The Burger Wars of Jacksonville
(http://photos.metrojacksonville.com/photos/3968144799_hSxq5QP-L.jpg)
“Casual” or “fast-casual” food chains seem to be springing up all over the country. Particularly, burger joints seem to be making an increasing rise. These casual burger joints are ale to draw the “Fast-food” crowd, while obviously distinguishing themselves from fast-food. Why?
Read More: http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2015-may-the-burger-wars-of-jacksonville
If places like Graffiti Junktion (which may not even be opening in Jax Beach now) are featured... it would be nice for a homegrown entity like The Loop to be in the mix. They've been doing the whole gourmet burger/shake thing for quite awhile.
Not a complaint, just a suggestion.
Agreed. I know the loop is mostly a pizza joint, but they have one of the best burgers in Jacksonville.
And how was cruisers left off this list?!
I was recently on the road to Naples, Florida for spring break. I went to Red Robin near Sanford and had a very enjoyable experience. I think that, although the price was higher than typical fast food fare, the quality of the food and the experience was worth it.
Is that interior shot of Epik Burger accurate? I've only been there once, years ago, but it didn't look anything like that. The view out the windows doesn't match the shopping center either.
I just hope that one day in my lifetime we will have an In and Out burger place here.
Quote from: coredumped on May 06, 2015, 08:32:49 AM
Agreed. I know the loop is mostly a pizza joint, but they have one of the best burgers in Jacksonville.
And how was cruisers left off this list?!
When I saw the list, I immediately thought Cruisers. When I worked at the beach, I used to go there quite often. What are some other local spots that make a decent hamburger?
Quote from: fieldafm on May 06, 2015, 08:06:17 AM
If places like Graffiti Junktion (which may not even be opening in Jax Beach now) are featured... it would be nice for a homegrown entity like The Loop to be in the mix. They've been doing the whole gourmet burger/shake thing for quite awhile.
Not a complaint, just a suggestion.
Yes, Loop makes a decent burger. However, the best thing about them is the Kids eat free and kids eat for $1.99 days!
Quote from: thelakelander on May 06, 2015, 09:14:39 AM
Quote from: coredumped on May 06, 2015, 08:32:49 AM
Agreed. I know the loop is mostly a pizza joint, but they have one of the best burgers in Jacksonville.
And how was cruisers left off this list?!
When I saw the list, I immediately thought Cruisers. When I worked at the beach, I used to go there quite often. What are some other local spots that make a decent hamburger?
Colonel Mustards.
Harpoon Louies.
Moxie.
Black Sheep.
Funkadelic Food Truck.
Uptown Kitchen (formerly Uptown Market). Their new menu has about five burger selections. Interesting to note that they have a smash burger (Smashburger is featured in the article above) and a brisket/short rib/chuck blend burger (which is what Funkadelic Food Truck uses as well).
I am a big fan of Blind Rabbit. Over the weekend they had an In N Out-styled burger special complete with requisite 'animal style' fries.
There used to be a place in Orlando near UCF called Back Yard Burger and they had great burgers. They were in that spot for a few years and then closed up shop. Hard to imagine that any burger place located less than 1 mile from a college campus would go out of business.
Quote from: menace1069 on May 06, 2015, 09:43:16 AM
There used to be a place in Orlando near UCF called Back Yard Burger and they had great burgers. They were in that spot for a few years and then closed up shop. Hard to imagine that any burger place located less than 1 mile from a college campus would go out of business.
Back Yard Burger is a chain - they had them over in Tampa too. Most of them are gone now, they filed for chapter 11:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Back_Yard_Burgers
Quote from: thelakelander on May 06, 2015, 09:14:39 AM
When I saw the list, I immediately thought Cruisers. When I worked at the beach, I used to go there quite often. What are some other local spots that make a decent hamburger?
CHOMP to the mother f---in' CHOMP.
^Chomp is my downtown favorite.
I'm still waiting for The Counter Burger to come to NE Florida. We have eaten there twice in Naples and nothing in JAX compares in my opinion. Also not local but if you are ever in northern Ohio, I recommend The Rail Burger. They are in the Akron / Cleveland area. A must stop on every trip that direction.
