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.

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

Photo by @hungryyhippiee

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.

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

Photo by @thewanderingconk

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.

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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Rilee moved to Lakeland, Florida from her hometown of Sioux Falls, South Dakota in 2016. In 2021, she joined 6AM City as a City Editor for LALtoday. Now, she supports 6AM’s growing markets as a Managing Editor. Rilee’s interests include reading, teaching yoga + pilates, and taking her dog for walks around Lake Hollingsworth.
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