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Closeup of a smashburger with double patties and melted cheese. — A Swagyu smash burger.

20 Top-Notch Burgers to Try in San Diego

The bun stops here

by Darlene Horn and Candice Woo Updated Apr 27, 2022, 11:48am PDT

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A Swagyu smash burger.

| Swagyu/Facebook

by Darlene Horn and Candice Woo Updated Apr 27, 2022, 11:48am PDT

When it comes to burgers, everyone has an opinion. What’s better, a thick, juicy patty or a “smashed” patty with crispy edges? Is a sesame-topped, brioche, or egg bun superior? Do fancy restaurant burgers outrank inexpensive ones at casual places — or is it the other way around? And don’t overlook the ones from steakhouses or butcher shops, where the burgers are often made from steak trimmings.

This list of essential burgers includes everything from under-the-radar, under $10 selections to those with ingredients of such high quality that it proves that a burger can indeed be a very fine dish.

Is there a San Diego burger you can’t live without? Let us know in the comments.

Note: map points are not ranked.

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Ty's Burger House

Beef burgers aren’t the only stars at this Oceanside burger joint where the menu also features buffalo, elk, venison and lamb. But for those whose ideas conform to the beef-only burger, you can’t go wrong with the restaurant’s signature creations. Local favorites to consider include Bacon & Blue Cheese Burger, Jalapeno or the Bacon Mac & Cheese.

Open in Google Maps

515 Mission Ave, Oceanside, CA 92054

Visit Website

Loaded burger being held

Nine-Ten Restaurant and Bar

Known best for exquisite fine dining dishes, those in the know are hip to the fact that La Jolla’s Nine-Ten Restaurant and Bar also serves a very fine burger. The half-pound patty, made of grass-fed beef, is served on a brioche bun with sides of pickled veggies and perfectly fried fries, which can also be truffle-ized for a few bucks more.

910 Prospect St, La Jolla, CA

Visit Website

nine-ten burger

Also featured in:

Notorious Burgers

The name refers to the speakeasy atmosphere of the bar area. It could, however, also refer to this decadent burger sharing the same name as the restaurant. The beef patty is seared (or blackened) in spices and then is topped with a heaping helping of bleu cheese, arugula and bacon, then dressed with apricot-onion jam, balsamic reduction and lemon-sriracha aioli. It’s one of several fancy burgers on the menu, including those made with turkey, lamb, or an Impossible Burger patty.

Open in Google Maps

6955 El Camino Real Suite 107, Carlsbad, CA 92009

Visit Website

The Blackened Blue Burger at Notorious Burgers

Swagyu Chop Shop - Pacific Beach

Though chef Steve Brown recently remodeled his Pacific Beach location into a more upscale restaurant, his signature wagyu burger is still available any time of day or night.

Open in Google Maps

966 Felspar St, San Diego, CA 92109

Visit Website

A burger on a tray in front of a butcher’s counter — The Swagyu burger.

Hodad's

Byron and Virginia Hardin established Hodad’s in Ocean Beach as a burger stand in 1973. These days, there are two full-fledged restaurant locations operated by their grandchildren. Hodad’s is probably the most famous name in San Diego burgers, thanks in part to national recognition. The burgers are huge; a double bacon cheeseburger ordered “all the way” is half a foot tall and more than a meal for two. Get the best of two worlds and order “frings” — a mix of both the onion rings and wonderful fries with battered exteriors and interiors almost as tender as mashed potatoes.

5010 Newport Ave, San Diego, CA 92107

Visit Website

Double bacon cheeseburger at Hodad’s

Also featured in:

Here Are 11 of San Diego's Most Definitive Meat Dishes

The Grill at The Lodge at Torrey Pines

Easily one of San Diego’s most classic burgers, The Grill at Torrey Pines’ Drugstore Burger is a slice of Americana. A nostalgic ode to Midwest lunch counters of years gone by, the simple-yet-perfect burger consists of Niman Ranch chuck, housemade mayo, and perfectly crisp fries. An industry favorite, it’s also available at the hotel bar and by request at its fine dining restaurant, A.R. Valentien.

