**INITIAL REVIEW**…read more
Out of all the restaurants still in business in the Melbourne/Palm Bay area of the Space Coast, the one that has truly lasted the test of time is The Burger Inn.
Located on US-1, The Burger Inn is a testament to the city's history as the restaurant was first founded back in 1952. That was a time when Melbourne was the eastern point for cattle herding in Central Florida. US-1 was still a dirt road back then.
As a matter of fact, The Burger Inn is one of the five-oldest restaurants still in business in Brevard County. By age, it is the second-youngest (Dixie Crossroads in Titusville, FL is younger while Ashley's, Lone Cabbage Fish Camp, and the Old Fish House Bar & Grille are older).
The age The Burger Inn shows is more a testament to its delightfully tacky charm more so than be dated. In short, their age equates to experience and wisdom that still makes them a popular choice amongst restaurant-goers anywhere, both locals and tourists alike.
The Burger Inn is located on the eastside of US-1, just a little ways north of the Eau Gallie Art District, but just a little ways south of the Big Orange roadside attraction. Take note that the entrance into The Burger Inn is a "right turn only," so patrons going south will need to turn in at the light before or after The Burger Inn and take the residential roads to it.
The Burger Inn, as mentioned earlier, is delightfully tacky in its charm. It has the updated design of a 1960s drive-thru diner with its bright colors of the time. Think of a lot of red and yellow, neon lights, and black-and-white checker floors. If it further helps, think of movies like Grease.
The majority of seating is outdoors with stone chairs and tables which were famously used in old-school garden parks of the 1970s with their tile mosaic designs. The seating is shaded and have roll-down canvas covers to block sunlight and wind just in case.
The bar area is still intact with all the old-school cookery right in front of you. But take note people were "smaller" back then so if you are bigger or taller person, sitting at the bar will be uncomfortable.
This is a burger dive bar so most of your food will be of that preference. But unlike other places, they still place precedence on their classic burgers, sides, and milkshakes. You can truly attest to the rest of their menu if their basics are delicious, and I will say their regular cheeseburger, fries, and shake are more than good, but have that satisfaction from eating a good ole' fast food meal back when such was done with actual care.
That doesn't mean The Burger Inn has not kept with the times. They have updated their menu to include present day offerings such as chili-cheese fries, onion rings, mozerella cheese sticks, and much more.
Finally on the food, they do have a challenge in which you eat a 10-patty cheeseburger, a large order of chili-cheese fries, and a 32 oz. shake in less than 30 minutes, you will get a free t-shirt and your meal is free. If you fail, you pay $40 for the attempt (which is not bad for a price if you think about it).
Actually, everything on their menu is priced decently. A burger is about $5, which is fair given inflation, but worth it when you are eating a wholesome old-fashioned burger.
Probably the only Issue worth addressing is the restroom. Remember how I said the bar seems to be made for people at a time when they were smaller. The same goes for the restroom. It is literally only a single unisex room that somehow is smaller than the space in a portable potty. The toilet literally runs under the sink. Talk about a tight squeeze.
Despite that minute details, I have never been disappointed eating here at The Burger Inn. They've always been consistent with their food, especially during a time when specialty groups seem to naysay on what we can or cannot eat. Ergo, I am giving them five-out-of-five stars. Definitely give The Burger Inn a chance.
