Burger Places Think Outside the Bun

Jan 26th 2011 12:15PM / by Nanette Wiser

Hankering for a hamburger? Search out the best, from local bars to chains you can count on (Applebee's, Five Guys, Chili's, Cody' Steakhouse, Outback Steakhouse). Meet some meat you won't forget, both gourmet and unique at these one-of-a-kind restaurants.

The Bungalow: The clever bar and grill is famous for its scrumptious Bungalow Burger, a half-pounder topped with lettuce, tomato, onion and your choice of cheese. Only insiders know about its Inside Out Burger. This creative twist on the burger scene puts the bacon and cheese inside the meat -- a real change of pace from the usual fare and some of the best fries in town.
2202 W. Kennedy Blvd.; 813-253-3636
The Capital Grille: This upscale restaurant boasts an elegant alternative, chopped sirloin served with Havarti cheese on a toasted onion roll, a change-up from Velveeta. Capital offers pricey, but worth it burgers. The bonus benefit is rubbing elbows with Tampa's hoi polloi.
222 N. West Shore Blvd., International Plaza; 813-830-9433
Square One Burgers: Burger aficionados, start your engines. Local foodies are discovering this restaurant and its unique approach to burgers. For all of you who want to avoid the bun bulge, you can order yours on a bed of fresh greens. One of Square One's best-sellers is a "Build a Burger." You choose everything from the roll, or greens, to the cheese. The eatery offers 11 sauces, including sun-dried tomato mayo and teriyaki ginger. Ten toppings and four sides to choose from round out this specialty of the house.
3701 Henderson Blvd.; 813-414-0101
Tampa Bay Brewing Company: The on-site brewery serves up nine to 12 tap beers, and the heavenly hops often end up in the entrees, such as Black & Tan onion rings or Jalapeno Beer Cheese Soup. Enjoy a healthy bison burger, tangy portabello mushroom topped with goat cheese, or brie and bacon concoction, best mopped up with Old Elephant Foot IPA, a traditional India Pale Ale with intense hoppiness or the Wild Warthog Weizen.
1600 E. 8th Ave., Ybor City; 813-247-1422
Wahoo's: This eatery offers four burners on a cast iron stove and a melt-in-your-mouth beach burger made from sirloin, best consumed with a Stella Artois and tater tots. Start off with seared ahi for a memorable surf and turf lunch.
17801 Gulf Blvd., Redington Beach; 727-393-5525