Sef Gonzalez's Blog

April 20th has become more than just a well-known cannabis culture holiday. The term “420” is commonly traced back to a group of California students in the 1970s who reportedly used it as a code for meeting at 4:20 PM to smoke marijuana. Over time, it evolved into an annual day tied to cannabis culture, gatherings, and mainstream promotions.

It has also turned into one of the better unofficial food deal days of the year. Restaurants know many customers are looking for cheap eats, comfort food, desserts, and late-night snacks.

If you are searching for the best 4/20 food deals 2026 or April 20th restaurant specials, this guide rounds up confirmed offers and likely returning promotions based on past years. Some are excellent values. Some are clever marketing. A few are worth planning your day around.

As more restaurants confirm their 4/20 promotions, this page can be updated with the latest offers.

Last Updated: April 16, 2026

Confirmed 4/20 Food Deals 2026Wingstop – Return of the Hot BoxHot Honey Rub Wings

Wingstop officially announced the return of its Hot Box for 4/20.

The combo includes wings or tenders, fries, dip, and a drink. Select locations may also offer collectible trays on April 20 only.

Why it matters: Major national brand with a real themed 4/20 promotion.

Del Taco – BOGO Carne Asada Fries + Free Delivery

From April 17 through April 20, Del Taco customers can get:

Buy one, get one free Carne Asada FriesFree delivery on $20+ orders

Why it matters: One of the better shareable munchie deals.

Expected / Returning 4/20 DealsSubway – BOGO Free FootlongSubway Limited Time Footlong Fiery Meatball Sub

Subway may bring back one of the strongest 4/20 deals of the day.

Customers may be able to buy one Footlong and get one free using promo code FLBOGO.

Best for: Lunch value
Likely requirement: App or online order

Chipotle – Buy One Get One Free Entrée After 3 PM

Chipotle has used April 20th promotions before.

The reported deal is buy one entrée and get one free after 3 PM. That could include burritos, bowls, tacos, or salads depending on final terms.

Best for: Afternoon or dinner

Jimmy John’s – BOGO Sandwiches

Jimmy John’s may run a buy one get one free sandwich promotion using code DREAMROTATION.

Best for: Quick lunch runs

KFC – $4.20 Pot Pie ComboNashville Hot Saucy Nuggets

KFC is reportedly testing several 4/20 offers including:

$4.20 Pot Pie Combo$20 nugget bundlesAdditional value meals

Why it matters: National chain value deal.

Fatburger – $4.20 Original FatburgerLook at the crust on that Fatburger

Fatburger may offer its Original Fatburger for $4.20.

Best for: Cheap dinner option

BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse – $4.20 Pizookie After 9 PM

The listed deal is a $4.20 Pizookie after 9 PM.

Best for: Dessert lovers

Insomnia Cookies – Buy 4 Classic Cookies, Get 2 Free

Insomnia Cookies appears ready for late-night traffic with a buy four classic cookies and get two free deal.

Best for: Night owls and dessert cravings

Mellow Mushroom – $4.20 Pretzel Bites or Mellow Rollz

Mellow Mushroom may offer Pretzel Bites or Mellow Rollz for $4.20.

Best for: Shareables and appetizers

Best April 20th Deals Ranked

Best Overall Value

Subway BOGO FootlongChipotle BOGO EntréeDel Taco BOGO Fries

Best Dessert Deals

BJ’s $4.20 PizookieInsomnia Cookies Buy 4 Get 2Wingstop Hot Box

Best 4/20 Theme Deals

Wingstop Hot BoxMellow Mushroom $4.20 SnacksFatburger $4.20 BurgerFAQ: April 20th Food Deals & Freebies 2026Why is 4/20 celebrated?

4/20 is widely recognized as an unofficial cannabis culture holiday. It is commonly linked to California students in the 1970s who used “420” as a code phrase. Over time it became associated with marijuana culture, gatherings, and promotions.

Are these deals nationwide?

Not always. Some depend on region or franchise participation.

What are the best 4/20 food deals in 2026?

Subway BOGO Footlong, Chipotle BOGO Entrée, Wingstop Hot Box, and Del Taco BOGO Fries look strongest.

Are these deals nationwide?

Not always. Some depend on region or franchise participation.

Do I need apps for these deals?

Often yes. Many chains require app ordering or promo codes.

Final Thoughts

April 20th has quietly become a legitimate restaurant promotion day. Whether people are celebrating the holiday itself or just looking for cheap food, brands know there is demand.

If these deals hold, 2026 should offer plenty of opportunities for bargain meals, desserts, and snack runs. Check back closer to April 20 as more official 420 freebies and food deals are announced.

This article originally appeared on The Burger Beast.

Palm Beach County doesn’t get enough credit for its burger scene. While Miami gets the spotlight, there’s a strong mix here: old-school bar burgers, no-nonsense diner doubles, and newer smashburger spots that actually understand what they’re doing.

This is a working list I revisit regularly. No filler, no tourist traps. Just burgers that deliver on beef quality, proper cooking technique, and consistency. If it’s here, it earned it.

Burger Beast Best Burgers Methodology

It’s important to note that all burgers on this list use fresh beef; no frozen patties allowed. Every burger here is one I’ve personally eaten and documented.

This isn’t a popularity contest or a roundup of press releases. It’s a filtered list based on repeat visits, consistency, and which burgers I actually want to go back and eat again.

To be clear, I’ve eaten every burger on this list and taken every photo. If you’re looking for sponsored lists, this isn’t one of them.

Brass Ring PubA 1/2 lb. Bacon Cheeseburger and fries from Brass Ring Pub in North Palm Beach.

Neighborhood: North Palm Beach

The Must-Try Burger: 1/2 lb. Bacon Cheeseburger

Burger Beast’s Take: The burger at Brass Ring Pub is old-school. A hand-formed half-pound patty hits the flat top, develops a solid crust while staying juicy inside, finished simply and served on a toasted bun. This burger has no gimmicks, just a proper bar burger that’s been done right for decades.

Address: 200 US-1, North Palm Beach, FL

Pro Tip: Grab a seat at the bar and order it with fries, then keep the cold frosted mugs of beer coming.

Charm City Burger CoThe Cowboy Burger from Charm City Burger Co in Boca Raton.

Neighborhood: Boca Raton

The Must-Try Burger: The Cowboy Burger

Burger Beast’s Take: Charm City Burger Co helped put South Florida on the map during the burger boom, and they haven’t drifted from what made them matter. The Cowboy Burger brings thick cut peppered bacon, cheddar cheese, mushrooms and grilled onions layered over a properly cooked third pound patty that still has some heft. This beauty isn’t chasing any smashburger trends. It’s a throwback to when build-driven burgers ruled, and Charm City was ahead of the curve.

Address: 201 NW First Ave, Boca Raton, FL

Pro Tip: Don’t overthink it. Order the Cowboy Burger and let the balance of peppered bacon and grilled onions do its job.

Culver’sThe Sourdough Melt from Culver’s in Jupiter.

Neighborhood: Jupiter

The Must-Try Burger: Sourdough Melt (Double)

Burger Beast’s Take: Culver’s isn’t your typical fast food burger joint. Their ButterBurgers are cooked to order with fresh, never frozen beef, and served on a lightly buttered, toasted bun that lets the beef shine. The Sourdough Melt is the move here, but only if you make it a double since the patties are thin and need that extra layer to hit right. Once you dial that in, you’ve got a crispy-edged, cheesy, properly balanced burger that holds its own against anything in the chain world.

Address: 1108 Military Trl, Jupiter, FL 33458

Pro Tip: Skip the single patty every time. Make it a double and don’t leave without trying the Wisconsin cheese curds.

Hamburger HavenA double cheeseburger from Hamburger Haven in West Palm Beach.

Neighborhood: West Palm Beach

The Must-Try Burger: Double Cheeseburger

Burger Beast’s Take: Hamburger Haven keeps it simple and gets it right. Thin patties are smashed on the griddle until they develop proper crust, then stacked with fully melted cheese and slivered onions that work better here than you’d expect. The combination of mustard, onion, and relish ties everything together into a classic, no-frills burger that delivers.

Address: 1018 N Tamarind Ave, West Palm Beach, FL

Pro Tip: Order a chili dog on the side. It’s not optional.

HausmashThe Classic Smash burger from Hausmash in Wellington.

Neighborhood: Wellington

The Must-Try Burger: Classic Smash (Double)

Burger Beast’s Take: Hausmash does the smashburger right. Certified Angus Beef is smashed hard on the flat top until the edges get crispy and lacy, then topped with American cheese, diced onions, ketchup, mustard, and pickles on a soft bun that held up nicely.

Address: 10660 Forest Hill Blvd #170, Wellington, FL

Pro Tip: Big mistake if you don’t order the Golden Crispy Chicken Sandwich!

IrishmenThe Black and Blue Burger from Irishmen in Boca Raton.

