Best burger deals at 3 new restaurants in Naples: Check these out

Sometimes I feel like  Donald Gorske, who’s eaten 34,000 (and counting) Big Macs and holds the Guinness Book of World Records title as burger eating champ.

Why? As a colon cancer survivor of 20 years, I try limiting my beef intake, but my job requires eating a lot of burgers.

And that’s not a new thing.

Years ago, I worked at a fancy restaurant in NYC that was famous for its iconic burger (I always thought it was too meatloaf-y) and the exorbitant price tag. It was already $21 in the mid-1980s.

When watching Netflix’s Halston mini-series, my eyes were glued to the scene where the famous designer invited Liza Minelli over for dinner, and he had our famous burger delivered. I recognized the plating (a roasted tomato on the side) immediately.

And though I’d occasionally see the divine Liza with a Z at our restaurant when John Kander and Fred Ebb were still alive, I don’t remember if she ordered the burger.

But I often indulged when entertaining journalists who wanted to try it. Why be the odd woman out?

I think it’s smart for good restaurants to offer burgers because they're usually among the least expensive menu items, and most chefs I know take pride in preparing a good one.

Sure, you can get a good burger at more casual joints around town, but I’d rather eat somewhere nicer where the price isn’t much higher than what I was charged at Five Guys — $21 that increased to $23 at the tip prompt.

For just a bit more at the new-ish restaurants on my list, real silverware, good service and linen napkins go a long way in my book.

In May 2023, my favorite burgers at sit-down restaurants included Campiello, The Cave Bistro & Wine Bar, The Claw Bar, and The 239.

For 2024, I’m adding three newish finds to my list. Alphabetically, they are:

Bicyclette Cookshop

How can you not have a Big Mac riff on the menu when the co-owner of the restaurant is a retired McDonald’s president?

Here, co-owner/executive chef (and “Chopped” champ) Kayla Pfeiffer uses Wagyu and swaps slices of standard American cheese for gooey raclette and gruyere. That special sauce? Kimchi aioli. Potato chips stuck on melted cheese add visual and crunch components contrasting toothsome potato wedges. It's $25 at lunch and dinner but if eating it early, you will likely be full the rest of the day.

(819 Vanderbilt Beach Road; 239-514-3333; bicyclettecookshop.com)

The Syren

This burger is different from the one at sister restaurant The Claw Bar. It's a hefty double-smash version with pimento cheese for $22, including slaw or fries. Pro tip: order both sides.

(909 Tenth St. S., Naples; 239-610-1559; syrenoysterbar.com)

Check them out: What’s the best burger restaurant in Florida? 15 favorites we love

Warren Naples

Right now, this one at $25 tops my best-in-town list. Is it the bourbon glaze? The beef blend? The fried egg? All of the above because it’s fantastic.

(111 Tenth St. S., Naples; 239-330-2611; warrennaples.com)

This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: What are best burgers in Naples at new restaurants