The Best Smash Burger in Florida Is at This Tiny Local Spot You’ve Never Heard Of

Burgers are an almost-perfect food. They’re juicy, versatile, and oh-so flavorful. Their only flaw is that they can often leave you uncomfortably full, which is why I'm a big fan of a good smash burger. With a thinner patty, this style packs all of the flavor without making it hard for you to keep your jeans buttoned up at the end of the meal. If you also love the style and happen to visit Miami, make sure to stop by Lala’s Burgers, a local spot that might just have the best smash burger in Florida. 

What Makes Lala’s Smash Burgers So Special

The competition between smash burgers in Florida is tough. I’ve tried many in Miami and other cities (all in the name of research, of course), yet Lala’s is the one spot that’s stood out to me the most. The burger joint gets the basics right by using freshly baked bread and having a good array of Floridian beers. But what really makes it shine is that it fully embraces Miami-style cuisine with pride. Appetizers, for instance, include queso frito bites that can be dipped into a thick guava sauce, or bacon croquetas accompanied by a secret sauce and slices of lime that bring out the pork’s flavor. Similarly, many of the menu’s burgers boast sauces made with tropical fruits, Latin American cheeses, and other signature Miami ingredients. These are flavors that you probably won’t find at local burger spots in other parts of Florida. 

While there are probably other Miami burgers that also lean into a tropical profile, I’ve yet to find one that makes better smashed burgers than Lala’s. My theory is that the restaurant excels because it focuses on two types of patties: smashed beef and crispy chicken. Since it doesn’t make any “regular” burgers, the joint has mastered the delicate balance of thinness, crispiness, and juiciness that defines a well-made smash patty. My personal favorite burger is the classic, as I'm of the philosophy that less is more when it comes to this food. If you do want more complexity, you can choose from five other signature burgers—including one with cream cheese and guava sauce and another one with hot honey, chopped pepperoni, and queso frito—as well as a burger of the month.

What It’s Like to Visit Lala's

Although Miami has many world-famous restaurants that are absolutely worth the hype, most of the best hidden-gem restaurants in the city (and in Florida) are actually the small spots camouflaged in the beige strip malls outside touristy areas. Lala’s is exactly this. The locally owned burger spot is in Kendall, a southern neighborhood few tourists ever venture to or even know about, even though it has some seriously delectable eateries (like the best Cuban vegan spot you’ll ever find).

As you come in, you’ll be greeted by warm smiles from the staff and a welcoming, laid-back atmosphere. The clientele varies from intergenerational families to couples or groups of friends. The one thing everyone has in common is that we’re all usually locals. Despite remaining somewhat of a hidden secret, the burger joint never lacks attention, with a stream of loyal locals constantly coming in and out. This is the perfect spot for a casual hang that offers good food and equally good vibes.

What to Know Before You Go

Happily for smash burger lovers, Lala’s has generous operating hours. It opens from Tuesday to Sunday from 11 a.m., closing at 9 p.m. on weekdays and Sundays and at 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. If you come on the weekend before 3 p.m., you’ll get a brunch menu with items like sandwiches, biscuits, and tater tots made with Lala’s signature Miami flavors. While the brunch menu sounds good, I’ve never tried it, so I can’t personally recommend it. 

What I will wholeheartedly recommend are non-mashed burger menu items that surprised me with their tastiness. Trust me and get a chicken burger at least once. Every burger on the menu can be made with a chicken patty, and the poultry version of the McLala completely converted me from a chicken burger-hater to an enthusiastic fan. Lala's Burgers succeeds where most places fail: making the patty crispy without overly drying the chicken. Another must-try item is the croquetas. The unusual starter/side is fun and also incredibly delicious. My brother and dad, who aren’t too into Cuban croquetas, gasped in shock at how good these taste. Finally, if you’re a beer lover, get a can of the Crazy Lady Honey Blonde Ale, a light yet bold brew made with honey from the Florida Keys.

No place is perfect, however, so there are a few menu picks that I'd hesitate to order again. The bacon burger, for instance, has a sauce that’s too sweet for my taste (though if you’re into that flavor profile, you’ll love it). The same can be said for both the fudge brownie and the blondie on the dessert menu. I like my sweets balanced, and these were just a bit too over-the-top for me. I’d also go for regular fries over the loaded variety. The side dish is good, just not amazing enough to justify its cost, which is almost as much as the burgers themselves.

Even with these small quirks, I'd crown Lala's as the queen of Florida smash burgers, and will continue heading to this cool strip mall spot whenever I'm craving a thin and crispy patty with a Miami twist.

Discover more delicious options on our list of the 50 Best Burgers Across the U.S.