Are you looking for the best burger in Gainesville, Florida?
Well, look no further!
Gainesville is a chill place to visit in Florida. It carries the classic college town vibe and resonates with everyone.
You may not think much about it being a foodie destination, but Gainesville, Florida, has some of the best burgers in the state!
So, if you’re looking for the best burger spot in Gainesville, then these top ten places will help you decide.
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Best Burgers in Gainesville at a Glance:
- Looseys Bar: This is THE place to be if you want a great classic American burger and a place to hang out with your friends downtown Gainesville (Try the Classic Beef Burger on a butter toasted challah)
- The Top: The menu here is just as unique as their quirky and cool vibes (Try the Messi Signature Burger with Argentinian chorizo)
- Swamp Religion: People travel hundreds of miles to make sure they try one of their famous burgers on the menu (Try the Cajun Shrimp Burger)
- Relish Big Tasty Burgers: It has seriously huge portions at a very affordable range that are sooooo good (Try the Big Tasty Dawg Burger with 1/4 Pound of 100% All Beef)
Keep reading to find out more of my favorite burger spots in Gainesville and why I love them!
1. Spurriers Gridiron Grille
This Gainesville burger place is definitely a winner in more ways than one!
Laden with memorabilia belonging to Steve Spurrier including rings, trophies, and gear, along with his Heisman trophy too you know you are going to be served only the best.
Why We Love This Burger Spot in Gainesville, Florida
But Spurriers Gridiron Grille is not just for football fanatics or Spurrier fans. Anyone who loves to sink their teeth into a good burger will enjoy this restaurant!
It is an exciting 600-square-foot location with both indoor seating and outdoor, including a rooftop bar, it has something for everyone!
Best Burger on the Menu at Spurriers Gridiron Grille
This is the home to the legendary Spurriers Bacon Cheeseburger! The patty is made from their signature short rib, brisket, and chuck blend with bacon and white cheddar along with fresh topping on a brioche bun.
For those that prefer meatless, they have an incredible House Made Veggie Burger made from organic red quinoa, black-eyed peas, and sweet potato.
Location: 4860 Steve Spurrier Way, Gainesville, FL 32608, United States
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2. Loosey’s Bar
Loosey’s Bar or in Gainesville, the Loosey’s Downtown is your classic fast-food stop.
Salads, sandwiches, and snacks are served here but making the best burger in Gainesville is Loosey’s Bar’s forte.
Why We Love This Burger Spot in Gainesville, Florida
This is THE place to be if you want a classic American burger with a great burger and a place to hang out with your friends downtown.
It’s not the fanciest but you’ll love the down-to-earth staff that will make sure you have the best time while visiting Gainesville, Florida.
Loosey’s serves an Impossible Burger, made entirely from plant-based meat which is a great option if you’re trying to avoid beef.
Best Burger on the Menu at Loosey’s
You can’t go wrong with the classic Beef Burger that comes from a locally raised Florida cattle ranch with the beef chargrilled how you like on a butter-toasted challah.
This is why it’s one of the best burgers in Gainesville, Florida!
Location: 120 SW 1 Ave, Gainesville, FL 32601
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3. Mac’s Drive-Thru
A quaint drive-thru, Mac’s Drive-Thru specializes in making burgers so good, you’ll be singing its praises.
Simple but delicious, Mac’s burgers are definitely THE best in Gainesville and a true staple to the city!
Why We Love This Burger Spot in Gainesville, Florida
I love that this is a family-owned and operated business that was founded by Glen McMillan in 1987 with his two sons, Jon and Ken.
There’s also no fluff with their burgers (which I love) and you’ll get a consistent foodie experience each time you go!
The service is fast and efficient, which makes for a much better experience if you’re on a short lunch break from work or school.
Please note that they are open Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Best Burger on the Menu at Mac’s Drive-Thru
Indulge in their finest, yet classic Hamburger or cheeseburger with a side of fries and a tasty iced tea or strawberry beverage.
Location: 129 NW 10th Ave, Gainesville, FL 32601
4. Swamp Religion
I did say not to sleep on Gainesville for your foodie adventure right???
