'Cheeseburgers in paradise' might be a phrase coined by legendary singer and songwriter Jimmy Buffet, but in Belize City, the reality comes home to roost. For throughout the often unappreciated de-facto capital of Belize there are small eateries scattered along side streets and their corners serving up some of the best burgers in Central America. Just left of the swinging bridge across from the marine transport depot for boats departing for Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker is one such non-distinct burger joint.

There is another across from the front entrance to the Mirab department store while still another just off the tarmac at the Domestic Airport. The single thread that connects them all, each offers a tasty fried burger complete with all the toppings. From lettuce and tomato to avocado in season to cheese and fried onions with mustard, ketchup and mayonnaise, and greasy as greasy can be. They might not get the taste buds geared up in a vegetarian, but for this beef eater mammal every time I travel through Belize City I always make room in my schedule for one or two cheeseburgers in paradise.