I don’t really understand “Best Burgers” lists, and yeah, that even includes our own. Rarely do I read one where every burger’s greatness isn’t qualified by listing an extensive number of pork and dairy products thrown on top. None of which sound even the least bit appetizing. To me, what makes a great burger is a thick, high-grade piece of meat, an unobtrusive bun, and fresh toppings that are sidekicks, not the main character.
I’ve found a few over the years – Flannigan’s and Gilbert’s most notably – and I recently found another at Juanchi’s on Coral Way. It’s one of those places you drive by a hundred times and never stop, and then once you do you kick yourself for not doing it sooner. Yes, it’s got its list of specialty burgers, but stripped of all its toppings the burger at Januchi’s is still top notch. And while no sauce is required to enjoy a burger here, if you do want some they might have the healthiest condiment selection in the city.
Now that $20 is the going rate for a burger, why should I go here instead of all the places on “Best Burger” lists?
Well, there won’t be anyone there with a ring light, for one. But more importantly Junachi’s feels like a casual, neighborhood burger joint where you can grab a beer and some food and maybe watch a game with no fuss. Except the burger is just as good if not better than the litany of chef-driven, pop-up, super-duper smash burger places with lines around the block. The food is also way better than you’ll find at a sports bar, or a chain with 100 TVs.
The scene: OG’s might remember the old Burger and Beer Joint, and that’s about the closest comparison you’ll find to Juanchi’s. It’s unclear where Juanchi’s other locations are – a sign on the wall touts Brooklyn, New York as Juanchi’s home, but their Instagram page only lists the Miami address. The website mentions concepts in Spain. Like any self-respecting Miamian, their backstory is questionable and their roots aren’t clear.
What to eat and drink: The burgers, obviously. As a burger purist, I got Juanchi’s signature blend on a bun with caramelized onions, and it was everything you want a burger to be. The patty was a thick, steakhouse cut, not greasy but still juicy, with a nice crust from the grill. Juanchi’s has a whole rack of homemade condiments on the table for you to pick from, too, all free from additives or preservatives. It was possibly the healthiest condiment selection I’ve ever seen at a restaurant that didn’t also come with its own farm.
As for the specialty burgers, the Spanish Queen was the most intriguing, topped with chorizo, pico, pepper jack, and avocado. It comes on a black brioche bun, which not only ups your Instagram game, it also adds a buttery flavor without saturating the bun. The Patacon Burger is a shoutout to the old tostone burger at Pincho Factory, topped honey-ginge tarragon sauce and placed between two tostones.
Don’t miss: The milkshakes. They’re not quite social media-designed, but still come with Oreo cookies and other fun stuff on top. They’re also small enough you can finish one and still have room for a burger.
Perfect for: Grabbing a burger and watching a game.
Expect to pay: $25-40, depending on what else you order.
How’s the parking: Fairly easy street parking on Coral Way.
@juanchisburgers // 1247 Coral Way, The Roads
Appreciate you giving Flanigan's burger its flowers. No one talks about how flavorful that burger is (juicy, smoky, charred), even without any crazy toppings