Neighborhood: Boca Raton

The Must-Try Burger: Black and Blue Burger

Burger Beast’s Take: The Irishmen nails a classic black and blue burger, a style that doesn’t get enough attention. A blackened patty brings the spice, while melted blue cheese adds the bite, creating a combo that’s bold without going overboard.

Address: 1745 NW Boca Raton Boulevard, Boca Raton, FL

Pro Tip: The Cuban Irish sandwich sounds strange on paper, but it works. Order it once and you’ll get it.

Pig Beach BBQThe 10oz Chargrilled Cheeseburger from Pig Beach BBQ in West Palm Beach.

Neighborhood: West Palm Beach

The Must-Try Burger: 10oz Chargrilled Cheeseburger

Burger Beast’s Take: The burger at Pig Beach BBQ isn’t trying to compete with the barbecue, but it ends up doing exactly that. A thick 10-ounce American Wagyu patty is chargrilled, topped with white American cheese, and set on a house-baked bun with a butter-grilled onion slice underneath. It’s big, beefy, and it doesn’t need extras to make its point.

Address: 2400 S Dixie Hwy, West Palm Beach, FL

Pro Tip: Come hungry or bring backup. This burger and a BBQ sampler is the move.

PZZAThe Smash Cheeseburger from PZZA in Boca Raton.

Neighborhood: Boca Raton

The Must-Try Burger: Smash Cheeseburger

Burger Beast’s Take: When Josh, PZZA‘s owner, who was at the register, suggested that I make the burger a double and add raw red onions and Kewpie Mayo. Well, he was right. What a freaking great burger!

Address: 126 NE 2nd Street, Boca Raton, FL

Pro Tip: Don’t forget to order the twice-fried fresh-cut fries with house-made ranch.

Tap 42Short Rib Sliders from Tap 42 in Palm Beach Gardens.

Neighborhood: Palm Beach Gardens

The Must-Try Burger: Short Rib Sliders

Burger Beast’s Take: Tap 42‘s dynamite sliders are topped with braised short rib, melted cheddar cheese and dijonnaise. You wanna talk about a perfect appetizer bite, this is it. I’m not sure it would work as a full sized burger as it might be too much.

Address: 3101 PGA Blvd #200, Palm Beach Gardens, FL

Pro Tip: The Flame Grilled Chicken Wings and Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls are also great starters which pair well with the Short Rib Sliders and an ice cold brewski.

Tropical SmokehouseThe Old Fashioned Double Cheeseburger at Tropical Smokehouse in West Palm Beach.

Neighborhood: West Palm Beach

The Must-Try Burger: Old Fashioned Double Cheeseburger

Burger Beast’s Take:  The Old Fashioned Double Cheeseburger at Tropical Smokehouse has no business being this good, but yet, here we are. It’s a proper smashed double, cooked hard, stacked right, and is a beauty.

Red onions line the bottom of a potato bun, followed by beefy, cheese-draped patties topped with thick-cut pickles and a sriracha-mayo special sauce that lets the beef breathe. This isn’t a novelty burger or a BBQ place “trying something.” This is a serious cheeseburger.

Address: 3815 S Dixie Hwy, West Palm Beach, FL

Pro Tip: Go early or be patient. This place gets busy, and the burger is not something you want rushed or sold out.

Final Thoughts

Palm Beach County’s burger scene isn’t about trends. It’s about places that quietly get it right, whether that’s a decades-old pub turning out half-pounders or a newer spot dialing in a proper smash.

If you’re expecting over-the-top builds stacked for Instagram, you’re looking in the wrong place. These are burgers built on fundamentals: beef, heat, timing, and restraint. And when those are handled correctly, nothing else matters.

More Florida Burger Guides Best Burgers in Miami Best Burgers in Broward County Best Burgers in Orlando Best Burgers in the Tampa-area 24 Best Florida Burgers You Have to Try South Florida Burgers You Should Try, But Probably Haven’t Best Fritas in Miami Best Sliders in Miami FAQ: Best Burgers in Palm Beach CountyWhat is the best burger in Palm Beach County?

There isn’t a single answer. Spots like Brass Ring Pub, Charm City Burger Co, and Tropical Smokehouse all do different styles well, from classic bar burgers to smashed doubles.

Are there good smashburgers in Palm Beach County?

Yes. Hausmash and Tropical Smokehouse are two of the better options, both focusing on proper crust and balance instead of overloading toppings.

What’s the difference between a bar burger and a smashburger?

A bar burger is thicker and hand-formed, usually cooked to retain juiciness. A smashburger is pressed thin on a hot griddle to create crispy edges and more surface area.

Is Palm Beach County worth visiting for burgers?

Yes, especially if you prefer straightforward, well-executed burgers over trend-driven builds. The consistency here is stronger than people expect.

This article originally appeared on The Burger Beast.

Before Bryson’s Irish Pub was a place to grab wings, burgers, and a cold beer, it was something you don’t see much anymore: a split operation with a liquor store on one side and a lounge on the other. There was no kitchen. You walked in for a drink, and if you were lucky, you got a bowl of hard pretzels.

Before the Food: Bryson’s Original Setup

Located in Virginia Gardens, near Miami International Airport, Bryson’s operated with two separate front doors leading into two different spaces. One side was the liquor store, stocked with bottles and snacks. The other was the lounge, where regulars gathered for beers and cocktails.

Once inside, there were two passthrough openings on either side of the register connecting both areas. It allowed everything to function as one operation without losing the identity of each side.

There was no kitchen. If you wanted something to snack on, you went next door, bought a bag of chips, and brought it back with you. That’s where WISE potato chips came into play.

From Thumbit’s to Bryson’s (1949–1965)

Bryson’s roots go back to 1949 when it first opened as Thumbit’s. By 1952, it had become Bryson’s, the name that stuck. In 1965, the business expanded to include a package liquor store known as Foremost Liquors, which was later rebranded as Bryson’s Liquors.

The WISE Route and How I Knew Bryson’s

In the 1980s and 1990s, my dad was their “WISE guy.” Bryson’s was part of his route, which covered Doral, Hialeah, Miami Springs, and Virginia Gardens. He stocked the shelves, rotated product, and made sure those chips were always within reach of the people sitting a few feet away having a drink.

I got to know Bryson’s through him. I had been around Jimmy Bryson for close to 10 years before I ever worked there, mostly from tagging along during summers on my dad’s route.

Working at Bryson’s in 1993

In 1993, just shy of turning 19, I spent a few months working at Bryson’s. I stocked shelves, rotated inventory, and cleaned. I couldn’t sell liquor yet, but I was there enough to understand how everything worked.

Jimmy Bryson and the People Behind the Bar

One moment has always stuck with me. Jimmy called me into his office, asked me to sit down, and told me to stop calling him Mr. Bryson and just call him Jimmy. Then he told me that if I ever needed anything, he was there for me, and that he looked at me like one of his sons. That tells you everything you need to know about the kind of man he was.

Jimmy Bryson, who passed away in 1998, was the son of the original founder, James Bryson, who passed in 1977. By the time I came around, the place already had decades of history behind it, but it still felt like a neighborhood operation.

Charlie Garrett managed the day-to-day, and Barbie held down the bar. Between the three of them, the place ran like it always had: consistent, familiar, and welcoming if you were part of the fold.

A Small Town Staple in Virginia Gardens

Virginia Gardens itself is only about 14 square blocks, and Bryson’s has been a fixture there through all of it. Places like this don’t survive that long by accident.

The Transition to a Full Kitchen

In the early 2000s, Bryson’s was sold, and the lounge side was transformed into a full kitchen operation. The menu expanded to include wings, nachos, burgers, and sandwiches, leaning into its Irish roots while still functioning as a neighborhood bar.

The layout evolved too. The two front doors are still there, but now there’s a single main passthrough, and the register in the liquor store sits off to the left when you walk in. They also added a covered outdoor area in the back to handle the crowds on busier nights.

What It Feels Like Going Back

I’ve been back a handful of times over the years, and every visit brings everything back. You start mapping the old layout in your head, remembering who stood where, how things moved, how it all worked.

I usually end up telling anyone who will listen that I worked there decades ago. Not because I’m trying to relive anything, but because Bryson’s has been part of my life for longer than most places I write about.

I haven’t even gotten into the food yet, and that’s coming next. But before any of that, Bryson’s is a reminder of a time when a bar didn’t need a kitchen to matter. It just needed regulars, a good bartender, and a steady supply of chips within arm’s reach.

What to Eat at Bryson’s TodayBryson’s Irish Pub established in 1952.

When I walked in, I was greeted by a familiar face in the liquor store, Diane Norton Dean. We’ve interacted on social media for years, and I remembered her from her time as General Manager at the legendary Epicure Market in Miami Beach.

