Where are the best burgers in the Daytona Beach area? Here are my favorites.

With National Cheeseburger Day quickly upon us (Sept. 18), it was only right to try out some of the most raved about and most underrated burger spots in the Daytona Beach area, in search of the perfect bite.

While perfect might be rather subjective, I’ve found that there are a few key components to the classic dish that make it a universally mouth-watering favorite — how it’s cooked, for example. I order all of my burgers cooked medium, hoping for a bite that’s not too dry or too underdone — I’ve been there, and the aftermath is not fun.

I’ve found that a cooked-to-perfection burger is able to retain its moisture with a juicy, blushed pink inner patty, while also presenting a well-cooked, caramelized crust on the outside. With adequate seasoning penetrating the patty and flavor flowing from every bite, these filling handhelds are a tender, tantalizing dinner staple.

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And while I love a classic cheese-topped burger, I can’t say that creative toppings don’t often intrigue me. After several weeks of delicious research, I discovered some traditional favorites, as well as some new-to-me flavor combos that will definitely be sticking around.

Although I wasn't able to get my hands on a classic Brickyard burger — a top recommendation, for sure — before the beloved eatery's temporary closing, I quickly discovered a plethora of must-try options across town that most definitely hit the spot. While my now ill-fitting pants may not be so thrilled about my recent dining adventures, my taste buds sure have been. So, if you’re looking to celebrate the upcoming holiday the right way, here are my picks for some of the best burger spots in the Daytona Beach area.

The Breakers Restaurant in NSB

518 Flagler Ave., New Smyrna Beach; 386-428-2019, breakersnsb.com

I’d feel like a fool if I didn’t start off with this iconic New Smyrna Beach Favorite. The Breakers Restaurant is not only one of the top restaurant recommendations I’ve received since moving to the area, but one that took every ounce of self-control within me to hold off on, saving it for this very moment.

Located directly on the beach, if you’re looking for a casual, oceanfront spot for burgers and a view, it doesn’t get much better than this. Although the whole menu was calling my name, from the chicken wings and chili cheese fries to the chicken parm sandwich, I knew I’d be crazy not to land on a burger. Each hand-made with a half-pound of fresh ground beef, the burger menu extended beyond your classic lettuce, tomato and onion, with options like the BBQ burger, Salsa Burger, Jalapeno Burger and Mushroom Burger.

I decided on the NSB burger, layered with provolone, sauteed onions, green peppers, mushrooms, lettuce, tomato and bacon (which I added for $2). Cooked medium, the perfectly pink patty practically melted in my mouth. It was tender, juicy and dripping with flavor, and the crispy bacon is a must-have addition to this delicious option.

I also ordered the Blue Cheese Burger, again, cooked medium. Topped with blue cheese crumbles, onion, lettuce and tomato, the burger was cooked to perfection, well-seasoned, with bold, savory flavors penetrating through the slightly pink patty.

The fries that accompanied each burger were warm and crispy with a soft center — like every good fry should be — and made for a more than filling meal. The Breakers was everything I thought it would be and more — a spot I’ll be revisiting when friends and family come to town.

BakeChop in DeLand

110 Artisan Alley, DeLand; 386-873-6524, bakechop.com

This beloved scratch kitchen eatery had been on my list for quite a while, tempting me with its variety of delicious bowls, vegan options and, most importantly, its mouth-watering burgers. Tucked away in Artisan Alley, this charming local gem offers a variety of unique handhelds, from The Left Hander half beef, half chorizo patty burger, to The Stevo, combining a superfood bean patty with chickpea aioli, lettuce, tomato and pickles.

With several creative options to choose from, I decided to sample both the Peach Jam Burger and the Allicin Wonderland and, wow, I was certainly more than satisfied with my picks.

The Peach Jam Burger, which I basically swallowed whole, combined a medium-cooked beef patty with a layering of spinach, goat cheese, red onion, jalapenos and house-made peach jam. I’m all for creative toppings when it comes to burgers, and this one really mastered the art of something less typical, yet no less delicious. The patty was cooked to perfection and seasoned well, while the peach jam and goat cheese toppings were a combination I didn’t know I needed in my life until now — definitely a new go-to.

The Allicin Wonderland combined another medium-cooked beef patty with a French onion reduction, Swiss cheese, crispy onion straws and a garlic aioli smothering. It was a more savory, juicy option that, again, was rich in flavor and cooked exactly how I like it. Both served with a side of delicious, crispy fries, I couldn’t find much of a complaint with BakeChop burgers if I tried.

Lost Lagoon in New Smyrna Beach

2004 N. Dixie Freeway, New Smyrna Beach; 386-366-3360, Facebook.com

Immediately charmed by this nautical New Smyrna Beach restaurant, I hoped that a bite of its beloved burgers would evoke the same excitement within me that its beachy décor had — and I was in luck. What felt to be a more secluded, local gem, the Lost Lagoon is a new favorite and inviting spot for a casual, quick bite or date night for two.

Though its menu ranges from wings, sandwiches and seafood classics, I knew I was coming — starving of course — for a couple of the eatery’s mouth-watering Beachside Burgers. I started with the Search and Rescue Burger, cooked medium and topped with Buffalo sauce, melted cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, lettuce, pickles and onion. Let me just say, if I could have ordered one to go, I would have. The burger was rich, juicy, tender and delicious. I can be pretty picky about the bun — preferring it thin, but not too thin and definitely not too tough and “bread-y,” if you know what I mean — and this bun more than met my standards.

