Restaurants

Habit Burger & Grill – REVIEW

Published

1 year ago

April 18, 2025

South Florida Insider

Where There’s Smoke, There’s Flavor: The Habit Burger Brings California Heat to South Florida Streets.

April 3rd, 2025

In the ever-growing culinary landscape of South Florida, Habit Burger & Grill stands out by blending Californian soul with local charm. Tucked amidst the region’s vibrant food scene, this West Coast transplant goes beyond serving meals—it serves up a story, one steeped in tradition and sizzling with authenticity.

I recently had the pleasure of diving deeper than the menu. Guided by District Manager Paulina Cabrera—who’s spent 13 years growing with the company from San Francisco to South Florida—I got a firsthand look into the values and vision fueling this brand. Her personal journey mirrors the company’s ethos: deeply rooted, yet always evolving.

A Legacy You Can Taste

Founded in 1969 by two brothers in Santa Barbara, California, Habit Burger has always embraced its humble beginnings. The original location still stands as a culinary time capsule—and a magnet for celebrities, from Harry and Meghan to beloved local figures. But that kind of heritage isn’t just a backdrop; it’s embedded in every flame-grilled bite.

Despite being acquired by Yum! Brands in 2020 (the corporate parent of Taco Bell, KFC and Pizza Hut), Habit has remained fiercely loyal to its core values—freshness, quality and flavor over fast-food shortcuts.

Flame-Grilled, Flavor-Packed

Forget the greasy flat tops of traditional burger joints—Habit does things differently. Their signature Double Char Burger is cooked over an open flame, delivering a smoky, caramelized richness that instantly elevates it above competitors like Five Guys or In-N-Out. Even diehard fans of those chains might find themselves reconsidering allegiances.

Our visit featured a broad sampling of the menu. One standout? The Grilled Chicken Sandwich with Avocado. Even self-proclaimed avocado skeptics were impressed. Slightly charred, juicy and complemented by the creamy richness of avocado—it was a balance of textures and flavors that felt thoughtful and indulgent.

Sourdough melts, vibrant salads with customizable dressings, and unexpectedly craveable sides like Tempura Green Beans and crisp Onion Rings showcased just how much effort goes into making every item more than just “fast food.”

And it’s not just about taste. Everything is prepped fresh—twice daily. If the produce doesn’t meet their standards, it’s sent back. No compromises.

Behind the Scenes: Freshness in Action

One of the most memorable parts of our visit didn’t involve a bite of food—it was a simple conversation about something deceptively tricky: avocados. Anyone who’s waited on an avocado to ripen knows the drill: “It’s almost ready… almost… oh no, it’s overdone.” That relatable moment sparked laughter—and revealed the meticulous process behind the scenes.

At Habit, boxes of avocados arrive each morning. Team members sort through them by hand, choosing only those at their peak. “We have to be selecting daily,” one employee explained. “Which ones are ready to go, then come in another box, selecting whatever is ready to go.” The level of care almost makes you imagine someone on staff with the unofficial title of Chief Avocado Whisperer.

That same attention is given to every ingredient. It’s thoughtful. It’s precise. And it makes a difference.

Community-Driven, Family-Friendly

Though Habit doesn’t make direct monetary donations, its community presence is deeply felt. They support local events, donate achievement certificates to schools like Morikami Park Elementary, and engage with families through school programs and mobile app promotions.

The app itself is a great tool—offering buy-one-get-one-free deals, family bundles, and shorter wait times at busy drive-thru locations. It’s convenience with a side of generosity.

Final Bite: A Brand with Substance

Habit Burger & Grill is not just a run-of-the-mill quick stop for a bite—it’s a brand built on legacy, flavor and community spirit. The flame-grilled difference is real, and the intentionality behind every detail, from produce sorting to outreach efforts, proves that quality doesn’t need to be sacrificed for speed.

Whether you’re a burger purist or looking for a lighter option with bold flavor, there’s something here for everyone.