11480 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA

Visit Website

The Lodge at Torrey Pines’ Drugstore Burger

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Rocky's Crown Pub

Known as the best burger in town to many San Diegans, little about no-frills, cash-only Rocky’s Crown Pub has changed over the years except that it’s become a bit more crowded due to its high-flying reputation. Proving that beauty often lies in simplicity, diner can order a perfectly greasy third- or half-pound burger with lettuce, tomato, onion, and cheese.

Open in Google Maps

3786 Ingraham St, San Diego, CA

Visit Website

Seeded burger with pickles on top

The Butchery

Don’t sleep on this butcher shop and specialty store’s kitchen menu, which includes a mighty-fine grilled steak tip sandwich as well as a standout burger comprised of a house-ground patty, grilled onions, American cheese, arugula, and tomato.

Open in Google Maps

3720 Caminito Ct #200, San Diego, CA 92130

Visit Website

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Butchery Quality Meats (@the_butchery)

Also featured in:

Starlite

Starlite’s signature burger shines right alongside its well-loved cocktails. A half-pound Brandt beef patty is slathered in melted gruyere and caramelized onions. Is your burger feeling a bit naked? Tack on Nueske’s bacon for just a little more.

3175 India St, San Diego, CA

Visit Website

Big burger on seeded bun

Also featured in:

Juniper & Ivy

A riff on California’s favorite animal-style burger, Juniper & Ivy’s In-n-Haute burger is still an off-menu delicacy. It’s made with chuck, brisket, rib meat and dry-aged fat from Marin Sun Farms and cooked with mustard. This burger eschews cheese, instead displaying its flavor power simply and elegantly with grilled onions, burger sauce, bread and butter pickles and a side of thrice-cooked fries. The burger available by request in limited quantities every day.

2228 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA

Visit Website

juniper and ivy burger

Also featured in:

Waterfront Bar & Grill

One of San Diego’s oldest watering holes serves a burger that’ll supplement any beer on the menu locals burger aficionados come to for. It’s a generous third pound burger with two slices of American cheese on a seeded bun but it’s the pile of grilled onions that adds the punch of flavor.

Open in Google Maps

2044 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101

Visit Website

Queenstown Public House

This New Zealand-inspired restaurant group is known for its burgers, made with either New Zealand lamb or organic grassfed beef. The Bare Lamb Burger tops the meat with a flavorful mix of toppings that includes a fried egg, blue cheese, mint jelly, and sliced beets.

1557 Columbia St, San Diego, CA 92101

Visit Website

Also featured in:

The Balboa

After a closure during 2020 as a result of the pandemic, this Bankers Hill locale is up and running again with an updated cocktail menu and a return of some truly memorable burgers including the Original Balboa burger. Bigger appetites should opt for The Centennial, a double beef, double bacon creation. This outpost and its Chula Vista counterpart are now under new ownership.

Open in Google Maps

1863 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101

Visit Website

Provisional Kitchen

Available during weekend brunch at this Pendry anchor restaurant is chef Brandon Sloan’s take on burger, which stacks an angus beef patty with 10-year aged cheddar, heirloom tomato, caramelized onions, bibb lettuce, and pickles on a brioche bun.

Open in Google Maps

425 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101

Visit Website

Also featured in:

MishMash

MishMash in Barrio Logan specializes in a number of fusion dishes, like teriyaki pork belly, cuban sandwiches and snapper wontons, but diners should not ignore its special burger list. The decadent Clinton Burger, in particular, is a half-pound of beef stuffed with goat cheese and topped with an over easy egg, bacon, mozzarella and crunchy onions. All burgers can come with house-cut fries or Brussels sprouts, as well as additional toppings such as pancetta or avocado.

1805 Newton Ave, San Diego, CA 92113

Visit Website

A burger topped with a pile of onion rings along with fries and a beer.

Also featured in:

Trust

Among the restaurant’s many tempting brunch items, the burger is hard to ignore. The wood-grilled patty comes topped with asiago cheese, bacon-tomato jam, pickled onions, and arugula but don’t sleep on the optional house-cured bacon and fried egg extras.

