We love a good Double-Double Animal Style with chopped chilis from In-N-Out, the SmokeShack from Shake Shack, and yes, even the Lounge Burger from Burger Lounge (a San Diego original)—but for the sake of this list, we’re skipping chains and going hyperlocal. This is a tribute to the burger joints, pop-ups, diners, and bars across San Diego County that are flipping greatness one patty at a time.
Think we missed a must-try? Let us know—we take this job very seriously. Email us at [email protected] or DM us on Instagram. Now fire up that appetite and dig in..
The Real Deal Favorites
Copper Kings The Western (San Marcos) - We finally made it to this standout North County burger bar, and it exceeded every expectation. While you can’t go wrong with anything on the scratch-made menu (including a phenomenal Reuben), The Western is what stole the show. This beauty features two 3-ounce smashed patties made from house-ground beef, homemade American cheese, crispy onion rings, bacon, pickles, fresh onion, and a tangy Eastern Carolina-style barbecue sauce - all served on pillowy, fresh-baked Japanese milk bread. Don’t forget to grab a few of their house sauces like the Craic bacon-truffle aioli and Spicy Boomba Middle Eastern-style aioli. Copper Kings is absolutely worth the drive to San Marcos.
Harland Brewing Patty Melt (South Park) - Tucked in the heart of charming South Park, this adorable neighborhood spot isn't just a top-notch brewery - it's also serving up one of the best patty melts in the city. No cap, this may be the best we’ve ever had. Built with two smashed burger patties, caramelized onions, gooey cheese, and special sauce on outrageously good caraway and parmesan-crusted sourdough, it's a flavor bomb. Pair it with one of Harland’s fantastic brews and their crispy hybrid fries/chips, and you've got a perfect meal in one of San Diego's coolest corners.
Barrio Burger Especial (Barrio Logan) - Pull up to this newer gem in San Diego’s historic Barrio Logan and you’ll be greeted with warm, friendly service that matches the heart in their food. The Barrio Burger Especial features a char-grilled Angus prime beef patty, white cheddar, bacon jam, and special sauce—rich, flavorful, and deeply satisfying. It’s not a smash burger, so if you're extra hungry, consider adding a second patty for even more indulgence.
Le Coq Classic Cheeseburger (La Jolla) - This upscale French-inspired steakhouse from Food Network star Brian Malarkey and two-time James Beard Award finalist Tara Monsod delivers serious burger cred during happy hour. While the Dirty Burger with Bordelaise sauce is a popular pick, it's the Classic Cheeseburger that truly shines - topped with shaved onion, melty American cheese, and Tara’s special sauce on a toasted sesame seed bun. Elevated yet unfussy, it's a masterclass in doing the basics right.
Tanner's Prime Burgers Signature Cheeseburger (Oceanside) - After building a loyal following as a pop-up at the Del Mar Racetrack, Tanner’s Prime Burgers—helmed by a former chef of multiple Michelin-starred restaurants—opened its first brick-and-mortar inside Oceanside’s new Freeman Collective. Still available at Del Mar and now also inside Frontwave Arena, their Signature Cheeseburger is a standout: one or two 1/3-pound Brandt Beef patties topped with Brandt beef bacon, caramelized and sweet onions, crisp lettuce, special sauce, and New School American cheese crafted by chef Eric Greenspan. Quality-driven and packed with flavor, this one hits all the right notes.
E.L.E. Burger Double Cheeseburger (Pop-Up) - One of San Diego’s most beloved burger pop-ups, E.L.E. sets up most Saturdays at Open Bar in Pacific Beach from noon to 5pm (or until sold out—get there early!). The Double Cheeseburger features two smash patties, American cheese, thin-sliced grilled onions, iceberg lettuce, pickles, and their signature “Love Spread” on a toasted Martin’s Potato Roll. It’s craveable, consistent, and made with heart—after all, E.L.E. stands for “Everybody Loves Everybody.” Bonus points for the adorable cheeseburger gummy candy that comes with each order. This might just be the burger we eat most often.
Saint James French Diner Burger Parisienne (Downtown San Diego) - Housed inside the historic Palihotel, this charming French-inspired diner occupies the former Brian’s 24 space and serves up one of the most unique burgers in town. The Burger Parisienne—which we proudly helped popularize in SD—is like French onion soup in burger form: a seasoned beef patty topped with caramelized onions, American cheese, and creamy French dressing on a house-made sesame bun, all drenched in rich Bordelaise sauce perfect for dunking. Bonus: it’s half-priced during daily happy hour.
Eat Crispy Burger The Original “OG” Crispy Double (Encinitas, National City, Kearny Mesa, La Jolla and soon Oceanside) - This fast-growing, family-run burger joint is quickly becoming a San Diego favorite—and for good reason. The service is warm and welcoming, and it’s heartwarming to watch a close-knit crew put out consistently delicious food. Their Original “OG” Crispy Double features perfectly smashed patties with golden edges and bold flavor. Add in their excellent fries, onion rings, shakes, and breakfast sandwiches, and you’ve got a winning lineup at any location.
