Burger Fans Rejoice: Plan Check Is Coming to San Diego

LA's famed Plan Check Kitchen + Bar, known for its "ketchup leather" on burgers, plans to open a location in San Diego, Eater has confirmed.

Restaurateur Terry Heller "is constantly looking to expand to other areas outside of Los Angeles," a rep tells Eater. He has been looking in San Diego, but a site has not been identified yet. Plan Check's camp was in town just last week scouring spaces, and sources say they're looking to lock down two locations.

Heller's on the prowl for a 2,500-3,000-square-foot site with a patio that seats 50 to 60 people, according to the rep.

The eatery's three locations in LA give entertainers a run for their money, with a triple threat of craft beer, burgers and sunny outdoor patios.

Last summer Plan Check's Smokey Spicy Burger special was one of the best ways to beat the LA heat. The signature Plan Check Burger (PCB) comes with Americanized dashi cheese, schmaltz onions, mixed pickles, a crunch bun, and of course, its "ketchup leather," which resembles a square-shaped Fruit Roll-Up.

The menu blows way past burgers to include comfort food dishes like smokey fried chicken and short rib pot roast and healthy options like a salmon kale "caesar" salad. There's also a whiskey-infused cocktail program (all locales have full liquor).

Heller and chef partner Ernesto Uchimura recently ramped up expansion plans, opening in downtown LA last fall. And a Pasadena location could be next. The name stems from its first LA location, next to the Building and Safety Department, where droves of architects and designers flock to get plans reviewed for permitting.

Plan Check's iconic brand elements include steel I-beams and road plate countertops. If the aesthetic looks vaguely familiar, it should; San Diego-based BASILE Studio (Consortium Holdings) is their designer.

Eater will provide updates as Plan Check's San Diego search progresses.