The last time the two Fat Men From Space visited Amelia Island searching for burgers was seven years ago in 2018 when their gluttonous, but discerning appetites declared a tie between Amelia Island’s iconic T-Ray’s Burger Station. 202 South 8th St., and the now shuttered Joe’s 2nd Street Bistro as the best burgers their spacy palates have tasted in this universe.
During their most recent visit the two fatties’ ravenous burger cravings were once again more than satiated at T-Ray’s Burger Station, a converted gas station located at 202 South 8th Street and the corner of Beech. It snagged an undisputed first place.
According to the Fat guys T-Ray’s Burger decadence comes in all shapes and sizes. “T-Rays Burger,” they say. “will fill you with immense satisfaction and the feeling of: “I might have bitten off more than I can chew, here!”
The folks lining up beginning at 11:00 o clock each day, Monday through Saturday, must agree with this Fat Man or they wouldn’t be there.
The Fat Man lunching at T-Ray’s was enthusiastic in his praise., gushing: “Sure, T-Rays is also known for the best fried shrimp and chicken and dumplins, (no “g,” it’s a local thing). It’s their burgers that keeps folks coming back.”
“The combo’s come with a drink, plank-style fries and for a small upcharge you can get homemade onion rings too! Listen to this Fat Man, here’s some handy tips to get to the decadence goal line. First, a little T-Rays combo is all you need. The big one will require a couch shortly after consumption. You’ll feel like a python who’s swallowed the neighbor’s German Shepard. Because a part of you wants to try the various fish sandwiches and shrimp platters (with three sides, mind you), dip your fries in their homemade tartar sauce. Sounds odd? Trust me, it’s like getting a hint of seafood with each fry. Decadence? You betcha! If you really want to be on the inside track, and skip the inevitable line out the door, order over the phone (904/261-6310) as they have a special dedicated register for you to pay when you arrive to pick up. This is one fine cheeseburger, and the prices are just as satisfying listed online as follows:
Little T Burger $5.95, add cheese $0.75
Little T Burger Combo $10.50
Big T Burger $9.25 add cheese $0.75
Big T Burger Combo $13.50
Add bacon $2.00
T-Rays has received some broader notoriety, having been written-up in Southern Living, USA Today (which claimed several years ago that it had the best burger in all of Florida) and the Washington Post.
The Fat Man reported: “They do not cook burgers to a specified doneness here. All the burgers are served medium-well. The patties are hand formed and cooked on a flat-top grill. After taking my seat among the kitschy, mismatched furniture I anxiously awaited the arrival of my burger.
“Let’s start by saying this is a burger that looks good getting off the bus. It was big, well formed, nicely dressed and a bit intimidating. The accompanying steak fries were plentiful and fried to a prefect, golden brown. Getting a handle on this burger is no small feat. One misstep and whole thing can end up in your lap. So counter-measures are advised (cutting in half, taking your face to the food or both). This is a big, juicy, messy burger.
“Despite being cooked past medium, the burger was very moist. The lettuce was crisp and the tomato perfectly ripe. The condiments were abundant. Halfway through my burger, I had soiled enough napkins to circle Jupiter. So I decided to go knife and fork from there. I know. I know. But before you judge, think of Mother Earth. Anyway, T-Ray’s hits the mark with its burgers and it has the best price of any island burger. Mine was delicious. I could barely finish it.”
Of note, T-Ray’s is a local institution and is only open for breakfast and lunch Monday-Saturday and closed Sundays.
Second place goes to a joint just down the street from first place. First Love‘s burger had one happy Fat Man saying: “ It’s “the best $15 I’ve spent in quite some time.”
He raved on adding, “have you ever noticed a great cheeseburger, truly looks appealing? It’s a treat for the nose AND the eyes. Consider, dear reader, the $15 “smash burger” at First Love Brewing located on Ash street and South 8th. Perfectly toasted bun, golden brown, bright red tomato, Spanish onion ringlets the perfect purple hue, then, there’s the burger. Let’s take a moment here. Not one, but TWO crispy edged, BUT juicy patties. Both patties were smothered in melted American cheese. What can I say that Jimmy Buffett hasn’t sung about already? Let’s not forget the variety of freshly brewed beer! Truly a cheeseburger in Paradise!
“The crunchy fries were hot, the toppings were cold, and I’ve added the cook to my Christmas card list. With food and drink this skillfully prepared, perhaps they should change their name from First Love to Everlasting Love. It’s just that good. Having traveled the galaxy like I have, places like First Love make a pitstop to the third marble from the sun an absolute must. I’ll be back, and so should you.”
Honorable Mention goes to PJD’s Beer & Wine Garden a downtown location but off the proverbial beaten path.
