National Burger Day on May 28 provides the perfect opportunity to explore the diverse burger offerings across Okaloosa County, where local restaurants serve everything from simple classics to elaborate gourmet creations.

• This list represents just a sampling of the area’s fantastic burger scene. We know there are plenty more outstanding local spots serving up delicious burgers. These are some of our amazing local restaurants that are perfect for celebrating the holiday.

Sax Grille

Six burger varieties showcase hand-pattied beef perfection, from the signature Sax Cheeseburger to the bold Spicy Bleu Cheeseburger. The Mushroom & Swiss rounds out their trio of standouts, all served on their signature Xceptional Bun.

• 10 Eglin Parkway, Fort Walton Beach

Tops Choice Hamburgers

A long-standing classic with cars wrapped around the building, these folks don’t mess around with quarter-pound premium, all-beef patties. Whether you go single or double, each burger comes fully loaded with all the classic fixings that make a burger sing.

• Locations in Fort Walton Beach and Niceville

Boshamps Seafood and Oyster House

Don’t let the seafood focus fool you — Bobo’s Burger holds its own with premium cheese options like Spanish Mahon and gruyere, plus that irresistible bacon marmalade. Add a fried egg and you’ve got brunch goals.

• 414 Harbor Boulevard, Destin

The Cowhead

Six specialty burgers that take beef seriously, including their Third Pound blend of chuck, brisket and short rib. The signature Cowhead features bison and a “pimento cheese bomb,” while the Brunch Burger piles on hashbrowns and bacon jam.

• 184 Miracle Strip Parkway SE, Fort Walton Beach

Local Market

Fresh New York blend ground beef meets brioche perfection in their daily cheeseburger. Saturday’s Chorizo Burger kicks things up with beef-chorizo, chipotle heat and crispy potato sticks for crunch.

• 950 Gulf Shore Drive, Destin

The Craft Bar

Five burger options that live up to the “craft” name, including their signature with caramelized onions and choice of aged gouda, tillamook cheddar or point reyes blue cheese. The Bistro Burger’s brie and fig jam combo is pure sophistication.

• Two Destin locations and one in Fort Walton Beach

Clubhouse Grill

Six-ounce fresh burgers become your canvas with an impressive array of add-ons. Build your dream burger with everything from standard cheese to pulled pork, avocado, or that perfect fried egg.

• 1955 Lewis Turner Boulevard, Fort Walton Beach

Harbor Tavern

Standard burgers get elevated with creative twists like The Tavern’s feta cheese and port wine onions, or The Southern’s pimento cheese paired with fried green tomato and bacon onion jam.

• 306 Harbor Boulevard, Destin

Fat Boys

Nine burger varieties on brioche buns prove that fresh, never-frozen beef makes all the difference. The Blue Cheese with blueberry compote sounds wild but works, while the Roadhouse tops things off with pulled pork and barbecue sauce.

• 104 Harbor Boulevard, Destin

McGuire’s Irish Pub

More than 20 Angus Steak Burger varieties made from custom-ground steak trimmings mean you’ll never run out of options. From the indulgent Four Cheese to the adventurous Skippy Peanut Butter & Bacon, there’s something for every burger personality.

• 33 East Highway 98, Destin

Papi’s Tacos

Their Tex-Mex expertise shines in the Smash Burger — two perfectly smashed patties with grilled onions, served alongside French fries and finished with their signature papi sauce.

• 817 Harbor Boulevard, Destin

National Burger Day on May 28 offers the perfect excuse to explore the area’s diverse burger scene. Whether craving a simple classic or an adventurous gourmet creation, local restaurants provide plenty of options to celebrate this food holiday in delicious style.