Charli's Landing Smashburger (Mission Bay) - Located in the marina-side space that formerly housed Royal Rooster, Charli’s Landing honors San Diego’s fishing heritage with historic décor and a menu built for early risers and locals alike. While they serve everything from breakfast fried rice to burritos, it’s the smash burger that keeps us coming back. Made with a 1/3 lb. prime Brandt beef patty, melty American cheese, grilled onions, house-made pickles, and signature sauce on a soft bun, this burger hits all the right notes. Simple, satisfying, and perfectly executed.
RomBomb Burger OG RomBomb (Scripps Ranch, Pop-Up) - Chef Romin makes bomb burgers—and he knows it. His OG RomBomb is a stellar take on the classic Oklahoma fried onion burger, made with an 85/15 beef patty, paper-thin California sweet onions, melty American cheese, and secret sauce on a buttered soft bun. While the OG is a must-try, his rotating specials (including a limited-edition SanDiegoVille Burger!) are equally tempting. RomBomb is available via pre-order with Wednesday pickups and frequent pop-ups around San Diego—follow his socials to stay in the loop.
Moe's Steakhouse Moe's Burger (Mission Beach) - Housed in the former Saska’s building, Moe’s Steakhouse brings upscale surf-and-turf to Mission Beach with a timeless steakhouse vibe. But savvy locals know the real gem is hidden on the happy hour menu. The Moe’s Burger features a house-ground patty topped with creamy Brie, caramelized onions, mixed greens, and apricot mostarda - all for just $15 during HH. It’s a refined twist on a classic, and a steal for the quality.
Bonehead Burger Kenny B (Imperial Beach, Old Town) - What started in 2022 as a roving pop-up by brothers Kit Wingate and Blake Bone has quickly become a smash burger sensation. Bonehead opened its first brick-and-mortar in Imperial Beach and is expanding with a second spot inside Old Town Urban Market. We keep it simple with the Kenny B—a perfectly smashed patty topped with American cheese, pickles, and their signature Bonehead sauce. It’s straightforward, crave-worthy, and totally hits the spot.
The Wise Ox Double Cheeseburger (North Park & Carlsbad) - From Trust Restaurant Group, this modern butcher shop by Chef Brad Wise offers a tight but mighty sandwich menu—and the Double Cheeseburger might just be the standout. It features two house-ground beef patties, melty American cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles, and classic Thousand Island dressing, all stacked on a house-made bun. It’s balanced, beefy, and dangerously close to perfection.
North Park Beer Original Smash (North Park, Bankers Hill, Crown Point) - Known for its top-tier craft beer, North Park Beer Co. also serves up some seriously underrated food. Don’t sleep on the pizza at their Crown Point taproom - it’s among the best in town. But the real surprise? Their Original Smash burger. Featuring two ultra-crispy thin beef patties, each topped with American cheese and melty onions, all smothered in special sauce and served on a toasted Martin’s Potato Roll, this burger is a must-try.
Swagyu Chop Shop El Swagador Burger (Westfield UTC, Imperial Beach, Poway, East Village) - Known for premium cuts like Japanese wagyu, Swagyu has built a cult following around its indulgent smash burgers. While the original is solid, the El Swagador takes things up a notch with pork belly, smoked onions, and spicy pickled serrano peppers. (Fun fact: we may have inspired the idea - though Chef Steve vetoed our cherry pepper pitch in favor of the fiery serrano.) Now under new-ownership and eyeing major expansion, Swagyu is a burger force to watch.
The Friendly Dirty Flat Top Cheeseburger (North Park x2, Pacific Beach, and Kearny Mesa) - With locations multiplying across San Diego, The Friendly has earned a rep for inventive specials and solid NYC-style pizza - but the Dirty Flat Top Cheeseburger is the stuff of local legend. Two patties seared to crispy perfection on a greasy flat top, gooey yellow American cheese, buttery grilled onions, a toasted bun swiped with garlicky mayo - it’s unapologetically messy, deeply satisfying, and under $10. #NoMods
Irv's Original Roadside Double Burger (Pacific Beach) - A Southern California classic since 1946, Irv’s Burgers brought its iconic roadside charm from West Hollywood to Pacific Beach last year, taking over the former Denny’s building alongside Prince Street Pizza. Their Original Roadside Double is a throwback done right: two pressed beef patties, American cheese, Irv’s sauce, lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickle on a toasted bun. They welcome modifications, so we recommend adding Hatch chilis, swapping in a sesame bun, and going grilled onions over raw. Classic, customizable, and crave-worthy.
