With Tampa Bay Burger Week almost upon us (the celebration runs Oct. 20 to 30), it dawned on me: I've had some of the region's tastiest meat-free patties from burger joints that've been up and running for less than two years. From a stellar Lithuanian transport to the resurrection of a local institution, here are five great veggie burgers that a handful of young eateries, known for their takes on the beefy favorite, have to offer the vegetarian in your dining squad.
Boulevard Burgers & Tap House In St. Pete Beach, the meatless burger from this crowd-pleaser is straightforward but delicious. Add Boulevard Burgers' close proximity to the sand and an ice-cold beverage and you're looking at one perfect meal. Though the restaurant's veggie selection, which spotlights pepper jack on a black bean patty, isn't as indulgent as the other creations on our list, sometimes it's best to keep it simple. 5905 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach, 727-201-4906, blvdburgers.com.
BRGR Kitchen & Bar Another beachfront find with swoon-worthy burgers is the aptly named BRGR. Not counting the build-your-own option, the restaurant inside Treasure Island Beach Resort cooks up a signature veggie burger that holds its own against a selection of 10-plus patties for meat lovers. The Tree Hugger piles (and I mean piles) garden greens, grilled portobellos, melted mozzarella, vine-ripened tomato, avocado, onions and spicy aioli high on a toasted wheat roll. This one's not to be missed. 10800 Gulf Blvd., Treasure Island, 727-322-7040, brgrkitchenandbar.com.
Drama Burger Don't set foot inside this Lithuanian-based burger boutique's South Tampa location unless you're prepared to get hooked. I haven't been the same since tasting Drama Burger's dreamy portobello and Cheddar burger during brunch (order it, seriously). With my tummy set on the menu's second veg-friendly burger — sweet potato with guac, pesto, arugula and manchego — I returned for seconds within days. But instead of sweet potato, I went with the lunch special that featured a fried green tomato patty. That's three (THREE!) different veggie takes on the handheld classic to choose from, a rarity at even the most seasoned area restaurants. Drama Burger likes us. It really, really likes us. 2420 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, 813-252-3072.
Engine Rose Fortunately, fried hummus on a burger is a thing at the younger sibling of St. Petersburg's uber-popular Engine No. 9. In the Grand Central District, the open-air Engine Rose, also known for its prime burgers, marries the fried goodness with portobello, spicy sprouts, herbed cream cheese and red pepper coulis to create the life-changing Morely Right. All the burger's irresistible flavors get nestled between a perfect yogurt bun. 2901 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, 727-498-8951, no9burgers.com.
Goody Goody Want the most unexpectedly hearty veggie burger you've ever had? Goody Goody has you covered. The Tampa mainstay brought back to life at Hyde Park Village is cooking up a filling, deliciously messy surprise between halves of a wheat bun. Its version features Swiss, roasted red pepper and a large patty with visible chunks of carrot — plus the traditional mashup of lettuce, tomato, and mustard and pickle (I'm convinced M and P are equivalent to the menu's legendary POX combo when paired together). 1601 W. Swann Ave., Tampa, 813-308-1925, goodygoodyburgers.com.