The 12 South 2nd Street setting offers enough beer (and wine) to satisfy any beer enthusiast. The atmosphere is nothing like anywhere else in the downtown area, the island, Nassau County, or maybe this universe. The pajama man proprietor and his curious staff make sure of it.
If you’re downtown Fernandina Beach and looking for a beer and burger for lunch, or feeling a bit blue, this is the spot for you. You cannot beat the price or the eclectic atmosphere. For just $I0 you won’t find a better deal. I ordered the bacon burger. It’s a typical pub-style burger. It’s a nice hearty patty with bacon and grilled onions served with French fries.
The fries were good, not great but better than average. However, the burger was damn good. I’m a huge fan of grilled onions on a burger, add bacon and you got yourself a nice quality burger. Ketchup, mustard, and mayo are offered on the side.
If your looking for tuna salad, club sandwiches, arugula, or a meat-and-three forget it. This is a hamburger and hot dog place with Dave occasionally putting sloppy Joe’s or a sub sandwich, or whatever else HE may be hungry for, on the chalkboard menu. Fried cheese sticks and boiled peanuts are also available.
Beers? They have a huge beer selection of some 200 to pair with this burger. Not only can you have a good burger with a beer at PJD’S, but you’re also guaranteed some fascinating conversation with locals and entertainment from the pajama man himself. The place resembles a Monty Python sketch without the English accents. It is not your typical downtown tourist spot.
T-Ray’s will be gifted the framed art work of their crowning (shown above), created by talented local artist and graphic designer Steve Hall.
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Pitch Forks & Torches Department: I’ve never heard locals as angry and outspoken toward elected officials as they currently are with the four Fernandina Beach City Commissioners who bluntly told the electorate what they could do with their petition to put paid parking on the next local ballot.
Despite the angry protests against it, local businesses voicing a loud collective “NO”, and examples of failed paid parking by other Florida cities of similar size, these four bozos told locals to “stuff it.” There will be paid parking. “We need the money for more staff and stuff, a park nobody wants, a seawall that may or may not work, money to tear down Brett’s Cafe, and to build more stuff,” they say. And YOU tax payers will fund it!”
The only rational and sane member of the five is Commissioner Darron Ayscue, who must feel a chill every time he has to sit among this crowd of angry, unreasonable nitwits. His well-reasoned arguments fall on the deaf ears of his fellow commissioners.
T-shirts and designs as well as “NO Paid Parking” store signs are popping up displaying displeasure with the decision of Fernandina’s Four Swaybacks of Downtown’s Business Apocalypse. Instead of cutting overhead, selling nonperforming assets, and hacking bloated budgets, Commissioners James Antun, Genece Minshew, Tim Poynter, and Joyce Tuten decided they would rather dip deeper into taxpayer pockets.
Among the four, restauranteur Poynter remains the anomaly. Maybe he figures making cars move frequently will help turn tables in his eateries. A Jacksonville TV station portrayed Poynter saying he “….didn’t care what petition signers wanted, paid parking would be implemented.”
Neither residents or business owners want it, and their anger is palpable. It recently popped up in T-Shirt designs shown here.
The “We will not forget” shirt pictured at right, can currently be purchased at Pajamadave’s Beer & Wine Garden, 12 South 2nd Street downtown for $20.
The other is a design by local graphic designer and caricature artist Steve Hall, who also designed the T-Ray’s Burger “King” illustration shown above.
I am hoping the recall sends these four packing. They have no desire to serve the city and robbing the citizens and visitors while claiming to be public servants.
Must be a real slow news day.
Talk about Kings – that’s the 4 corrupt commissioners
Wasn’t Tim Poynter saying the city should fight for more of the bed tax? Since the city generates the bulk of the county bed tax it seems only fair we should receive more, but instead he goes for paid parking. Wanna bet after they stick it to us with that, they’ll suddenly rediscover the bed tax, and will be flush with revenue to expand their empire, with no thoughts of revoking paid parking.
Also, has anybody noticed the curious construction on North 2nd Street? The street is now only 1 lane wide, with lots of added parking right in front of two of Poynter’s businesses. Imagine that…
They are looking through the wrong end of the telescope. Revenue is not the problem, it’s out of control spending. Huge increases in the budget/manpower pushed through by a former city manager and unstopped by the Commission is the problem. Cut spending. CUT spending, cowards. Voters- you get what you vote for.
Toad…..don’t forget the Alachua crossing at front street that Poynter championed from his earlier go arounds as a Commissioner. Check out how many cars actually use it during a busy lunch hour (not many), but it enhances his “North” properties which are growing significantly with more to come.
Paid parking has always been a lightening rod of controversy in Fernandina, but most importantly, people don’t like being snookered with a bait and switch. It really pisses them off. I’m afraid hard lessons are about to be learned….