The quest to find Orlando’s best burger began in my own work backyard.

I work in Downtown Orlando, which has really become a hotbed of non-chain restaurants.  It’s amazing that only a couple of years ago there were very few options – and now it seems that every literal corner you turn, there’s a new trendy place.

Today we’re talking about one of my favorite lunch places.  I’ve been a fan of Pine 22 since the day they opened their door.  For some reason, I’ve never actually blogged about them. SHAME ON ME.

So I’m fixing that now.  I can’t tell you how many different people I’ve turned onto this place.  I wish there was some sort of customer reward program, because I would be raking in the goods!

Here’s the thing about Pine 22 – you may get overwhelmed.  You have to know that going in.  It’s not your typical restaurant experience.  It’s not a BAD thing, you just need to be prepared.

When you walk in, you are greeted with a table with sheets and mini pencils.  This is where you order.  There are a TON of options to choose from.

If you really are confused at the options – turn it over and you’ll find pre-made burgers like you would on a normal restaurant menu.  But for me, this is where the fun begins.

You see, I don’t really like bread.  I mean I like it – I just don’t like too much of it.  It’s important to be that a burger have a good bread/meat ratio.  I hate places where the bread just overtakes the burger – what’s the point?  In some places, I just order no bread at all.  But at Pine 22, I have the option of an english muffin.  That’s right folks – the perfect bread option.

You can order it on a number of different buns or no bun at all and just put it on a bed of rice.  But that’s too close to a salad for me – and I’m at a burger place…right?

So you pick your cheese, pick your sauce, pick your toppings.  They have everything!!!  I prefer a simple provolone, bbq sauce, red peppers and charred onions.

The Jen Cook burger.

The thing about Pine 22 that is lacking, is the opportunity for food porn pictures.  Just the way that you order at a cash register and how they bring you for food when an item is up, doesn’t lead to amazing photos.  But that really is the only downfall.

Perhaps my favorite thing about Pine 22, the hush puppies.  Some people love the shoestring fries, others come for the fried pickels.  Me, it’s the hush puppies….

Hush Puppy Heaven

For me, Pine 22 is as good as it gets.  They get the coveted 5 out of 5 bun rating for me.  Which is ironic since it’s the bun that wins it here.

Details:
Pine 22
22 East Pine Street
Orlando, FL 32801
Open Sun – Thur 11am to 10pm, Fri – Sat 11am to 11pm
Other burger reviews:

• Ravenous Pig Burger Review
• BurgerFi Review