If your looking for the most juicy burger, you've found it at El Cap. I as well enjoy the wings, thin crispy fries, and onion rings. My family makes a point of going at least three time a month.
See you there.
Happy Monday! This post is super late but I have been dealing with computer issues/viruses over the past two weeks, but enough of that. Now, who doesn’t love a good burger? I, for one, find great joy in sinking my teeth into a tender, juicy burger topped with lots of melted cheese, bacon and all the fixings. Burgers have truly become a big part of my life over the last few years, as I work for a restaurant that has won numerous burger awards in Tampa Bay. With that being said, I decided to feature some of my favorite burgers from all over Tampa Bay each Monday for my new weekly feature, #MeatyMonday. Last month I had the pleasure of finally going to one of St. Pete’s most nostalgic places that has been open for over 50 years, El Cap.
Today, my mom, my sister (A.K.A Spiller) and I went to El Cap in St. Petersburg for a late lunch. It’s an old place that serves up delicious burgers and sandwiches. Here is one of the menus at El Cap. My mom put the bottles there for this picture. I decided to snap this selfie of me and my sister enjoying our time at El Cap. We took this photo while we were waiting on our food.
Awesome little old school bar and burger place. Stopped in for lunch and the place, which is bigger than expected, was busy with locals. We found a table by a window and were greeted by a friendly waitress/bartender who seemed to have been there forever. Of course we went for burgers and cold beers. The burgers were juicy and cooked to perfection. If you like your burger well done then maybe a fresh burger isnt for you. A medium burger has color and juice and all the flavor. A great lunch before moving on and enjoying a day in St Pete.
Love this place. Always fresh and a really cool vibe. Inexpensive and there's a reason they've been around for sixty years.
El Cap is to burgers what Rutts Hut is to hot dogs -- and I like it! I am lucky enough to work and drink nearby.
The fries, rings, burgers, all delicious!
It has been said before, but this place has one of the best burgers in the country. Classic Americana. Hope they never change a thing.
We ate at El Cap for the first time tonight. The food was hot & tasty albeit mostly fried. I had a Cuban and broccoli cheese bites while my husband ate two hot dogs (1 a chili dog and the other a sauerkraut dog) with corndog bites. The prices weren't too bad it was $25 for us two; however, drinks were $2 a piece for soda and there are no refills allowed, as well as it should be noted that fries or any sides are not included with any sandwiches and buying ala carte can add up quickly. Service was pretty quick although our waitress seemed to be curt and not thrilled to be working. I'd say this place is best enjoyed for a quick snack or lunch, even though I left with half a Cuban for later and my belly full, I don't think we would ever come back for dinner. If we were in the area again and wanted something besides a chain restaurant for lunch, I'd consider El Cap, but other than that it was only "okay", so not some place I would drive to st Pete specifically to eat at.
1st Visit - Good Burger. Good Burger & Fries - Good Philly Cheesesteak - Average (frozen-like) Onion Rings, but they were freshly cooked. Nice service, very casual dining. Would go back for a burger if in the area.
Comfortable neighborhood restaurant with tasty burgers.. I have been coming to El Cap for at least 15 years and have never had a bad meal. The burgers are fresh and cooked properly. Corn dog nuggets hot and delicious and good selection of beer to wash it all down. It's a very relaxed and friendly place with some nice options to sit outside. You will get a good burger and fries, simple! :)
Make sure to ASK about the specials. As a previous poster commented he was furious that he wasn't told about the specials and made a scene to act like some big man and vilify the server over his tip. No reason to call someone dumb. Learn how to act like an adult and stop being pathetic.
Great outdoor pet friendly seating area. The server was very attentive and the food was great. Burger was cook perfectly. Next I'll ask for the toppings on the side, because they really load it on, which is a good thing, but a little too much for me. We had the chicken sandwich also good, and the fries were delicious, not greasy with a nice crispiness. Definitely will return.
Visiting St. Petersburg and heard about El Cap as “best burger in St. Pete.” So off we went and was not disappointed. Started with house-made mozzarella sticks. The burgers are cooked and built to your specs. Spectacular fries - again cooked to your liking (light crisp, normal, extra crisp). Super friendly service. Check out those beer prices! $3.50 for coors banquet. Chili was incredible. As to the “best burger in St. Pete”, this has been my only burger here so you decide.
If you want a good burger I'm St. Pete it's hard to beat this place. Amazing food, the friendliest staff, and just a good experience every time. Locals love this place for a reason!
Love El Cap!! It's as good as it ever was, great, super juicy burgers, specials every day. Inside service, outside also and a great bar. A Devil Rays Baseball bar as well ⚾. A staple for St. Pete natives and still the best burgers around 😋
Went for a quick bite with a buddy of mine... beer was cold and burger was damn good - one the best I've had from a restaurant. Bartender was having a rough night and didn't do a good job hiding it, so service was the only thing lacking. We still tipped well, over 20%, but are the type to tip much more than that for quality service... less understanding folks would have definitely responded differently, however, burger more than made up for it and would go again without hesitation.
My son is leaving the review:
The burger is really good. I like the flavor and that it is soft. So if you dental surgery put a whole bunch of ketchup on the burger and it is great! Oh, and the fries too!
El Cap can get busy at times so go a little early or late. Get the double burger here so you can get a bit more grease. I like the burgers but I wish they grilled the buns. The burgers are quite juicy and taste good though. Get some tater tots to go with your order. I heard the chili was good too. They also have a bar. Check em out.
A homey, small hometown vibe. Service was excellent and prices have you taken aback with how affordable everything is. Burgers were just right and tater tots delish.
This is a must visit restaurant if you enjoy a really good hamburger and french fries. They have a wide variety on their menu however, their specialty is the various hamburgers. The french fries they offer is shoestring, which are fried crispy and served hot. The service is outstanding, regardless, if you’re sitting at the bar in the restaurant, dining room, or on the patio, which is pet friendly. This was my first visit. However, I will be returning again shortly after the great experience.
One of my favorite new burger spots in St Pete. The restaurant has been open since the 60’s which is amazing. The burger was one of the best tasting ones I’ve had in a while. The stag was super friendly and attentive
Make a reservation
Order online
Find the best restaurant in Tampa
An error has occurred! Please try again in a few minutes