Open in Google Maps

3752 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92103

Visit Website

A burger with fries and a pickle. — The burger at Trust.

Also featured in:

Hayes Burger

Simplicity is where it’s at when it comes to the burgers sold at this popular Barrio Logan joint. The streamlined menu offers just four options: a burger, cheeseburger, and a double cheeseburger. With comparisons to In-N-Out, the difference-maker is that Hayes uses local ingredients for its supremely tasty burger.

Open in Google Maps

2060 Logan Ave Ste. A, San Diego, CA 92113

Visit Website

Char, grilled hamburger

The Wise Ox Butcher & Eatery

Order from this butcher and know you’re getting quality burgers where beef is the star. The daily menu selection features two burgers: a double cheeseburger featuring two ground chuck patties thousand island dressing, lettuce and pickle. Then there’s the dry-aged burger where the meat truly shines and is accompanied by house cured bacon, havarti, mayo, mustard and dill pickles.

Open in Google Maps

2855 El Cajon Blvd Suite 1, San Diego, CA 92104

Visit Website

The Friendly

At first glance, The Friendly looks like an unassuming pizza place. However, walk inside and check out the chalkboard for San Diego’s best burger bargains. The Dirty Flat Top cheeseburger features two patties smashed so hard on the grill that the seared edges turn remarkably crispy. Then a slice of good ol’ American cheese is applied and is so well-melted that it practically merges with the patty. The buns get equal time on the on the flattop so the overall result is a heavenly contrast in textures. .

Open in Google Maps

4592 30th St, San Diego, CA 92116

The Dirty Flat Top Cheeseburger and the Hamburgers at The Friendly

Also featured in:

Crazee Burger

Crazee Burger is best known for its exotic wild game burgers with toppings to match, such as elk with port wine and currant jelly reduction and wild boar with red wine-poached pears, mushrooms, bacon, cream and plum jelly. But the more approachable burgers made with fresh black Angus meat shouldn’t be overlooked, especially by first-time visitors like their signature creation.

Open in Google Maps

3993 30th St, San Diego, CA 92104

Visit Website

Chubby Charlie at Crazee Burger

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Ty's Burger House

515 Mission Ave, Oceanside, CA 92054

Beef burgers aren’t the only stars at this Oceanside burger joint where the menu also features buffalo, elk, venison and lamb. But for those whose ideas conform to the beef-only burger, you can’t go wrong with the restaurant’s signature creations. Local favorites to consider include Bacon & Blue Cheese Burger, Jalapeno or the Bacon Mac & Cheese.

Open in Google Maps

515 Mission Ave, Oceanside, CA 92054

Visit Website

Loaded burger being held

Nine-Ten Restaurant and Bar

910 Prospect St, La Jolla, CA

Known best for exquisite fine dining dishes, those in the know are hip to the fact that La Jolla’s Nine-Ten Restaurant and Bar also serves a very fine burger. The half-pound patty, made of grass-fed beef, is served on a brioche bun with sides of pickled veggies and perfectly fried fries, which can also be truffle-ized for a few bucks more.

910 Prospect St, La Jolla, CA

Visit Website

nine-ten burger

Notorious Burgers

6955 El Camino Real Suite 107, Carlsbad, CA 92009

The name refers to the speakeasy atmosphere of the bar area. It could, however, also refer to this decadent burger sharing the same name as the restaurant. The beef patty is seared (or blackened) in spices and then is topped with a heaping helping of bleu cheese, arugula and bacon, then dressed with apricot-onion jam, balsamic reduction and lemon-sriracha aioli. It’s one of several fancy burgers on the menu, including those made with turkey, lamb, or an Impossible Burger patty.

Open in Google Maps

6955 El Camino Real Suite 107, Carlsbad, CA 92009

Visit Website

The Blackened Blue Burger at Notorious Burgers

Swagyu Chop Shop - Pacific Beach

966 Felspar St, San Diego, CA 92109

Though chef Steve Brown recently remodeled his Pacific Beach location into a more upscale restaurant, his signature wagyu burger is still available any time of day or night.

