Critic's pick: Best cheeseburgers from Jupiter to Boca Raton
NOTE: This story has been updated with the addition of a free burger deal on Sept. 18.
Palm Beach County delivers plenty of options, from waterfront taverns serving elevated patties to old-school pubs where the grill never quits.
Whether you crave a smoky chargrilled classic, a Wagyu indulgence or a burger with bourbon swagger, these local favorites prove that the simplest pleasures are often the most satisfying.
We’ve rounded up many of our favorite spots, so grab a napkin (or a dozen) and celebrate.
Brass Ring Pub
Smoky patty: The cheeseburger at the Brass Ring Pub in North Palm Beach.
Three locations: 1150 W. Indiantown Road, Jupiter, 561-406-5057; 200 U.S. Highway 1, North Palm Beach, 561-848-4748, 10998 Okeechobee Blvd., Royal Palm Beach, 561-296-4563; brassringpubfl.com
Brass Ring Pub is a pick that landed on our list after a reader chided Diana's initial bougie-ish burger suggestions for POTUS and insisted she give this old-school Florida pub a shot. Locals swear by its half-pound cheeseburger, chargrilled over an open flame for a smoky, juicy bite served with classic LTO toppings and a choice of cheese. She visited the North Palm outpost on a busy Friday night and used a dozen paper napkins in the process.
Habit Burger & Grill
Habit Burger & Grill's Doublechar cheeseburger.
Four locations: 5240 Donald Ross Road, Palm Beach Gardens, 561-421-4565; 3333 Northlake Blvd., Palm Beach Gardens, 561-660-5178; 4901 Seminole Pratt Whitney Road, Westlake, 561-286-3969; 280 S. State Road 7, Royal Palm Beach, 561-784-4011; habitburger.com
For a fast-casual fix, Habit’s cheesy Charburger is a standout, so much so that USA TODAY readers voted it as No.1 on 2025's 10BEST list. Fresh ground beef, caramelized onions, crisp lettuce, tomato and pickles on a chargrilled-toasted bun give it that signature smoky flavor. Add avocado or bacon for an over the top taste. Newsflash: The chain announced a one-day only deal for Sept. 18 of a "Char Ticket" with purchase for a free Charburger on your next visit. Supplies are limited to 100 tickets per location.
1000 North
The cheeseburger at 1000 North in Jupiter.
This waterfront stunner serves a burger that’s as polished as its clientele. Topped with white cheddar and remoulade, it arrives with truffle fries and a view of the Intracoastal. Pro tip: Grab a seat at the outdoor bar for a breezy lunch.
The Butcher’s Club
Inside PGA National Resort, this Art Deco-inspired steakhouse from Top Chef winner Jeremy Ford proves that burgers can steal the show. The Wagyu steak burger is juicy, decadent, and crowned with peppery onion jam and served with fries for $36. It’s the smartest splurge on a Michelin-recommended menu where steaks start at $50.
Honor Bar
The Honor Burger at The Honor Bar.
Their namesake burger is simple perfection boasting juicy beef, crisp lettuce and a toasted bun. It’s still one of the hardest seats to snag in town, but worth the wait.
Café Boulud
The DB burger at Cafe Boulud is world famous.
Daniel Boulud’s Palm Beach outpost at The Brazilian Court hotel serves one of the most iconic burgers in the world: the DB Burger. This luxe creation layers a juicy sirloin patty with braised short ribs, foie gras and black truffle on a Parmesan bun. It’s indulgent, elegant and worth every decadent bite.
Okeechobee Steakhouse
Okeechobee Steakhouse's burger.
This legendary steakhouse has been serving carnivores since 1947. If a 40-ounce Tomahawk feels like overkill, opt for the burger. At $26, it’s a splurge compared to fast food but a steal compared to a steak. Old-school vibes included, no charge.
Hive Bakery & Café
Hive's terrific burger. If housemade chips are available, get them.
Hive’s burger is a quiet triumph: perfectly cooked beef, melty cheese and a pillowy bun. If housemade chips are available, don’t hesitate because they’re addictive. Pair with a martini for a chic, low-key night out.
Tropical Smokehouse
Tropical Smokehouse's double-patty cheeseburger is popular at the West Palm Beach barbecue restaurant.
The Old Fashioned Hamburger is a love letter to Americana. A house-ground blend of brisket and short rib, smashed on a flattop for crispy edges, topped with house pickles and secret sauce, and tucked into a Martin’s potato roll. It even comes in a diner-style sleeve. Pure joy.
Howley’s
The Big Mouth at Howley's in West Palm Beach is a cheesy double decker beauty that is big burger bliss. Those two perfectly cooked patties and buns toasted to the optimal 'squish to crunch ratio' make this a burger not to be missed.
The Big Mouth is a double-decker dream: two patties, a middle bun for structural integrity, lettuce, pickles, American cheese and secret sauce. Toasted buns hit that perfect squish-to-crunch ratio. Big, but manageable — no jaw unhinging required.
Palm Beach Meats
The wagyu burger at Palm Beach Meats reminded food writer Eddie Ritz of a McDonald's McDLT.
This Michelin Bib Gourmand designee serves a Wagyu burger that’s all about finesse. The grind is fine, the bite is smooth and traditional toppings of crisp lettuce, tomato and onion are refreshingly cool. Think of it as a high-end McDLT from the ’80s.
Mary Lou’s
Mary Lou's burger presentation, a riff of McDonald's, is exquisite.
Details: 250 Southern Blvd., West Palm Beach | marylouspb.com
Design lovers, rejoice: Mary Lou’s cheeseburger presentation is as chic as its interiors. The A5 Wagyu riff on a Big Mac is as decadent as it sounds. Come hungry, leave impressed.
Mia Rosebud
Mia Rosebud's burger has molten American cheese, crisp shredded romaine, tangy red onions, crunchy pickles and thick-cut beefsteak tomatoes, nestled in a toasted brioche bun.
Chicago’s iconic Rosebud brand brings Italian glamour to Boca Raton, and yes, there’s a burger worth ordering. Expect a luxe patty, quality cheese served with a side of old-school charm. Perfect for those who like their burgers with a martini and a little Sinatra.
Meat Market
A burger from Boca Raton's Meat Market, a gorgeous restaurant with a sister location in Palm Beach.
Two locations: 2000 NW 19th St., 561-245-6777, Boca Raton and 191 Bradley Place, 561-354-9800, Palm Beach; meatmarket.net
This sexy steakhouse proves that burgers can hold their own against prime cuts. This version features a wagyu patty topped with cheddar, bacon, tomato, red onion and garlic aioli on a brioche bun. It’s luxe, juicy and served with fries.
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Diana Biederman is the Palm Beach Post's food and restaurant writer. If you have any news tips about the local dining scene, please send them to [email protected]. Help support our journalism. Subscribe today.
