Who has the best burger in America?

Le Tub, in Hollywood, FL, according to Oprah

Way back in 2006 (that’s before Obama was president), Oprah declared that Le Tub had the best burger in America. That’s a mighty fine distinction for a dive bar that is situated in an abandoned gas station and constructed with driftwood and other found objects (many of which are tubs…go figure!). The Margaritaville Resort sits across the street.

Le Tub is one of those places where the tables are sticky (too much spilled beer for too many years?). Much of the wait staff has been around for over 20 years. Why? Because, as one long-time employee said: “the original owners treated us right even when the customers didn’t”. The water views are up close and personal; the place looks like it drifted in from Key West and found its best possible home. 

I went to Le Tub at 11AM on a Sunday morning, expecting a brunch filled with greasy cheesy eggs and lots of hot sauce and home fries. I was disappointed there was no brunch menu, but the Greek salad I ordered was great - big and overflowing with fresh lettuce and tomatoes and olives and feta cheese.

But it’s the burgers and fries people come for.

The burgers are cooked on the same grill that’s been in the same kitchen since 1975. They are big (13 ounces), hand-made and juicy. They are simply served. If you ask for a cheeseburger, expect a slice of American cheese melting on top. It’s served on an ever-present kaiser roll (all the sandwiches are served on that roll), with your basic tomato, lettuce and onion on the side. As one diner said: “When I bite into the burger, I taste sirloin steak. It reminds me of Sundays growing up. My dad’s at the grill, cooking burgers and drinking a glass of Rose. The Cleveland Indians baseball game is on in the background. Man do I miss those days!!”

The fries are big and fat, well-cooked, crispy-crunchy and totally addictive.

Beer is a must here – it’s the kind of place where beer tastes great. But the drinks are worth a try. I had a virgin watermelon mojito made from fresh watermelon juice muddled mint and a little sugar. So refreshing! The Bloody Mary is a winner, as you might expect. House made bloody mix, vodka, pickle juice, served with celery, pickle, olive and a Cajun spiced rim. It’s sure to cure what ails you.

This place is worth visit, even if it means driving on 95, but there are some drawbacks:

• The parking lot costs a mighty $2.00 and floods during high tide. I wish I had pictures of us climbing over and under the vegetation to get to our cars.

• The place can get very crowded. The service slows down. The kitchen gets backed up. Take a sip of your beer and enjoy the view while you wait.

• The restaurant was bought about a year ago by the Serafini family. The family is accumulating a restaurant portfolio in Hollywood that includes GG’s Waterfront and TikiTki, both on the beach in Hollywood. They promise Le Tub will “stay the same but better” and are working behind the scenes to improve the infrastructure of the place. The huge group of regulars hopes that they will stick to their promises.

Cost before tip: $57.25 (before tip):
—Greek salad
—Virgin Mojito with watermelon juice
—Cheeseburger and fries
—Bloody Mary

The particuliars:

Le Tub
1100 North Ocean Drive
Hollywood, FL
954-921-9425
No Reservations!