Food & Drink

Satisfy Your Cravings: Top 11 Burger Joints in San Diego

San Diego is a city full of vibrant culture, beautiful beaches, and delicious food. Among the many culinary delights that can be found in this city, burgers stand out as a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

Whether you are in the mood for a classic cheeseburger or something more adventurous, San Diego has a burger joint that will satisfy your cravings.

San Diego's burger scene is diverse and ever-changing. From gourmet restaurants to casual fast-food chains, there is no shortage of options when it comes to finding the perfect burger in San Diego.

Whether you prefer your burger medium-rare or well-done, with bacon or avocado, there is a burger out there that will tickle your taste buds.

In this blog post, we will explore some of the best burger places in San Diego. We will highlight the unique qualities of each restaurant, including their ambiance, menu, and customer service.

Whether you are a local or a visitor, we hope that this guide will help you discover new burger joints to try and inspire you to indulge in the deliciousness that San Diego has to offer. So, get ready to grab a napkin and get your burger fix on!

1. Midway Classic Malt Shop

Midway Classic Malt Shop
3625 Midway Dr Suite B, San Diego, CA 92110 (Google Maps)

Midway Classic Malt Shop is a 50s-style diner that serves up delicious American eats.

The burgers are hand-pressed and made with high-quality ingredients, while the fries are fresh cut and flavorful.

The customer service is unmatched, with the owner running the counter and knowing many regulars by name.

The friendly atmosphere and tasty food make this place a must-visit.

2. Canada Steak Burger

Canada Steak Burger
3604 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92104 (Google Maps)

Canada Steak Burger is a burger place that truly lives up to its name. They offer a variety of patty options, from regular beef to 1lb burgers, all cooked to perfection.

The toppings are not just gimmicks, they add a fun and unexpected deliciousness to the burgers.

The bacon cheeseburgers are a must-try, but they also offer other food options like kebabs and sandwiches. The service is fast and friendly, but the seating is limited.

Prices are reasonable for the quality of food they serve. If you're looking for a great burger joint, Canada Steak Burger is definitely worth a visit.

3. Hodad's Downtown

Hodad's Downtown
945 Broadway, San Diego, CA 92101 (Google Maps)

Hodad's Downtown is a kitschy local favorite for giant burgers with an array of toppings, plus shakes, onion rings, and more.

The burgers are juicy and full of flavor, with a variety of toppings to choose from. The onion rings are crispy and delicious, and the shakes are made with real hand-dipped ice cream.

The atmosphere is quirky and fun, with walls covered in license plates and stickers. The staff is friendly and the service is quick.

It's definitely worth a visit for anyone looking for a tasty burger in a unique setting.

4. Rocky's Crown Pub

Rocky's Crown Pub
3786 Ingraham St, San Diego, CA 92109 (Google Maps)

Rocky's Crown Pub is a casual, adults-only sports bar that serves up some of the best burgers in town.

The fresh and tasty burgers come with crunchy onions, crisp lettuce, and fresh tomatoes, and are complemented by crispy, salty fries.

Though seating is limited, the friendly atmosphere and top-notch service make it worth the wait.

Just make sure to bring cash, as cards are not accepted. For a cheap and flavorful meal, Rocky's Crown Pub is a must-visit spot for burger lovers.

5. Crazee Burger

Crazee Burger
3993 30th St, San Diego, CA 92104 (Google Maps)

Crazee Burger is a gourmet burger spot that offers unique and exotic meat options like kangaroo and antelope patties.

The restaurant has a casual and friendly environment with a great selection of beers on tap. The burgers are juicy and flavorful, with a crispy toasted bun and fresh ingredients.

The fries are hot and crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The staff is super friendly and the service is quick.

If you're a burger lover looking for something different, Crazee Burger is definitely worth a visit.

6. Hayes Burger

Hayes Burger
2060 Logan Ave Ste. A, San Diego, CA 92113 (Google Maps)

Hayes Burger is a hidden gem for burger lovers. They offer a simple menu of burgers and fries, but don't let that fool you.

The burgers are juicy and packed with flavor, and the fries are crispy and delicious. The outdoor seating adds to the charm of the place.

Although the prices are a bit steep, it's worth it for the quality of the food.

The customer service is excellent, and the workers are friendly and attentive. If you're looking for a great burger, Hayes Burger is worth checking out.

7. Queenstown Public House

Queenstown Public House
1557 Columbia St, San Diego, CA 92101 (Google Maps)

Queenstown Public House is a whimsical New Zealand-themed pub that serves upscale bar fare and a large selection of draft beers.

The Queenstown Fav burger is juicy and enhanced with a flavorful tomato chutney. The skinny fries are crispy, salty, and peppery, and the raspberry lemonade is refreshing and sweet.

The old sandblasted house that houses the restaurant is beautifully decorated with overhanging trellises and old park bench seats.

Service is fast and efficient, making it a great spot for lunch in a festive, laid-back environment.

8. MishMash

Mishmash
1805 Newton Ave, San Diego, CA 92113 (Google Maps)

MishMash is a unique burger joint that offers a variety of entrees such as tempeh tacos and craft beers.

The grass-fed beef and free-range chicken used in their menu make it stand out from other burger places.

The portions are generous and reasonably priced. The staff is friendly and the ambience is great.

The truffle fries and loaded fries are a must-try. MishMash is definitely worth a visit for anyone looking for a gourmet burger experience.

9. Shake Shack Little Italy

Shake Shack Little Italy
2008 India St, San Diego, CA 92101 (Google Maps)

Shake Shack Little Italy is a hip and trendy counter-serve chain that offers gourmet takes on fast-food classics like burgers and frozen custard.

The establishment boasts a friendly and helpful staff, quick service, and quality food offerings. While the burgers may be on the small side, they are full of flavor and the buns are grilled to perfection.

The crinkle cut fries are a must-try and the shakes are thick and made from real ice cream.

The outdoor area is cute and the music adds to the laid-back atmosphere. If you're in the mood for a treat, Shake Shack Little Italy is definitely worth a visit.

10. Rosemarie's Burgers

Rosemarie's Burgers
4112 Napier St, San Diego, CA 92110 (Google Maps)

Rosemarie's Burgers is a top-notch burger joint that serves up some of the best sliders in town.

The quality of the ingredients is evident in every bite, and the chef's creativity shines through in the unique and delicious flavor combinations.

Whether you're in the mood for a classic burger or something more adventurous, Rosemarie's has got you covered.

The friendly and attentive service only adds to the experience. Don't miss out on this gem of a spot!

11. Boomerang's Gourmet Burger Joint

Boomerang's Gourmet Burger Joint
4577 Clairemont Dr, San Diego, CA 92117 (Google Maps)

Boomerang's Gourmet Burger Joint is a must-visit spot for burger lovers. The menu offers custom, farm-fresh Angus burgers and inventive sides that are sure to satisfy your cravings.

The ambiance is casual and sports-bar inspired, making it a great place to hang out with friends over some good food and drinks.

The staff is friendly and attentive, ensuring that your dining experience is enjoyable. If you're a whiskey lover, you'll be impressed with their extensive collection.

Check out Boomerang's Gourmet Burger Joint for a delicious and unique burger experience.