The Cove Waterfront Restaurant and Tiki Bar is officially your 2026 Boca Burger Battle winner, and not just in one category. The Deerfield Beach waterfront favorite swept both Best Grill Master, the judges’ pick, and Best Battle Burger, the People’s Choice award, at this year’s event in Sanborn Square Park.
The Cove wasn’t the only one flying the flag this year. Lucky Fish Beach Bar & Grill and Lucky Lou’s Raw Bar also brought original, off-menu burger creations to the grill, joining a competitive lineup. Three restaurants from one family showing up at the same event is no small thing, and each one brought its own take on what makes a great burger.
Now in its 13th year, the Boca Burger Battle is the longest-running burger competition in Florida, drawing thousands of guests for a night of live music, cold drinks, and off-menu burger creations built just for the occasion.
Winning both awards in the same year is a rare feat. It means The Cove’s burger won over a panel of professional chefs and tastemakers, and also won over the crowd voting with their taste buds. That kind of across-the-board recognition speaks to the consistency and craft behind everything the kitchen team puts out, and it reflects well on the standard set across Lucky Fish and Lucky Lou’s too.
Beyond the friendly competition, the night carried real purpose. Every ticket sold benefited the Children’s Giving Foundation, a nonprofit supporting children’s charities throughout South Florida. That community impact is part of what makes this event, and this win, worth celebrating.
Looking ahead, the Boca Burger Battle is taking the celebration on the road with mini burger events at each winning restaurant’s location, including The Cove. Guests will get another chance to taste the award-winning burger up close.
Congratulations to The Cove on a well-earned double win, and thank you to Lucky Fish Beach Bar & Grill and Lucky Lou’s Raw Bar for representing so well on the same stage.
Check out the official Boca Burger Battle post here!
