Patch Picks: 5 Great Burgers

1.) (3121 4th St. N): A true neighborhood spot, where you can get a burger and a beer. Either sit inside in the air-conditioned dining room or out back at picnic tables in a screened-in porch. Burgers are only part of the extensive menu, but are a favorite. The cost is $6.50-$7.50. Menu options include Cheese, Bacon-Cheese, Chili, Blue Max, Patty Melt, Alpine (mushrooms and Swiss). Burgers are made with choice ground beef and come with lettuce, tomato, pickle, on a butter-toasted bun.

2.)  (111 3rd Street N):  Five Guys couldn’t be more plain and no-frills. But that’s fine with burger lovers who come for the juicy, fresh-cooked double burgers with unlimited toppings, the hot and salty fries and the boxes of peanuts. Burgers are $5 to $6 for the standard double-burger, with cheese and/or bacon. The grilled hot dogs are underrated. This is more of a take-out joint or a quick lunch spot. Part of a fast-growing national chain, with other stores in Pinellas Park, Clearwater and Tampa.

3.) El Cap (3500 4th St. N): St. Petersburg’s traditional favorite for burgers, El Cap has been around forever. And regulars say it hasn’t changed much. Burgers are hefty, described as a 1/3 pounder for about $5. You can eat inside or outside on the patio overlooking 4th Street. This is definitely a bar atmosphere. OK for adults, but probably not the place to bring kids.

4.) (Albert Whitted Airport, 540 1st St. SE):  The Hangar advertises its burgers as the best in St. Petersburg, and it’s a good one: flattop-griddled half-pounder served on a buttered Kaiser roll. And this is the most upscale place on our list. You can visit with your parents, kids, spouse or date and feel comfortable. Only problem here is the price, especially in comparison to the others on our list: $8 for the plain burger, then $1 extra for cheese, bacon or any other extras. Considering the burger's size, the cost is not excessive, and you are sure to walk (waddle?) away full. Still, it can get expensive quickly.

5.) (200 1st Ave N): The least-known spot on the list gets fabulous ratings from online foodies. This downtown lunch spot sells a three-quarter pounder for $3.75, $4 with cheese, $4.50 with bacon. Fans rave about the size and freshness of the burgers.