Must-Try Dishes:

Double Char Burger – juicy, smoky and unforgettable
Chicken Club Sandwich – crisped and balanced to perfection
Side of Tempura Green Beans & Onion Rings – a crisp flavorful alternative to fries

Pro Tip:
Download the mobile app for exclusive deals, rewards, and a smoother dining experience—especially at high-traffic locations.

Habit Burger & Grill
Habit Burger & Grill
Habit Burger & Grill
Habit Burger & Grill
Habit Burger & Grill
Habit Burger & Grill
Habit Burger & Grill
Habit Burger & Grill

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Arc Culinary Where Every Bite Gives Back

Published

1 month ago

June 20, 2026

McKaela Lulic

This intimate chef-driven tasting experience in Broward blends elevated cuisine, live culinary artistry, and a mission that transforms lives.

June 20th, 2026

Not every memorable night out in South Florida happens at the trendiest Miami hotspot or the newest Fort Lauderdale restaurant. Sometimes, the most unforgettable dining experiences are hidden in places you’d least expect.

Arc Broward’s Arc Culinary is one of those rare gems.

More than just a dinner reservation, Arc Culinary delivers an immersive chef’s table experience where guests enjoy thoughtfully curated multi-course meals while watching talented chefs prepare and present each dish right in front of them. The result feels part fine dining, part live performance, and entirely unforgettable.

With limited seating and rotating themed menus, every event feels exclusive like being invited to an intimate dinner party hosted by some of South Florida’s most passionate culinary talent.

The real magic begins once the first course arrives.

At Arc Culinary, dinner becomes an experience. Instead of dishes quietly appearing from behind kitchen doors, guests get a front-row seat to the craftsmanship behind every plate. Watching the chefs work adds a level of connection and appreciation that transforms the meal into something far more interactive and personal.

For its recent Fresh SoFlo Summer Flavors dinner, Arc Culinary showcased a four-course tasting menu celebrating seasonal Florida ingredients with elevated technique and thoughtful presentation.

The evening began with a refreshing Florida blue crab starter served with avocado, ruby red grapefruit, hearts of palm, and a bright key lime vinaigrette. Light, citrusy, and beautifully balanced, it captured South Florida summer on a plate.

Course two brought a stunning pan-seared Florida snapper, perfectly crisp on the outside and paired with sweet corn purée and blistered cherry tomatoes. The standout element, however, was the sauce. A swap to miso chili oil added layers of umami, subtle spice, and richness that completely elevated the dish. It was one of those bites that makes the entire table pause.

The third course featured a beautifully cooked grilled filet mignon, served with roasted summer peppers, shaved fennel, arugula, and key lime chimichurri. Rich yet balanced, it delivered the kind of bold, satisfying flavor you hope for in a main course.

Dessert ended the evening on a classic South Florida note: a stunning key lime tart that was equal parts creamy, tart, and sweet.

While the food alone makes Arc Culinary worth visiting, what makes the experience truly special lies beyond the plate.

Founded in 1956, Arc Broward has spent nearly seven decades serving individuals with developmental disabilities and life challenges throughout Broward County. The nonprofit supports individuals from ages 1 to 91, offering programs that include education, employment services, behavioral health support, residential programs, and family resources.

Arc Culinary operates as one of Arc Broward’s most innovative social enterprises, using food as both a source of funding and a pathway to opportunity.

Proceeds from dinners, private events, catering, and culinary programming directly support Arc Broward’s life-changing services while also helping create hands-on training and workforce opportunities in hospitality and culinary arts for individuals with special needs.

In other words, this isn’t just dinner.

It’s a chance to support inclusion, independence, and meaningful opportunity—all while enjoying an exceptional meal.

That’s what makes Arc Culinary so special: you come for the chef-driven menu, the intimate atmosphere, and the creative flavors, but you leave with something deeper.

In a region filled with restaurants competing for attention, Arc Culinary offers something increasingly rare a dining experience that feels personal, purposeful, and genuinely impactful.

Because at Arc Culinary, every course tells a story and every bite gives back.

Learn more about Arc Culinary and upcoming dinners