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. Read on 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.
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!
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
Indulge in our signature Candied Bacon BBQ Burger, elevated to new heights with cheddar cheese, caramelized sweet onions, tangy barbecue sauce, and homemade candied bacon. A sweet and savory masterpiece that will leave you craving for more! Visit The Wicked Wheel today and treat your taste buds to a wild ride!
Rudy’s Country Store and Bar-B-Q
14501 Panama City Beach Pkwy, PCB | (850) 588-1996
rudysbbq.com
The same original recipes that built Rudy’s reputation in Leon Springs, Texas, are now available throughout the South. Come in and enjoy our famous Texas-style Bar-B-Q, beans, chili, corn on the cob and much more. Celebrate the next holiday Texas-style.
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.
The Pancakery
13800 Panama City Beach Pkwy, PCB | (850) 588-5077
thepancakery.com
For lunch, enjoy a hot and tasty Hotsy Burger, made with a delicious blend of hot sausage and ground beef. Half pound dressed with lettuce, tomatoes, onion served with a a pickle spear and home fries. Customize it with cheese, mushrooms or bacon to make it your personal favorite.
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.
