The burger battle lines are drawn. On one side, purists who demand nothing but beef, bun, and maybe a whisper of cheese. On the other, innovators stacking patties with pineapple, peanut butter, and pure audacity. Whichever camp you’re in, Crestview serves up a winner. So, grab a napkin—or a dozen—and prepare to judge these eight contenders for the title of best burger in town.
Crooked Tale Gastropub
$ | (850) 331-2240 | WEBSITE
From casual Monday nights with the kids eating free to lively weekend game days, Crooked Tale Gastropub has become our go-to spot for hearty comfort food. To say they know how to do a proper burger would be like saying we’ve tried a decent chicken wing once—a complete understatement. This open, sports bar-like space gets packed when the games are on.
But the path between tables—lined with plenty of TVs and that welcoming, relaxed vibe—leads to consistently hot, fresh plates that hit the spot every time.
Applebee’s Grill + Bar
$ | (850) 689-0050 | WEBSITE
This is a ‘treat yourself’ dinner, best enjoyed in Applebee’s welcoming dining area while digging into a plate of bourbon shrimp and steak cooked to perfection and mopping up leftover sauce with crispy fries. Blame your satisfied smile on the attentive service where staff bring food promptly and offer recommendations, not the two cocktails you just enjoyed. Not hungry?
The bar area is pleasant and family-friendly, and the warm lighting and comfortable seating feel very neighborhood-grill-meets-weekend-hangout.
McDonald’s
$ | (850) 423-7755 | WEBSITE
Somewhere between pulling into the crowded parking lot on a weekend afternoon, to waiting in the drive-thru line that snakes around the building, you’ll remember why this McDonald’s has such a mixed reputation. This fast-food spot in Crestview has efficiency flowing during the weekdays, with staff who are friendly and get your double cheeseburger or 40 nuggets deal out hot and fresh.
Come for the reliable ice cream machine that’s actually working, and to enjoy your favorite Mocha Frappé that’s consistently well-prepared. The weekend crew struggles though, leading to those long waits where you might get the wrong meat in your burger—but they’ll make it right if you ask. It’s that familiar menu with the coffee, Sundae, and Strawberry Crème Pie that keeps people coming back, even when the service gets disorganized.
Stewby’s Seafood Shanty
$ | (850) 586-7001 | WEBSITE
The nautical knick-knacks at Stewby’s Seafood Shanty are only outdone by my aunt’s collection of seashells from every Florida beach she’s visited. There’s a sea of fishing nets, buoys, and framed photos of grinning customers holding up their catch. Settle into the worn wooden booths and order the fried shrimp, obviously, but this beachside spot works just as well for lazy Sunday afternoons when you want to watch the waves and savor some of the coast’s best hush puppies too.
Whataburger
$ | (850) 689-2800 | WEBSITE
At Whataburger, families share their late-night cravings at the counter—the Double Whataburger with Cheese and Jalapeños, always good, it’s a tradition—and baskets of french fries—crispy, hot, and taste better than McDonald’s and a bit like heaven—are served with care. Unlike the drive-through after a busy night, these fries are perfectly consistent. The parking at this Crestview spot is ample, and if there’s a craving for jalapeño cheddar biscuits, they’ll be satisfying it.
Burger King
$ | (850) 683-0550 | WEBSITE
A faded sign and pulled blinds let you know you’ve arrived at Burger King—a Crestview spot that’s all drive-thru lanes humming with orders, families grabbing quick meals, and the sizzle of hot food hitting paper wrappers. Mornings are for breakfast sandwiches and coffee that warms you up before work, but really every visit here feels like stepping into a familiar routine where Daniel and Manager Britney keep things moving with pure dedication despite the occasional slower pace.
Tropical Palm Restaurant
$ | (850) 682-5532 | WEBSITE
There’s something in the name of breakfast spots called the Tropical Palm and great plates of stuffed French toast. We’re basing that on precisely two visits: the weekday one and the Saturday one. This corner restaurant is a lively spot for a quick breakfast before work, but only if you don’t mind waiting. It’s busy with local regulars spilling out of homes and face planting straight into consistently great Blueberry Stuffed French Toasts.
FATBOYS – Crestview FL
$ | (850) 634-6333 | WEBSITE
Be it a trivia night, a Saturday happy hour where friends and sports fans pile in for half-off beers and 2-for-1 margaritas, or karaoke sessions, FatBoys is a big, broad smile of a pub. Come with a group, piled into the fantastic outside area, catch a game on one of the tons of TVs visible from anywhere, and whatever you do, get involved in the great drink selection at this Crestview spot.