There’s Something ‘Bout A Burger >> Shula Burger, Soho, Tampa

There is nothing quite like a big juicy cheeseburger. Really, there isn’t. When burger juice literally trickles out when you take a bite is the mark of a solid creation. Plus, add a beefy (yep, meant to say that) tomato, crisp lettuce, melty cheese and a complementary condiment and, listen, I am one happy gal. Add that side of fries because if you’re going to do it, do it well. Indulge. Enjoy.

I recently had the opportunity to check out Shula Burger in Soho. This South Tampa burger joint gave me that “I just ate so much and I would keep going, it’s that good” feeling and I’m 0% mad about it. Cause BURGERS. 

One of my self-proclaimed food groups, those who know me can confidently say that at some point or another (probably multiple times) they have heard me exclaim, “I want a burger realllll bad!” You know, in reference to the now-famous hotdog line from Legally Blonde. (To be honest, I’ll take a hot dog too. One of each, please.)

There is just something ‘bout a burger.

I knew just from the name that I could expect something great. My knowledge of Don Shula doesn’t come from football. NOW I know, but when I first heard of Shula, you could offer me a million dollars and I wouldn’t be able to pull any info about the guy from my brain that is related to football. No, instead, I know of Don Shula from Shula’s Steak House.

Fun story: My dad went to Shula’s Steak House many moons ago and ruled over the 48oz. challenge they have. His name was (and still is, as far as I know) displayed on the wall as a member of the 48oz. club, which is an induction he received for finishing The Shula Cut porterhouse steak. Restaurant staff actually came over to inspect it with a flashlight, making sure all of the beef was off the bone, before they bestowed the honor on him of being able to say he ate an unnecessary amount of beef in one sitting.

I think it’s safe to say that loving beef runs in the family.

But, back to the burgers. You see, Shula Burger has a formula that makes for the burger of your dreams. Welcome to your reality because it’s just a visit away.

When we went I had to go for the classic and Mike went with the French Onion, which tasted just as you’d expect from a burger that’s topped with caramelized onions, double gruyere cheese, garlic mayo and crushed garlic croutons, which is to say that it was phenomenal. So was mine. In fact, any burger would be a good burger because their blend includes premium black angus chuck, short rib and brisket. 

COME ON.

For the record, they also have a veggie burger, chicken options, a hot dog and salads.

I can’t even with this place. It strikes you as calm, cool, collected from the outside and even the interior on first glance, but then yells a big, “Wham, bam, thank you ma’am” when it serves up the goods. Yeah, I went there.

On this visit we also enjoyed sweet potato tots and fries of both the regular and sweet potato persuasion. The kiddos split the kids burger because it’s a sizeable portion, and then we all enjoyed milkshakes at the end. 

And, I’m pretty pumped to be able to tell you that Shula Burger is now serving beer and wine. A smart move considering there is probably nobody on this planet who would rather be drinking water with their burger when beer is an option, right? They just go together and even with my kids present, I felt relaxed. A rarity that I thank Shula Burger immensely for.

Shall I keep going? Nah, I think I’ve convinced you in my 600+ words that a visit to Shula Burger will not be something you soon regret. Check out their Facebook and Instagram for beautiful burger inspiration!