Quote from: coredumped on May 06, 2015, 10:15:12 AM
Quote from: menace1069 on May 06, 2015, 09:43:16 AM
There used to be a place in Orlando near UCF called Back Yard Burger and they had great burgers. They were in that spot for a few years and then closed up shop. Hard to imagine that any burger place located less than 1 mile from a college campus would go out of business.
Back Yard Burger is a chain - they had them over in Tampa too. Most of them are gone now, they filed for chapter 11:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Back_Yard_Burgers
Yep...it was in Gainesville too very close to UF.
Quote from: Josh on May 06, 2015, 09:00:51 AM
Is that interior shot of Epik Burger accurate? I've only been there once, years ago, but it didn't look anything like that. The view out the windows doesn't match the shopping center either.
Definitely not the interior of Epik Burger...
Quote from: Houseboat Mike on May 06, 2015, 09:04:16 AM
I just hope that one day in my lifetime we will have an In and Out burger place here.
Amen to that! It would be VERY nice to have In-N-Out on the East Coast! I am going to California this summer and that is on my itinerary.
Quote from: InnerCityPressure on May 06, 2015, 10:28:34 AM
Quote from: thelakelander on May 06, 2015, 09:14:39 AM
When I saw the list, I immediately thought Cruisers. When I worked at the beach, I used to go there quite often. What are some other local spots that make a decent hamburger?
CHOMP to the mother f---in' CHOMP.
^^
YES!!
I used to eat at Red Robin in the early 2000's when I was driving out of Salt Lake. Great Stuff.
I have been to Five Guys 3 times and haven't been impressed yet.
Love The Loop.
And 30 years ago, Fudruckers had the best burger I had ever had at the time.
DDC, I agree-I don't see anything special about 5 Guys. I tried a Red Robin in Oregon recently, wasn't impressed with that either. I think burgers are a lot like many other things....you have one when you're away from home, you're very hungry and it is the best burger you have ever eaten. Much like Coors beer was when they didn't sell it east of the Mississippi river. I had friends in the 70s pay $50 to someone to bring them back a case from Colorado. Once Coors went national, it was nothing special. Patronize you favorite local restaurant and enjoy the variety you have right here.
It's been a long while since I've been there but that guy at Bold City Brewery used to make my favorite burger in town.
Quote from: Snaketoz on May 06, 2015, 09:41:21 PM
DDC, I agree-I don't see anything special about 5 Guys. I tried a Red Robin in Oregon recently, wasn't impressed with that either. I think burgers are a lot like many other things....you have one when you're away from home, you're very hungry and it is the best burger you have ever eaten. Much like Coors beer was when they didn't sell it east of the Mississippi river. I had friends in the 70s pay $50 to someone to bring them back a case from Colorado. Once Coors went national, it was nothing special. Patronize you favorite local restaurant and enjoy the variety you have right here.
I totally agree about the novelty factor. When I am on the road, it prefer to eat at places that are not available in the Jacksonville area. Although I like In-N-Out burgers when I am on the West Coast, part of me hopes that this chain will not expand to the East Coast if that means compromising the quality of their food. Can anyone think of eateries that 'jumped the shark' when they expanded too much? I can't think of any right now (early in the morning), but I am sure there is at least one...
Quote from: ProjectMaximus on May 07, 2015, 02:07:15 AM
It's been a long while since I've been there but that guy at Bold City Brewery used to make my favorite burger in town.
I am sorry to report his death... :(
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/timesunion/obituary.aspx?pid=174003267
Quote from: BridgeTroll on May 07, 2015, 06:57:43 AM
Quote from: ProjectMaximus on May 07, 2015, 02:07:15 AM
It's been a long while since I've been there but that guy at Bold City Brewery used to make my favorite burger in town.
I am sorry to report his death... :(
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/timesunion/obituary.aspx?pid=174003267
Aww man. I didn't notice him the last few times I've been to get my growler filled up. I didn't realize he passed away. Damn shame. The grilled chicken wings always a favorite as well.
Quote from: thelakelander on May 06, 2015, 09:14:39 AM
And 30 years ago, Fudruckers had the best burger I had ever had at the time.
