A long-running, family-owned burger restaurant in Fort Lauderdale has just landed a major accolade. Southern Living has named Gilbert’s 17th Street Grill one of the top 20 most legendary burger joints in the South, making it the only Florida restaurant to earn a spot on the list.
Tucked into the Harbor Shops Plaza along Cordova Road, Gilbert’s has been a local go-to since 2008. The restaurant is known for its half-pound Angus beef patties, friendly staff, and unfussy, old-school charm. Founded by Bob and Lenore Gilbert after decades in the catering and steakhouse business, the grill is now run by their children, Beth and Richard, along with Beth’s husband, Corwin, who operates the kitchen.
The recognition from Southern Living puts the Fort Lauderdale favorite in the same company as iconic burger spots across states like Georgia, Tennessee, and Texas. The magazine praised Gilbert’s for its dedication to quality ingredients and warm service, spotlighting its standout burger served on a toasted English muffin slathered in garlic butter, like the popular Havarti Burger.
Gilbert’s 17th Street Grill serves 14 burger variations, all made with certified Angus beef that’s never frozen. Options range from burgers topped with Cajun seasoning and cheddar to patties stuffed with crumbled blue cheese. Orders are served on trays lined with faux newspaper and typically paired with crisp fries or other substantial sides.
In a region filled with flashy restaurant concepts and rotating food trends, Gilbert’s success comes from keeping it simple. The burgers are cooked-to-order, the portions generous, and the vibe unmistakably local. “Walk in and chances are Lenore greets you — warm, genuine, and halfway to remembering your name,” wrote local food blogger Burger Beast, describing the restaurant as a true family affair.
The Gilberts originally operated a steakhouse in Davie before opening Gilbert’s 17th Street Grill after Bob retired. Since then, their approach has stayed consistent: serve food that feels like home, made by a family that treats customers like one of their own.
Being the only Florida location featured on Southern Living’s list is especially significant for a state not traditionally known for its burger legacy. For Gilbert’s, it’s a nod to years of hard work, consistency, and local loyalty that’s paid off with national attention.
Gilbert’s 17th Street Grill is located at 1821 Cordova Rd. in Fort Lauderdale and remains a steady favorite among South Floridians looking for a solid, satisfying burger without the fuss.
