5 best burger restaurants in Florida Keys
By Kareem Gantt
MIAMI GARDENS, FL – JANUARY 04: A detail of a palm tree outside the stadium during the Discover Orange Bowl at Sun Life Stadium on January 4, 2012 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
2. Bucktooth Rooster — Big Pine Key
Driving down U.S. 1, take a look to your left, and you’ll see a coral blue building fronted with royal palm trees.
Then, make that left into its sun-drenched driveway, and you have arrived at the Bucktooth Rooster (29943 Overseas Hwy., 305-916-5810), a cozy place where the menu is big, and the burgers are even bigger in flavor.
Since this is the Keys, the vibe in Bucktooth Rooster is down-to-earth and homey, which makes it the perfect spot to experience some of the Keys best burgers. Open when the rooster crows (that’s code for “Keys time”), Bucktooth Rooster doesn’t mess around when it comes to their food, especially the burgers.
You can try the Dreamful Cheeseburger, which comes topped with your choice of American, Swiss, Provolone, or Jack Cheddar (I recommend the Jack Cheddar), or order the Barnburner, which is slathered with Applewood smoked bacon, sauteed sweet peppers, and onions that will make you scream with joy!
If you’re trying to watch your calories (and really, this is the Keys, calories should take a back seat), Bucktooth Rooster has a mean-Veggie Burger that will make you think you’re eating an actual burger. Wash these burgers down with a cold beer, and you’re officially living the Keys life.
Now, on to our final destination, Key West!