AlwaysTraveling: The Le Tub Saloon (Hollywood, FL)

The Gluttoness — June 29, 2009

In 2006, GQ claimed that The Le Tub Saloon served the number one burger you must eat before you die. It’s one of the insane number of accolades lining the walls of this outdoor, waterfront saloon. The rest of the décor includes a pool table, plants potted in toilet seats and tons of ocean-borne treasures. Not much has changed since 1975 when Le Tub opened. There’s a small flattop over-looking the Intracoastal Waterway and one man in the “kitchen.” High demand means that it can take up to an hour to get one of Le Tub’s acclaimed Sirloin Burgers (the menu apologizes for the wait).

The lean beef is cooked so that the center is hot, but still red (“medium” by Le Tub standards). It’s served on a poppy seed roll from Cusano’s Italian Bakery in Hallandale, Florida, and you have the option of American or Swiss Cheese. Lettuce, tomato, and onion accompany, but because of the burger’s thickness, it’s best to just enjoy the charred patty with a thin layer of melted cheese.

The burger weighs in at one pound but its impressive size is overshadowed by the rich, juicy flavor. It’s a wonder that the soft bun manages to soak up the beef jus without falling apart. Thick-cut steak fries are almost as fantastic as the burgers— extra crispy on the outside, soft and steamy inside. The burger is a feat to finish but it’s difficult to resist emptying the basket of fries anyway.

No matter how much you indulge, a meal at Le Tub is not complete without two things. The first is a slice of the creamy Key Lime Pie, which has a sensual mouth-feel and a crumbly graham crust. The second must-have is a picture of you in “le tub.”

Restaurant: The Le Tub Saloon (view site)
Address: 1100 North Ocean Road, Hollywood, FL 33019 (view map)
AlwaysHungry Grade: A
AlwaysHungry Recommends: Sirloin Burger, Fries, Key Lime Pie