Explore San Diego's best burgers — from the classics everyone knows to the neighborhood spots that deserve more attention.
East Village
$ · Restaurants · 2.6
Old Town
“Hamburgers, hot dogs & milkshakes served up in a kitschy spot with a checkboard floor & red vinyl booths.”
$ · Restaurants · 2.5

University City
“Counter-serve chain featuring signature smashed burgers, plus sides & shakes.”
$$ · American · 2.5

Mission Beach
$$ · American · 2.4

Miramar
$$ · American · 2.4

Pacific Beach
$ · American · 2.4
Mission Hills
$ · Restaurants · 2.4
Pacific Beach
“Sandwiches, tacos & smoothies are offered by this laid-back beach restaurant with outdoor seating.”
$ · Restaurants · 2.4

Bankers Hill
$ · American · 2.4

Pacific Beach
“Locals head to this adults-only, casual sports bar offering pints & made-to-order burgers & fries.”
$ · American · 2.4
Little Italy
“Whimsical New Zealand-themed pub serving upscale bar fare & a large selection of draft beers.”
$$ · American · 2.4

University City
“Classic Chicago hot dogs & burgers with outdoor seating, yellow walls, happy hour & craft beers.”
$ · American · 2.4

Encinitas
“Cozy pub with more than 30 international beers on tap has bison, ostrich & other unusual burgers.”
$$ · Restaurants · 2.4
East Village
“Kitschy local favorite for giant burgers with an array of toppings, plus shakes, onion rings & more.”
$ · American · 2.4

Ocean Beach
“Large, modern pub with a New Zealand-themed menu features 100% organic burgers & cocktails.”
$$ · Restaurants · 2.4

North Park
“Gourmet burger spot boasting unexpected options like kangaroo & antelope patties in a basic setting.”
$$ · Restaurants · 2.4

Pacific Beach
“Artisanal burgers, pints & sides in a kitschy, wood-heavy setting with a New Zealand motif.”
$$ · American · 2.4

La Jolla
$$ · American · 2.4

Pacific Beach
$$ · American · 2.4

Encinitas
$$ · Restaurants · 2.3
Gaslamp Quarter
“Long-standing haunt serving basic beers & bar bites in welcoming, unpretentious digs.”
$ · American · 2.3
East Village
$$ · American · 2.3

La Jolla
“Cozy pub in a renovated bungalow offering creative burgers & many beers from all over the world.”
$$ · American · 2.3

La Jolla
“Classic pub grub & drinks served late in a casual tavern atmosphere with a fireplace.”
$$ · Pizza · 2.3

La Jolla
$$ · American · 2.3

La Jolla
“Modern counter-serve burger spot serving grass-fed beef, free-range turkey & quinoa varieties.”
$$ · American · 2.3

University City
$$ · American · 2.3

Little Italy
“Modern counter-serve burger spot serving grass-fed beef, free-range turkey & quinoa varieties.”
$$ · American · 2.3

North Park
$ · Restaurants · 2.3

North Park
$ · Restaurants · 2.3

Ocean Beach
$$ · Restaurants · 2.3

Mission Beach
“Locals hang inside or on the patio for big, NYC-style pies, Italian basics & vast draft-beer menu.”
$$ · Restaurants · 2.3

Coronado
“Generous burgers & pub grub in a lively, spacious brick-walled room with sports on TV & rock music.”
$$ · Restaurants · 2.3

Coronado
“Modern counter-serve burger spot serving grass-fed beef, free-range turkey & quinoa varieties.”
$$ · Restaurants · 2.3

Encinitas
“Hip hangout with outdoor seating offering a varied American menu & live music performances.”
$ · Restaurants · 2.3
Pacific Beach
$ · Restaurants · 2.2

Pacific Beach
“Charbroiled burgers star at this fast-food chain also offering deli-type sandwiches, salads & fries.”
$ · American · 2.2
Gaslamp Quarter
“Simple counter-serve eatery with sidewalk seats doling out organic, pasture-raised beef burgers.”
$$ · American · 2.2
Gaslamp Quarter
“Casual burger joint offering beef, chicken, veggie & seasonal patties, plus a kids' menu & a patio.”
$$ · American · 2.2

University City
$$ · American · 2.1
East Village
“Classic, long-running fast-food chain known for its burgers & fries.”
$ · American · 2.1
Gaslamp Quarter
$ · American · 1.6

North Park
$$ · Restaurants

City Heights
“American grill offering made-to-order hamburgers, kebabs & sandwiches in a no-frills space.”
$ · Restaurants

Kensington
“Modern counter-serve burger spot serving grass-fed beef, free-range turkey & quinoa varieties.”
$$ · Restaurants

Hillcrest
“Burgers made from grass-fed beef (or bison, elk & veggies) in a bright cafe with counter service.”
$$ · Restaurants

Normal Heights
$$ · Restaurants

Bankers Hill
$$ · Restaurants

Mission Valley
“Charbroiled burgers star at this fast-food chain also offering deli-type sandwiches, salads & fries.”
$ · Restaurants
East Village
“Kitschy local favorite for giant burgers with an array of toppings, plus shakes, onion rings & more.”
$ · American