When three Venezuelan high school friends reunite in Miami and create a burger pop-up that wins the 2024 South Beach Wine & Food Festival Burger Bash judges’ unanimous pick, you know those bacon jam smash burgers are legitimate showstoppers. 🍔
Cowy Burger started as a weekend pop-up around town, popping up at J. Wakefield Brewing in Wynwood and Prison Pals in Doral, before opening their first permanent Wynwood location at 223 NW 23rd Street in August 2024. ✨
Owners Daniel Machicao, Carlos Reveron, and Guillermo Felipe have known each other for over 15 years—meeting as kids in a small high school in Caracas, Venezuela before eventually reuniting in Miami to transform the burger scene.
The restaurant’s 4.6-star rating with over 2,000+ reviews on Uber Eats and praise from The Infatuation, Time Out, and Burger Beast proves their Burger Bash victory was no fluke. 💙
With celebrity judges including Charlie Day, Kate Upton, and Rev Run unanimously choosing Cowy as the “Very Best Burger,” and locals declaring “best smash burger in the US,” this Wynwood spot has become Miami’s must-visit burger destination.
How Cowy Burger won Miami hearts
The secret to Cowy’s explosive success lies in that signature bacon jam—”so smoky it could moonlight as barbecue”—combined with ultra-thin, properly smashed patties that create lacy, caramelized edges Time Out says define what a smash burger should be. 🌟
When the three Venezuelan founders saw Burger Bash 2023, they said “We’ve got to be there next year”—that determination led to winning the judges’ unanimous Very Best Burger Award in 2024.
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The restaurant’s Angus beef patties get smashed so thin that edges become crispy almost like bacon—one customer said they weren’t sure if it was burger meat because the texture was so perfectly caramelized.
Customer reviews consistently describe Cowy as “best burger in Miami hands down” and “possibly best smash burger in the US”—bold claims that keep proving accurate with every new visitor. 🍟
The Infatuation declared Cowy the “Miami smashburger to prioritize” because unlike other self-proclaimed smashburgers, you’ll never wonder if these patties are actually smashed—they’re thinner than your patience at the DMV.
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Speaking of thin, the patties achieve that perfect balance of crispy edges and juicy centers simultaneously—never too greasy, never dry, just the ideal texture burger lovers dream about.
The tequeños (cheese-filled sticks) are gooey golden fingers that practically demand a second order, while parmesan croquetas with fig sauce taste like a charcuterie board in fried form. 🧀
Unlike many late-night spots, Cowy works perfectly at noon for family lunch or midnight after Art Basel parties—the same quality and care regardless of when you visit.
The bright teal-and-white interior with classic rock cranking creates energetic vibes that match Wynwood’s artistic spirit, plus they’re open until 2 AM most nights (3 AM weekends).
Food Highlights
Cowy Burger: The 2024 Burger Bash winner featuring Angus smash patty with American cheese, bacon jam (smoky-sweet perfection), grilled onions, and secret Cowy sauce on a Martin’s potato roll—judges unanimously declared this the Very Best Burger 🔥
Grand Slam Burger: White American cheese, thick bacon slices, fried egg, grilled onions, and tangy green sauce creating a breakfast-in-a-bun experience with 96% approval rating that customers call a “game-changer”
Oklahoma Burger: A perfect blend of smoky grilled onions, melty American cheese, and K.O. sauce at just $11.50—the value pick that delivers serious flavor without premium prices 🧅
Cabrito Burger: Goat cheese, Spanish chorizo, fried sweet potato, honey, and green sauce creating unexpected layers of sweet, savory, and tangy—The Infatuation praised those “tangy confit peppers” in the similar Craver
Pickle Rick Burger: White American cheese, thick bacon slices, raw onions, pickles, and Rick sauce—customers seeking a classic option with bold pickle flavor gravitate toward this fan favorite 🥒
Tequeños: Gooey mini cheese-filled sticks fried golden that Time Out says “practically demand a second order”—the Venezuelan appetizer that perfectly complements those smash burgers
Atmosphere
The bright teal-and-white fast food joint aesthetic feels clean and energetic, with classic rock cranking loud enough to keep things lively while you fish waffle fries out of cheese sauce. 🎨
The counter-service setup means you order, seat yourself, and food arrives fresh—it’s first-come-first-serve so seating can be competitive during peak hours.
Open until 2 AM weekdays and 3 AM weekends, Cowy becomes the perfect late-night spot after Wynwood bars without sacrificing quality.
The location in the heart of Wynwood’s art district puts you steps from murals, galleries, and the neighborhood’s creative energy.
Bottom Line
2024 SOBEWFF Burger Bash Winner with judges including Charlie Day, Kate Upton, and Rev Run unanimously declaring Cowy the “Very Best Burger.”
Venezuelan high school friends reunited in Miami to create something special—15+ years of friendship translating into burgers made with genuine passion and care.
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Signature bacon jam that Time Out says is “so smoky it could moonlight as barbecue”—the sweet-savory secret weapon nobody else replicates.
Ultra-thin smashed patties with lacy caramelized edges so crispy they’re almost like bacon—proper technique that defines what smash burgers should be.
Open until 3 AM weekends serving the same quality at midnight as at noon—Wynwood’s answer to late-night cravings without sacrificing excellence. 🏆
Address: 223 NW 23rd St, Miami, FL 33127
đź“ž (305) 846-8095
🕔 Open Mon-Thu, 11:00 AM–2:00 AM; Fri-Sat 11:00 AM–3:00 AM; Sun 11:00 AM–2:00 AM