Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) —  National Double Cheeseburger Day has arrived on the Alabama Gulf Coast. While the area is well known for its fresh seafood, burger fans have no shortage of great options. Locals and visitors can find plenty of spots to satisfy a burger craving. Residents are encouraged to vote for the best burger in the area at BestBurgersGulfShores.com. 

The celebration gives the community a chance to recognize local restaurants serving standout burgers. Voting is now open, and the results will reflect what the community considers the area's top burger. The contest is a fun way to highlight a side of Gulf Coast dining that often goes unnoticed.

The burger's history goes back further than most people might expect. Although the burger has roots in Germany, it grew in popularity in America through immigration and new cultural influences. In the 1800s, raw minced beef was sometimes eaten to aid digestion.

That changed in 1867, when Dr. James H. Salisbury of New York recommended cooking the beef patties. His suggestion led to what is now known as the "Salisbury Steak." Around the same time, meat grinders became common household tools, making ground beef more widely available to everyday families.

From there, the modern burger began to take shape. Wisconsin is often credited with serving the first burger on a bun. McDonald's later played a major role in turning the burger into a global phenomenon enjoyed by millions of people worldwide.

Here are a few Gulf Coast burger spots to check out:

BLEU’S BURGERS
This craft burger kitchen features a whopping 16 beef burgers and 3 chicken options. Highlights include the Reuben Burger: a half-pound beef patty, Swiss, pork belly pastrami, and spicy garlic slaw on marble rye. The Beer Cheeseburger: Smoked cheddar, beer-pickled jalapeños, grilled and crispy onions, and house beer cheese on brioche. The Easy Rider: Caramelized onions, arugula, smoked Gouda, and spicy aioli. Each month, one burger becomes a “Donation Burger,” with 25% of its sales benefiting charity. All burgers come with fries or a side salad.

TACKY JACK’S
Tacky Jack’s, with three coastal locations, has a longstanding reputation for its burgers. The TJ Burger features two quarter-pound patties, smashed and seared to enhance flavor. It’s served on a toasted, buttered bun with American cheese, lettuce, tomato, fries, and chips. You can personalize it with add-ons to “Jack It Up.”

SUNLINER DINER
Sunliner Diner now has 2 Gulf Coast locations, one in Orange Beach and the original in Gulf Shores. The Diner is renowned for its visually appealing dishes. The Jukebox Burger is a highlight—featuring three beef patties layered with Swiss, cheddar, and American cheeses, along with bacon, fried green tomato, an onion ring, a fried egg, and fried pickles, all topped with Creole hollandaise on a brioche bun.

FLORA-BAMA YACHT CLUB & OLE RIVER GRILL
At these waterside spots, you can craft your own burger, starting with a char-grilled patty on a brioche bun. Customize it with lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions, mushrooms, bacon, jalapeños, and your choice of Swiss or Cheddar cheese. It's served open-faced with a side of fries.

THE GULF
The Gulf Burger offers simplicity and flavor, made with 100% natural beef cooked to juicy perfection. It’s topped with flavorful garlic aioli for a rich, savory touch. Enjoy this coastal favorite with a waterfront view and a relaxed atmosphere.

LULU’S GULF SHORES
LuLu’s burgers are seasoned with their signature Salty Peppa blend. You can choose the “Pa-menna” burger, featuring bacon and fried green tomato, or the Crazy Sista Burger with classic toppings and your preferred cheese. Additional toppings, such as sautéed onions or jalapeños, are $1 each, while bacon or guacamole costs $2.

COSMO’S RESTAURANT & GTS ON THE BAY
Both locations serve a premium burger made with Angus chuck, short rib, and brisket. They grill it to order and serve it on toasted sourdough with lettuce, tomato, and red onion. Cheese costs an additional dollar, while bacon is $1.50 extra.

COASTAL ORANGE BEACH
The Signature COASTAL Burger features a flavorful blend of aged white cheddar, cherrywood-smoked bacon, and caramelized sweet onions. It is topped with tomato, dill pickle chips, green leaf lettuce, wild mushroom demi-glace, and a decadent bacon aioli. Served with your choice of house fries, pasta salad, or a fresh fruit medley, this burger is a standout on the beachside menu.

THE HANGOUT
Located right on the beach, The Hangout offers six burger choices. Enjoy the classic Hang 10, the Mushroom-Swiss, or the impressive Lifeguard Burger, featuring two half-pound patties, bacon, an egg, onion straws, and three cheeses. Other notable options include the Alabama Wagyu Burger, the Shaka Burger with fried shrimp, and the Bama BBQ Burger topped with slaw, cheddar, and smoky sauce.

Want more burger options?
Discover more tasty locations and vote for your favorite at BestBurgersGulfShores.com.