Special for The Newsweekly

The aroma of grilled meat filled downtown Vero Beach with hundreds of visitors for the 2017 Burgers and Brews Festival: An American Heritage Celebration hosted by United Against Poverty of Indian River County.

The annual fundraiser began with a burger contest between local restaurants inside the Heritage Center. Sean Ryan’s Pub, The Patio Seafood Tavern, Southern Social, Osceola Bistro, 14 Bones, Davila’s and a new downtown eatery, Off the Rails vied for top awards from judges Chefs Joe Faria and Sarah Wills and Vero Beach Mayor Laura Moss.

The winner was 14 Bones with its blueberry chipotle bacon and cheddar burger with arugula and a burger made of a short rib and brisket blend. Southern Social took second place and The Patio placed third, but all of the chefs were applauded for their offerings.

Tickets for the burger tastings were sold out, leaving many hungry diners searching out other food vendors along 14th Avenue.

VIP’s enjoyed cocktails in a tent overlooking Heritage Park where musicians played and local celebrities took a turn in the dunk tank to raise additional funds for UP.