The Smoking Gun Wagyu Double Cheeseburger (Gaslamp Quarter) - One of the best-kept happy hour secrets in the Gaslamp, this Wagyu Double Cheeseburger is a $10 standout that proudly nods to The Friendly’s legendary version (confirmed by the chef himself). Two wagyu patties, American cheese, and all the greasy goodness you could want make this our go-to pre- or post-game stop when heading to a Padres game. Can’t make it for happy hour? It’s also available as a secret menu item—just ask. And don’t forget to tell them SanDiegoVille sent you.
Queenstown Bare Lil Lamb (Little Italy, La Jolla x2) - Available at all of San Diego’s Kiwi-run eateries—Queenstown Public House, Bare Back Grill, Raglan Public House, and Dunedin—the Bare Lil Lamb is a uniquely delicious take on the classic burger. It features a New Zealand lamb patty topped with bleu cheese, beetroot, mint dressing, lettuce, tomato, onion, tomato chutney, and garlic aioli. It’s bold, flavorful, and totally different from anything else on this list. Pro tip: skip the optional egg to let the other ingredients shine.
Hayes Burger Double Cheeseburger Add Chilis (Barrio Logan & Normal Heights) - It’s hard not to draw comparisons to In-N-Out, but Hayes Burger is carving its own path with a refreshingly simple, nearly perfect burger done right. No gimmicks—just quality ingredients, classic execution, and a price that won’t make you blink. We recommend the Double Cheeseburger with added chilis for a spicy kick. It’s straightforward, satisfying, and always hits the spot.
Jeremy's On The Hill Juicy J Burger (Julian) - It might seem surprising to find a mountain town burger on this list, but trust us—Jeremy’s in Julian is worth the detour. Every time we visit, we make a beeline for the Juicy J Burger, a flavor-packed creation featuring a grass-fed beef patty, cheddar and blue cheese, chipotle aioli, sliced avocado, and tender pulled pork brisket. It’s rich, bold, and totally unforgettable—just like the town itself.
Rosemarie's Rosiemac burger (Mission Beach, Ocean Beach) - What began as a food truck in 2022 has quickly grown into a burger empire, with two brick-and-mortar locations and a third on the way. Don’t be fooled by the “slider” label—Rosemarie’s burgers are thick, flavorful, and deeply satisfying. The Rosiemac is their elevated take on a classic American cheeseburger, built with two Wagyu beef patties, American cheese, onion confit, house special sauce, Kewpie mayo, and pickles. It’s rich, balanced, and one of our go-to comfort orders.
The Obligatory Classics
Let’s be honest - these burgers are woven into the fabric of San Diego’s burger lore, and omitting them would spark outrage. Do they still live up to the hype? Debatable. Some have seen better days, others ride on nostalgia more than flavor. But tradition is tradition, and these spots have earned their place.
Rocky's Crown Pub Half Pound Cheeseburger (Crown Point) - A San Diego burger institution since 1977 (now under new ownership), Rocky’s keeps things old-school with a bare-bones menu and no-nonsense attitude. The Half Pound Cheeseburger comes with lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and mayo. Rumor has it there’s a frozen glob of mayo hidden inside the patty, but who’s asking? Just order the burger, add fries, grab a cold beer, and enjoy one of the city’s most iconic - and stubbornly unchanged -classics. Pro tip: don’t be afraid to reach for the salt shaker, because the kitchen didn't.
Hodad's Guido Burger (Ocean Beach & East Village) - A Guy Fieri-approved beast of a burger, the Guido Burger was inspired by the Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives host himself - who once declared Hodad’s the best burger in America. This stacked creation comes loaded with grilled pastrami, Swiss cheese, grilled onions, pickles, ketchup, and spicy brown mustard. It's messy, meaty, and undeniably iconic. Grab it at the original OB location or downtown in the East Village.
The Lodge at Torrey Pines Drug Store Burger (La Jolla) - A true off-the-menu classic, the Drug Store Burger is a hidden gem served at this iconic La Jolla resort. Built with a Niman Ranch all-beef patty, lettuce, tomato, onion, and aioli on a sesame seed bun, it’s already a solid bite—but trust us, you’ll want to add bacon, avocado, and egg. We actually bumped into former President Barrack Obama on the golf course here the first time we had this burger. You might get lucky, too. Full disclosure: The Lodge and its affiliated Evans Hotels properties blocked SanDiegoVille on Instagram after we published a story about their ties to Elizabeth Holmes. So yeah - this endorsement is purely objective.
The Balboa Bar & Grill Original Balboa Burger (Bankers Hill, Chula Vista) - A neighborhood favorite with dive bar charm, The Balboa serves up one of San Diego’s most beloved burgers from its original 5th Avenue location and newer Chula Vista outpost. The Original Balboa Burger is simple perfection: a beautifully seared patty showcasing the Maillard reaction in all its glory, tucked inside a soft, pillowy torta bun. While some say things have shifted a bit under new ownership, this burger still delivers on flavor.
Check out our Google Map below for locations of all our favorite burger spots for National Hamburger Day 2025.