Florida is packed with beautiful coastlines, and some of the best burgers in the state just happen to sit right next to them. Whether you’re craving a classic smash burger after a morning on the water or something stacked high with toppings, these spots deliver big flavor with even bigger views.
From the Panhandle to the Keys, locals and tourists keep coming back for more. Here are 14 Florida burger spots near the water that always seem to have a crowd.
Le Tub – Hollywood, Florida
Once named the best burger in America by GQ magazine, Le Tub has been a Hollywood staple since 1959. Tucked along the Intracoastal Waterway, this place looks like a funky art project with bathtubs and old toilets used as planters.
The burgers are massive, hand-packed, and cooked to order.
Expect a wait, but trust that it is absolutely worth it. The laid-back waterfront vibe makes every bite feel like a mini vacation.
Floridian Restaurant – Fort Lauderdale, Florida
The Floridian has been feeding Fort Lauderdale locals for decades, and its burgers have a loyal fan base that never seems to shrink. Sitting close to the New River, this classic diner has that old-Florida charm you just cannot fake.
The menu is simple, the portions are generous, and the prices won’t hurt your wallet.
Regulars swear by the double burger with extra pickles. Stop in on a weekend morning and you will likely see a line forming before the doors even open.
Sandbar Seafood + Spirits – Anna Maria, Florida
Sitting right on the Gulf at the north end of Anna Maria Island, Sandbar is one of those places that makes you forget you had anywhere else to be. The burgers here are built with fresh ingredients and served with a side of stunning water views.
Live music on the weekends adds to the already festive energy.
Families, couples, and solo travelers all feel at home here. Grab a seat on the deck and watch the pelicans while you eat.
The Back Porch – Destin, Florida
Perched right on the sugar-white sand of Destin Beach, The Back Porch has been a go-to spot since 1974. The burgers are chargrilled and served with that smoky flavor that matches perfectly with the salty Gulf breeze.
Floor-to-ceiling windows and open-air decks make the view just as satisfying as the food.
It gets busy fast, especially in summer, so arriving early is a smart move. The combination of cold drinks, great burgers, and beach views is genuinely hard to beat.
Square Grouper Tiki Bar Jupiter Inlet – Jupiter, Florida
With a name like Square Grouper, you already know this place has personality to spare. Located right at the Jupiter Inlet, the tiki bar atmosphere is festive and fun from the moment you walk in.
The burgers are no afterthought here, loaded with fresh toppings and served alongside cold tropical drinks.
Boaters pull right up to the dock, making it a favorite pit stop on the water. The sunset views from the outdoor seating area are genuinely spectacular on clear evenings.
Coconuts – Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Coconuts sits right on the Intracoastal Waterway in Fort Lauderdale and has earned a reputation as one of the city’s liveliest waterfront hangouts. The burgers are thick, juicy, and paired well with a cold drink and a front-row seat to the boat traffic rolling by.
Happy hour draws a crowd that tends to stick around well into the evening.
The outdoor tiki bar area is especially popular on weekends. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, Coconuts delivers a fun and filling experience every time.
Villas on the Gulf – Pensacola Beach, Florida
Pensacola Beach has no shortage of great food, but Villas on the Gulf brings a relaxed, neighborhood-style energy that feels refreshingly low-key. The burgers are straightforward and satisfying, made with quality ingredients and served up fast.
Being so close to the Gulf, the views from the outdoor area are consistently gorgeous.
Locals treat this spot like a well-kept secret, though word has definitely gotten out. It’s the kind of place where flip-flops and sandy feet are always welcome at the table.
Beachcomber St. Augustine – St Augustine Beach, Florida
St. Augustine Beach has history in its bones, and the Beachcomber fits right into that laid-back coastal culture. Sitting steps from the Atlantic Ocean, this spot serves up burgers that are hearty and satisfying after a long day of exploring the beach.
The outdoor seating puts you close enough to hear the waves while you eat.
Families visiting the nation’s oldest city often make this a post-beach tradition. The combination of fresh ocean air and a well-made burger is a surprisingly perfect ending to any afternoon.
Flippers – Fort Myers Beach, Florida
Fort Myers Beach has a fun, laid-back energy, and Flippers captures it perfectly. Right on the water, this spot draws beachgoers who want a solid burger without any fuss or pretense.
The portions are filling, the staff is friendly, and the Gulf views make every meal feel a little more special than usual.
After a morning of shelling or swimming, Flippers is the kind of reward that makes the whole trip worthwhile. Come hungry and plan to stay a while.
Sharky’s On the Pier – Venice, Florida
Built right on the Venice Fishing Pier, Sharky’s gives you a dining experience that feels almost like eating on the open water. The burgers here are crowd-pleasers, and the menu has something for everyone in the group.
Watching the surfers and swimmers below while you eat adds a unique energy that most restaurants simply cannot offer.
Venice locals are fiercely loyal to this spot, and it’s easy to understand why. Sunsets from the pier-side tables are the kind that make you reach for your phone immediately.
Islander Resort – Islamorada, Florida
Islamorada sits in the heart of the Florida Keys, and the Islander Resort brings that slow-paced Keys lifestyle to every meal it serves. The burgers are fresh and flavorful, served in a tropical setting that makes the whole experience feel like a getaway within a getaway.
The turquoise water visible from the dining area is almost unfairly beautiful.
Anglers and road-trippers heading down the Overseas Highway frequently stop here and end up staying much longer than planned. The vibe is contagious in the best possible way.
Crabby’s Beachside Pavilion – Clearwater, Florida
Clearwater Beach is one of Florida’s most visited stretches of sand, and Crabby’s Beachside Pavilion sits right in the middle of the action. The burgers are bold and satisfying, served up in an open-air pavilion where the Gulf breeze keeps things comfortable even on hot afternoons.
The energy here is upbeat and social from morning until night.
Street performers, beach volleyball, and boat traffic keep things entertaining between bites. It’s loud, lively, and totally unapologetic about being a crowd favorite.
JB’s Fish Camp – New Smyrna Beach, Florida
Old Florida charm is alive and well at JB’s Fish Camp, a riverside gem tucked along the Indian River in New Smyrna Beach. The setting feels like something out of a postcard from 1975, with wooden docks, live oaks, and the sound of water all around.
Burgers here come out unpretentious and deeply satisfying in a way that fancy places rarely manage.
Locals bring their kayaks and tie up at the dock for lunch. If you want authentic Florida without the tourist gloss, this is the place.
Grills Riverside Seafood Deck & Tiki Bar – Melbourne, Florida
Grills Riverside in Melbourne brings serious tiki bar energy to the banks of the Indian River, and the burgers match the fun atmosphere perfectly. The outdoor deck fills up fast on weekends, with live music and cold drinks adding to the already electric mood.
It is the kind of place where a quick lunch somehow turns into a three-hour afternoon.
The river views are beautiful at any time of day, but golden hour here is something special. Regulars rarely need a menu after the first visit.