With the Swamp Religion Food Truck, you will have one of the BEST burgers not only in Gainesville but in the entire state of Florida!
People travel hundreds of miles to make sure they try one of Swamp Religion’s famous burgers on the menu.
Why We Love This Burger Spot in Gainesville, Florida
You’ll love the variety here; there’s shrimp, gator, chicken, crab, and bacon to try from!
In addition to mouthwatering wings and sandwiches that make Swamp Religion the local favorite burger spot in Gainesville, Florida.
I just love how nice the staff is and how affordable the food is here which averages about $12 to $15 per person.
Plus, it’s a black-owned business in the heart of Gainesville, Florida!
Best Burger on the Menu at Swamp Religion
If you didn’t get the Cajun Shrimp Burger, did you really go to Swamp Religion?!?
The Cajun Shrimp Burger is an absolute must-have when you’re visiting Gainesville, Florida. It will blow your mind!
Location: 904 East University Gainesville, Fl 32601
5. The Top (Main Street)
The Top has the perfect Florida Hipster vibe.
It’s a casual spot for catching up with friends, diving into a mouthwatering burger, drinking a beer, and indulging in delicious desserts.
Why We Love This Burger Spot in Gainesville, Florida
This Gainesville burger place has become a true local favorite for its delicious signature burgers featuring 6 different patties to choose from.
The menu here is just as unique as The Top’s quirky and cool vibes!
They even let you create your own burger so everyone’s taste buds can be satisfied. From a fried egg, chimichurri, seitan bacon to chèvre, or bleu cheese you can build your own signature burger making this one of the best burger spots in Gainesville.
Plus they have an arcade bar, an indoor and outdoor bar, and it’s dog-friendly what more could you ask for!
Best Burgers on the Menu at The Top (Main Street)
The Messi Signature Burger is hands down one of the best. It comes with Argentinian chorizo, aged provolone, chimichurri, and fried onions and you can add a fried egg to make it a “Messi a Caballo.”
The Widow Maker brings some stiff competition in the field of flavors. It is infused with a chili-espresso rub, fried onions, bacon, cremini mushrooms, aged white cheddar, smoked gouda, lettuce, tomato & pickles.
It is more than a burger, it is an experience!
Location: 30 N Main St, Gainesville, FL 32601
6. Dick Mondell’s
We’re at another local favorite of Gainesville, Dick Mondell’s, who takes the game of buns up a notch.
Introducing its own impeccable flair and artistry to the foodie world in Gainesville, Dick Mondell’s burgers are another simple, yet delicious option on this list.
Why We Love This Burger Spot in Gainesville, Florida
Dick Mondell’s provides consistency in flavor and quality, so you can always count on the same incredible taste each time.
I’m a fan of the hometown vibe you get here and that it’s super close to some of the fun Gainesville hangout spots like 4th Ave. Park!
Best Burger on the Menu at Dick Mondell’s
Go for the Original Big Dick burger on the menu or the Herbed Chicken Burger, an all-natural Joyce Farm patty with fresh pickles and Dick’s special sauce.
Trust me when I say that you can’t go wrong with these two options!
Location: 412 SW 4th Ave, Gainesville, FL 32601
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7. Vegan Gators
Vegans and vegetarians are excited that there is finally a 100% plant-based option in Gainesville.
But you don’t need to be a vegan to fall in love with the delicious burgers and food here at Vegan Gators.
Why We Love This Burger Spot in Gainesville, Florida
Vegan Gator is an entirely plant-based food truck that not only offers mouthwatering vegan burgers, but its menu includes wings and loaded fries.
Prepared with locally sourced ingredients these artisanal burgers have phenomenal flavor topped with incredible homemade sauces. These burgers have put Vegan Gators up in amongst the best burger places in Gainesville that even non-vegans will keep coming back for more!
So come out and give it a try every Monday for Meatless Monday in Gainesvilles backyard at the 4th Ave Food Park. Or stay up to date to find out where they are during the week.
Best Burgers on the Menu at Vegan Gators
The Siiikedelic Mushroom Burger is a favorite with sauteed mushrooms, mushroom gravy, vegan white cheese, garlic aioli, lettuce, tomato, and pickle.
