Tampa’s best smashburger lives in a place you wouldn’t expect—a place that once wore graffiti like war paint. At the corner of East Cass and Governor streets, something peculiar began to rise from the ashes of anonymity. A bright blue box of a building, decked out in mint green, pink accents, and Old Florida soul, started whispering a promise to the city’s food lovers: Come hungry. Leave transformed.
Mighty Fine and Late Start Brewery isn’t just another burger joint. It’s a collision of comfort, caffeine, and craft beer. And behind it? A trinity of Tampa culinary royalty: Chef Nathan Hardin, Jordan Copher, and Tyler Sankey. But this story isn’t just about good food—it’s about legacy, a little madness, and the kind of hunger that’s more than just physical.
From Graffiti to Glory: A Space Reborn
Step inside the blue box and it’s like stepping into a dream crafted by a mid-century designer with a Florida twist. The terrazzo-top bar stretches like an invitation, while the slatted wood backsplash, soft lighting, and shaded patio hum with a low-key vibe that’s both modern and nostalgic.
But this isn’t some Pinterest-perfect illusion. There’s grit behind the glamour. Chef Hardin is no stranger to hard kitchens and harder expectations. From Orlando to Miami, from Steelbach to Flor Fina, and beyond—Hardin has sharpened his knives and ideas across Tampa Bay. But here, at Mighty Fine, it’s all his.
“Fat Boy Food We All Want to Eat”
That’s how Hardin describes his menu. And you can taste every memory, every late-night craving, every grandmother’s kitchen scent baked into each dish.
The breakfast tacos—Texas-sized with heart and heat—are Hardin’s morning masterpiece. Picture this: fluffy scrambled eggs tangled with crispy tater tots, melting into chorizo, onions, cotija, and a crema kissed with poblano peppers. And the price? Just $5.
Wash it down with Ginger Beard Coffee, brewed strong and served well beyond the morning rush. Breakfast may end at 11 a.m., but the flavor marathon is just beginning.
Southern Comfort, Northern Nods
Lunch and dinner swing with a Southern undercurrent and a nostalgic beat. The habanero pimento cheese with golden-fried Saltine crackers hits like a hug laced with fire. And that fried bologna sandwich? It’s not your school lunch special—it’s mortadella, elevated and daring, at $11.
But nothing quite prepares you for the Cinci Chili Coney. Inspired by Hardin’s childhood visits to Cincinnati’s Skyline Chili, this $7 dog is an edible mess of joy. The Sabrett hot dog hides beneath layers of cinnamon-spiced chili, cheddar, mustard, and onion—a memory you eat with your hands and feel in your bones.
A Quarter Cheese Patty Melt Worth Remembering
Hardin’s heart beats loudest in the Quarter Cheese Patty Melt ($13). It’s not just beef, bread, and cheese. It’s a love letter to Steak ‘n Shake, a nod to family nights out, and a reflection of a chef who remembers why we fall in love with food in the first place.
Double patties. Sourdough toast. Swiss and American cheese melting into caramelized onions and the house’s secret fry sauce. It’s an experience—a greasy, guilty, glorious one.
Smashburger Showdown: Classic Boi vs. Deluxe Boi
Is Mighty Fine a smashburger joint? Maybe not in the traditional sense. But their burgers demand your attention.
The Classic Boi ($8.50 single, $11 double) is a potato bun perfection—crispy-edged patty, gooey American cheese, pickles, caramelized onions, and a tangy mustard-forward sauce.
The Deluxe Boi ($9.50 single, $12.50 double)? Bigger bun. Lettuce. Tomato. Shaved onions. But the same signature sauce that ties it all together.
It’s no exaggeration: these are among the best burgers in Tampa. And they’re only getting better.
Sweet Endings: The Icebox Revelation
Dessert doesn’t need a dozen options when you’ve got one perfect plate. Enter the icebox cake ($6). This isn’t your grandma’s dessert—or maybe it is, if your grandma was a culinary savant.
Inspired by Claire Saffitz, the cookie butter version layers Biscoff cookies, cheesecake, and whipped cream in a sugary spiral of cereal nostalgia—think Golden Grahams meets Cinnamon Toast Crunch. It pairs magically with Late Start’s dry Irish stout.
Beer, Community, and a Brewery with a Pulse
While Late Start Brewery gets ready to brew on-site, they’ve been collaborating with Tampa’s finest, including Angry Chair and Coppertail Brewing Co.. Recent hits like the Hop Skull IPA prove they’re not just tagging along in the city’s beer scene—they’re steering it.
Even when the kitchen takes a break, the space keeps breathing. Local pop-ups take over, community thrives, and the vision stays intact: collaboration over competition.
The Verdict: A Mighty Fine Smashburger Experience
So, is this Tampa’s best smashburger? That depends on how you define the best. But one thing’s for sure—Mighty Fine isn’t just a place to eat. It’s a place to feel. Every bite tells a story. Every plate holds a memory. And every visit reminds you that sometimes, food isn’t just food.
It’s family. It’s heritage. It’s mighty fine, indeed.
If You Go
📍 Where: 1018 E. Cass St., Tampa
📞 Call: 813-374-0169
🌐 Official Site
📸 Instagram | Facebook
🕒 Hours:
- Sun, Wed, Thu: 8 a.m.–10 p.m.
- Fri–Sat: 8 a.m.–12 a.m.
💰 Prices:
- Breakfast Tacos: $5
- Snacks: $8–$9
- Sandwiches & Burgers: $8.50–$13
🚗 Parking: Limited spots next to the building, with nearby paid lots and 2-hour street parking near apartments.
Leave Readers Wanting More:
What happens when nostalgia meets innovation in the heart of Tampa? You get more than just a smashburger—you get a story worth eating. Stay tuned—we’re heading behind the scenes with Chef Hardin next.
