In Melbourne, FL, arguing about burgers is practically a local sport—best classic cheeseburger, best gourmet creation, best late-night grease fix after a beach day. Everyone has their go-to spot, and prices swing from cheap eats to splurge-worthy stacks. But which joints truly deliver? We’ve done the delicious detective work. Here are Melbourne’s top burger havens, from quick bites to destination-worthy meals.
Applebee’s Grill + Bar
$$ | (321) 242-8488 | WEBSITE
Applebee’s Grill + Bar in Melbourne is an ideal casual restaurant for just about any occasion in between “I need a quick bite” and “let’s celebrate something simple.” But to be fair, coming here “because comfort food hits the spot” works, too. It’s always relatively easy to grab a table here, and the quality is consistently good. As a bonus, dietary restrictions are accommodated thoughtfully—so the restaurant takes particular care with gluten-free options.
If a hearty pasta dish is your thing, the Chicken Alfredo is an option you’ll be happy with here. But Applebee’s also succeeds if you go for the classics. The chicken wings shine with minimal fuss, not too oily and very flavorful, while the chicken stays tender and cooked perfectly throughout.
Culver’s
$ | (321) 305-4100 | WEBSITE
Culver’s in Melbourne raises the bar for casual burger joints so high, it smashes through the ceiling and bonks an unsuspecting seagull. For the same cost as a typical fast-food meal, it’s feasible to fill the table with a double cheeseburger, a side of crispy cod, and practically a gallon of their famous concrete mixer with hot fudge and Oreo. But a meal here is not just a good value—the burgers are downright excellent.
Patties are kept at a temperature that sizzles slightly upon contact with melted cheese and fresh toppings. Chicken is juicy and flavorful. And if you wanted to tack on some custom modifications or a seared chicken sandwich loaded with savory char and briny pickles, spontaneity pays off.
Checkers
$ | (321) 242-9902 | WEBSITE
Planning a casual burger outing with friends can be tricky if you’re unsure about everyone’s budget—especially when some insist on treating even when you say it’s not necessary, because group dynamics can be confusing. Choose a reliable spot with friendly vibes and solid fast food, like Checkers in Melbourne.
The straightforward, brightly lit dining area has enough room for small groups to gather comfortably, a visible kitchen where you can watch burgers being assembled like pure art, and consistently tasty fries. Fill your tray with everything from simply prepared Big Buford combos to shareable favorites like flavorful popped chicken wings and funnel fries, or go for the highly praised #8 Chicken Sandwich with fries and a regular orange slushy.
Burger King
$ | (321) 242-8494 | WEBSITE
Burger King is located in a clean, brightly lit building with red and yellow signage that you might overlook as just another fast-food chain. We’d advise you to not miss this place because it’s one of our favorite casual burger spots in Melbourne. For pretty low prices (a meal should run about $12 per person), the burgers and wraps are delicious, whether you’re ordering an Impossible Whopper or just a classic Whopper meal.
Plus, the staff are extremely friendly, and they provide outstanding service even during busy times, with the drive-through employee being efficient and professional.
Hardee’s
$ | (321) 676-4740 | WEBSITE
This Hardee’s in Melbourne is as classic fast-food as it gets—efficient, but still kind of cozy. Most importantly, the burgers are made fresh to order and there’s a consistency in service you don’t often find at other chains. The clean dining area with its warm lighting is good for solo diners grabbing a quick breakfast, or the occasional family that wants a reliable meal on the go.
We like pulling up to the drive-thru for the made-to-order burgers that come out promptly, highlighted by the owner’s friendly country accent. Like finding a good parking spot or your first sip of morning coffee, deciding exactly when to stop by Hardee’s can be a no-brainer, but it’s also half the charm.
City Limits Sports Bar
$ | (321) 723-2222 | WEBSITE
While City Limits Sports Bar has the casual sports bar basics covered, its connection to a bowling alley brings a more lively experience that’s still a lot of fun. This spot focuses on a game-day atmosphere, which means there’s a whole lot of other stuff happening besides burgers. But even with standout items like bone-in wings in the mix, the friendly bartenders stand out. There’s attentive service that makes you feel welcomed, a DJ playing requested music, and an enjoyable overall vibe.
All you have to do is wait through some slow moments for it all to come your way.
