The Loop’s Onion Rings
With nearly a dozen locations in Jacksonville, Orange Park and the Beaches, The Loop is a familiar name. Generally known for making a pretty good pizza pie, the grill half of this "pizza grill" serves up a mean order of onion rings, too. Perfectly crisp and not too greasy, these golden fried treats are the poster children for what an onion ring should be. $5.24 an order.
Various locations
[ www.looppizzagrill.com ]

Five Guys’ Hamburger
Ah, the burger; the most quintessential of all American foods. And, though it seems like you can get a burger just about anywhere these days, you've never had a burger until you've had one at Five Guys. The golden child of Washington, DC-born restaurants, this casual franchise joint serves up juicy burgers cooked to order with a kiss of flavor from a well-seasoned griddle—all nestled in almost pastry-like buns. A basic burger will run you $3.42, but with a wide array of toppings from which to choose, including fried onions, sautéed mushrooms and jalapeños, everyone will find the burger of his dreams.
Various locations
[ www.fiveguys.com ]

San Marco Deli’s Turkey Burger
These days, it seems like everybody's becoming more health-conscious. However, a person can only survive so long on salad and tofu. Luckily, for those who go weak at the knees at the sight of a big, juicy burger, there's the turkey burger at San Marco Deli—the king of local guilt-free splurges. Because of turkey's lower fat content, it's easier on the arteries, but that doesn't mean this sandwich is easy on taste. The eight-ounce ground turkey patty is served on a kaiser roll fresh baked at the French Pantry. And aside from a smattering of salt and pepper, that's it; there's no cheap stuff and no filler. It's this delightful simplicity that keeps regulars coming back. Plus, at $7, it's kind on the wallet as well as the body.
1965 San Marco Blvd., San Marco, 399-1306
[ www.sanmarcodeli.com ]

Marinated Chicken Chunks at Cruiser's Grill
A Jax Beach mainstay for more than 10 years, Cruiser's Grill is the go-to place for beach-dwellers wanting classic American fare. But it's not just the burgers and fries that bring in the crowds—diners also go ga-ga for the chicken chunks. After a soak in a savory marinade, these tasty morsels are cooked to perfection on the grill leaving them tender and juicy. Add a side of Cruiser's famous ranch dressing, and you've got a little taste of heaven for just six bucks.
319 23rd Ave. S., Jacksonville Beach, 270-0356; 832-02 A1A N., Ponte Vedra Beach, 273-5446
[ www.cruisersgrill.com ]

Hand-dipped Milkshakes at Ellen's Kitchen
What's a meal without dessert? Well, when you're talking burgers, it seems they might get lonely without a good old-fashioned milkshake. Whether you've just enjoyed a burger or just want a sweet treat, the hand-dipped milkshakes at Ellen's Kitchen are not to be missed. These super thick shakes—which can be thinned down to accommodate any taste—come in five flavors: banana, strawberry, vanilla, chocolate and blueberry. They're served up in a tall milkshake glass alongside a mixing cup full of the ice cream that didn't fit in the glass. $3.55.
1824 Third St., Jacksonville Beach, 246-1572

Hurricane Grill’s Chicken Wings
It seems that over the last few years gourmet chicken wings have become the “it” dish. Where sports bars once held the monopoly on wings, restaurants dedicated to this fun finger-food have exploded in popularity. Florida's answer to this phenomenon, Hurricane Grill, stands out from the pack in a big way. With a selection of more than 35 flavors to choose from, Hurricane Grill makes other wing joints' choices seem paltry. Flavors fall under one of five categories (get it?) of hotness that range from the usual, honey BBQ sauce, to the unique, spicy piña colada. There's even a create-your-own-flavor section. A plate of 10 wings is $7.50. A 20-wing sampler is $17.
Various locations
[ hurricanewings.com ]

Mossfire Grill’s Texas Pete Cheese Fries
Bringing the taste of the Southwest to the Southeast, this Five Points eatery specializes in Southwestern-inspired cuisine. Whether it's smoked pork enchiladas or BBQ shrimp tostadas that strike your fancy, be sure to enjoy them with an order of Texas Pete cheese fries—the best fries this side of the Rio Grande. Before being smothered in ooey-gooey cheese, a heaping pile of these fries are first tossed with the hot sauce of their namesake. Then they arrive tableside accompanied by cool sour cream—the perfect balance to Texas Pete's spice. $6.
1537 Margaret St., Riverside, 355-4434
[ mossfiregrill.com ]

Atmosphere at Sun Dog
Upon first glance, this Neptune Beach landmark looks like a classic diner circa Happy Days. Look closer, and you will see a unique establishment where old-school charm meets new-school beach casual. At the Sun Dog, tie-dye-clad waiters serve customers seated in a chrome-and-neon-clad dining room. Diners order from a menu that is a melange of classic favorites such as burgers and meatloaf sammies, as well as the more contemporary Ahi tuna sashimi and huevos rancheros. Music, too, is an essential part of the equation. But, here, live nightly music has replaced the jukebox.
Try the signature red hot dog served with fries, chips or slaw. Even better, try it with chili, cheese and onions. $7 for the dog, $8.50 if you go all the way.
207 Atlantic Blvd., Neptune Beach, 241-8221