Burger Monger Expands in Tampa Bay With New South Pasadena Location

Burger Monger opens its fourth Tampa Bay spot in South Pasadena on Monday, May 4. The eatery takes over what used to be Kelly's Roast Beef at 1530 Pasadena Ave. South.

According to St. Pete Rising, this 3,890-square-foot space sat empty since January. Kelly's had operated there for about two and a half years before shuttering. Burger Monger already runs shops in Wesley Chapel, Safety Harbor, and St. Pete.

Owner Jake Hickton launched his first restaurant in Tampa back in 2010. Since then, he's grown the business throughout the area. The company gave all its restaurants a makeover in 2018, tossing fried chicken, extra milkshake options, and chef-inspired dishes onto the menu.

What sets this chain apart? One-third-pound patties crafted from a secret mix of ground chuck and sirloin. Many burgers feature Akaushi beef, which boasts rich marbling that makes mouths water.

Diners can create their own masterpiece or pick a house specialty. The Steakhouse Monger packs a pepper-crusted patty with bacon, grilled mushrooms, lettuce, tomato, Dijon mustard, and a battered onion ring on top. Want something bigger? The Peppered Pig stacks two patties high, then loads on provolone cheese, bacon, grilled ham, onions, jalapeños, lettuce, and peppercorn ranch.

Build-your-own burgers offer dozens of add-ons. Customers can pile on fried eggs, avocado, mac and cheese, or grilled pineapple. Traditional toppings like lettuce, tomato, and pickles are there too.

The menu stretches past beef. Turkey burgers share space with chicken sandwiches, fish sandwiches, hot dogs, Philly cheesesteaks, patty melts, chicken wings, and salads. Vegetarians can grab black bean or Impossible burgers, both available with vegan cheese.

Last year, the St. Pete location at 1325 4th St. North installed a full liquor bar. They added multiple TVs and arcade games too.