Roadside Spot for Wagyu Burgers Opens in Encinitas

Located on N. Coast Highway 101 just blocks from Moonlight Beach, Hamburger Hut is a new coastal North County spin on a classic roadside hamburger stand. Operated by The Leucadia Co., the area group that also runs Valentina, Moto Deli, and Corner Pizza, the burger spot replaces Hapifish Sushi and has a palm tree-shaded dining pati.

The streamlined menu from executive chef Andrew Halvorsen revolves around flat top-charred patties made from a wagyu beef blend. Available with or without cheese as a single, double or triple burger, they’re served on a King Hawaiian rolls and topped with lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, onions, and 10,000 Island sauce, Halvorsen’s take on traditional Thousand Island dressing. There’s also fries or Jabba Fries, a riff on carne asada fries, and a mostly local beer and wine list.

Courtesy photo

For now, Hamburger Hut is open Wednesday to Sunday from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. but the restaurant does plan to expand its hours in the future as well diversify the menu with fish tacos and a vegan salad.

• All Openings Coverage [ESD]