Summer is finally here. Not that the new season means much in South Florida: It’s brutally hot all year long. But even if seasons don’t really exist around these parts, there’s just something about summer that makes us think about good company and good burgers. Thankfully, Miami restaurants have that second part covered.
If a summer body isn’t in the cards for you, then Blue Collar (6730 Biscayne Blvd. 305.756.0366) should be top of mind for a hearty burger. This MiMo neighborhood gem is home to a monstrous dry-aged creation. Its New York strip-ground beef blend sets the bar high for a flavorful patty, and there isn’t much else to it – just lettuce, tomato and onion in terms of toppings.
While that all sounds traditional, one part is far from it: The usual bun has been replaced by a Portuguese muffin, a vessel that helps soak up excess juices. Less of a mess is always appreciated. To avoid feeling super guilty, consider some selections from Blue Collar’s extensive veggie board – one of the best-kept secrets in town. Life is all about balance.
(Courtesy of USBS)
The 2-Day from United States Burger Service delivers unparalleled flavor.
For tasty burgers with a side of laughs, head over to United States Burger Service (8300 NE 2nd Ave.) just a few minutes north. USBS, located inside The Citadel Food Hall in Little River, is all about puns – particularly when it comes to U.S. mail. Ground (single patty), 2-Day (double patty) and Snail Mail (veggie patty) are just a few of the whimsical options available at USBS. We strongly suggest some insurance (house-cut fries) with your purchase, too.
USBS isn’t afraid of fun, but don’t let their sense of humor fool you: These are serious burgers. Everything is homemade, and the burgers forgo traditional toppings like lettuce and tomato. The main focus is the patty, and it certainly stands on its own. Be on the lookout for monthly specials as well, which play off pop culture (Howard the Turducken; Tequila Mockingbird).
(Miranda Kruse)
Don’t tell your doctor about Kush’s decadent Frita burger.
In terms of variety, you’ll be hard pressed to find a better burger menu than Kush (2003 N. Miami Ave., 305.576.4500) in Wynwood. Other Kush outposts have popped up across the city, but this original location has a certain charm to it. At this beloved burger place, it pays to be adventurous. You could stick to the classic cheeseburger, but where’s the fun in that? Instead, consider the pastrami-based Johnny Utah or the decadent Frita with guava jelly, potato stix, bacon, swiss cheese and proprietary sauce.
(Courtesy of Le Chick)
Le Chick’s burgers deserve just as much attention as its fried chicken.
Speaking of Wynwood … When you see the name Le Chick (310 NW 24th St., 786.216.7086), a burger is probably not the first thing that comes to mind. It’s true that fried chicken is the main draw at this Wynwood haunt; it’s heaven on earth. But once you try a bite of the Royale with Cheese – made up of two dry-aged brisket patties – you’re going to turn into a regular. The burger can easily feed two people, so bring a friend to indulge with you. And do get some fried chicken while you’re at it! Visit during weekday happy hour for the best bang for your buck.
Openings
Enough talk about calorie bombs. As we start to move slowly but surely past the pandemic (at least in the U.S.), the South Florida social scene keeps growing and growing.
One big opening is, in fact, a reopening. By the time you read this, Downtown’s Jaguar Sun (230 NE 4th St.) will be back in business. The cozy restaurant and bar was forced to close at the start of the pandemic, and they’ve been keeping busy with a temporary steakhouse pop-up in Little River. With things getting back to a (new) normal, the downtown space is back in play with more pastas, creative cocktails and bar bites than before.
From the team that brought you North Miami Beach’s Cacio e Pepe, Alexander Greek Taverna (2114 NE 123rd St., 305.456.5930) is serving up delectable Mediterranean delights, and then some. The expansive menu at this North Miami establishment boasts an array of tantalizing plates like grilled halloumi cheese, shrimp saganaki, lamb chops and lemon chicken. With international travel still a little iffy, it’s one delicious way to experience the Greek islands.
Geoffrey Anderson Jr. and Dianne Rubin-Anderson are co-founders of Miami Food Pug, an award-winning South Florida food blog that fuses the couple’s love of dogs and food.