It is loud. It is cramped. There is a very high probability that the server will ignore you for the first ten minutes you're sitting there, and the bathroom is decorated with actual toilets used as planters. Honestly, if you are looking for a white-tablecloth experience with polite banter and a quick turnaround, Le Tub Saloon Hollywood Florida is going to be your worst nightmare.
But people wait for hours.
They wait in the humid Florida heat, swatting at gnats along the Intracoastal Waterway, all for a burger that was famously catapulted to superstardom by GQ magazine and Oprah Winfrey years ago. It’s a 13-ounce behemoth of ground sirloin, charbroiled on a small, overworked grill. You’ve probably heard the legends, but the reality of Le Tub is a bit more complicated than just a "best burger" trophy. It’s a relic of Old Florida that refuses to change, even as the rest of Hollywood Beach turns into high-rise condos and polished resorts.
The Chaos of the Le Tub Saloon Hollywood Florida Experience
Walk in and you’ll see it immediately: the junk. It isn't curated "shabby chic" junk you find at a franchise; it is genuine flotsam and jetsam collected from the ocean. Founder Russell Lukens, who bought this former Sunoco gas station back in the 70s, basically built the place out of driftwood and discarded plumbing fixtures. The toilets are everywhere. They are in the garden, they are by the entrance, and yes, they are the primary decor theme.
It's weird.
If you’re coming here, you need to understand the pace. This is not "fast food." It isn't even "medium food." The kitchen is tiny. When the place is packed—which is basically every weekend—the wait for a burger can stretch past the hour mark. Locals know this. They grab a plastic cup of beer, find a spot on the wooden deck overlooking the water, and watch the boats go by. If you start complaining about the wait, you’re likely to get a shrug from the staff. They aren't being mean; they're just working within the physical limits of a grill that hasn't changed in decades.
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Is the 13-Ounce Burger Actually Worth the Hype?
Let's talk about the meat. The Le Tub Saloon Hollywood Florida burger is a massive, hand-formed patty of top-bottom sirloin. They don't do fancy toppings. You won't find truffle aioli or artisanal arugula here. It’s served on a bun with lettuce, tomato, and onion. That’s it.
The secret, if you can call it that, is the char. Because they use an old-school broiler, the outside of the burger gets this salty, intense crust while the inside stays incredibly juicy. It’s a messy, primal experience. You have to unhinge your jaw to get a full bite. Is it the best in the world? That’s subjective. But it is undeniably consistent.
Most people make the mistake of ordering a side of fries and a burger. Unless you’re a competitive eater, you’re going to struggle. The "small" order of fries is enough to feed a family of four. They’re thick-cut, steak-style wedges that come out piping hot and heavily salted.
- The Burger: 13 ounces of sirloin, charbroiled, minimal toppings.
- The Fries: Massive portions, thick-cut, salty.
- The Chili: Surprisingly good, thick, and spicy enough to make you sweat.
- The Seafood: They actually do a decent gumbo and steamed shrimp, though 90% of people are there for the beef.
Dealing With the "Rules" and the Atmosphere
There is a sign at Le Tub that basically tells you to be patient or leave. This isn't a place for the entitled traveler. It’s a dive bar that happens to serve world-class food. The seating is mostly outdoors, which means you are at the mercy of the Florida climate. If it’s July and 95 degrees, you’re going to be hot. If it’s raining, you’re moving under the small covered portion of the bar.
The crowd is a strange mix. You’ll see bikers in leather sitting next to tourists who saw the place on a "must-visit" list, alongside wealthy boaters who just tied up their yachts at the dock. It’s a great equalizer. Nobody gets special treatment.
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One thing that confuses newcomers is the seating policy. Often, it’s a "find your own seat" situation, which can lead to some awkward hovering near tables that look like they’re about to finish. Just be cool. Most people are friendly, and the shared struggle of waiting for the burger usually bonds the patrons together.
Why it Survives in a Modern World
Hollywood, Florida, is changing fast. The Margaritaville Resort is just down the road, bringing a very different, corporate kind of "fun" to the beach. Le Tub feels like a middle finger to that kind of polished experience. It’s a place where the wood is slightly rotting, the paint is peeling, and the history is baked into the walls.
It survives because it has soul.
You can feel the decades of history in the uneven floorboards. It’s the kind of place where you can actually switch off your phone because the view of the water and the absurdity of the decor are more interesting than your feed. It’s authentic in a way that’s becoming increasingly rare in South Florida.
Practical Survival Tips for Your Visit
If you’re going to tackle Le Tub Saloon Hollywood Florida, you need a game plan. Do not show up at 7:00 PM on a Saturday and expect to eat by 8:00 PM. It won't happen.
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- Go on a Weekday: If you can swing a Tuesday or Wednesday afternoon, the experience is much more relaxed. You might even get your burger in twenty minutes.
- Bring Cash: While they take cards now, having cash for a quick beer at the bar makes the initial wait much more tolerable.
- Mind the Parking: The lot is tiny and chaotic. If it's full, look for street parking nearby, but read the signs carefully. Hollywood parking enforcement is notoriously strict.
- Check the Weather: Since most seating is on the dock, a thunderstorm will effectively end your dinner plans.
- Order the Burger Medium: Because of the thickness, ordering "well done" will take forever and likely result in a hockey puck. Medium-rare to medium is the sweet spot for that sirloin blend.
The Reality of the Seafood and Beyond
While the burger gets the headlines, the seafood is the sleeper hit of the menu. Their "Seafood Salad" is actually packed with real shrimp and crab, not just celery and mayo filler. The clam chowder is thick and peppery. If you aren't in the mood to be defeated by a 13-ounce meat mountain, the smoked fish dip is a legitimate Florida classic that pairs perfectly with a cold Key West Sunset Ale.
Honestly, the menu is bigger than it needs to be. Stick to the classics. The more complex the order, the longer you’re going to wait.
Final Insights for the Hungry Traveler
Le Tub is an institution that thrives on its own terms. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the best food isn't found in a gleaming kitchen with a celebrity chef, but in a converted gas station surrounded by old toilets and fishing nets. It’s gritty, it’s slow, and it’s unapologetically loud.
Don't go if you're in a rush. Don't go if you hate the outdoors. But if you want a burger that actually lives up to the decades of myth-making, and you want to see a slice of Florida history that hasn't been bulldozed yet, it's essential.
Next Steps for Your Visit:
Before you head out, check the local tide charts or sunset times. Arriving about 45 minutes before sunset allows you to secure a seat on the Intracoastal side, get your drink order in, and watch the sky change colors while your burger is on the grill. If you're traveling with a large group, call ahead, but be prepared for the reality that they may not be able to accommodate parties larger than six during peak hours. Pack some bug spray if you’re sensitive to the evening breeze, and keep your expectations for "service speed" low to ensure you actually enjoy the atmosphere.