But the Vegan Cowboy Burger with braised BBQ jackfruit, crispy onion straws, sauteed mushrooms, and house sauce is a strong contender too.
Be sure to pair your burger with their White Truffle and Rosemary fries made with garlic aioli, truffle oil, rosemary, and herbs, these alone are worth the visit!
Hipster Power Tip: Be sure to visit during Happy Hour Sunday through Thursday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m and late night Friday-Saturday 10 p.m. to 12 a.m.
8. Five Guys
If you’re hesitant to try something new, then turn to your favorite restaurant chain, Five Guys, which is taking Gainesville by storm.
Relish in a light, hearty meal from a diverse menu at Five Guys Gainesville.
Why We Love This Burger Spot in Gainesville, Florida
You probably already know this, but Five Guys really listens to the customers; it offers free toppings for customers to add.
You can’t go wrong here and it’s another simple, yet delicious burger on this list.
Best Burger on the Menu at Five Guys Burger Bar
All burgers at Five Guys are among the best in Gainesville, but the Bacon Cheeseburger gives you that extra crunch and flavor.
So, definitely try that burger while you’re at Five Guys.
Location: 4222 NW 16th Blvd, Gainesville, FL 32605, United States
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9. Relish Big Tasty Burgers
Relish Big Tasty Burgers is a widespread chain that has been presenting tender, flavorsome burgers since 2009.
Aimed to achieve perfection, Relish Big Tasty Burgers provides exactly that and is heaven on a plate.
Why We Love This Burger Spot in Gainesville, Florida
I love the fact that Relish Big Tasty Burgers knows its customers! It has seriously huge portions at a very affordable range that are sooooo good.
With the variety of toppings to choose from, delicious fries, and cheap eats, you’ll be glad you gave it a chance.
Best Burger on the Menu at Relish Big Tasty Burgers
You must try The Big Tasty Dawg burger! It will give your taste buds a kick so strong, they’ll be begging for more.
It’s smoky, juicy and 1/4 Pound 100% All Beef!
Location: 3841 SW Archer Rd # F, Gainesville, FL 32608 (multiple locations in Gainesville)
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10. Culver’s
Culver’s is a fast-food chain that promises its customers a good time.
Succulent burgers made from Midwest beef and spiced with excellence and is one of the best burger spots in Gainesville, Florida.
Why We Love This Burger Spot in Gainesville, Florida
Not only can you get a succulent burger here, but Culver’s has really good frozen custard, a very much-needed treat after a hot Florida day.
I love the fact that although you’re technically eating at a fast food chain, the high quality of food makes you forget that you’re at a quick service restaurant.
Best Burger on the Menu at Culver’s
You’ll want to try The Culver’s Bacon Deluxe Burger with hand-cut fries and a side of salad while you’re here.
Be sure to also try the Wisconsin Cheese Curds, the Chilli Cheddar Fries, and the Spicy Crispy Chicken Sandwich!
Location: 4036 SW 30th Pl, Gainesville, FL 32608
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My Final Thoughts on the Best Burgers in Gainesville, Florida
There you have, the top ten BEST burger restaurants in Gainesville!
You won’t be able to choose one as each place has a specialty of its own, though I suggest you try at least half of them if you can!
These places deliver satisfaction, perfection, and efficiency, and even if you’re carrying a lightweight wallet, you’ll be pleased to know these places are surprisingly cheap.
What’s expensive is the experience you’ll get because it will be priceless.
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- 15 Things to Do in Gainesville at Night: A List of Places to Go When You’re Bored
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Until next time, Happy Florida Travels!
About the Author
My name is NikkyJ. I’m a wife, a mother, a pharmacist turned theme park blogger, USA Today 10Best Contributor, and a writer who loves exploring all the hidden gems of Florida!
I was born and raised in Leesburg, Florida which attributes to my passion about for this amazing state.
I want to show you how you can create your own memories while discovering the Sunshine State!
Connect with me on Instagram!
Get More Gainesville travel planning tips right here!
(Original Article Date: September 14, 2021/Updated by Editor on May 3, 2024)