5 Best Burger Spots in San Diego that Locals Rave About

San Diego might be fish taco territory, but locals are just as serious about their burgers. From beachside grills to neighborhood gastropubs, these five spots regularly land in the “best burger in SD” debate.

1. Hodad’s (Ocean Beach & Downtown)

Hodad’s is the legendary, surf‑punk burger joint that everyone talks about. It’s loud, messy, and pure San Diego.

Burgers are gigantic—thick patties, mounds of lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, cheese, and sauce all stacked on a toasted bun. The bacon cheeseburger is famous, with huge, crispy laces of bacon that basically form a second patty. You’ll want to share fries or onion rings; portions are massive. For many locals, this is the classic San Diego burger experience.

2. Rocky’s Crown Pub (Pacific Beach)

Rocky’s is a small, no‑frills neighborhood bar with a very short menu—and the burger is the whole point.

They do a simple, griddled patty with cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, and mayo on a basic bun, cooked to a perfect medium rare or medium. No fancy toppings, no substitutions, just a nearly perfect bar burger. Locals love the old‑school vibe: cash‑only, minimal décor, a pool table, and a burger that tastes like it’s been dialed in over decades.

3. Burger Lounge (multiple locations)

Burger Lounge is the “feel‑better‑about‑your‑burger” chain that started in SoCal and has a ton of San Diego cred. They focus on grass‑fed beef, organic ingredients, and a clean, modern vibe.

The Lounge Burger is the classic: a thick, juicy patty with cheese, lettuce, tomato, and their house‑made 1000‑Island‑style sauce on a soft bun. You can swap in turkey, bison, or plant‑based patties, but the beef burger is what most locals rave about. Crispy fries, onion rings, and decent beer options make it a great casual lunch or dinner spot.

4. The Balboa Bar & Grill (Bankers Hill)

The Balboa is a low‑key bar that punches way above its weight on burgers. It’s often crowded with people who’ve heard the rumors and are there for the Balboa Burger specifically.

The standard Balboa Burger is a juicy patty with American cheese, grilled onions, pickles, and a tangy house sauce on a toasted bun. The ratio of meat to toppings is on point, and the grilled onions + special sauce combo gives it that slightly nostalgic, “diner‑meets‑backyard” flavor locals love. Great draft beer and a relaxed, neighborhood feel don’t hurt.

5. Anny’s Fine Burgers (Kearny Mesa & elsewhere)

For sheer variety and over‑the‑top builds, locals head to Anny’s. It’s a casual, order‑at‑the‑counter spot with a huge burger menu.

You’ll find everything from classic cheeseburgers to monstrous stacked burgers with multiple patties, fried eggs, pastrami, grilled jalapeños, different cheeses, and an array of sauces. Patties are juicy and nicely charred; buns hold up even under heavy toppings. It’s a favorite for burger lovers who like to try something different every time.