Open in Google Maps

966 Felspar St, San Diego, CA 92109

Visit Website

A burger on a tray in front of a butcher’s counter — The Swagyu burger.

Hodad's

5010 Newport Ave, San Diego, CA 92107

Byron and Virginia Hardin established Hodad’s in Ocean Beach as a burger stand in 1973. These days, there are two full-fledged restaurant locations operated by their grandchildren. Hodad’s is probably the most famous name in San Diego burgers, thanks in part to national recognition. The burgers are huge; a double bacon cheeseburger ordered “all the way” is half a foot tall and more than a meal for two. Get the best of two worlds and order “frings” — a mix of both the onion rings and wonderful fries with battered exteriors and interiors almost as tender as mashed potatoes.

5010 Newport Ave, San Diego, CA 92107

Visit Website

Double bacon cheeseburger at Hodad’s

The Grill at The Lodge at Torrey Pines

11480 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA

Easily one of San Diego’s most classic burgers, The Grill at Torrey Pines’ Drugstore Burger is a slice of Americana. A nostalgic ode to Midwest lunch counters of years gone by, the simple-yet-perfect burger consists of Niman Ranch chuck, housemade mayo, and perfectly crisp fries. An industry favorite, it’s also available at the hotel bar and by request at its fine dining restaurant, A.R. Valentien.

11480 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA

Visit Website

The Lodge at Torrey Pines’ Drugstore Burger

Rocky's Crown Pub

3786 Ingraham St, San Diego, CA

Known as the best burger in town to many San Diegans, little about no-frills, cash-only Rocky’s Crown Pub has changed over the years except that it’s become a bit more crowded due to its high-flying reputation. Proving that beauty often lies in simplicity, diner can order a perfectly greasy third- or half-pound burger with lettuce, tomato, onion, and cheese.

Open in Google Maps

3786 Ingraham St, San Diego, CA

Visit Website

Seeded burger with pickles on top

The Butchery

3720 Caminito Ct #200, San Diego, CA 92130

Don’t sleep on this butcher shop and specialty store’s kitchen menu, which includes a mighty-fine grilled steak tip sandwich as well as a standout burger comprised of a house-ground patty, grilled onions, American cheese, arugula, and tomato.

Open in Google Maps

3720 Caminito Ct #200, San Diego, CA 92130

Visit Website

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Butchery Quality Meats (@the_butchery)

Starlite

3175 India St, San Diego, CA

Starlite’s signature burger shines right alongside its well-loved cocktails. A half-pound Brandt beef patty is slathered in melted gruyere and caramelized onions. Is your burger feeling a bit naked? Tack on Nueske’s bacon for just a little more.

3175 India St, San Diego, CA

Visit Website

Big burger on seeded bun

Juniper & Ivy

2228 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA

A riff on California’s favorite animal-style burger, Juniper & Ivy’s In-n-Haute burger is still an off-menu delicacy. It’s made with chuck, brisket, rib meat and dry-aged fat from Marin Sun Farms and cooked with mustard. This burger eschews cheese, instead displaying its flavor power simply and elegantly with grilled onions, burger sauce, bread and butter pickles and a side of thrice-cooked fries. The burger available by request in limited quantities every day.

2228 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA

Visit Website

juniper and ivy burger

Waterfront Bar & Grill

2044 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101

One of San Diego’s oldest watering holes serves a burger that’ll supplement any beer on the menu locals burger aficionados come to for. It’s a generous third pound burger with two slices of American cheese on a seeded bun but it’s the pile of grilled onions that adds the punch of flavor.

Open in Google Maps

2044 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101

Visit Website

Queenstown Public House

1557 Columbia St, San Diego, CA 92101

This New Zealand-inspired restaurant group is known for its burgers, made with either New Zealand lamb or organic grassfed beef. The Bare Lamb Burger tops the meat with a flavorful mix of toppings that includes a fried egg, blue cheese, mint jelly, and sliced beets.