Oh man...I used to eat at the FuddRuckers in Altamonte Springs (Orlando) and they had this grilled chicken sandwich with swiss cheese and salsa on it. I know this is a burger thread, but man, that was a great grilled chicken sammy!
I'm a fan of Harp's burgers. Pine Grove also has a good burger.
Quote from: menace1069 on May 07, 2015, 08:32:45 AM
Quote from: thelakelander on May 06, 2015, 09:14:39 AM
And 30 years ago, Fudruckers had the best burger I had ever had at the time.
Oh man...I used to eat at the FuddRuckers in Altamonte Springs (Orlando) and they had this grilled chicken sandwich with swiss cheese and salsa on it. I know this is a burger thread, but man, that was a great grilled chicken sammy!
I heard on this site that they're coming to the Landing. When is Fuddruckers opening? ;)
Quote from: InnerCityPressure on May 06, 2015, 10:28:34 AM
Quote from: thelakelander on May 06, 2015, 09:14:39 AM
When I saw the list, I immediately thought Cruisers. When I worked at the beach, I used to go there quite often. What are some other local spots that make a decent hamburger?
CHOMP to the mother f---in' CHOMP.
Chomp Chomp does make a really great burger (especially if you get it with the Pork Banh Mi and Bleu Cheese, it's awesome,) but if they ever re-release the "LA Connection" burger, there will be a line all the way across the Main St. Bridge.
Surprised Poe's wasn't on here. MShack, Blind Rabbit and Loop are great local success stories. And maybe it's just me, but I tried BurgerFi and Graffiti Junktion on separate occassions in Orlando a few years ago (before BurgerFi came to the Town Center) and while they're good, I think MShack is substantially better, (now if we could just some how get MShack to offer Garage Sauce as a topping...)
And I was just in OC in December, had In-And-Out Burger for the first time and I seriously do not get the appeal. Not only was it a far cry from a decent burger, it wasn't even average for fast-food burgers.
I honestly can't understand how 5-Guys made the list. I've been there three times, and while the burgers are OK, the fries take the definition of "meh" to new levels.
Quote from: thelakelander on May 07, 2015, 09:54:55 AM
Quote from: menace1069 on May 07, 2015, 08:32:45 AM
Quote from: thelakelander on May 06, 2015, 09:14:39 AM
And 30 years ago, Fudruckers had the best burger I had ever had at the time.
Oh man...I used to eat at the FuddRuckers in Altamonte Springs (Orlando) and they had this grilled chicken sandwich with swiss cheese and salsa on it. I know this is a burger thread, but man, that was a great grilled chicken sammy!
I heard on this site that they're coming to the Landing. When is Fuddruckers opening? ;)
This is all I could find when I did a search...dated 2007.
http://www.city-data.com/forum/jacksonville/176961-fuddruckers-coming-landing.html
Quote from: Kokopelli on May 07, 2015, 12:27:00 PM
I honestly can't understand how 5-Guys made the list. I've been there three times, and while the burgers are OK, the fries take the definition of "meh" to new levels.
I feel the opposite. The burgers are okay. The fries are the reason to go.
Quote from: Jaxson on May 07, 2015, 06:25:32 AMCan anyone think of eateries that 'jumped the shark' when they expanded too much? I can't think of any right now (early in the morning), but I am sure there is at least one...
I remember when The Loop went through it's expansion phase and opened a place in Atlanta and I was raving about it to all my friends how wonderful this place is. They tried it out and thought meh... and looking back I think they were right. It's a commom practice for people to wax poetically about certain places because of memories with friends and family tied to the place, reputation, and a sense that this establishment is "ours" (I personally refer to it as the "Jollibee effect"). My friends when they took all of that out of the equation saw it for what it was - not bad but not great, either. And that's why they never took visitors of Atlanta to places like The Varsity.
And by all means I totally support local businesses and hope they thrive. Tradition and locale can give an establishment a boost, but I'm just suggesting that our opinions and expectations about dining experiences should come with a little perspective.
We were just in Orlando and ate at Backyard Burger. I hope they survive the bankruptcy.
We're fans of Smashburger & M Shack but want to try Blind Rabbit and Burger Fi. Thanks for the list.