Burger Inn
$ | (321) 254-2211 | WEBSITE
Burger Inn is our go-to spot for classic roadside burgers. From the must-try bacon cheeseburger with pepper jack cheese to the cheeseburger with everything that features a delicious, well-cooked patty and soft bun, the burgers here are so satisfying on their own that we almost forget about the many other tasty things on their menu (looking at you, crispy onion rings that many customers say are the best they’ve ever had, and those excellent fries).
If you prefer your burgers in take-out form, they also serve consistently friendly service with orders always correct.
Drews brews and grille
$ | (321) 586-5488 | WEBSITE
There are only about a dozen tables at Drews Brews and Grille, and with the outdoor patio filling up quickly during peak hours, you might want to arrive early to snag a spot. They serve such excellent burgers that you should make the trip to this beachside spot. This is a wonderfully casual, dog-friendly grille where you can get a fantastic burger with fries and onion rings for around $18, and the friendly staff will happily tell you about the burger of the month special.
The menu always features crispy wings, but some of our recent favorites were the thick, juicy classic cheeseburger and the special burger topped with crispy bacon and melted cheddar.
Doghouse Pizza-Melbourne
$ | (321) 610-3050 | WEBSITE
Despite the unassuming commercial building housing Doghouse Pizza, the atmosphere inside is welcoming and laid back. Light fills the clean layout and staff chat warmly with regulars. It’s a great spot for family dinners, casual lunches, or even trying their unique garlic-crust pizza for the first time.
While each bite of that signature pizza—with its garlic-infused crust, tangy sauce, and generous toppings—has us smiling alongside families at nearby tables, their selection of fun sodas steals the show. They’re fizzy, flavorful, and more refreshing than a classic root beer float.
Steak ‘n Shake
$ | (321) 953-3080 | WEBSITE
This is a grab-and-go burger joint where everyone is united—college students, families on a budget, and locals who thought a good meal had to be expensive. And despite the fact that the clean dining room feels like the setting of a classic American diner, this under-$10 meal delivers the same kind of burger satisfaction you would expect from a place that’s been doing this for decades.
Orders are placed at a kiosk, and while the self-service system is straightforward and efficient (they keep the line moving quickly), being that close to the food is worth it. Donna and the team will customize your shake based on what you’re craving, throw in an extra fry here and there, and want to make sure everyone’s happy, whether that’s with the generous kid-friendly portions or the classic burger and fries combo.
Kelly’s Burgers & Beer
$ | (321) 610-4580 | WEBSITE
Kelly’s Burgers & Beer opened in Melbourne, FL as a casual pub with pool tables, darts, and a good-sized bar with multiple TVs. Try to have dinner during one of their Bluegrass nights, which is a lively, comfortable space in the sports bar where you’ll watch the game and relax while someone periodically drops in to give you burgers and beer. Every burger you’ll get here is generous, cooked perfectly, and has the highest flavor-to-cost ratio in the area.
Not to mention that there are always exciting specials like the savory meatloaf or perfectly seasoned wings. Everything is pretty reasonable for the quality and tastes just as great in the spacious dining area if you can’t get into the bar section.
Jimmy Hula’s at Pineda Crossing
$ | (321) 421-7546 | WEBSITE
Jimmy Hula’s at Pineda Crossing is another family-friendly burger spot in a city where those are not too hard to come by, but this is one you should be prioritizing. Whatever you need to do to get to this Pineda Crossing location, be prepared to do it. If it takes bribing your kids with extra screen time, promising your spouse you’ll do the dishes for a week, and mapping out the quickest route through traffic, so be it.
The $15 meal includes fresh bites like flavorful tacos made with succulent ingredients and a casual vibe that feels like a backyard barbecue. But just wait till the outdoor seating comes into view—there are few moments more relaxing than receiving a delicious signature dish as if it were a sunny afternoon picnic. And don’t skip the bar area that is generously staffed with attentive servers who keep your drinks refilled after every sip you take.
IHOP
$ | (321) 426-9655 | WEBSITE
We’ve visited IHOP for a quick weekday breakfast at the counter, a leisurely weekend brunch in a cozy booth, and even popped in for a late-night stack of pancakes after a movie. We can confirm—this is one of the most reliable burger spots in Melbourne. If you’re new here, you might not know that IHOP has been serving classic American comfort food for decades, with a consistency that keeps regulars coming back.
If you’re only going to try one of their burgers, make it the classic cheeseburger with a side of crispy hash browns. You’ll get a perfectly grilled patty with melted American cheese, fresh lettuce, tomato, and pickles on a soft bun. For any casual meal where you want friendly service and familiar flavors without breaking the bank—expect to spend around $15–$20 per person—you’ll want to do it here.