I made my way to the back of the restaurant near the doors leading out to the covered area and grabbed a two-top. The restaurant side is open until 3AM every day, which already puts it ahead of most spots in the area.

Then came the only real question: what am I ordering?

Housemade Potato SkinsScratch-made potato skins at Bryson’s Irish Pub topped with melted cheese and bacon, served with sour cream.

Not many places are making potato skins from scratch anymore, but Bryson’s does. They’re one of those hidden gems on the menu. Crisped up properly, loaded with cheese and bacon, and served with sour cream, they set the tone right out of the gate.

Chicken WingsChargrilled buffalo wings served with blue cheese at Bryson’s.

The wings are baked, fried, and then chargrilled. That extra step gives them a texture and flavor that’s hard to duplicate. I went with buffalo, which isn’t overly hot but brings solid flavor. Blue cheese over ranch, always. These are easily in the conversation for some of the best wings in Miami.

Chili DogJumbo chili dog topped with housemade chili, cheese, and diced onions.

A jumbo all-beef hot dog topped with housemade chili (with beans), cheese, and diced red onions on a toasted bun. I skipped the yellow mustard, which was already on the table, and that was a mistake. If I’m doing it again, I’m ditching the cheese and adding mustard. Either way, it’s a solid chili dog.

Patty MeltJuicy patty melt with Swiss cheese and grilled onions on toasted rye at Bryson’s Irish Pub.

The patty melt is built on a half-pound burger with Swiss cheese and grilled onions on toasted rye. I ordered it medium, and it came out juicy the way it should. Being able to order a burger to temperature feels like a lost art these days. I’ll be back for the regular burger next time since it’s been well over ten years since I last had it.

Cajun Chicken AlfredoMade-to-order Cajun chicken alfredo with garlic bread.

This was the surprise. The Cajun Chicken Alfredo is made to order, comes with toasted garlic bread, and was the one dish I finished completely. The sauce is rich without being heavy, and everything is balanced. I tried everything else on the table, but this is the one I kept going back to.

Final Thoughts

The menu isn’t Cheesecake Factory-sized, but it’s big enough that you’re not knocking it out in one visit. There are already a few things I’ve got lined up for next time, including their meatloaf special on Wednesdays.

Now that Bryson’s is officially back in my regular rotation, I’ll be telling anyone who will listen that I worked here once upon a time.

Quick Info

Bryson’s Irish Pub
3790 Curtiss Pkwy, Virginia Gardens, FL
(305) 871-9534
brysonspub.com

FAQWhat is Bryson’s Irish Pub known for?

Bryson’s Irish Pub is known for its wings, burgers, patty melts, and late-night bar food, along with its history as a former liquor store and lounge dating back to 1952.

Is Bryson’s Irish Pub open late?

Yes, the restaurant side of Bryson’s Irish Pub is open until 3AM daily, making it a reliable late-night food spot near Miami International Airport.

What are the best things to eat at Bryson’s Irish Pub?

Popular menu items include the chargrilled chicken wings, patty melt, chili dog, housemade potato skins, and Cajun chicken alfredo.

This article originally appeared on The Burger Beast.

La Traila Barbecue is officially open in South Miami. If you’ve been paying attention to Miami’s barbecue scene over the last few years, you’ve seen it evolve in real time.

I first tried La Traila on October 11, 2020, at Unbranded Brewing Company. Back then, it was a pop-up slinging Texas-style barbecue and a smoked brisket burger that immediately stuck with me.

By June 2021, they had moved into a small brick-and-mortar in Miami Lakes, where breakfast tacos became part of the draw. That run didn’t last forever, and by early 2023, the location had closed.

Now, La Traila is back, and this is the most serious version yet.

Originally previewed April 2026. Updated after opening.

La Traila Barbecue – Quick InfoInterior mural by Cervino Oliver took 40 hours to complete

La Traila Barbecue
5840 SW 71st St, Miami, FL
(305) 587-6981
latraila-bbq.com
Instagram

The New South Miami SetupM&M BBQ Company smokers that can hold over 120 briskets each

When you walk into the new South Miami location, you’re immediately hit with the smell.

Front and center are massive M&M BBQ Company rotisserie smokers built in Texas. Each one can hold over 120 briskets. That’s not for show, and it tells you exactly what kind of operation this is aiming to be.

The space itself seats about 160 people. There’s also a full bar and beer program, so this isn’t just a grab-and-go situation. You can settle in and enjoy the vibe.

Parking, which is usually a problem in Miami, is not a problem here: there are about 100 spots nearby.

Texas-Style, No Shortcuts

This is Texas-style competition barbecue. That means:

Sauce is on the sideMeat stands on its own firstYou add sauce if you want it

Pitmaster Mel Rodriguez is leaning harder into his Tejano roots this time around, and it shows in both the flavors and the direction of the menu.

He gave me a preview of what’s coming without fully unloading everything and yeah, he held back on the burger. That’s intentional since he knows I’ll be back for it.

The Return of the Breakfast TacosBrisket and pork breakfast tacos making a return to the menu

One move I’m particularly happy about: breakfast tacos are back.

There were two in the preview:

Brisket tacoPork taco

Both delivered. If you tried the tacos during the Miami Lakes days, you already know what you’re getting into. If you didn’t, now is your time.

They’ll be available:

Weekdays via online ordering/deliveryWeekends on the regular menu

If you’re only ordering one, go with the brisket.

The Meats (Ranked)Brisket, ribs, and pickled onions from La Traila BBQ in South Miami.

Three proteins were on deck:

Pulled PorkBrisketSpare Ribs

Let’s not overcomplicate it. Here’s my order of meat preference:

1. Brisket

This is the anchor. Each bite with pickled red onions hit exactly the right note. No sauce needed. He handed me some anyway, and it’s good, but unnecessary when the brisket is right on.

2. Pulled Pork

Solid on its own, but it really came alive with the pickled jalapeño onions. That combo edged it out over the ribs.

3. Spare Ribs

These surprised me since ribs are usually my least favorite. These fellas had a clean bite, very good smoke penetration, and solid all around.

The Tejano-Style Roasted Chicken (Don’t Sleep on This)Tejano-style roasted chicken that’s going to be one of the most talked-about dishes

I went full prehistoric when I saw this bone-in slab of Tejano-style seasoned roasted chicken sitting in front of me.

This is going to be the sleeper hit on the menu. Actually, scratch that. It won’t stay a sleeper for long.

People don’t talk enough about great roasted chicken, and I’m one of those people who pays attention to it. One bite in, I was sold.

The seasoning leans into Mel’s Tejano roots, and the cook is dead-on: juicy inside, properly roasted outside, and loaded with flavor.

If you ignore this and go straight to the brisket, you’ve made a mistake. I’ll still forgive you though.

The Sides (Also Ranked)Mac & cheese, elote, potato salad, and rice and beans

Four sides came out:

Rice and BeansPotato SaladElote CupMac & Cheese with Chips & Queso

Here’s how they stack up:

1. Rice and Beans

Underrated. Once you dig into it, you’ll understand. It’s exactly what you want with barbecue.

2. Potato Salad

Just as good as I remembered from the early days.

3. Elote Cup

Creamy, crunchy corn with sauce that needs mixing. Once you do, it works.

4. Mac & Cheese + Chips + Queso

This is the wild card. Chihuahua cheese base with crushed, freshly fried tortilla chips on top. I’d add some hot sauce to liven it up.

What I Didn’t Try (Yet)

There’s still more coming:

Sweet potato cornbreadDino ribsHousemade jalapeño cheddar sausageSmoke Ring Scrap Burger (made from brisket trimmings)

That last one is the one I’m circling back for.

A Quick Look BackSmoked brisket burger from La Traila’s 2020 pop-up days at Unbranded Brewing Company

Before all this, La Traila was grinding through pop-ups around Miami. When I finally caught them at Unbranded Brewing, I missed the brisket and garlic sausage, but not the smoked brisket burger.

That burger was a delicious problem.

A half-pound pit-smoked brisket patty topped with pickled red onions, pickles, melty cheese, and mustard-based BBQ sauce on brioche. Flavor overload.

If that’s coming back in any form here, it’s going to matter.

Final Thoughts

La Traila Barbecue isn’t easing back into the grind; they’re going big.

The smokers alone tell you this isn’t a side project anymore. This is a full-scale operation built around Texas-style barbecue, with just enough South Florida influence to make it theirs.

The brisket is where you start. The breakfast tacos are the sleeper hit.

And the burger, whenever I get my hands on it again, will probably end up being the headline.

Arnold said it best, I’ll be back.

This article originally appeared on The Burger Beast.

La Traila Barbecue has been on a bit of a journey. If you’ve been paying attention to Miami’s barbecue scene over the last few years, you’ve seen it evolve in real time.

I first tried La Traila on October 11, 2020, at Unbranded Brewing Company. Back then, it was a pop-up slinging Texas-style barbecue and a smoked brisket burger that immediately stuck with me.

