5 Best Burger Spots in Simi Valley that Locals Rave About

Simi Valley has a very solid burger culture: classic roadside stands, sports‑bar patties, and a few spots that take things a little more gourmet. These are the places locals bring up when you ask where to get a serious burger without leaving town.

1. Red’s BBQ & Grillery

Red’s is best known for barbecue, but locals will quickly tell you: the burger is no joke. It’s smoky, juicy, and tastes like it spent time near a smoker.

Expect thick patties, often with a hint of BBQ flavor, topped with cheddar, bacon, grilled onions, and house barbecue sauce if you want to lean in. The buns are toasted, and sides like fries, coleslaw, and beans give it a full BBQ‑plate feel.

If you’re on the fence between brisket and a burger, this is where you can get both worlds in one.

2. In‑N‑Out Burger (Simi Valley locations)

Yes, it’s a chain, but in Southern California, ignoring In‑N‑Out in a burger discussion is basically a crime. In Simi, it’s many locals’ default answer for “best straightforward burger.”

Double‑Doubles “Animal Style,” with grilled onions and special sauce, are the go‑to move. Thin patties with a hard sear, American cheese, fresh lettuce, tomato, and that soft, slightly sweet bun—it all just works. Add Animal Style fries and a shake and you’ve hit the SoCal classic.

3. The Hat

Technically famous for pastrami, The Hat also cranks out a hefty, diner‑style burger that locals swear by—especially if you get pastrami piled on top.

These are big, hearty burgers with thick patties, American cheese, shredded lettuce, tomato, pickles, and a soft sesame bun. The Pastrami Burger is the star: a full burger plus a mountain of shaved pastrami. Fries here are huge portions, so consider sharing.

4. Fire Island Grill (for a different spin)

Fire Island is more of a Hawaiian‑inspired grill spot, but their burgers get a lot of local love for being flavorful, juicy, and a little outside the norm.

You’ll find teriyaki‑marinated patties, pineapple‑topped burgers, and builds with island‑style sauces that give a sweet‑savory twist. The buns are fresh and soft, and the patties are well‑seasoned. If you’re burned out on standard bar burgers, this is a fun change of pace.

5. Junkyard Café

Junkyard Café is quirky, cluttered, and full of automotive memorabilia—and the burger menu is just as over‑the‑top.

They offer a bunch of different burger options, from straightforward cheeseburgers to builds loaded with bacon, avocado, jalapeños, and house sauces. Patties are generous, toppings are plentiful, and the plates come out big. It’s the kind of place where you don’t leave hungry and you probably take leftovers home.