National Burger Day gets a Florida twist at Florida Boy Burger

Fort Myers, Fla. (WINK) — National Burger Day usually brings thoughts of classic cheeseburgers and fries, but Florida Boy Burger in Fort Myers is taking burgers far beyond the traditional bun.

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The locally owned restaurant has built a following across Southwest Florida for its creative, “Old Florida” inspired menu filled with bold flavors, house-made sauces, and unexpected twists on classic comfort food. The restaurant serves fresh, never-frozen beef and Florida-inspired dishes that lean into the state’s outdoorsy culture and Gulf Coast roots.

Located on Fowler Street in Fort Myers and in Cape Coral, the restaurant first gained attention for its over-the-top burger creations and unique menu names inspired by Florida landmarks and culture. Since opening, the company has expanded with a second location in Cape Coral.

While traditional burgers remain a major draw, Florida Boy Burger has become known for serving burgers in unconventional ways.

One standout item is the “General Lee,” which swaps a standard bun for steamed bao buns in a playful take on a classic burger. The restaurant also offers burger-inspired salads and bowls for customers looking for lighter options without giving up bold flavors.

Each burger is completely different and unique. The 'Black Rambo' is a beef patty topped with an alligator sausage, b blackened crab meat, spicy pimento cheese, pickled red onion and arugula tossed in the restaurant's Florida Boy' citrus vinaigrette.

Front of house manager, Rubie Lolly, says this place does beyond foody, "The restaurant has become known for its lively atmosphere and Florida-themed branding. It's also my safe space. I want this place to be packed with happy, lively people everyday."

Lolly said that many people request burgers without buns. So, Florida Boy Burger has started to do 'bowls.' Like the 'Swamp Ceaser' that has romaine lettuce, crab, lardon, house-made croutons and shaved pecorino.

As National Burger Day celebrates one of America’s favorite foods, Florida Boy Burger is proving there are plenty of ways to reinvent the classic burger while still keeping the flavors that make it a staple.