By June 2021, they had moved into a small brick-and-mortar in Miami Lakes, where breakfast tacos became part of the draw. That run didn’t last forever, and by early 2023, the location had closed.

Now, La Traila is back, and this is the most serious version yet.

La Traila Barbecue – Quick InfoInterior mural by Cervino Oliver took 40 hours to complete

La Traila Barbecue
5840 SW 71st St, Miami, FL
(305) 587-6981
latraila-bbq.com
Instagram

The New South Miami SetupM&M BBQ Company smokers that can hold over 120 briskets each

When you walk into the new South Miami location, you’re immediately hit with the smell.

Front and center are massive M&M BBQ Company rotisserie smokers built in Texas. Each one can hold over 120 briskets. That’s not for show, and it tells you exactly what kind of operation this is aiming to be.

The space itself seats about 160 people. There’s also a full bar and beer program, so this isn’t just a grab-and-go situation. You can settle in and enjoy the vibe.

Parking, which is usually a problem in Miami, is not a problem here: there are about 100 spots nearby.

Texas-Style, No Shortcuts

This is Texas-style competition barbecue. That means:

Sauce is on the sideMeat stands on its own firstYou add sauce if you want it

Pitmaster Mel Rodriguez is leaning harder into his Tejano roots this time around, and it shows in both the flavors and the direction of the menu.

He gave me a preview of what’s coming without fully unloading everything and yeah, he held back on the burger. That’s intentional since he knows I’ll be back for it.

The Return of the Breakfast TacosBrisket and pork breakfast tacos making a return to the menu

One move I’m particularly happy about: breakfast tacos are back.

There were two in the preview:

Brisket tacoPork taco

Both delivered. If you tried the tacos during the Miami Lakes days, you already know what you’re getting into. If you didn’t, now is your time.

They’ll be available:

Weekdays via online ordering/deliveryWeekends on the regular menu

If you’re only ordering one, go with the brisket.

The Meats (Ranked)Brisket, ribs and pulled pork served with pickled onions at La Traila Barbecue

Three proteins were on deck:

Pulled PorkBrisketSpare Ribs

Let’s not overcomplicate it. Here’s my order of meat preference:

1. Brisket

This is the anchor. Each bite with pickled red onions hit exactly the right note. No sauce needed. He handed me some anyway, and it’s good, but unnecessary when the brisket is right on.

2. Pulled Pork

Solid on its own, but it really came alive with the pickled jalapeño onions. That combo edged it out over the ribs.

3. Spare Ribs

These surprised me since ribs are usually my least favorite. These fellas had a clean bite, very good smoke penetration, and solid all around.

The Tejano-Style Roasted Chicken (Don’t Sleep on This)Tejano-style roasted chicken that’s going to be one of the most talked-about dishes

I went full prehistoric when I saw this bone-in slab of Tejano-style seasoned roasted chicken sitting in front of me.

This is going to be the sleeper hit on the menu. Actually, scratch that. It won’t stay a sleeper for long.

People don’t talk enough about great roasted chicken, and I’m one of those people who pays attention to it. One bite in, I was sold.

The seasoning leans into Mel’s Tejano roots, and the cook is dead-on: juicy inside, properly roasted outside, and loaded with flavor.

If you ignore this and go straight to the brisket, you’ve made a mistake. I’ll still forgive you though.

The Sides (Also Ranked)Mac & cheese, elote, potato salad, and rice and beans

Four sides came out:

Rice and BeansPotato SaladElote CupMac & Cheese with Chips & Queso

Here’s how they stack up:

1. Rice and Beans

Underrated. Once you dig into it, you’ll understand. It’s exactly what you want with barbecue.

2. Potato Salad

Just as good as I remembered from the early days.

3. Elote Cup

Creamy, crunchy corn with sauce that needs mixing. Once you do, it works.

4. Mac & Cheese + Chips + Queso

This is the wild card. Chihuahua cheese base with crushed, freshly fried tortilla chips on top. I’d add some hot sauce to liven it up.

What I Didn’t Try (Yet)

There’s still more coming:

Sweet potato cornbreadDino ribsHousemade jalapeño cheddar sausageSmoke Ring Scrap Burger (made from brisket trimmings)

That last one is the one I’m circling back for.

A Quick Look BackSmoked brisket burger from La Traila’s 2020 pop-up days at Unbranded Brewing Company

Before all this, La Traila was grinding through pop-ups around Miami. When I finally caught them at Unbranded Brewing, I missed the brisket and garlic sausage, but not the smoked brisket burger.

That burger was a delicious problem.

A half-pound pit-smoked brisket patty topped with pickled red onions, pickles, melty cheese, and mustard-based BBQ sauce on brioche. Flavor overload.

If that’s coming back in any form here, it’s going to matter.

Final Thoughts

La Traila Barbecue isn’t easing back into the grind; they’re going big.

The smokers alone tell you this isn’t a side project anymore. This is a full-scale operation built around Texas-style barbecue, with just enough South Florida influence to make it theirs.

The brisket is where you start. The breakfast tacos are the sleeper hit.

And the burger, whenever I get my hands on it again, will probably end up being the headline.

Arnold said it best, I’ll be back.

This article originally appeared on The Burger Beast.

Growing up in Miami, I thought I knew what a burger was. Then in the 1980s, I started visiting family in Glendale, California, and realized I didn’t.

Those trips exposed me to a completely different fast food culture. Same categories—burgers, fries, hot dogs—but done with a different mindset, ingredients, and a level of execution that stuck with me.

The Burger PilgrimageBob’s Big BoyThe classic Big Boy double-decker burger at Bob’s Big Boy in Burbank, California.

The Big Boy was my introduction to the West Coast’s version of a double-decker burger. Sauce-driven, stacked, and built with zero concern for neatness, it set the tone for everything that followed.

In-N-Out BurgerA Double-Double and Animal Style fries from In-N-Out Burger, served on a tray.

The Double-Double was the first time I understood what people meant by “fresh.” It wasn’t marketing. You could taste the difference immediately.

Then there was the In-N-Out drive-thru. They handed you the burger partially wrapped so you could eat it right away. I had never seen anything like that.

Original Tommy’s

Original Tommy’s didn’t care about presentation. Chili covered everything, and that was the point. It was messy, aggressive, and completely unforgettable. Quite possibly the messiest and most attractive burger I’ve ever seen.

Carl’s Jr.The classic Carl’s Jr. star sign advertising char-broiled hamburgers and drive-thru service.

Carl’s Jr’s Western Bacon Cheeseburger introduced me to onion rings and BBQ sauce on a burger. That combo stuck with me for decades—shoutout to Tony Roma’s. Sweet, smoky, and messy, I wasn’t stopping no matter how sticky my hands got.

Fatburger

Fatburger felt bigger in every way. Larger patties and a build-your-own approach set it apart. I became a sucker for the steak fries, but those giant burgers were what hooked me.

Hard Rock Cafe

I was in 5th grade, and a couple of kids regularly wore Hard Rock Cafe t-shirts. It felt like they were taunting me. That summer, we were back in California, and it was the one place I needed to go. By then, I was already into rock music, so it was the perfect collision of two things I loved.

I bought my first Hard Rock Cafe shirt there and wore it on the first day of 6th grade.

At the Beverly Center, the cheeseburger wasn’t just food—music, memorabilia, and a burger that held its own.

Jack in the BoxA Jack in the Box sign on a busy street in San Francisco, California.

Jack in the Box’s Sourdough Jack stood out immediately since I was already into patty melts. That bread alone made it feel like something outside the standard fast food drive-thru formula.

Jay’s JayburgersJay’s Jayburgers on the corner of Santa Monica and Virgil in Los Angeles, a longtime neighborhood burger stand.

I clearly remember the busy street corner where Jay’s Jayburgers stood for nearly 40 years. While they were known for their chili cheeseburgers, it was the straightforward double cheeseburger that sold me. A landmark burger joint that closed in 2005.

Beyond BurgersPorto’s Bakery and CafePorto’s Refugiado (guava and cheese strudel) in the foreground with cheese rolls baked at home.

Back when Porto’s was still a single location, it felt like a hidden spot. The pastries and savory items carried a level of care that stuck with me long after those trips. Years later, being able to order them online and brings it full circle. Something my friend Martha from My Big Fat Cuban Family reminded me of when she sent some my way.

Shakey’s Pizza

I don’t remember eating much of Shakey’s pizza or fried chicken. We were there for the seasoned Mojo potatoes. And we didn’t eat them on their own. They were there to complement the burgers we had just picked up elsewhere.

Victoria Station

There were a couple of Victoria Station restaurants in South Florida, but I mostly remember dining inside train cars outside Universal Studios, where CityWalk stands now. It felt like a special event with my whole family, not just a meal.

The Attractions That Framed ItAt 11 years old on the Universal Studios Tour, posted up with Megatron and wearing my Hulk Hogan shirt.

