite.
I was skeptical about the "bacon jam" but no need, it was so good. My boys ate it as is too. While there, be sure to try their homemade cornbread with hot honey butter too.
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| Sweet Melissa's 8oz Wagyu burger |
Old Vines at Mercato (Naples) – OV Burger
At Old Vines at Mercato, the OV Burger brings a wine bar's sensibility to a classic. The burger is topped with sweet-savory bacon jam, Vermont aged cheddar and the restaurant's special sauce, a combination that pairs as well with a glass from Old Vines' curated wine list as it does with an ice-cold beer. It's a refined take on the burger that fits right in with the restaurant's elevated yet approachable menu. Old Vines is located at Mercato in North Naples.
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| OV Burger at Old Vines at Mercato Naples |
Bay Street Yard (Fort Myers) – Classic Smashburger
For those who appreciate an elevated take on a classic, Bay Street Yard delivers with the Classic Smashburger, featuring two Angus beef patties topped with sharp American cheese, tomato jam, house pickles, lettuce and a signature sauce on a soft potato bun. House-made touches and quality ingredients come together to make every bite memorable. Bay Street Yard is located at 2136 Bay Street in Fort Myers.
Margaritaville Beach Resort (Fort Myers Beach) – JWB Burger
Margaritaville is serving up more than just a "Cheeseburger in Paradise." At JWB Grill, the resort's signature JWB Burger is a custom-blend burger topped with aged cheddar, caramelized onions, bacon and house sauce, pairing elevated ingredients with waterfront views overlooking the Gulf. It's a burger that delivers both quality and destination appeal, making it a standout contender for any list ranking Southwest Florida's best burger.
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| Tap 42 in Fort Myers Bell Tower |
Tap 42 Craft Kitchen & Bar (Fort Myers & Naples) – The Prohibition
At Tap 42 Craft Kitchen & Bar, The Prohibition puts a fresh spin on a classic, featuring Tap 42’s signature burger blend topped with white cheddar, lettuce, tomato, onion, Applewood bacon, Secret Sauce and dijonnaise on a toasted bun. Balancing familiar comfort with house-made flavor, it’s a standout favorite for guests seeking an elevated take on the all-American classic. Tap 42 Craft Kitchen & Bar’s two Southwest Florida restaurants are located at Mercato in Naples and Bell Tower in Fort Myers.
Slipaway Food Truck Park & Marina: Gigi Gourmet food truck (Cape Coral) – Cowboy BBQ Burger
For those craving bold, smoky flavors, Gigi Gourmet at Slipaway Food Truck Park & Marina serves up the Cowboy BBQ Burger, a half-pound Wagyu beef burger stacked with cheddar cheese, Applewood bacon, crispy beer-battered onion rings and tangy barbecue sauce. Paired with picturesque waterfront views, it’s a destination-worthy burger that delivers on atmosphere and flavor. Slipaway Food Truck Park & Marina is located at 1811 Cape Coral Parkway E. in Cape Coral.
