The 2022 Burger Issue: The Classics
Tried and true classics from your favorite local spots.
(ROBERTO GONZALEZ)
RUSSELL’S ON LAKE IVANHOE
1414 N Orange Ave., Orlando, FL 32804
russellsorlando.com
High-end meets a casual lakeside elegance you may not find anywhere else in Orlando. Russell’s on Lake Ivanhoe, taking over from the old Mesa 21 location less than two years ago, has found its footing in this bustling area of Downtown Orlando. The compact building’s western-facing picture windows offer stellar views of the lake, bordering on its other side by the newly completed I-4. It’s a curious juxtaposition, with tranquil lake views in the foreground and busy motorists whizzing to and fro in the distance. To the south, there’s a lovely playground situated in a neighboring park, where it isn’t uncommon to watch families with young children play or see patrons taking a post-meal stroll. For the burger lovers, Russell’s offers their Russell’s Royale with cheese, a juicy house-blend patty with lettuce, beefsteak tomato, red onion, sauce, and cheese on the bottom! It’s well-balanced, and the toasted brioche bun makes the perfect burger bookends for this impressive and classic stack.
(ROBERTO GONZALEZ)
THE RAVENOUS PIG
565 W Fairbanks Ave., Winter Park, FL 32789
theravenouspig.com
Where do we start? This Winter Park staple is a classic. The Ravenous Pig, founded by the duo Petrakis, never fails to deliver a memorable meal. From the service to the ambiance to the quality of every dish served, you’ll never leave the Pig unhappy. And no Ravenous trip is complete without trying their Pub Burger, a unique (and somewhat secret) Meyer natural Angus beef that is heavily seasoned and topped with blue cheese, butter bibb lettuce, confit tomatoes, and caramelized onions. Served with perfectly proportioned and seasoned truffle fries and a house-made pickle, this is a burger you’ll crave for years to come. Eat it inside for a more upscale experience; try it on the terrace for some Fairbanks Avenue action or escape to their new Beer Garden for a casual Winter Park escapade.
(ROBERTO GONZALEZ)
THE TAP ROOM AT DUBSDREAD
549 W Par St., Orlando, FL 32804
taproomatdubsdread.com
The Tap Room knows good food. This quintessential meeting place has been consistently serving up (and winning awards for) one of the best burgers in Orlando for nearly a decade, though Dubsdread has been around since 1924. You may be thinking, “what makes their burger so special”? Two words; hand-pattied. The Tap Room’s hand-pattied burgers ensure the meat cooks evenly and allows the burger to hold its shape during cooking. They also use premium Tillamook cheddar cheese on their Tap Room Classic Burger, which melts just right while not getting too gooey!
(ROBERTO GONZALEZ)
THE PINERY
295 NE Ivanhoe Blvd Suite A, Orlando, FL 32804
thepineryorlando.com
Hulk, Smash … this burger! The Pinery might be new on the food scene in Orlando, but they are certainly masters of their craft for the grill. Set across from Lake Ivanhoe in the brand-new Lake House Apartment building, The Pinery boasts impressive Orlando history. Within its walls are repurposed railings from a 1930’s downtown Orlando bank to a larger-than-life Orlando magazine cover (known initially as The Orlando Attraction) from 1948. The Pinery sits on what was once a Pineapple plantation. Pineapples abound, from their logo to the doorknobs to the menu itself. The Ivanhoe Smashed Burger is no different. This double-patty with smoked provolone, tomato, crisp bacon, and … pineapple jam is a handheld burger lover’s dream. It’s a perfect size and expertly balanced for an elevated meal surrounded by old-Florida history and that unique Ivanhoe Village charm.
(ROBERTO GONZALEZ)
LUKE’S KITCHEN & BAR
640 S Orlando Ave., Maitland, FL 32751
eatatlukes.com
Luke’s is the third concept by Park Lights Hospitality Group. Their first two concepts are Luma on Park (a true gem that shuddered in September 2020) and Prato. Billed as an everyday neighborhood restaurant delivering culturally and community-inspired, ingredient-driven dishes offering a unique take on American cuisine, their cheeseburger is no different. It’s perfectly balanced and oh so delicious with classic toppings like lettuce, tomato, and offering a sweet onion pickle. The burger itself is cooked over an open fire grill.
Burger Bracket Challenge | Classics Only | Over the Top Burgers | Tired of Beef? | Meat-Free | Sides | Pairings | Condiments | Secret Menu | Recipe