Trips to Disneyland, Knott’s Berry Farm, Six Flags Magic Mountain, and Universal Studios filled the days. The food filled the gaps in between. Long lines, rides like Star Tours, and quick meals that were just as memorable as the rides.

Pop Culture Was Part of It

Movies like Midnight Madness, which featured Johnie’s Fat Boy Burgers, and National Lampoon’s Vacation shaped what I thought California was supposed to look like—even after my first visits. Seeing Batman (1989) at a Cineplex Odeon only reinforced that everything out West was bigger.

Final Thoughts

Those trips didn’t just introduce me to different burgers; they changed how I thought about them. The West Coast had its own identity, its own standards, and its own way of doing things that didn’t always match what I grew up with in Miami.

Some of those places still hold up. Others are better left in memory. But all of them played a role in shaping how I look at burgers today.

It started there, whether I realized it at the time or not.

This article originally appeared on The Burger Beast.

For decades, beef tallow was the gold standard for frying potatoes. It’s what gave classic fast-food fries their rich flavor before vegetable oils and seed oils took over in the 1990s.

Recently, beef tallow has been making a comeback, not just in restaurant fryers but also in the snack aisle. A growing number of companies are producing potato chips fried in beef tallow instead of seed oils, bringing back that old-school flavor that many people swear tastes better.

If you’ve read my article about restaurants using beef tallow for fries, you already know why the cooking fat matters. Now the trend has reached grocery stores and online retailers, where you can buy potato chips fried the traditional way.

I’ve been working my way through the growing number of brands on the market, and here are the best beef tallow potato chips I’ve tried so far, ranked from my favorite to my least favorite.

Note: I’ll continue updating this guide as new beef tallow chip brands hit the market and as I try more of them myself.

Beef Tallow Potato Chips GuideBest Beef Tallow Potato Chips You Can Buy Right NowRosie’s Tallow Potato ChipsBoulder Canyon Beef Tallow ChipsTip’s Beef Tallow Fried ChipsSprouts Farmers Market Beef Tallow Kettle Style Potato ChipsTasty Nate’s Beef Tallow Fried ChipsBeef Tallow Potato Chips I Still Need to TryWhat Makes Beef Tallow Chips Different?Beef Tallow Potato Chips FAQFinal Thoughts

Disclosure: Some of the links below are Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

Best Beef Tallow Potato Chips You Can Buy Right NowRosie’s Tallow Potato ChipsRosie’s potato chips fried in beef tallow

Rosie’s Tallow Potato Chips (website) currently sit at the top of my list. The chips are fried in beef tallow and seasoned with sea salt, letting the natural potato flavor come through.

The texture hits that sweet spot between crispy and sturdy, and they don’t feel overly greasy like some kettle chips can. They’re the closest thing I’ve found to what old-school chips probably tasted like before vegetable oil became the industry standard.

Rosie’s also offers multiple flavors, including barbecue and salt-based varieties, though the classic version is still my go-to.

Rosie’s Tallow Potato Chips
Size: 5oz pack of 2
Price: $24.99 on Amazon (https://amzn.to/4sHkRcA)

Boulder Canyon Beef Tallow ChipsBoulder Canyon’s kettle-style potato chips cooked in beef tallow on display at Costco.

One of the easiest beef tallow chips to find in a physical store is Boulder Canyon’s version, which I’ve picked up at Costco.

The chips are kettle-style with a thicker crunch, and they hold up well if you’re the type who likes dipping chips into onion dip or queso. Compared with some of the smaller boutique brands, Boulder Canyon chips are also far more affordable.

That combination of price and availability makes them a great entry point if you’re curious about chips fried in beef tallow.

Boulder Canyon Beef Tallow Chips
Size: 22oz
Price: $7.99 at Costco

Tip’s Beef Tallow Fried ChipsTip’s kettle-style potato chips made with potatoes, beef tallow, and sea salt.

Tip’s chips are solid across the board. They’re crunchy, clean-tasting, and clearly made with quality ingredients.

The seasoning tends to be slightly more pronounced than some other brands, which can work depending on what flavor you’re trying. The plain salted chips highlight the beef tallow flavor best.

They also offer several varieties, including flavored options like barbecue and salt-and-vinegar, making them a good option if you like experimenting beyond the classic style.

Tip’s Beef Tallow Fried Chips
Size: 5oz pack of 4
Price: $35.99 on Amazon (https://amzn.to/4svah8q)

Sprouts Farmers Market Beef Tallow Kettle Style Potato ChipsSprouts Farmers Market kettle-style potato chips fried in beef tallow with sea salt.

Sprouts Farmers Market has quietly introduced its own line of beef tallow kettle chips, and they’re one of the better grocery-store options available right now.

The chips are crunchy, lightly salted, and reasonably priced compared with many boutique brands online. They’re not the most complex chips on the list, but they’re dependable and easy to grab if you already shop at Sprouts.

For the price, they’re a good everyday chip if you want to avoid seed oils.

Sprouts Farmers Market Beef Tallow Chips
Size: 5oz bag
Price: $3.99 at Sprouts Farmers Market

Tasty Nate’s Beef Tallow Fried ChipsTasty Nates’ Beef Tallow Fried Chips bags

Tasty Nate’s chips are the least impressive of the bunch I’ve tried so far, though they don’t stand out the way the other brands on this list do.

The texture can vary a little from batch to batch, and the flavor doesn’t stand out as much as the other brands on this list. That said, they still deliver the main draw of the category: potato chips fried in beef tallow rather than seed oils.

If you’re exploring the category, they’re worth trying once to see how they compare with the others.

Tasty Nate’s Beef Tallow Fried Chips
Size: 7oz pack of 2
Price: $19.99 on Amazon (https://amzn.to/47oM6A5)

Beef Tallow Potato Chips I Still Need to Try

The number of companies producing beef tallow chips is growing quickly, and there are several brands I still haven’t had the chance to try.

These are currently on my radar:

Norse Roots Beef Tallow Kettle Chips
Size: 5oz pack of 6
Price: $49.99 on Amazon (https://amzn.to/3Q2iv9A)

Vaca Chips
Size: 5oz pack of 3
Price: $29.99 on Amazon (https://amzn.to/3NJ8wWc)

Vandy Chips Original Classic Potato Chips
Size: 5oz pack of 2
Price: $29.99 on Amazon (https://amzn.to/4m33RuY)

What Makes Beef Tallow Chips Different?A look inside a bag of Tip’s kettle-style potato chips fried in beef tallow.

Most modern potato chips are fried in vegetable oils like soybean, sunflower, or canola oil. Beef tallow chips go back to an older approach that was common before those oils became widespread.

Beef tallow was once the standard frying fat used by many fast-food chains, including the original version of McDonald’s fries before the company switched oils in the 1990s.

Beef tallow gives chips a richer flavor and a slightly deeper crispness. Many people also prefer them because they avoid seed oils entirely.

In most cases, the ingredient list is refreshingly simple:

PotatoesBeef tallowSalt

Some brands also offer flavored versions like:

BBQJalapeño Salt and vinegarSour creamUnsalted

But if you want the purest experience, the classic salted version is usually the best place to start.

Beef Tallow Potato Chips FAQWhat are beef tallow potato chips?

Beef tallow potato chips are chips fried in rendered beef fat instead of vegetable oils like soybean, sunflower, or canola oil. The cooking method was common decades ago before seed oils became standard in commercial frying.

Do beef tallow potato chips taste different?

Yes. Chips fried in beef tallow tend to have a richer flavor and a deeper crispness than chips fried in vegetable oil. The difference is subtle, but many people say it tastes closer to old-school potato chips.

Are beef tallow chips seed-oil free?

Most beef tallow chips are marketed as seed-oil free, meaning they avoid oils like soybean, canola, sunflower, and corn oil. However, it’s always worth checking the ingredient list to confirm.

What ingredients are usually in beef tallow chips?

Many brands keep the ingredient list simple: Potatoes, Beef tallow, and Salt. Some varieties add seasonings for flavors like BBQ, jalapeño, sour cream, or salt and vinegar.

Where can you buy beef tallow potato chips?

Beef tallow chips are becoming easier to find, but availability still varies. You can usually buy them from: Amazon, Costco, Sprouts Farmers Market, specialty grocery stores, and health-focused markets.

Why did companies stop using beef tallow?

In the late 1980s and early 1990s, many food companies switched from animal fats to vegetable oils due to health concerns about saturated fat. Today, some snack brands are bringing beef tallow back as an alternative to seed oils.

Did McDonald’s really use beef tallow for its fries?

Yes. For decades, McDonald’s cooked its French fries in a mixture that included beef tallow, which helped give them their famous flavor and crisp texture. In 1990, the company switched to vegetable oil after pressure from health advocates who were concerned about saturated fat.