Quote from: Jaxson on May 07, 2015, 06:25:32 AM
Can anyone think of eateries that 'jumped the shark' when they expanded too much? I can't think of any right now (early in the morning), but I am sure there is at least one...
Probably most places. I mean, every single chain started out as a local store that gained a cult following. If most of the national chains are considered mediocre quality, it stands to reason that many of them have gotten worse over time while some might have never been great to begin with.
Quote from: BridgeTroll on May 07, 2015, 06:57:43 AM
Quote from: ProjectMaximus on May 07, 2015, 02:07:15 AM
It's been a long while since I've been there but that guy at Bold City Brewery used to make my favorite burger in town.
I am sorry to report his death... :(
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/timesunion/obituary.aspx?pid=174003267
Aww that's sad. :(
Quote from: menace1069 on May 07, 2015, 12:27:14 PM
This is all I could find when I did a search...dated 2007.
http://www.city-data.com/forum/jacksonville/176961-fuddruckers-coming-landing.html
Lol Lake forgot to use the sarcastic font. He was referring to the ongoing joke that Fuddruckers has been waiting anxiously to open in the Landing the moment it gets dedicated parking space.
Quote from: JaxJersey-licious on May 07, 2015, 01:13:48 PM
It's a commom practice for people to wax poetically about certain places because of memories with friends and family tied to the place, reputation, and a sense that this establishment is "ours" (I personally refer to it as the "Jollibee effect").
Jollibee? Are you from the Philippines? haha, I visited a friend in Manila and he couldn't wait to have me try it out...his favorite place. It was so funny, especially considering how average it was.
I've seen a few people mention Backyard Burger in here... I used to live across the street from the one in Gainesville. Man, for a fast food burger they were amazing. It's really unfortunate they haven't caught on. I feel like it's tough for new fast food chains to nudge out the big guys though (McD's, BK, Taco Bell, etc). I'll have to try to find that Backyard Burger in Orlando next time I'm there to give them some support.
Quote from: ProjectMaximus on May 07, 2015, 10:08:17 PM
Jollibee? Are you from the Philippines? haha, I visited a friend in Manila and he couldn't wait to have me try it out...his favorite place. It was so funny, especially considering how average it was.
Busted >:( Yeah, I've gotten a lot of flack from my native Filipino friends about my Jollibee-bashing but what can I say? To me calling Jollibee the eptiome of American fast-casual dining is like saying Donald Trump is the epitome of how a multi-millionaire should behave and style their hair.
So a bucket of CHickenJoy
TM and garlic fried rice for you, good sir! (Offer valid only in Woodside, Queens. Don't hold your breath East Arlington ;))
Three pages and no mention of Poe's? Best burgers in Jax imo. I know it isn't fast casual, but neither is Blind Rabbit.
QuoteI remember when The Loop went through it's expansion phase and opened a place in Atlanta and I was raving about it to all my friends how wonderful this place is. They tried it out and thought meh... and looking back I think they were right.
The Loop was certainly well ahead of the curve as far as the new trend in 'better burger restaurants'. Personally, I think they didn't quite evolve for a number of years.
They've vamped up their menu in recent years and are starting to expand again locally.
As far as burger chains that aren't already here that I wish were... I'll vote for Evos.
Quote from: jaxjaguar on May 07, 2015, 11:36:58 PM
I've seen a few people mention Backyard Burger in here... I used to live across the street from the one in Gainesville. Man, for a fast food burger they were amazing. It's really unfortunate they haven't caught on. I feel like it's tough for new fast food chains to nudge out the big guys though (McD's, BK, Taco Bell, etc). I'll have to try to find that Backyard Burger in Orlando next time I'm there to give them some support.
Looks like it's in Altamonte Springs. I'll be hitting that when we cruise through Orlando again.
Quote from: CityLife on May 08, 2015, 08:06:13 AM
Three pages and no mention of Poe's? Best burgers in Jax imo. I know it isn't fast casual, but neither is Blind Rabbit.
I thought the same thing when I saw Blind Rabbit included. Poes gets my vote for the best burger in town.
^Sounds like I'm going to have to try Poe's. It's one of several places that have opened up over the last few years that I've yet to visit.
