Miami Has a New Burger King as Skinny Louie Takes Crown at SOBEWFF

The South Beach Wine & Food Festival kicked off its four-day food-filled program on Thursday, February 20, and it has already crowned the best burger in Miami. If you're looking for other events to attend this weekend, here are ten you can't miss out on.

Last night, two Argentine burger joints took home the grand prizes during Burger Bash, an epic burger showdown hosted by Rachael Ray of the Food Network. Sponsored by Mike's Amazing and presented by Schweid & Sons, burger lovers gathered on the sands of South Beach to taste some of the best burgers in South Florida. Some of the burgers came from steakhouses like the newly opened Daniel's in Fort Lauderdale, while other vendors have been part of the festival from the beginning, like Shake Shack.

Judging the beefy burger battle for the Very Best Burger Award was a panel of VIP judges, including ABC's The Bachelor star Tyler Cameron and the son of Sofia Vergara, Manolo Gonzalez Vergara, among others. Attendees got to place their votes for the People's Choice Award, as well.

And The Winner of the "Very Best Burger Award" Is...

Skinny Louie took home the Schweid & Sons Very Best Burger Judges Award and a check for $2,500. The burger joint became widely popular in Miami for the perfectly juicy smash burger, opening two brick-and-mortars in less than a year.

Owned by Gonzalo Rubino of Argentina, this is his first Burger Bash win. He and his team brought their A-game, serving the "Wagyu Louie," made of double-smashed wagyu beef patties, melted smoked gouda, rich truffle aioli, and pickled jalapeños on a brioche bun.

Another Argentine Owner Took Home the Public's Vote: La Birra Bar

This isn't the first time popular SoFlo burger chain La Birra Bar has won the People's Choice Award at Burger Bash. Owners Renzo Cocchia and his father have taken home the People's Choice Award home once before during the 2022 Burger Bash.

What won fans over this year was the shop's "Smash Golden Chimichurri" burger, which granted them another title and the $5,000 check. The award-winning burger is made of two smash patties, American cheese, fresh red onions, and the spot's special Argentinian chimichurri mayo.

As a side dish, the La Birria Bar team served "Smashbrowns," which are loaded hash browns with lemon pepper seasoning, which won them a second award that night: Idaho Potato Best Side Dish and a $2,500 cash prize. It was a major night for La Birra Bar, to say the least.

Congratulations, La Birra Bar and Skinny Louie! What a night for Argentine-owned businesses.