The Best Sarasota Restaurants - For Burgers (Part 2)

Last week we started my countdown of the top ten best Sarasota restaurants for burgers. Now that we've dispensed with the 10^th through 6^th place finishers, let’s countdown the best of the best – the top five places for the best burgers in the area!  

3 Keys Brewing and Gastrobrew in Bradenton, Burger Fi in Lakewood Ranch, Central Café in Bradenton, Whiskey Joe’s Bar and Grill in Ellington, and Yard House at UTC – those were my first five picks for local restaurants in the Sarasota area with the best burgers. Two chain restaurants (Burger Fi and Yard House), and three casual bars and eateries. My top five features one higher-end chain restaurant, two casual eateries, and two fine-dining, upscale eating establishments.

5.  Cooper’s Hawk

The Leonard Burger at Cooper’s Hawk

Cooper’s Hawk Winery and Restaurant is an upscale chain restaurant that has a wine tasting bar with 46 different wines to choose from (all produced by Cooper’s Hawk winery). The wines range in quality from good to superb. The food here is excellent as well, with a large menu that spans the range from steaks and chops, seafood, pasta, salads, and burgers & sandwiches. The bar and main dining room are spacious and modern in style, and reservations are absolutely required as this place is always packed, even out of season. One of their best offerings is the Leonard burger, which includes a double patty, signature sauce, caramelized onion, American cheese, lettuce and tomato. It's pretty much an upscale Big Mac but so much better! The French fries that come with it are fantastic as well! At $20, it’s not cheap but it’s definitely worth the price!

4.  Brewster’s Gastropub

The Rodeo Burger at Brewster’s

Brewster’s Gastropub is a popular neighborhood joint located on lower Main Street in downtown Sarasota. The vibe is urban casual, with a large bar and pub seating both indoor and out. They have a large menu with lots of appetizers including Ale Wings with 10 different sauce choices, tacos, handhelds, and best of all, burgers! My favorite is the rodeo burger with black Angus beef, Swiss cheese, fried red onion and moonshine BBQ sauce topped with a brioche bun. The burgers are cooked to order and come out from the kitchen hot and fresh. They also have a great beer and cider selection for washing down the burger and fries. A fantastic choice for a casual lunch or dinner.

 3.  The Cottage

The Billionaire Burger at The Cottage

The Cottage is a casual restaurant located in the heart of Siesta Key Village. While the menu is a bit upscale, the restaurant itself has more of a dark pub feel with dark wood and casual seating throughout. The covered patio is the place to be – it’s open and airy and more comfortable than the indoor dining area. The menu includes lots of delicious tapas (the short rib bites are fantastic!), as well as a nice entrée menu and sandwiches as well. The Billionaire burger, the only burger on the menu, is worth the trip and comes with egg, applewood bacon, and tempura avocado add-on options. What makes this burger special is short-rib-chuck-brisket blend they use for the large ½ lb. patty, along with the bacon onion jam and truffle aioli that adds a touch of elegance to the burger. Outstanding!!

2.  Indigenous

My Uncle’s Burger at Indigenous

 Those of you who follow my blog on a regular basis have already heard about Indigenous, one of the best fine dining restaurants in Sarasota. It’s located in an unassuming converted house in a small neighborhood just a couple of blocks off the main downtown Sarasota area. This restaurant specializes in local ingredients, especially local seafood and fish. Everything on the menu here is delicious, but my favorite offering is their upscale My Uncle’s Burger, one of the best burger’s I’ve ever had! They use local beef from Providence Cattle, and the burger includes two thin grass-fed patties, cheddar cheese, Indigenous sauce, and bacon jam on a homemade brioche bun. It’s accompanied by duck fat roasted potatoes, and homemade pickled veggies. The burger is perfectly cooked to medium and is incredibly juicy and just downright delicious!

1.  Fuego Comida and Tequila Lounge

The Fuego Burger at Fuego

This burger is not only my favorite burger in the Sarasota area – it’s the best burger I’ve ever had, period! Yes, the best burger I’ve ever had comes from an upscale Mexican restaurant in the heart of Lakewood Ranch. The burger is available on their “before and after” menu that is served from 4 – 6 pm Sunday – Thursday, and 10 – closing Friday and Saturday (but if you ask for it in the main dining room, they will make it for you!). The Fuego burger is entirely unique and over the top in every way. It includes 8 oz. of seared Wagyu beef, fried Mexican cheese, pickled peppers and onions, Queso, Truffle Aioli, and a brioche bun. It’s the juiciest, cheesiest, messiest, most amazingly delicious burger I’ve ever tasted. And if that isn’t enough, it comes with truffle wedges which are perfectly fried potatoes served with a tasty cheese sauce for dipping. I’ve never tasted anything like this burger and truth be told, it wasn’t even a close call to name this my top burger in Sarasota or anywhere for that matter. Money back guarantee from me on this one if you try it and don’t absolutely love it!

Hope this list gives you plenty to think about as you plan your next outing for a great burger in Sarasota, or as you plan your next trip to the Sarasota area! My next installment for my “Best of Sarasota” series will be the best places for breakfast. Until then, Bon Appetit’!