Island IX
$ | (321) 305-5946 | WEBSITE
If you have a mutual love for Wagyu burgers and sweet potato tots, Island IX is the casual burger spot in Melbourne for you. Everything on the menu comes with a welcoming atmosphere and friendly service. Any burger you get is made with quality ingredients, but is priced very reasonably. And, the cinnamon on the sweet potato tots will probably make your taste buds tingle (in a good way). As for other options, the Lobster Roll is the best thing here.
It’s fresh, flavorful, and comes with a unique cane sugar soda for sipping.
Friendly’s
$ | (321) 777-5035 | WEBSITE
Melbourne has plenty of burger joints, from fast-food drive-thrus to places that specialize in gourmet patties, and even somewhere that’s known for its towering challenge burgers. The best family-friendly burger experience in town, however, is at Friendly’s. We’d come here just for the bacon cheeseburger, which is consistently delicious, but you should also take advantage of their sit-down service. It includes friendly waitresses with a good sense of humor and longtime employees like Mrs.
Jane, who are among the nicest people you’ll meet. The atmosphere is welcoming, with clean surroundings and a classic dairy bar feel, though some areas could use updating. Compared to other options like Steak & Shake, Friendly’s offers table service without kiosks, making the experience more enjoyable for families looking to relax over a meal. And don’t forget to save room for dessert—their large sundaes are amazing.
El Chico Mexican Restaurant
$ | (321) 722-4622 | WEBSITE
El Chico Mexican Restaurant is like two different Mexican restaurants in one. By night, it’s a lively spot for a festive dinner with generous portions and tableside guacamole. By day, it’s more relaxed, and the best-kept lunchtime Mexican secret in the city. For around $12.50, you get a hearty plate of El Caballero with rice and beans, plus chips and salsa. We like this place for either option, especially after working up an appetite exploring Melbourne.
The Burger Experience
$$ | (321) 951-9777 | WEBSITE
Everything at this Melbourne spot is stellar (especially the baby-back ribs special if it’s available). But know that no matter what, you’re going to be served excellent burgers—from juicy patties to crispy fries—and wings, complete with four sides of varying richness from the same meal. Their dinner for two is $45, but for a full slab of fall-off-the-bone ribs, four sides, and an appetizer or dessert, it’s kind of a steal.
A meal here is a great way to have an exceptional burger experience without paying nearly as much as you would at other BBQ joints.
The Roots Restaurant Tavern
$ | (321) 220-0636 | WEBSITE
We can’t remember the last bland, mass-produced breakfast sandwich we grabbed. Not because we don’t eat them, but because they’re almost all forgettable. Enter The Roots Restaurant Tavern, a cozy hidden gem in Melbourne that works wonders with fluffy pancakes and perfectly cooked eggs.
They also serve an impressive breakfast menu featuring the must-try Chicken Fried Steak, Breakfast Poutine, and Breakfast Burrito—dishes that rival the morning fare at Florida’s fanciest brunch spots—but cost about half the price. And if the charming, train-side seating looks full at any given moment, just wait a few minutes for one of the friendly, attentive servers to help you find a spot.
Wendy’s
$ | (321) 253-5999 | WEBSITE
This fast-food chain has locations across the country, and their outpost near the Brevard Zoo has quickly become a burger staple in Melbourne for a few reasons. Even though the bright setting feels like you’re in a clean, family-friendly space with efficient service around you, the atmosphere is welcoming and relaxed, and there’s ample opportunity to chat with the friendly staff like Andrew, Justin, and Connie.
Throughout your visit, you’ll receive consistently tasty items from their robust menu, with breakfast options and crispy chicken sandwiches that are satisfying without being over the top, like warm nuggets, hot burgers, and fresh fries. It’s the perfect place for anybody wanting to grab a quick meal with kids after a zoo visit, while also being reliable for somebody who stops by for their favorite pink lemonade multiple times a week.
Paris Banh Mi
$ | (321) 445-8450 | WEBSITE
Paris Banh Mi is a casual spot in Brevard that feels like a peaceful Vietnamese market stall. There are beautiful display cases, clean counters, and fresh ingredients arranged as if a perfect banh mi was being assembled at any moment. And it’s very difficult to have a bad meal here. You’ll find tasty banh mi, ramen, and Vietnamese-inspired dishes that are made with quality assembly like pork dumplings and shrimp dumplings. Anything that’s freshly made here is also going to be delicious.
