By Jack Smith
Hamburgers may well be considered America’s favorite food, but the origins of the hamburger are fuzzy at best.
The Germans claim it started in Hamburg (hence the name, hamburger), influenced in turn by 12th century Mongolians’ steak tartare. In the 19th century, beef from German Hamburg cows was minced and combined with garlic, onions, salt and pepper, then formed into patties (without bread or a bun) to make Hamburg steaks. Given the quality of Hamburg beef, these early burgers were considered gourmet and were pricey. When German immigrants arrived in New York and Chicago, many opened restaurants and featured the Hamburg steak, an Americanized version of the German offering.
Fletcher Davis claims to have invented the hamburger, putting ground beef between two pieces of Texas Toast when one of his customers was in too much of a hurry to sit down for a meal. The customer walked away with his hamburger steak and seemed so content that “Old Dave” offered his new carryout meal as a staple menu item at the end of 1880 in Athens, Texas.
The Library of Congress credits Danish immigrant Louis Lassen of Louis’ Lunch, a small lunch wagon in New Haven, Connecticut, with selling the first hamburger and steak sandwich in the U.S. in 1895.
Whatever the truth, the staff of PCB Life sure has enjoyed going in search of PCB’s “Best Burger,” with lettuce and tomato. See below for our winners.
Capt. Anderson’s Restaurant
5551 N Lagoon Drive, PCB | (850) 234-2225
captandersons.com
While the young ones are enjoying a burger on the kids menu, the adults can sink their teeth into our signature steak… the Grilled Churrasco! A perfectly seasoned Nicaraguan Cut Tenderloin with grilled Bermuda Onions. Deliciously paired with a bottle of Penfolds Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz.
Boon Docks
14854 Bay View Circle, PCB | (850) 230-0005
boondocksfl.com
Located under the mighty oaks on the Intracoastal Waterway just 5 minutes from the beaches in West Bay, Boon Docks offers you a delicious array of local and regional seafood prepared in a variety of ways. We use a special blend of spices that gives our grilled items a taste like no other! Looking for something different? Try our fried or grilled shrimp burger.
The Wicked Wheel
10025 Hutchison Boulevard, PCB | (850) 588-7947
thewickedwheel.com
Take a bite out of the best burger on the beach at The Wicked Wheel – the Candied Bacon BBQ Burger! This classic Burnout Burger is grilled and smothered in cheddar cheese, caramelized sweet onion, barbecue sauce, & homemade candied bacon. Wash it all down with an ice-cold Gasoline Tea from the bar!
American Charlie
473 Richard Jackson Blvd., PCB | (850) 238-8340
americancharlie.com
American Charlie serves the biggest, juiciest burgers in town. Each patty is formed by hand and seasoned and grilled to perfection for maximum flavor. We use only the freshest lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, premium quality cheeses and homemade sauces. The entire burger is served on a warm, toasted sesame seed bun and with a heaping side of our famous fries. Each bite is more delicious than the last, so stop in and try it today!
San Marcos Mexican Grill Pier Park
101 Bluefish Drive, Suite 105, PCB | (850) 708-3097
www.sanmarcosmexicangrillpierpark.com
Beef tacos are always a winner! San Marcos Mexican Grill is a family-owned and-operated Mexican restaurant. The family is committed to serving authentic Mexican and Tex-Mex fare including handmade corn tortillas and homemade, tableside-prepared guacamole! Pair the delicious dishes with a range of margaritas, or a draft or bottled beer. You can even have your furry friends join you on the pet-friendly patio! Any day is a good day to chill at the grill.
Schooners
5121 Gulf Drive, PCB | (850) 235-3555
schooners.com
The Schooners Burger is 10 oz. of choice Angus Beef grilled to perfection. Topped with all your favorite fixin’s and served with a view… a legendary burger on the Gulf coast!
Hibachi Express & Sushi
9956 Hutchison Blvd. #500, PCB | (850) 775-1480
www.hibachiexpresssushifl.com
Try our Beef Yaki Udon! We offer authentic and delicious tasting Japanese cuisine. A convenient location and affordable prices make our restaurant a natural choice for dine-in or take-out meals. Our restaurant is known for its variety in taste and high quality fresh ingredients. Come and experience our friendly atmosphere and excellent service. You can also order online for pickup or delivery.
Señor Frogs
15005 Front Beach Road, PCB
senorfrogs.com/panama-city-beach
We’re a restaurant where the perfect mix of fun and flavor converge, just like the sand and the aquamarine sea. Have a great time with your family and friends while enjoying delicious dishes and the iconic Señor Frog’s yards. Try our delicous beach burger: 7 oz. Black Angus beef patty served on a brioche bun with choice of side. Add cheese or bacon and make it your own personalized burger heaven.
Gulf Coast Burger Company
10031 Hutchison Blvd., PCB | (850) 775-1312
gcburgerco.com
We serve the most innovative and delicious burgers on the beach! Wash it all down with a tasty Cat 5 shake! Our goal is for you to leave full, happy, and create memories you’ll never forget! Come by and see us today.
