I discuss burger history and classification a bunch. One topic that comes up rather often is whether or not a Patty Melt is classified as a burger. I’ve always felt that a Patty Melt was a burger. I also think that it’s almost impossible to mess one up.
What’s the difference between a Patty Melt and a Cheeseburger?
The OFFICIAL ingredients for a Patty Melt are relatively simple: Burger patty, rye bread, Swiss cheese & grilled onions. Patty melts are not just limited to these ingredients, though.
Below are two variations of Patty Melts, one being the traditional version and a non-traditional take on the famous sandwich.
I can’t say I ever remember eating a bad one anywhere, and I’ve had them in many cities and states. However, I do encounter variations in the cheeses (American cheese, cheddar cheese), the protein (ground turkey), the bread (Sourdough), and even some cheese-encrusted bread.
Another thing is that most purists say that the rye bread is only griddled on the flat top, not toasted. The Patty Melt should taste like the child of a great burger & grilled cheese sandwich.
Hey, I’m all about that thought!
History of the Patty Melt
Who invented the Patty Melt?
Unlike the burger or cheeseburger, where you’ve got many folks claiming to be the creators, the Patty Melt is a product of California. Tiny Naylor owned a chain of Biff’s Drive-Ins and Tiny Naylor Coffee Shop restaurants from the late 1930s through 1957.
It was there that the Patty Melt made its debut.
Naylor put the beef patties between slices of rye bread as a Patty Melt. Although, the credit for this concoction belongs directly to Tiny Naylor’s restaurants in California during the 1950s.
The Tiny Naylor passed away in 1959, but his son Biff (the inspiration for the restaurant name) now owns the Du-Par’s chain (with a pretty mean Patty Melt on the menu). His granddaughter Jennifer was a former Executive Chef for Wolfgang Puck.
While I haven’t come across the recipe for Tiny Naylor’s original Patty Melt, I did find one for Grampa Tiny’s Patty Melt, which Jennifer served at Wolfgang Puck’s. But, remember, beggars can’t be choosers.
Cool Patty Melt Associated Fact
The Beastie Boys‘ 1994 album Ill Communication’s cover was from Bruce Davison’s 1964 picture of Tiny Naylor’s for Esquire magazine.
Jennifer Naylor’s Patty Melt Recipe
Patty Melt Ingredients
- Two tablespoons of butter softened
- Four slices of rye bread
- Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
- 1 1/2 pound fresh ground round (divided and shaped into two oval burgers)
- One tablespoon of olive oil
- One small red onion, peeled and sliced into rings
- 2 to 3 slices of Swiss cheese
Patty Melt Instructions
- Melt butter over flat top griddle/sizable cast-iron skillet to toast rye bread slices.
- Season burgers with salt & pepper, then grill on a flat top.
- Cook the burgers to medium-rare or desired doneness.
- Put olive oil on the griddle and grill onions until caramelized.
- Melt Swiss cheese slices over each burger.
- Assemble the Patty Melts by placing cheeseburgers over one slice of each rye toast, top with caramelized onions, and then the remaining slices of rye toast.
The BEST Patty Melts in South Florida
When I say patty melt, I think of the traditional kind. We’re talking about a beef burger patty with caramelized or grilled onions and Swiss cheese on rye bread.
Once assembled, the sandwich is griddled, usually with some butter. But today, anything between two slices of bread passes for a patty melt.
For this Best Patty Melt in South Florida list, we will be loosey-goosey about what makes the cut. That means different cheeses, types of bread, toasting techniques, and even sauces are involved.
So rather than hold you up, go forth and find your next favorite patty melt. I’ll be waiting to hear your thoughts.
Chug’s Diner
Whatever you do, do not miss out on Chug’s Diner Frita Patty Melt because this fella is a game changer. We’re talking a frita patty of rye bread with Swiss cheese, caramelized onions, papitas, and 1000 Island sauce.
Chug’s Diner
3444 Main Hwy Suite 21
Miami, FL
(786) 353-2940
Coral Bagels
Coral Bagels is an excellent spot for breakfast, but if you’re paying attention, you’ll notice a patty melt on the menu. You’d be making a big mistake if you didn’t order one with some shoestring fries.
Coral Bagels
2750 SW 26th Avenue
Miami, FL
(305) 854-0336
The Food Truck Store
I love their Wisconsin, and it might be my personal favorite if their Texas patty melt wasn’t so damn good! It’s Food Truck Store‘s tribute to Whataburger with two of their 4.2oz patties, white American cheese, chopped onion, and creamy pepper sauce on two pieces of Texas toast.
The Food Truck Store
13448 Biscayne Boulevard
North Miami, FL
(305) 952-3941
Grampa’s Cafe and Deli
I had to eat the patty melt from Grampa’s, which is no surprise as this is one of the sandwiches I obsess over. One bite in, and I knew it had to be on the list.
Grampa’s Cafe and Deli
17 SW 1st Street
Dania Beach, FL
(954) 923-2163
Hate Mondays Tavern
When most folks think of Hate Mondays Tavern, BBQ is on their minds. But unfortunately, you would miss out on a real-deal patty melt on rye bread and an award-winning burger on the menu if you stick to the ‘que.
Hate Mondays Tavern
12461 Southwest 130th Street
Miami, FL
(305) 378-4900
Mayor’s Cafe featuring Chef Frankie
This non-traditional patty melt could brighten up any breakfast. The only problem? Chef Frankie of Cafe 72 fame cooks this beauty up on Friday and Saturday nights. This baby is a must!
Mayor’s Cafe
15478 NW 77th Ct
Miami Lakes, FL
(786) 907-4173
Moonlite Diner
When I think diner, I think patty melts. The Moonlite Diner in Hollywood is no different. They got a bad mama jama (marbled rye bread) on their hands, and you need to wash it down with some pecan pie; trust me.
Moonlite Diner
3500 Oakwood Boulevard
Hollywood, FL
(954) 924-2012
Peter Pan Diner
I couldn’t resist stopping at the Peter Pan Diner. But seeing a patty melt on the menu was even more exciting than a restaurant named after that fella. Was it a surprise? Not really, but it’s freakin’ delicious.
Peter Pan Diner
1216 E Oakland Park Boulevard
Oakland Park, FL
(954) 565-7177
