Drumroll, please! We’ve rounded out a list of the best burgers in and around Florence, Ky., and are certain it will keep you full for a few meals!
Repertoire Restaurant
It’s a quiet, hole-in-the-wall establishment located in a shopping strip, but don’t let that fool you. Repertoire is arguably one of the best new restaurants to open in NKY in recent years and their burgers are no different. Pictured above is their shrimp burger, which is simply amazing–read my full experience here.
They also have a “Miracle Burger” complete with bone marrow aioli, short rib marmalade, and crispy chicken skin. The Brunch Burger has avocado, bacon, cheddar, and a fried egg with chipotle aioli and served between two Belgian waffle quarters. YUM! Add Repertoire to you list right now–you won’t regret it!
Drake’s Florence
Nothing says brunch quite like a Morning Glory Burger from Drake’s: pepper jack cheese, fried egg, bacon, fire-roasted salsa and fresh cut toppings. With 12 different burger options on the menu, you’re sure to find a favorite.
My personal pick is their mini cheeseburgers, but I can’t decide if I like the crinkle-cut fries or tater tots better–both delicious and served piping hot! Their menu also includes a great sushi selection, steaks, sandwiches, and appetizers. Wash it all down with a cocktail or your favorite beer.
Barleycorn’s Florence
We know Barleycorn’s has been a local favorite for years and most locals have their favorite repeat order… but y’all, Barleycorn’s has a new Cincy Grippo Burger. When it comes to Grippo’s, it’s one of those IYKYK things where some visitors may not be familiar, but Grippo’s are the Cincy region’s coveted BBQ chips that are covered in amazing spices and can leave your mouth burning for more.
The new burger is a half-pound seasoned burger topped with homemade bleu cheese dressing (to cool down the heat mentioned above) and crumbles of Cincinnati’s famous BBQ Grippo’s chips. If your mouth isn’t watering, there are also tons of other delicious options on the Barleycorn’s menu!
859 Taproom & Grill
The burgers at 859 Taproom & Grill are made with fresh, never frozen Kentucky-raised Wagyu beef. And I must mention that they pair perfectly with any of their more than 30 beers on tap!
If you aren’t into burgers, their menu includes plenty of other options including tacos, wings, and shareables. Daily specials, pint nights, happy hour, and their focus on local and regional breweries make this bar and restaurant a local favorite.
Brickhouse Pub & Grub
If you’re craving a burger with a ton of meat, definitely head to Brickhouse Pub & Grub!
This place is a well-kept secret and a hidden gem with a menu including BLTs, Philly stuffed potatoes, chili cheese fries, and amazing desserts.
Kitchen 1883
Although technically located in Union (and attached to/inside a Kroger store), Kitchen 1883 has one of the best burgers around. Pictured is their Mushroom Swiss burger with grilled mushrooms, garlic aioli, Swiss cheese, crispy onion straws on a toasted brioche bun and pickles on the side. Catch it on burger & beer night and you can add a Braxton brew for only $2!
If you’ve never been to Kitchen 1883, definitely explore the menu a bit. Such incredible dishes are coming out of this unsuspecting location. We will be back!
Farmstand Market & Cafe
We know, it’s located in Union, not Florence, but gosh, their burgers are so good, it’s worth the drive. According to one google review, Farmstand Market & Cafe serves the “Best burger I’ve ever had in my life. No exaggeration.”
The menu includes five different burger options, including a Beyond Burger choice for those staying away from red meat but still want the deliciousness of a juicy burger. If you go, splurge for The Local Love Burger, their James Beard Foundation entry of a blended burger. It’s grass-fed beef blended with local shitake and oyster mushrooms and Ed Mar Dairy’s smoked gouda inside the burger. Then it’s topped with more smoked gouda, caramelized onions, and sauteed mushrooms and microgreens. You won’t regret it!
Lucky Duck Pub
Okay, technically this one’s is in Burlington, but again–a good burger is worth it! Pictured is their southwest burger, add egg. And yes, those chips are as good as they look!
The menu is huge and the spirits are great at Lucky Duck. We’re sad to see their Taylor Mill location have to close due to Covid, so we hope everyone will support the Burlington location even more. If you’re not into burgers, I’d recommend the nachos–finger lickin’ good.
Mad Mike’s Burgers and Fries
Mad Mike’s prides themselves on the toppings. With the selection, they say you can customize your burger in millions of ways. I’m a purist when it comes to burgers, so I haven’t tried all the wild toppings, but their burgers are delicious. If you’re looking for a huge burger, this is your place! They’re home of the Goliath burger, which has two grilled cheese sandwiches as buns and includes bacon, barbecue sauce, grilled onions, lettuce, tomato, and Angus beef.
For those in your party who aren’t in the mood for a burger, there are also lots of other options on the menu, including gyros, grilled cheese, BLT, pork tenderloin, hot dogs, and cod.
Muggbee’s
If you’re looking for some live music, a neighborhood bar, and a great burger, Muggbee’s is a great choice.
Also known for their wings, coneys, and excellent drink selection, Muggbee’s is a great local secret and has an excellent patio.
Hebron Grille
Another strip-mall hidden gem, Hebron Grille serves up delicious burgers among other Southern favorites. And those sidewinder French fries are the perfect complement, but they also have the largest baked potatoes I’ve ever seen!
If you’re getting tired of burgers by this point, you may want to opt for their other favorites including alligator tacos, a blackened catfish po boy, salmon BLT, Kickin’ Chicken buffalo chicken sandwich, porkchops, seafood, or pasta bowl. Don’t forget their delicious desserts, including apple crisp, bread pudding, or cinnamon sugar pretzel bites.
Written By: Rebecca Banks, Brand Identity Manager of MeetNKY
