Tampa’s Cuban Street Food Spot Claims Florida’s Top Cheeseburger Title

In the world of culinary delights, surprises are often the most delightful part.

Tampa’s Empamamas, a Cuban street food gem known more for its empanadas and tacos, has defied all odds by claiming Florida’s top cheeseburger title, as awarded by LoveFood.

This unexpected accolade not only highlights the creativity and innovation within the state’s diverse food scene but also places Tampa on the map for burger enthusiasts.

With a unique approach to a classic dish, Empamamas has turned the ordinary into the extraordinary, proving that sometimes the best culinary surprises come from the most unexpected places.

1. Unexpected Champion Emerges from Cuban Kitchen

When searching for Florida’s ultimate cheeseburger, most wouldn’t look to a restaurant specializing in empanadas and tacos. Yet Empamamas in Tampa has defied expectations by creating a burger that LoveFood named the state’s finest. Sometimes the best surprises come from places that aren’t even trying to compete in the burger wars.

2. The Cheeseburger That Breaks All Rules

Traditional burger purists might raise eyebrows at what Empamamas has created. The Cheeseburger In Paradise stuffs seasoned ground beef inside an empanada shell rather than placing it between buns.

This handheld hybrid features a trio of cheeses, Cheddar, mozzarella, and provolone, melting together with spinach, tomato, red onion, and pickles.

The signature Tampa Girl sauce adds a local twist that ties everything together, creating what LoveFood describes as “a once-eaten-never-forgotten dish.”

3. Cuban Street Food with a Burger Soul

Empamamas built its reputation on authentic Cuban street food staples, making the empanada-burger crossover feel natural rather than gimmicky. The restaurant understands how to wrap familiar flavors in unexpected formats, turning comfort food into something worth traveling for.

This approach demonstrates that innovation doesn’t require abandoning tradition, it just means looking at ingredients from a different angle.

4. Florida’s Diverse Burger Landscape

While Empamamas took the top spot, LoveFood’s research highlighted other notable contenders across the state.

The Burger Station in Hernando and North South Grill in Pembroke Pines both earned recognition, proving Florida’s burger scene extends well beyond the obvious coastal tourist destinations.

Each region brings its own interpretation of what makes a great cheeseburger, whether through traditional methods or creative reinterpretations like Tampa’s winning entry.