Against everything in me at the time, I had to exude a bit of self-control and save some room for the next savory selection, The Brunch Burger. Cooked medium — you know the drill — this craveable bite married the ingredients of a traditional burger with those of a classic breakfast for the perfect bacon, egg and American-cheese-topped meal. Something about an egg and bacon on a burger will do it for me every time — not to mention the accompanying tater tots were warm, crispy and the perfect side to leave me eager for my next trip to this must-try eatery.

Double Barrel Grill

2900 Bellevue Ave., Daytona Beach; 386-265-5839, doublebarrelgrilldaytona.com

A hidden gem in Daytona Beach, I knew after my first step in the door of Double Barrel Grill at Volusia Top Gun that I was about to be served a great burger — at some spots, you just know. The local eatery has a true casual bar and grill feel — very mancave-esque, according to my boyfriend — perfect for unwinding after a long work week or grabbing a quick bite and drinks with friends.

Located right inside of Volusia Top Gun, with booth side views of the gun range, the American eatery offers an extensive menu of burgers, pizzas, handhelds and more, as well as a full bar — including moonshine and high-end whiskey selections — an outdoor deck with live music and a cozy fire pit. I dove right into the restaurant’s burger menu, ordering both The Classic and the Smoking Mamacita.

Both burgers were cooked medium and, although a little pinker than I prefer, there was no arguing against the flavor.

The Classic came dressed in American cheese, shredded lettuce, onion, pickles and tomato and was, as its name suggests, an all-around great, classic-style burger. The patty was jam-packed with flavor and practically melted in my mouth, not to mention the crispy, thin cut fries that served as a delicious, traditional side.

The Smoking Mamacita was decorated with crumbled chorizo — typically, a chopped and well-seasoned pork sausage — pickled red onions, sliced avocado, pickled jalapenos, chipotle mayo, cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. It definitely had a bit of a kick and was a fun option when you’re looking to step outside the box of your typical burger. I probably would do without the mayo next time, but the burger was a spicy, smoky and tender option, nonetheless.

Riley’s Coney House

2132 S. Atlantic Ave., Daytona Beach Shores; 386-872-4991, Facebook.com

If you’re coming to Riley’s Coney House, I hope you’re coming hungry. The local favorite moved locations from Port Orange to Daytona Beach Shores, reopening earlier this summer with many of the same signature servings and mouthwatering meals that customers have been loving for years.

This beachy, laid-back eatery might be most well-known for its hot dogs, but do yourself a favor and don’t discount its burgers. The 10-ounce, juicy selections are massive to say the least, and served BYOB (build your own burger)-style. With a plethora of topping combinations available, ranging from grilled onions, banana peppers, mac and cheese, and jalapenos to boom boom sauce, teriyaki, pineapple, and blue cheese crumbles, I knew I had to try a couple custom combos to get the full Coney House experience.

I first ordered a 10-ounce burger smothered in barbecue sauce and topped with cheddar cheese, grilled ham and onion rings. Cooked perfectly medium, the burger was delicious and packed with flavor. The onion rings were an excellent touch, making it the tallest burger I’ve had to date. I could barely finish the stacked goodness, but boy did I try.

I then went with another 10-ounce patty, layered with American and pepper jack cheese, jalapenos, boom boom sauce, lettuce, tomato and onion. This burger had quite the kick, as expected, and like its companion, certainly did not disappoint. The boom boom sauce made the already juicy selection that much more mouth-watering and had me savoring every last bite.

These two customizable combinations, known as the “Cowboy Up” and “Jalapeno Cheeseburger” from the eatery’s former menu, left me more than satisfied.

Big Mike’s Burgers

1112 W. Canal St., New Smyrna Beach; 386-957-4975, Facebook.com

This roadside burger joint was everything I hoped it would be and then some. After opening earlier this summer, Big Mike’s Burgers has already made a name for itself, known for its extensive menu of craveable smash burgers, milkshakes and more.

With selections ranging from The Rodeo and The Fat Boy to The Bacon Lover and The Pimento Bacon Jam, it’s safe to say that just about every made-to-order burger was calling my name. I decided on The Big Mike’s, because you know when a dish takes the restaurant’s name, it’s bound to be something special — and that it was.

The patty was thin and juicy with a crispy, caramelized outer coating, topped with melted American cheese, lettuce, tomato, grilled onions, pickles, Big Mike’s Smash Sauce and a perfectly toasted pretzel bun. Although the messiest burger of the bunch, that, to me, is always a good sign. It practically melted in my mouth and packed a punch with flavor.

I didn't know how I'd feel about the pretzel bun, but it was soft, perfectly toasted and a nice change from what I'm used to. The Big Mike’s Smash Sauce was a key ingredient in creating this juicy option, and it certainly didn’t go to waste. Alongside the burger, I ordered a side of waffle fries, and while I typically prefer the standard, fresh-cut fries, these were soft, seasoned and made for a delicious addition to my mid-week dinner. If you’re looking for a casual afternoon bite, grab a seat at one of Big Mike’s outdoor tables and try a burger — you won’t regret it.

Helena Perray is the restaurant and dining writer for The Daytona Beach News-Journal. A New Jersey native and passionate storyteller, she can be contacted at hperray@gannett.com. Follow her on Instagram and Facebook. Support local journalism by subscribing

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Best burgers in Daytona Beach, New Smyrna Beach, DeLand