Owner Angela Ablahad and family, who launched Eat Crispy Burger in Encinitas in 2022, have built a loyal following with their fresh, never-frozen smash burgers and rapid expansion across San Diego County. Since opening their original location, the company has grown to five restaurants with branches in Encinitas, National City, Kearny Mesa, La Jolla, and Oceanside.
Now, the family is branching out in two new directions. Within the next several weeks, the team plans to unveil Crispy Fish Tacos, a brand-new concept that will occupy the space adjacent to Eat Crispy Burger's La Jolla restaurant at Regents Plaza Marketplace. According to the owners, the menu will focus on wild Alaskan pollock served as beer-battered crispy fish tacos fried in avocado oil, grilled fish tacos, fish burritos, and plates, accompanied by cilantro lime rice, black beans, and other menu options. The concept marks the company's first venture beyond burgers and reflects its continued effort to diversify its growing portfolio of casual dining brands.
In addition to launching Crispy Fish Tacos, Eat Crispy Burger has also recently unveiled its first mobile food trailer. The trailer is stationed in the large parking lot at Body Beautiful Car Wash, located at 2045 Pacific Highway, near the intersection of Hawthorn Street and Pacific Highway on the edge of downtown San Diego and Little Italy. The mobile operation features the brand's signature smash burgers and is expected to add DoorDash and Uber Eats delivery service in the near future, extending Eat Crispy Burger's reach to downtown residents, office workers, and visitors.
The expansion continues a remarkable growth trajectory for the locally owned business, which has become a fixture on numerous "best burger" lists thanks to its customizable smash burgers, fresh ingredients, and approachable menu. What began as a single neighborhood burger shop has rapidly evolved into one of San Diego County's fastest-growing independent restaurant brands. With a new taco concept on the horizon and a mobile trailer bringing its burgers to the urban core, Eat Crispy Burger is showing no signs of slowing down.
Crispy Fish Tacos is expected to open within the next few weeks next to Eat Crispy Burger's La Jolla location at 4150 Regents Park Row in the University City area, while the new Eat Crispy Burger trailer is serving customers at 2045 Pacific Highway in downtown San Diego. For more information, visit eatcrispyburger.com.
Originally published on July 18, 2026.
The expansion continues a remarkable growth trajectory for the locally owned business, which has become a fixture on numerous "best burger" lists thanks to its customizable smash burgers, fresh ingredients, and approachable menu. What began as a single neighborhood burger shop has rapidly evolved into one of San Diego County's fastest-growing independent restaurant brands. With a new taco concept on the horizon and a mobile trailer bringing its burgers to the urban core, Eat Crispy Burger is showing no signs of slowing down.
Crispy Fish Tacos is expected to open within the next few weeks next to Eat Crispy Burger's La Jolla location at 4150 Regents Park Row in the University City area, while the new Eat Crispy Burger trailer is serving customers at 2045 Pacific Highway in downtown San Diego. For more information, visit eatcrispyburger.com.
Originally published on July 18, 2026.
