A Burger A Week – Duffy’s Tavern
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In the world of Sarasota area burgers, there are OGs and newbies. Stop #44 is firmly planted in the world of the former.
Here’s the company that this week’s spot keeps: The Hob Nob Drive-In, Shake Pit, New Pass Grill & Bait Shop, and let’s even toss in Patrick’s. These places are “original,” that much is for sure. I’m not sure about the “gangster” part. I’ll leave that for others to figure out.
Up in Homes Beach is yet another example of an area original. The Geyer family owns a place that has been the home of “World Famous” burgers since 1971. To accompany that burger, they also serve “the coldest beer this side of heaven.” If you believe in heaven, this could be a definite positive 🍺 😇
DUFFY’S HAS ROOTS – The history of this beloved dive bar goes back to 1958. But it wasn’t until 1971 that Pat “Miss Duffy” Geyer purchased the business from its original owner.
📝 “Miss Duffy” served two terms as Mayor of Holmes Beach as well as multiple terms as a city commissioner. See what I mean, ROOTS!
Pat’s five daughters all call Duffy’s Tavern home (at least workwise!). Her middle daughter, Peggi, manages things at Duffy’s now. And brings with her the same no-nonsense attitude as her mom.
We didn’t just stumble onto (or into) Duffy’s. Stop #44 was recommended to us by longtime customer (and friend of the Geyer family) Liza Kubik. We thought it was only fitting to have her ride along with us for our burger. 🍔
Liza has Holmes Beach roots, too. At one point, she called this Florida beach town home. Liza also knows great food. Her day job is as the Executive Director of the Sarasota-Manatee Originals (there’s that word again! 😁).
For the uninitiated and unfamiliar, Duffy’s isn’t fancy. It’s pretty much the opposite. Liza calls it a “Beloved Dive”. This stop is right in my wheelhouse.
This inside suits the outside…
There’s also this. The sign of a proper old-school burger and beer joint.
Places like this always have a devoted and faithful following. Duffy’s is no exception. You can get a Braunschweiger Sandwich or a PB & J. But one full page of the menu is dedicated to their burgers.
😱 It screams WORLD FAMOUS on the top of the page. Let’s see if the hype matches the type.
Let’s talk about our Duffy’s burger experience…
RESTAURANT: DUFFY’S TAVERN (5808 MARINA DR. (941) 778-2501)
DATE OF VISIT: NOVEMBER 8, 2023
STOP #: 44 OF 52
BURGER TASTED: ORIGINAL DUFFY’S CHEESEBURGER
📒 OUR TASTING NOTES
🍔 How this burger is listed on the menu: Fresh ground beef (ground fresh daily!) on a toasted bun. ATW (All The Way) includes lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, mayo, and American cheese. ($7.80)
• Liza loved the toasted bun. And also, the “perfect” sized burger. I loved the simplicity of this burger. Nothing fancy, the kind of burger you remember eating as a kid.
• For Liza, the sign of a great burger is when it’s juicy enough for those juices to run down your hand to your wrist. Even though it’s not a thick patty, it’s packed with juicy burger goodness.
• I love the atmosphere here. Tables filled with old friends and co-workers sharing some conversation, homemade food and a little break from a hectic day.
• We both had our burgers, ATW (All The Way). I think it’s really the only way. And a bonus for me today. The toppings were on the bottom of the sandwich. Yes!
• THE FRIES. Sadly, not a thing at Duffy’s. But a bag of Lay’s subs in nicely at a place like this. 📝 Liza told me there was no whining about the lack of fries! I didn’t. 😢
Let’s check out how all of this looked when we ordered it…
BURGER TAKEAWAYS: Great neighborhood dive bar atmosphere • Family owned and operated for 52 years! • An unbeatable burger deal! 💵 • No Hostess, No Table Service, No Credit Cards • Simple and delicious food
👀 SNEAK PEEK: We’re off to Downtown Sarasota for a burger at a place that is a little unexpected. They’re known for a flaming side dish along with a menu of Mediterranean-inspired dishes.
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Yes! Things are finally starting to pick up a bit in the local food event department. Our calendar is filling up little by little. ⬇️
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