The change altered the taste of the fries, and many people still argue that the original version cooked in beef tallow was better. Today, a growing number of restaurants and snack brands are bringing beef tallow back, including companies producing potato chips fried the traditional way.

If you want to dive deeper into the history, check out my article on restaurants that still fry potatoes in beef tallow:
https://burgerbeast.com/beef-tallow-fries/

Final Thoughts

Beef tallow potato chips are still a niche category, but they’re growing quickly as more people look for alternatives to seed-oil-fried snacks.

Right now, the selection is still relatively small, which makes it possible to try nearly every brand on the market. If the trend continues, though, we’ll likely see more grocery stores and snack companies jump into the beef tallow chip game.

I’ll keep updating this list as I try more brands and see which ones deserve a spot among the best.

This article originally appeared on The Burger Beast.

These are the Best Sandwiches in Miami.

This list skips the traditional sub shops and places built entirely around sandwiches like La Sandwicherie. Those deserve their own category.

Instead, this is about the sandwiches hiding in plain sight around Miami: butcher shops, neighborhood restaurants, delis, and spots that just happen to make something between bread that stops you mid-bite.

Best Sandwiches in Miami (Quick List)Babe’s Meat and CounterBlue CollarCuento SandwichesFranky’s DeliJholano’s Deli Joanna’s MarketplaceNo Manches! Que RicoSanguich de MiamiSNDWCHTalkin’ Tacos

If burgers are more your thing, check out Burger Beast’s Guide to Eating Burgers in Miami.

Babe’s Meat and CounterHouse-made maple rosemary sausage sandwich with egg and cheddar on a Kaiser roll.

Neighborhood: Palmetto Bay

The Must-Try Sandwich: Maple Rosemary Sausage Sandwich

Burger Beast’s Take: Babe’s Meat & Counter is primarily known as a butcher shop, but the kitchen quietly turns out some serious sandwiches. The maple rosemary sausage sandwich hits that perfect breakfast-lunch crossover point with sweet sausage, egg, and cheddar stacked on a Kaiser roll that soaks up all the flavor.

Pro Tip: Go right when they open and give yourself a great start to your day.

Babe’s Meat & Counter
 9216 SW 156th St, Palmetto Bay, FL
 (786) 429-1315
 babefroman.com

Blue CollarThe Big Ragout at Blue Collar in Miami’s MiMo District

Neighborhood: MiMo

The Must-Try Sandwich: The Big Ragout

Burger Beast’s Take: Chef Danny Serfer has always leaned hard into comfort food, and the Big Ragout might be the most over-the-top sandwich on the menu. It’s essentially a slow-cooked Italian meat sauce with pork shoulder, brisket, sausage, pancetta, and rigatoni piled onto toasted bread. It’s messy, rich, and will keep you full the rest of the day.

Pro Tip: Bring napkins and don’t rush it. This is a fork-and-knife situation pretending to be a sandwich.

Blue Collar
 6789 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL
 (305) 756-0366
 bluecollarmiami.com

Cuento SandwichesMonte Cristo in Materva batter

Neighborhood: Doral

The Must-Try Sandwich: The Montecristo (on Sunday’s Brunch menu)

Burger Beast’s Take: Cuento Sandwiches in Doral is doing things a little differently with a nod to Bennigan’s, and the Montecristo proves it. The sandwich gets dipped in Materva soda batter before frying, giving it a subtle sweetness that plays well with the turkey, ham, and melted cheese. Powdered sugar and guava preserves push it even further into Miami territory.

Pro Tip: Split it if you’re not starving. It’s rich, and that fried crust fills you up fast.

Cuento Sandwiches
 4237 NW 107th Ave, Doral, FL
 (305) 400-8374
 cuentosandwiches.com

Franky’s DeliCheesesteak from Franky’s Deli Warehouse

Neighborhood: Hialeah

The Must-Try Sandwich: Cheesesteak

Burger Beast’s Take: Franky’s Deli Warehouse has become one of the go-to sandwich spots in Hialeah, and the cheesesteak is the reason. Chopped ribeye, provolone, sweet peppers, and grilled onions come together on bread that holds up to the juices without falling apart halfway through.

Pro Tip: Eat it there. Cheesesteaks never travel well.

Franky’s Deli
 2596 W 84th St, Hialeah, FL 
 (305) 827-5366
 frankysdeli.com

Jholano’s Deli The Come Winter sandwich stacked with smoked pastrami at Jholano’s Deli.

Neighborhood: Coral Gables

The Must-Try Sandwich: Come Winter

Burger Beast’s Take: Jholano’s Deli is tucked behind a red door in Coral Gables, but once people find it, they keep coming back. The Come Winter sandwich stacks smoked pastrami with Muenster, onions, and Calabrian oregano aioli on focaccia. It walks the line between deli classic and modern sandwich shop creation, and somehow it works.

Pro Tip: Grab a second sandwich to go. The menu is too good to stop at one.

Jholano’s Deli 
 1390 S Dixie Hwy #2122, Coral Gables, FL
 (786) 952-5207
 jholanosdeli.com

Joanna’s MarketplaceJoanna’s Marketplace Cuban Cowboy

Neighborhood: South Miami

The Must-Try Sandwich: Cuban Cowboy

Burger Beast’s Take: Joanna’s Marketplace has been a South Miami staple for decades, and the Cuban Cowboy might be the most Miami of the sandwiches they serve. Flank steak, grilled onions, Swiss, sweet plantains, and garlic mayo come together on ciabatta in a way that feels equal parts Cuban sandwich and steak sandwich without becoming a pan con bistec.

Pro Tip: Walk through the market after ordering. Half the fun of Joanna’s is everything else you discover while waiting.

Joanna’s Marketplace
 8247 S Dixie Hwy, Miami, FL
 (305) 661-5777
 joannasmarketplace.com

No Manches! Que RicoThe Torta de Chilaquiles at No Manches

Neighborhood: Flagami/West Miami

The Must-Try Sandwich: Torta De Chilaquiles

Burger Beast’s Take: No Manches! Que Rico might serve one of the wildest sandwiches in Miami with its Torta de Chilaquiles. A torta already packed with asada, queso, onions, cilantro, and crema gets stuffed with chilaquiles. Tortilla chips, sauce, steak, and bread all collide into something that sounds chaotic but actually works.

Pro Tip: Bring a serious appetite. This sandwich is not messing around.

¡No Manches! Que Rico
6212 SW 8th St, Miami, FL
   (786) 229-0002
 nomanchesquericomia.com

Sanguich de MiamiEl Cubano from Sanguich de Miami on Calle Ocho.

Neighborhood: Little Havana, Coral Gables, Wynwood

The Must-Try Sandwich: El Cubano

Burger Beast’s Take: Sanguich de Miami helped reset the standard for Cuban sandwiches in the city. Everything is made in-house, from the pork and ham to the pickles and bread, and that attention to detail shows in every bite of El Cubano. This is one of the few sandwiches in Miami that lives up to the hype.

Pro Tip: Eat it immediately after pressing, because that’s when Cuban sandwiches are at their best.

Sanguich de Miami (Little Havana)
 2057 SW 8th St, Miami, FL
 (786) 829-1381
 sanguich.com

SNDWCHThe Chicken Parm at SNDWCH, built with crispy chicken, mozzarella, vodka sauce, pesto mayo, and focaccia.

Neighborhood: Westchester

The Must-Try Sandwich: Chicken Parm

Burger Beast’s Take: SNDWCH in Westchester has quietly built one of the better sandwich menus in the area. Their Chicken Parm goes heavy on the crispy chicken and balances the vodka sauce with pesto mayo, giving it more flavor than the typical red-sauce version.

Pro Tip: Don’t forget about the creamy tomato soup at SNDWCH, served hot and topped with grated cheese and croutons.

SNDWCH – Westchester
10524 SW 8th St, Miami, FL
  (305) 395-9476
 sndwchmiami.com

Talkin’ TacosBirria and melted cheese pressed into a crisp grilled cheese at Talkin’ Tacos.

Neighborhood: Miami Springs

The Must-Try Sandwich: Birria Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Burger Beast’s Take: Talkin’ Tacos built its reputation on birria, and the grilled cheese version pushes that flavor into sandwich territory. Melted cheese and shredded birria get pressed into a crisp grilled sandwich and served with consommé for dipping. It’s a ridiculous sandwich, and I mean that as a compliment.

Pro Tip: Dip every bite in the consommé. That’s the whole point.

Talkin’ Tacos – Miami Springs
3700 NW 42nd Ave, Miami Springs, FL
  (754) 704-8079
 talkintacos.net

More Sandwich Guides on Burger Beast

If you’re the type who judges a city by the sandwiches it produces, there’s more to explore around here. These guides dig deeper into some of the classics.

