Best burger in Fort Myers, Cape Coral? Vote now in our bracket's Final Four

Robyn George, Fort Myers News-Press
·3 min read
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Cinderellas continue to dance through The News-Press burger bracket challenge of 2024.

Continuing a pattern set in the Sweet 16, more top seeds were bounced in the Elite Eight.

Fat Katz, which pulled off an upset by toppling No. 3 Matt’s Red Hots, is the highest remaining seed at No. 6.

Keg & Cow in Cape Coral is in the Final Four.
Keg & Cow in Cape Coral is in the Final Four.

No. 16 Street Eatz & Ale in Bokeelia, No. 15 Keg & Cow in Cape Coral,  and 12th-seeded Artisan Eatery in south Fort Myers also advanced to round out this week’s Final Four.

Joining Matt’s in exiting the mouthwatering competition to determine the best burger in Lee County were seventh-seeded Lehne Burger, No. 9 Ford’s Garage and Big Nick’s BBQ at 13.

Voting in our Final Four begins Monday, March 25, and runs through noon Friday, March 29.

Street Eatz & Ale opened in Bokeelia, just before the four-way stop where Pine Island and Stringfellow roads meet.
Street Eatz & Ale opened in Bokeelia, just before the four-way stop where Pine Island and Stringfellow roads meet.

The contest continues until the best burger champion is crowned on April 8.

Helpful notes before you vote

  • An independent accounting/polling resource tallies votes. In this case, it’s Crowdsignal. Votes sent to reporters or posted on Facebook are not counted.

  • Only one vote per IP address per Crowdsignal. Your devices (phone, laptop, desktop, tablets) have different IP addresses.

  • If the polls do not immediately load, refresh the page. The poll generally loads better on desktops and laptops rather than on mobile devices. If you have issues voting in the app, try using your browser. Also, avoid using Firefox browser.

  • Voting closes at noon sharp each Friday.

Fat Katz in Fort Myers has been making burgers with a signature three-meat blend ground in-house since 2013.
Fat Katz in Fort Myers has been making burgers with a signature three-meat blend ground in-house since 2013.

Lee County's Best Burger Challenge voting dates

  • Sweet 16: completed

  • Elite 8: completed

  • Final Four: Voting begins Monday, March 25, and ends at noon, Friday, March 29

  • The Finals: Voting begins Monday, April 1, and ends at noon, Friday, April 5

  • The winner will be announced Monday, April 8

Here are this week’s top four burgers still in our bracket:

Street Eatz & Ale vs. Artisan Eatery

The smash burger at Street Eatz & Ale has steak blend patties, lettuce, onions, pickles and street sauce.
The smash burger at Street Eatz & Ale has steak blend patties, lettuce, onions, pickles and street sauce.

Street Eatz: Owner Reid Freeman has been “wanting to create the perfect smash burger for years.” And he just may have done it. The No 16 seed — the last burger to make our bracket — has been knocking off some heavy-hitters, including top-seeded Only Doubles and ninth-seeded Ford’s Garage. Against the latter, Freeman’s double steak blend patties with secret street sauce earned 57% of the votes. Can the biggest underdog in this contest do it again? Your votes will decide. (5508 Ave. A, Bokeelia; 239-312-4697; seabokeelia.com or find them on Facebook)

Artisan Eatery in south Fort Myers is known for many delightful items, including the from-scratch Wagyu burger.
Artisan Eatery in south Fort Myers is known for many delightful items, including the from-scratch Wagyu burger.

Artisan Eatery: This No. 12 seed has quietly made a strong run in the bracket. The chef-driven, everything scratch-made, fast-casual eatery toppled heavily favored fifth-seed Jimmy P’s Charred, then snuck by No. 13 seed Big Nick’s BBQ in a nail-biter. Only eight votes separated the two in the closest match-up to date. Are Artisan’s impressive Wagyu, black & blue and impossible burgers in for another win? Vote and stay tuned.  (8951 Daniels Parkway, Fort Myers; 239-887-4844; artisaneatery.com or on Facebook and Instagram)

Fat Katz vs. Keg & Cow

The buffalo chicken burger from Fat Katz in Fort Myers
The buffalo chicken burger from Fat Katz in Fort Myers

Fat Katz: This sports bistro is the only top-10 seed to advance this far. The No. 6 seed did it by beating No. 11 Stones Throw and a higher-seed Matt’s (No. 3).  The latter earned more votes than other Elite 8 match-ups. In the end, Fat Katz — powered by a strong selection of signature burgers — earned 52% of votes to move on. Will they do it again? If you love the Crazy Larry, Buffalo chicken or the ever-popular Wine “Oh” burger, vote. (10080 Daniels Interstate Court, Fort Myers; 239-768-3541; fatkatzsportsbistro.com; also Fat Katz Slider Bar, 19800 Village Center Drive, Unit 200, Fort Myers; fatkatzsliderbar.com)

Keg & Cow offers an impressive variety of burgers in Cape Coral
Keg & Cow offers an impressive variety of burgers in Cape Coral

Keg & Cow: Like its opponent, this 15 seed goes all in on its burgers, including the popular Burger of the Month (March’s Irish-themed burger with white cheddar, stout mushroom gravy and hash brown patty on a toasted brioche bun!).  Backed by eight other specialty burgers on the menu, this Cape Coral neighborhood favorite beat No. 2 Zino and seventh-seeded Lehne Burger. It earned 59% of the votes to reach the Final Four. Will it reach next week’s final? It could if you vote! (2384 Surfside Blvd., Cape Coral; 239-558-5001; kegandcow.com)

New in Cape Coral: Fast-casual, sweet and savory waffle shop opens

Robyn George is a food and dining reporter for The News-Press. Connect at [email protected]

This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Vote now for the best burger in Fort Myers, Cape Coral: Our Final Four

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