1557 Columbia St, San Diego, CA 92101

Visit Website

The Balboa

1863 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101

After a closure during 2020 as a result of the pandemic, this Bankers Hill locale is up and running again with an updated cocktail menu and a return of some truly memorable burgers including the Original Balboa burger. Bigger appetites should opt for The Centennial, a double beef, double bacon creation. This outpost and its Chula Vista counterpart are now under new ownership.

Open in Google Maps

1863 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101

Visit Website

Provisional Kitchen

425 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101

Available during weekend brunch at this Pendry anchor restaurant is chef Brandon Sloan’s take on burger, which stacks an angus beef patty with 10-year aged cheddar, heirloom tomato, caramelized onions, bibb lettuce, and pickles on a brioche bun.

Open in Google Maps

425 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101

Visit Website

MishMash

1805 Newton Ave, San Diego, CA 92113

MishMash in Barrio Logan specializes in a number of fusion dishes, like teriyaki pork belly, cuban sandwiches and snapper wontons, but diners should not ignore its special burger list. The decadent Clinton Burger, in particular, is a half-pound of beef stuffed with goat cheese and topped with an over easy egg, bacon, mozzarella and crunchy onions. All burgers can come with house-cut fries or Brussels sprouts, as well as additional toppings such as pancetta or avocado.

1805 Newton Ave, San Diego, CA 92113

Visit Website

A burger topped with a pile of onion rings along with fries and a beer.

Related Maps

Trust

3752 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92103

Among the restaurant’s many tempting brunch items, the burger is hard to ignore. The wood-grilled patty comes topped with asiago cheese, bacon-tomato jam, pickled onions, and arugula but don’t sleep on the optional house-cured bacon and fried egg extras.

Open in Google Maps

3752 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92103

Visit Website

A burger with fries and a pickle. — The burger at Trust.

Hayes Burger

2060 Logan Ave Ste. A, San Diego, CA 92113

Simplicity is where it’s at when it comes to the burgers sold at this popular Barrio Logan joint. The streamlined menu offers just four options: a burger, cheeseburger, and a double cheeseburger. With comparisons to In-N-Out, the difference-maker is that Hayes uses local ingredients for its supremely tasty burger.

Open in Google Maps

2060 Logan Ave Ste. A, San Diego, CA 92113

Visit Website

Char, grilled hamburger

The Wise Ox Butcher & Eatery

2855 El Cajon Blvd Suite 1, San Diego, CA 92104

Order from this butcher and know you’re getting quality burgers where beef is the star. The daily menu selection features two burgers: a double cheeseburger featuring two ground chuck patties thousand island dressing, lettuce and pickle. Then there’s the dry-aged burger where the meat truly shines and is accompanied by house cured bacon, havarti, mayo, mustard and dill pickles.

Open in Google Maps

2855 El Cajon Blvd Suite 1, San Diego, CA 92104

Visit Website

The Friendly

4592 30th St, San Diego, CA 92116

At first glance, The Friendly looks like an unassuming pizza place. However, walk inside and check out the chalkboard for San Diego’s best burger bargains. The Dirty Flat Top cheeseburger features two patties smashed so hard on the grill that the seared edges turn remarkably crispy. Then a slice of good ol’ American cheese is applied and is so well-melted that it practically merges with the patty. The buns get equal time on the on the flattop so the overall result is a heavenly contrast in textures. .

Open in Google Maps

4592 30th St, San Diego, CA 92116

The Dirty Flat Top Cheeseburger and the Hamburgers at The Friendly

Crazee Burger

3993 30th St, San Diego, CA 92104

Crazee Burger is best known for its exotic wild game burgers with toppings to match, such as elk with port wine and currant jelly reduction and wild boar with red wine-poached pears, mushrooms, bacon, cream and plum jelly. But the more approachable burgers made with fresh black Angus meat shouldn’t be overlooked, especially by first-time visitors like their signature creation.

Open in Google Maps

3993 30th St, San Diego, CA 92104

Visit Website

Chubby Charlie at Crazee Burger

Related Maps