Quote from: thelakelander on May 08, 2015, 03:23:53 PM
^Sounds like I'm going to have to try Poe's. It's one of several places that have opened up over the last few years that I've yet to visit.
I had it in Charleston which is where I think they started. Its ok.
Poe's is ok in comparison to what? The best burgers in the country?
Most of the places on the list have locations at the beach and a lot of people consider Poe's the best burger at the beach, so I'd say its a little more than "ok" in comparison to the list.
I've seen Cruisers mentioned, and I wouldn't even say its that good of a burger. Meat quality is poor, which is masked with loads of cheddar, mustard, and ranch. Those cheese fries though. Amazing.
Quote from: Houseboat Mike on May 06, 2015, 09:04:16 AM
I just hope that one day in my lifetime we will have an In and Out burger place here.
I tried In and Out for the first time this past March when I was in California. I gotta say, it lived up to the hype. Incredible burger for fast food at that price.
Quote from: CityLife on May 09, 2015, 12:24:26 PM
Poe's is ok in comparison to what? The best burgers in the country?
Most of the places on the list have locations at the beach and a lot of people consider Poe's the best burger at the beach, so I'd say its a little more than "ok" in comparison to the list.
I've seen Cruisers mentioned, and I wouldn't even say its that good of a burger. Meat quality is poor, which is masked with loads of cheddar, mustard, and ranch. Those cheese fries though. Amazing.
Yes just ok based on other burgers I've had. I have not been to one here
I think Poe's is excellent. I think it's also down to what style of burger you like. Some folks like the smaller, thinner burgers like you get at M Shack and what looks like they serve at Burger Fi (haven't been there yet). Poe's serves a pretty massive, thick burger akin to what Blind Rabbit seems to be doing (haven't been there yet, gotta fix that pronto- looks good!). The meat's really good- I've done both medium and medium rare and it's great.
I'm not really that much into what's "best" anymore. I have different moods and certain things kinda suit those moods. Sometimes I want a thinner burger, sometimes I want a thick one and sometimes I want that charred flavor the Loop seems to do really well. We have some really fantastic options and excellent burgers locally- love having all these choices.
IMO Blind Rabbit has best burger in town (at least the once i eat were delicious)
Poe's is also good , for quick fast food burger i go to M-Shack or Five Guys (M-Shack does taste better)
I tried EPIC Burger once and it was ok/good, might need to give it another try
BurgerFi was overpriced in my opinion.
Loops Burgers are not bad but i never went t to loop just because of burger.
need to try SmashBurger
M burger got my money twice,but there wont be a 3rd time. You want a good burger,Derby has the best. I like 5 guys better than any other "fast food" ,I haven't eaten a hamburger at a chain in years. But I do remember when Wendys had a darn good burger !
As far as fast casual, there is no way Five Guys or M Shack compares to BurgerFi. The Burgers are always fresh, never frozen. It's all natural beef, and you can taste the difference. If you've never tried it, I highly recommend it. The fries are hand cut fresh potatoes, the onion rings are colossal, and double beer battered. They offer craft beer and support the local breweries as well. As far as best overall, I'd have to go with Poe's, but that's a true restaurant, and its AMAZING! Not to mention everything is themed for Edgar Allen Poe which makes the experience that much more awesome.
I wasn't impressed with Burger Fi. I'll take Five Guys or M Shack over them any day. Just tried out Poe's for lunch today. They did not disappoint.
This is a new favorite:
http://www.yelp.com/biz/ketchup-the-restaurant-atlantic-beach
Quote from: tmboslce on May 10, 2015, 04:36:44 PM
As far as fast casual, there is no way Five Guys or M Shack compares to BurgerFi. The Burgers are always fresh, never frozen. It's all natural beef, and you can taste the difference. If you've never tried it, I highly recommend it. The fries are hand cut fresh potatoes, the onion rings are colossal, and double beer battered. They offer craft beer and support the local breweries as well. As far as best overall, I'd have to go with Poe's, but that's a true restaurant, and its AMAZING! Not to mention everything is themed for Edgar Allen Poe which makes the experience that much more awesome.
First and only post. Hmmmmm.