Best Patty Melts Best Cheesesteaks Types of Cuban Sandwiches Best Ham and Cheese Sandwiches Best Meatball Subs Final Thoughts

Miami might be famous for Cuban sandwiches, but the city’s sandwich scene runs much deeper than that. From butcher shops to delis to Mexican tortas and Italian-style creations, these sandwiches show how much creativity can fit between two pieces of bread.

And the truth is, this list will keep evolving. Miami never stops eating, and neither do I.

Sandwich Hall of Fame

Before we get back to Miami, it’s worth remembering that the sandwich world didn’t start here. Long before smash burgers and viral food drops, classic sandwiches were feeding people everywhere, from corner diners to train stations.

This vintage-style sandwich chart shows forty of the most recognizable sandwiches ever created. Some are American workhorses, like the Reuben, the Patty Melt, and the Cheesesteak. Others come from around the world — banh mi, torta, gyro, croque monsieur.

Different cultures, different ingredients, yet the same idea.

Encyclopedia of Sandwiches

Miami may be famous for the Cuban sandwich, but the city’s sandwich scene pulls inspiration from all over that list. You can find cheesesteaks, tortas, Italian deli sandwiches, and modern creations all across town.

This article originally appeared on The Burger Beast.

Miami is not lacking in burger options. The problem is separating the places that actually understand burger fundamentals from the endless stream of overbuilt, hype-driven creations.

This guide exists for that exact reason. No rankings, no artificial scoring, just real-world eating experiences from kitchens across Miami that take burgers seriously (or at least try to).

Some of these spots are already part of the conversation around the best burgers in Miami; others are the kinds of places that quietly earn repeat visits without marketing noise. Either way, the only thing that matters here is what happens between the bun.

This page will evolve the only way a burger guide should: eating, revisiting, updating then repeating.

What’s InsideBetween Two BunsCheeseburger BabyCowy BurgerDuffy’s TavernEdan BistroJohnMartin’sThe Window at The JoyceLala’s Burgers and FriesSide Chick Food TruckSkinny Louie’sSmash Bros BurgersYoyo’s BurgersFinal ThoughtsEven More Miami BurgersBetween Two BunsThe Smashadilla — Between Two Buns’ burger-quesadilla hybrid.

Their food truck might be gone, but the storefront is the best thing that could’ve happened to Between Two Buns. The Smashadilla alone justifies the visit: chopped patties, maduros, smash sauce, melted cheese, and all the fixings. Same ingredients: Smashadilla > Miami Smash Burger.

The Island Smash Burger

If I’m not hitting up the Smashadilla, then the double Island Smash with roasted pineapple, jalapeños, melted cheese, BBQ sauce, and crispy fried onions gets my nod. Minor grievance: they no longer serve hand-breaded chicken strips for adults, so bring your kids and steal theirs, like any respectable parent would.

Between Two Buns
12932 SW 120th St, Miami, FL
betweentwobuns.miami

Cheeseburger BabyCheeseburger Baby, a longtime Miami Beach burger institution.

Cheeseburger Baby is one of the rare South Beach survivors that never chased trends, and the burgers are exactly why. These are unapologetically classic diner-style burgers built around sear, melted cheese, crispy ass bacon, and proper execution.

[image error]Classic bacon cheeseburger from Cheeseburger Baby.

The patties deliver that familiar, greasy comfort that works just as well at midnight as it does in the middle of the day. What stands out most is consistency.

After more than two decades, the flavor profile and cooking technique remain reliably locked in. In a neighborhood known for constant turnover, that kind of burger stability is almost unheard of.

Cheeseburger Baby
1505 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach, FL
cheeseburgerbaby.net

Cowy BurgerCowy Burger takes home the Judge’s Choice Award at the South Beach Wine & Food Festival Burger Bash.

Cowy Burger earned its following through pop-ups before the Wynwood storefront, and the same thing that built the buzz still holds up: the burger is on point. The Cowy Burger keeps the beef in control, with American cheese, grilled onions, bacon jam, and house sauce on a potato roll with a sweetness shows up, but doesn’t take over.

A close-up look at Cowy Burger’s signature smash burger in Wynwood.

The smash has the crust you want, and it stays consistent enough that you don’t feel like you’re gambling on that Maillard reaction. If you want something sharper, the Pickle Rick hits harder with bacon and pickles, but the original remains the better .

Cowy Burger
 223 NW 23rd Street, Miami, FL
 cowyburger.com

Duffy’s TavernThe Hickory Burger at Duffy’s Tavern

Duffy’s Tavern has been a West Miami constant since 1955, long before the neighborhood’s dining landscape started evolving. The burgers lean into that same old-school mindset with straightforward builds and proper char.

The Hickory Burger delivers exactly what you expect from a classic pub burger. Nothing about it feels engineered for social media; it’s built to satisfy regulars. This kind of consistency is what has kept folks coming back for decades.

Duffy’s Tavern
 2108 SW 57th Avenue, Miami, FL
 Instagram | Facebook

Edan BistroEdan Bistro’s Txuleta Basque Burger paired with thick-cut fries.

The Txuleta Basque Burger is no ordinary burger. What sets it apart is that they use the dry-aged ribeye from their popular Txuleta (their signature steak everyone’s been talking about), so you get that rich, beefy flavor.

Then, they layer on roasted red bell pepper sauce, which adds a nice sweetness and smokiness. It is topped off with slightly tangy Ibarra peppers and Idiazabal cheese, which has a nutty, smoky thing going on.

All this good stuff is tucked into a toasted bun. And, of course, it comes with hand-cut steak fries—the good kind: thick, crispy on the outside, and soft inside. They know how to make fries.

Edan Bistro
650 NE 125th St, North Miami, FL
edanbistro.com

This is an excerpt from ThankfulMonster who wrote the original post about Edan Bistro and is the owner of that beautiful burger and fries picture.

JohnMartin’sJohn Martin’s Irish Pub on Miracle Mile in Coral Gables

JohnMartin’s doesn’t rely on its burger menu, which makes the execution more interesting. The kitchen treats them like well thought out dishes rather than menu filler.

The Signature Burger is the clear standout. Caramelized onions, roasted pork belly, and Tallegio truffle fondue sound excessive on paper, but are surprisingly balanced.

John Martin’s Signature Burger

The Bacon Smash leans into texture/sear with a straightforward build that benefits from restraint. This revamped Coral Gables institution has returned to its burger glory.

JohnMartin’s Irish Pub
253 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables, FL
johnmartinsmiami.com

The Window at The JoyceThe Window at The Joyce on Española Way.

The Window at The Joyce isn’t trying to reinvent the burger; it’s aiming for perfect execution. The patties have that well-developed crust that tells you someone in the kitchen is hyper-focused on technique.

Flavor-wise, everything is balanced, what we expect from a classic burger: beef forward, properly seasoned, and toppings that support, not overwhelm. No gimmicks necessary.

A properly executed burger from The Window at The Joyce.

Since the Joyce burger is chef-driven, there is restraint, which is rare in Miami Beach, where expensive, over-the-top creations rule.

After three years of development, these burgers eat like something that’s been obsessively dialed in, and I’m here for it.

The Window at The Joyce
448 Española Way, Miami Beach, FL
thejoycerestaurant.com

Lala’s Burgers and FriesThe Jefe Smash, Lala’s most balanced burger.

Lala’s Burgers and Fries feels like a concept still sorting itself out, and the burgers reflect that. They’ve switched back and forth between thick and smash burgers a couple of times. The patties are unusually large for smash burgers, altering the eating experience and pushing them closer to griddled territory.

When everything lines up, the flavor is solid, and the beef quality is obvious. The Jefe stands out as the most cohesive build, delivering the kind of balance a smash burger should have.

Consistency, however, is the recurring issue. The execution can vary, and smash burgers are unforgiving when technique drifts even slightly.

There’s clear potential here, but refinement matters more than expansion. Tightening the format would immediately elevate the burgers.

Lala’s Burgers and Fries
 13750 SW 88th St, Miami, FL
 Instagram

Side Chick Food TruckBacon Jalapeño Double Smash Burger from The Side Chick Food Truck.

The Side Chick food truck’s burgers follow a simple yet effective formula: aggressive smash technique, pronounced crust, with a flavor that’s unapologetically rich. The Bacon Jalapeño Double Smash hits hard, with the beef bacon bringing a deeper, more savory profile than the usual pork version.

This burger works because the textures stay dialed in. The dry rub chicken tenders and elote fry are worth mentioning, too, but the burgers are the real reason to make the stop.

The Side Chick at Westar Gas Station
 6776 SW 117th Avenue, Miami, FL
 thesidechickmia.com

Skinny Louie’sSkinny Louie’s storefront in Wynwood, Miami

Skinny Louie’s hit Wynwood like a tornado. Influencers rushed in immediately, declaring it the next big thing, which is usually a warning sign. Then came the hardware: Judge’s Choice wins at both the South Beach Burger Bash and the NYC Burger Bash in 2025. That’s not easy to pull off.

