This St. Petersburg institution without a doubt produces one of the bay area's best burgers. Cheap, too. Prime meat, chopped fresh each day, pan-fried to a deep, crunchy brown and then set on a soft, soft grilled bun. They come with all sorts of accoutrements, like strips of dill pickles arranged in a cross on the meat patty, thick wedges of fresh onion, leafy frills of lettuce and tomato slices. Cost: $2.90. You can get one with cheese, too, and a basket of fries to go with. Don't try to duplicate this winner at home; it's just not the same. The Bonfilis, longtime owners of the restaurant, use a knockout family recipe they wisely will not reveal, and for good reason: It's stood the test of time, as El Cap has been serving up the best burgers for decades.
El Cap, 3500 Fourth St. N., St. Petersburg, 727-521-1314.
This article appears in Sep 25 – Oct 1, 2003.