Hidden gems: The best restaurants I’ve tried this week in Ormond Beach and NSB

With new and inimitable offerings around every corner of “the world’s most famous beach," finding a sure-to-impress local spot to dine with friends and family can be a rather intimidating task. Whether searching for an elevated midday sandwich, a layered burger to go, or a casual date night destination, there’s never a shortage of restaurant options in the Daytona Beach area. For those looking for a little dining inspiration, here are the two best restaurants I’ve tried this week.

Steer In Burgers

663 S. Nova Road, Ormond Beach; 386-285-1544, facebook.com

Layered handhelds abound at this timeless Ormond Beach gem, offering an array of burgers, hot dogs and cheesesteaks to be enjoyed alongside freshly prepared, hand-cut fries, milkshakes and more.

Whether you’ve ventured into Steer In Burgers or simply passed by the roadside restaurant, odds are you’ve at least caught a glimpse of the eatery’s towering, inflatable chef standing guard outside. And while the famous waving decoration has been credited with encouraging many first-time visits to the eatery in recent months, owner David Martin tells me its burgers have kept customers continually coming back.

Steer in Burgers opened its doors less than a year ago and has since made smash-patty lovers' dreams come true with its quarter-pound, angus smash burgers — like the old school cheeseburger ($8), double burger ($9) and mushroom Swiss burger ($12).

“A good burger just never goes out of style, and frozen ones — they’re no good,” Martin noted during my visit.

For the restaurateur, keeping the quality and simplicity to such a timeless meal is key to a dish done well.

“Everything we have is good, because I don’t buy junk — I buy the good stuff … We use fresh chopped meat — never frozen. (I add) a little salt, that’s it.” Each burger, he tells me, is pressed and seared to perfection on a flat grill, delivering up the thin yet juicy, crispy-edged patty we all crave.

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The hidden gem’s menu features a variety of casual breakfast, dinner and dessert choices ranging from the classic hamburger ($7) or chicken tenders ($6 for 4), to the patty melt ($9), Philly cheesesteak ($10) and loaded double burger (starting at $9) — two, quarter-pound, perfectly thin and caramelized smash patties layered with my choice of lettuce, onion, tomato, pickles and bacon, nestled between a thin, softly toasted bun.

The local burger joint also offers beer and wine, as well as ice cream, root beer floats, bacon-cream-cheese-filled churros and more for those with a sweet tooth. On Tuesdays, Steer in Burgers also offers family day specials with $5 hamburgers, $6 cheeseburgers and $2 hotdogs when dining in.

From the '80s salvaged juke box nestled in the corner to the thrifted, vintage wall hangings and spacious, modestly decorated interior, this old-school spot is an ever-growing neighborhood favorite for an after-work dinner to-go or casual weekend bite.

“It’s a family kind of place. Bring your kids, and get some ice cream,” Martin said with a smile.

Uncle Chicken’s

440 N. Dixie Freeway, New Smyrna Beach; 386-402-7439, unclechickens.com

Uncle Chicken’s is the definition of a true New Smyrna Beach treasure. The small roadside joint certainly isn’t afraid to go big with flavor, offering a diverse menu of pulled, smoked and fried homemade selections.

The scratch-kitchen eatery, which began as a food truck only a decade ago, locally sources its fresh ingredients and puts “quality, variety, good times and good service” at the forefront.

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Uncle Chicken’s something-for-everyone style menu offers fried gator tail; soft- or hard-shell tacos; lamb or chicken Greek gyros ($11.75) with homemade tzatziki sauce; as well as St. Louis pork ribs; Maine lobster ($18.50), and a plethora of sandwiches, homemade soups ($7.75), and regular, smoked or Southern fried wings ($12-$13).

My recent favorites include the cheesy smoked chicken bacon ranch melt ($11.75) — a melt-in-your-mouth bite of heaven, layering pulled, smoked chicken, creamy ranch, crisp bacon and a melted four-cheese cheddar blend for the ultimate sweet and savory, piquant sandwich selection.

The grilled chicken and veggies over rice ($15.50), yet another personal favorite, features a flavorful combination of juicy, grilled chicken and teriyaki-caramelized veggies, served over a heavy helping of homemade rice.

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Whether grabbing your meal to-go or dining outside at one the eatery’s many umbrella-covered picnic tables, it’s certainly no secret that Uncle Chicken’s consistently hits a home run with its portions, prices and passion-driven cuisine.

For those interested in indoor dining, live music, and beer and wine, Uncle Chicken’s Cast Iron Kitchen opened its doors several months ago right across the street and offers a plentiful menu of chicken, seafood, steak and sweets, including the Mediterranean pork souvlaki; the Mama Hen baked Italian cheese spaghetti; the grilled fish with seasonal veggies; and the fried cheesecake.

Uncle Chicken's also offers catering services and delivery.

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Steer In Burgers and Uncle Chicken's this week's best restaurants