Sometimes you crave a burger. But sometimes you specifically need that perfect patty—juicy, charred, stacked just right. This guide is for those moments when nothing but a great burger will do. The spots here deliver on smashburgers, classic cheeseburgers, and loaded specialties (with fries that are actually crispy). And yes, most are burger joints, but a few pubs and diners sneak in too.
Wendy’s
$ | (321) 433-3153 | WEBSITE
Everything we’ve said about Wendy’s holds true for its Cocoa location. This welcoming restaurant with plenty of quick service options is the opposite of fancy, but it’s a fantastic choice if you’re craving a reliable burger and want to grab and go. The menu items stay consistent, but we’ve yet to find a bad one. Definitely get the classic fries and Frosty, longtime staples that are also some of the best fast-food treats in the area.
Muddie’s Diner
$ | (321) 735-8864 | WEBSITE
If you’ve never eaten at Muddie’s Diner, that needs to change immediately. It’s a clean, quiet spot in a Cocoa strip mall with fantastic breakfast and southern comfort food. Start out with eggs over easy (you can get them with a side of grits for $8) and an omelette for the table (our favorite is filled with fresh veggies). Then round things out with a main, like the fried catfish or one of the daily specials.
If you can move after eating all of that, head to the nearby parking lot for your car just steps away.
Sizzlin’ Smoke Food Truck
$$ | (321) 537-5329 | WEBSITE
With its vibrant food truck setup, convenient parking lot location, spacious wheelchair-accessible layout, and prime spot in Cocoa, this burger joint is ideal for a Big Burger Day Out. More classic-leaning dishes like the double cheeseburger reminiscent of homemade burgers or the burger special with pimento cheese, bacon, and hot honey are excellent. But save some appetite for the less common ones—we wouldn’t shut up about Sizzlin’ Smoke’s pork BBQ bowl with jalapeños for weeks.
Burger King
$ | (321) 636-0739 | WEBSITE
Burger King in Cocoa is our top-rated burger spot in the area, and their drive-thru service is a big reason why. All of their burgers are consistently good, whether you’re grabbing a classic Whopper for yourself or sharing a family meal with friends (the fresh produce and flavorful patties make every bite worthwhile).
Plus, if you visit in the morning, you get to experience the friendly staff like Lisa and the manager going out of their way to make customers feel welcome, sometimes even offering treats for furry friends that’ll inspire you to immediately plan another visit.
Time Out Plus
$ | (321) 504-0823 | WEBSITE
For a burger dinner that doesn’t compromise on quality just because there are nine of you, go to Time Out Plus. The menu isn’t going to blow your mind with creativity, but the amazing burger with its perfect char and the French Dip sandwiches with au jus that’s just right will prompt someone at your table to wave a fry in the air like a 2000s fast-food commercial.
Time Out Plus’s lively venue space is also roughly the size of a sports bar’s main floor, so it can fit all of your friends from the game, with plenty of TVs for everyone to catch the action.
McDonald’s
$ | (321) 632-7441 | WEBSITE
Quick, friendly, and consistent are all words we’ve used to describe the burgers at this Cocoa location. Their classic cheeseburger comes with an incredibly fresh patty and perfectly melted cheese, and their Oreo Frosty will make you question the validity of your previous fast-food dessert experiences. The drive-thru service is attentive and accurate, and the lobby is always clean and quiet to sit and relax.
Everything is good and as expected, as far as taste, freshness, and consistency—a great place to grab a meal, order takeout, or hang out with friends.
IHOP
$ | (321) 631-3414 | WEBSITE
IHOP in Cocoa is casual enough for a quick family breakfast, but also satisfying enough that your whole crew can swing by after a morning at the beach. Order any of the breakfast combos (the 2+2+2 with hash browns is delicious) and a vegetarian option like the all veggie omelette. This also happens to be one of the only spots in town with steak tips worth going out of your way for.