The Skinny Louie’s Cheeseburger is a very well-executed smash burger with a proper crust. Strong branding aside, the fundamentals are clearly dialed in.

The Skinny Louie’s smash cheeseburger

But here’s the lingering issue. The burger that earned those awards isn’t actually on the regular menu. Until that changes, there’s always going to be a question mark hanging over the hype.

Skinny Louie’s
322 NW 24th St, Miami, FL
skinnylouie.com

Smash Bros BurgersSmash Bros Burgers and Shakes storefront on Biscayne Boulevard in Miami.

Smash Bros Burgers and Shakes pulled me in with the promise of beef tallow, a detail that immediately sets it apart from most current playbooks. The OG Smash is technically sound. It has a proper crust, perfect melt on the cheese, and a build grounded in classic smash burger mechanics which eats exactly how it looks. Unfortunately that is both its strength and its limitation in a city saturated with similarly styled burgers.

Truffle Wagyu Burger

The Truffle Wagyu Burger, however, has more personality, largely because the richer beef and truffle mayo push the flavor profile beyond standard territory without wrecking the balance. The beef tallow fries deserve their reputation, but the burgers are executed well enough to justify a return visit.

Smash Bros Burgers and Shakes
2925 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL
smashbros.co

Yoyo’s BurgersYoYo’s Burgers storefront in Miami, originally launched as a food truck near Zoo Miami.

YoYo’s Burgers just turned six years old, and this was somehow my first visit. They started as a food truck near Zoo Miami, but the real draw for me was hearing they make their own croquetas and serve sliders, an easy way to get my attention.

Sliders at YoYo’s Burgers — small format, big flavor.The smash burger delivers the better crust and flavor.

The croquetas arrived first with a garlic mayo that didn’t play around. Proper sauce, the kind you keep dipping into without realizing it. When the sliders landed, one immediately took a swim in it.

I tried both burger styles, and the smash burger clearly won: better crust, more flavor, more impact. The thicker patty was solid, but smash burgers live and die by texture, and this one delivered.

Best burger in Miami? No. But grinding their beef in-house counts, and that always carries weight.

Yoyo’s Burgers
12161 SW 152nd St, Miami, FL
yoyosburgersrestaurant.square.site

Final Thoughts

Burger conversations in Miami tend to swing wildly between social media hype and nostalgia bias. Neither reliably tells you where to eat.

What actually matters is consistency, beef quality, cooking technique, and structural balance: the same things that have defined great burgers long before Miami’s current restaurant cycle. Some places in this guide nail those fundamentals. Others show promise but need refinement.

The landscape will keep changing. Restaurants will open, close, pivot, and rebrand. That’s Miami.

This guide stays anchored to one simple filter: would you go back strictly for the burger?

Even More Miami BurgersJustin Flit’s ViceVersa Burger in Downtown Miami, Florida, picture by Thankful Monster

Here are some other great Miami burgers that have full individual reviews on Burger Beast: Are You Hungry Grill, Babe’s Meat & Counter, Burgermeister, Cuento Sandwiches, Food Truck Store, Hate Mondays Tavern, Flanigan’s, Keg South, La Birra Bar, LoKal, PINCHO, Sergio’s, Shorty’s BBQ, Smoke & Dough, Ted’s Burgers, USBS, and ViceVersa. Or maybe you’re looking for my Best Burgers in Miami list.

This article originally appeared on The Burger Beast.

I’ll call it the Miami-Dade County Fair and Exposition, but all the old-timers know it as The Youth Fair. For 21 days every year, Miami-Dade turns into a deep-fried playground of rides, games, concerts, and unapologetically over-the-top food.

As a kid of the ’80s, the rides were the main event. The double-looping rollercoaster. The slower Mark II. My parents parked themselves near the rails while we screamed our lungs out, happily chewing roasted corn and BBQ.

Everything changed once I hit driving age. Suddenly, the real attraction wasn’t the midway. It was the food. The bigger, messier, and more ridiculous, the better.

Burger Beast + Poppa Beast at The Fair 2011 with a Corn Dog

Why eat a normal corn dog when a foot-long version exists? Why ignore a stand selling slider-style burgers? And yes, the giant turkey legs have their fans, but I’m still siding with twisted creations like the Krispy Kreme Doughnut Burger.

And let’s not forget the fresh-squeezed lemonade, partly for the drink, mostly for the oversized branded cup that somehow survives years of plant-watering duty at home.

The Miami-Dade County Fair and Exposition draws hundreds of thousands of people every season. Most will tell you they’re there for the rides. I don’t believe them.

What’s InsideMiami-Dade Youth Fair 2027Miami-Dade Youth Fair 2026: Burger Beast EventsCorn Dog Eating ContestSpicy Tendies SmackdownThe Foodie AwardsYouth Fair Food ArchiveMiami-Dade Youth Fair 2027Miami-Dade County Youth Fair 75th Anniversary: March 18th, 2027

The Miami-Dade County Youth Fair returns in 2027 to celebrate its 75th Anniversary. Expect the return of fan-favorite foods, new over-the-top creations, and the Burger Beast events.

Miami-Dade Youth Fair 2026: Burger Beast Events

The Youth Fair returned from March 12 through April 5, 2026. We once again brought the madness to the Main Street Stage. Thank you to all participants and all of the attendees. We hope to see you again in 2027.

Corn Dog Eating ContestContestants compete in the Corn Dog Eating Contest at the Miami-Dade County Youth Fair.

The 2nd annual Corn Dog Eating Contest! Congratulations to “Frank the Tank” on the win.

Corn Dog Eating Contest 2026 Winner “Frank the Tank”Spicy Tendies SmackdownContestants competing in the Spicy Tendies Smackdown eating contest

The Spicy Tendies Smackdown is basically Hot Ones in chicken tender form with progressively brutal heat levels while you attempt to keep your dignity intact.

Gus Cutie celebrates after winning the Spicy Tendies Smackdown 2026.

Congratulations to Gus Cutie who ate the final spicy tendie in one bite and on being the 1st ever Spicy Tendies Smackdown champ!

The Foodie AwardsJudges (l-r) Michael Beltran, Nicole Alvar-Lopez, host Danny Rivera, Nick Peña and Ted Armas

The Foodie Awards turned fairgoers into critics. Attendees of the Youth Fair voted for their favorite new foods throughout the season.

During the live awards event, a panel of judges determined winners for Best Savory and Best Sweet from their top choices.

2026 Foodie Awards Winners

Judge’s Choice (Savory): Tacoton
Judge’s Choice (Sweet): Biscoff Funnel Cake
Fairgoer’s Choice (Savory): Crunchwrap
Fairgoer’s Choice (Sweet): Biscoff Cookie Butter Cheesecake

The Judges:

Michael Beltran (Chef/Owner of Ariete, Chug’s Diner, and Chuggie’s)
Nick Peña (thefoode)
Nicole Lopez-Alvar (Miami New Times Food Editor)
Sef Gonzalez (Burger Beast)
Ted Armas (Ted’s Burgers)

Youth Fair Food Archive

Walking the fair is a masterclass in excess. These are the foods that define the Miami-Dade Youth Fair experience.

Fair ClassicsPorky’s AnimatronicLemonade StandGiant Corn DogChunktronics is HungrySweet StuffClassic funnel cake dusted with powdered sugarWeird & WildCrispy fried pickle friesFried frozen watermelonPork ParfaitMiami-Dade Youth Fair FAQWhen is the Miami-Dade County Youth Fair 2027?

The Miami-Dade County Youth Fair’s 75th Anniversary season is set to begin on March 18, 2027. More dates, food announcements, and event details will be added here as they’re announced.

What were the winning foods at the 2026 Youth Fair Foodie Awards?

The 2026 Youth Fair Foodie Awards winners were Tacoton for Best New Food Savory (Judge’s Choice), Biscoff Funnel Cake for Best New Food Sweet (Judge’s Choice), Crunchwrap for Best New Food Savory (Fairgoer’s Choice), and Biscoff Cookie Butter Cheesecake for Best New Food Sweet (Fairgoer’s Choice).

What are the most popular foods at the Miami-Dade Youth Fair?

Some of the most popular Youth Fair foods include giant corn dogs, funnel cakes, fresh-squeezed lemonade, mini donuts, turkey legs, roasted corn, and whatever wild new fried creation everyone is talking about that year.

Are the Burger Beast events returning to the Youth Fair in 2027?

Yes, the Burger Beast events are expected to return for the 2027 Miami-Dade County Youth Fair season as part of the fair’s 75th Anniversary celebration.

Why do people call it The Youth Fair?

The official name is the Miami-Dade County Fair and Exposition, but it’s been known as The Youth Fair since it began in 1952 as a showcase for young people to present agricultural projects and creative arts, not just a carnival.

This article originally appeared on The Burger Beast.