Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — National Burger Day has arrived! Although the Alabama Gulf Coast is renowned for its top-notch seafood, both locals and visitors know there are plenty of fantastic burger spots to satisfy any craving. Remember to cast your vote for the top burger in the area at BestBurgersGulfShores.com  and help us choose the community's favorite!

Although the burger originated in Germany, it quickly gained popularity in America thanks to immigration and new influences. In the 1800s, raw minced beef was occasionally used to help with digestive issues, but this practice shifted in 1867 when Dr. James H. Salisbury of New York recommended cooking the patties. This suggestion resulted in the well-known “Salisbury Steak.” During that period, meat grinders became widespread in homes, increasing access to ground beef.

Shortly thereafter, the modern burger started to form. Wisconsin is often credited with placing the burger on a bun, and McDonald's played a key role in making it a worldwide phenomenon.

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. A few highlights include: The Reuben Burger: 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 includes two quarter-pound patties that are 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, onion ring, 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, beginning with a char-grilled patty on a brioche bun. Customize it with lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions, mushrooms, bacon, jalapeños, and a choice of Swiss and Cheddar cheeses. It comes served open-faced with a side of fries.

THE GULF
The Gulf Burger delivers simplicity and taste, 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 relaxed atmosphere.

LULU’S GULF SHORES
LuLu’s burgers are seasoned with their signature Salty Peppa blend. You can select the “Pa-menna” burger, which features 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 cost $2.

COSMO’S RESTAURANT & GTS ON THE BAY
Both locations serve a premium burger crafted from Angus chuck, short rib, and brisket. It is grilled to order and presented on toasted sourdough with lettuce, tomato, and red onion. Adding cheese costs an additional dollar, while bacon is $1.50 extra.

COASTAL ORANGE BEACH
The Signature COASTAL Burger offers a flavorful combination 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 highlight on the beachside menu.

THE HANGOUT
Located right on the beach, The Hangout provides six burger choices. Enjoy the classic Hang 10, the Mushroom-Swiss, or the impressive Lifeguard Burger, which has two half-pound patties, bacon, an egg, onion straws, and three cheeses. Notable options also 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 cast your vote for your favorite on BestBurgersGulfShores.com.