Big, juicy, and sometimes Impossible: Polk County’s best burgers

Sink your teeth into this list to find your next triple meat, plant-based, or classic diner burger.

A hand holding a very large hamburger

Woah — Adler’s in Winter Haven is known for super juicy burgers.

We’ve been wondering where we might find the biggest, best, and juiciest burgers in Polk County. We took to Instagram to ask our followers. Here’s what some said:

Adler’s, 543 Ave. B SW, Winter Haven
This spot recommended by @cornjerker80 and other users is well-known in Polk. Try the Twitty burger for caramelized pineapple, bacon, American cheese, and mayo.

Broadway Diner, 1380 N. Broadway Ave., Bartow
Don’t skip the mushroom and Swiss burger at reader Jill W.'s recommendation.

The Burger Goat, 413 N. 12th St., Haines City
Hey, meat lovers: @taylorthe1andonly’s favorite burger spot has a triple-meat burger — The Generous — topped with egg, cheese, bacon, caramelized onions, and secret sauce.

Champs Sports Bar and Grill, 6645 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland
Stop by Reader Doug L.'s favorite recommendation for the “Best Burgers in Town” — at least, according to the menu.

The Chop Shop, 118 S. Kentucky Ave., Lakeland
Head to downtown Lakeland for @brettgarbs92’s go-to eatery. The Blue Suede Burger features blue cheese and beer-battered onion rings.

Cravin’ Haven, 3223 Dundee Rd., Winter Haven
This semi-permanent food truck with a large screened-in dining room with Reader Lynn G.'s favorite spot for a smash burger.

A hand holding a burger wrapped in checked paper

Enjoy your Super Duper Spot on one of The Joinery’s outdoor patios or in the main food hall.

Crooked Bass, 1010 N. Scenic Hwy., Babson Park
Reader Donna G. gave a shoutout to her favorite burger spot located roughly an hour from downtown Lakeland. If you make the trip, try the Black & Bleu Burger.

Decisions Grill & Bar, 1621 E. Edgewood Dr., Lakeland
You can’t go wrong with the classic cheeseburger — stop by this Edgewood spot for lunch after 11 a.m. Monday-Friday or after 12 p.m. on the weekend.

Fat Jack’s Deli & Pub, 2940 Florida Ave. S., Lakeland
This Lakeland staple suggested by @buzzandchele is the spot for your no-muss, no-fuss, classic American diner burger.

Ford’s Garage Lakeland, 879 Lakeland Park Center Dr., Lakeland
Burger lovers, rev your engines. Reader Marilyn D. recommends Ford’s Garage for the perfect burger — this menu boasts a bison burger, veggie burger, and patty melts in addition to classic handhelds.

Gaskins Barbecue and Lobster, 1614 Town Center Dr., Lakeland
Reader Steve B. boasted about this Lakeside village eatery. According to Steve, you “can’t go wrong with their burger and fries.”

Mulligan’s Sports Bar & Grill, 190 S. Idlewood Ave., Bartow
The Bartow Golf Course is host to @mrsneely77’s favorite hidden gem. Stop by for hand-made burgers and turkey burgers after your next round on the green.

LAL_Walk_Ons_Sports_ Bistreaux_June_2023

Head to Walk On’s for Cajun cuisine in a sports bar setting.

Photo by @geauxeat

Red Top Pit Stop, 12160 US Hwy. 98 N., Lakeland
Barbecue, breakfast, and burgers are always on the menu at this north Lakeland establishment. Reader Forest F. has us craving a brisket burger.

S & L Restaurant, 2915 S. Combee Rd., Lakeland

Try @austinbanttari’s go-to spot for “habit forming” burgers. For something on the lighter side, order the burger salad (read: A burger with no bun).

Subs ‘n Such, 1008 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland

You may know this classic Lakeland spot for its sub sandwiches, but reader Terri I. can’t get enough of its classic hamburgers.

Super Duper Spot, 640 E. Main St., Lakeland

Head to The Joinery on the shores of Lake Mirror for your next burger-licious bite — this spot serves both certified Angus patties and plant-based patties. Pro tip: Complete your order with a shake or frozen lemonade.

Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux, 3772 US Hwy. 98 N., Lakeland
There’s truly something for everyone at Reader Brenda L.'s recommended spot. This Cajun cuisine-serving eatery boasts big screens for sports fans.

Is your go-to burger joint missing from our list? Let us know so we can try it for ourselves.

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