Thousand Oaks has a mix of polished suburban spots, cozy pubs, and casual cafes—and more than a few of them put out serious burgers. These five places are the ones that come up most when locals talk about where to get the best burger in town.
1. Umami Burger (Thousand Oaks area, when available)
Umami Burger has had a strong presence in the greater Conejo Valley area and is still a go‑to for locals who want a more “cheffy” burger experience.
Their signature Umami burger uses a rich beef blend and toppings designed to crank up savory flavor: shiitake mushrooms, caramelized onions, roasted tomato, and a Parmesan crisp, all on a soft bun. Other builds layer on truffle aioli, blue cheese, bacon, and more. It’s not your basic diner burger—it’s dense, rich, and all about that umami hit.
2. Brendan’s Irish Pub & Restaurant (THO location)
Brendan’s is a lively Irish pub with hearty food and a surprisingly strong burger game. Locals hit it for pints, games, and hefty burgers.
Expect thick patties cooked to temp, with toppings like Irish cheddar, bacon, sautéed mushrooms, and house sauces. The “pub burger” style—big, juicy, with classic toppings—is the main draw. Fries, onion rings, and a good beer list (including Guinness on tap, obviously) make it a solid everyday burger option.
3. The Habit Burger Grill (local fave chain)
Yes, it’s a chain—but The Habit has deep roots in SoCal, and Thousand Oaks locals are genuinely loyal. For a fast‑casual burger, it’s one of the most consistently praised in the area.
The Charburger is the star: char‑grilled beef patty, cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles, caramelized onions, and mayo on a toasted bun. The char flavor sets it apart from typical fast food, and it hits that perfect “everyday burger” sweet spot—not too heavy, not too fancy. Add tempura green beans or fries and a shake and you’ve basically built the go‑to local comfort meal.
4. Tipsy Goat
More of a sports bar/pub hangout, Tipsy Goat also turns out some seriously satisfying burgers that locals rave about.
The burgers are robust and messy in the best way—thick patties, melted cheese, bacon, avocado, sautéed onions, and big buns that you kind of have to squish down to get a full bite. You’ll find a range from simple cheeseburgers to spicy options with jalapeños and pepper jack. It’s the kind of place you go to watch a game, drink a beer, and take down a big burger with a mountain of fries.
5. Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar (Thousand Oaks)
Lazy Dog is a polished, dog‑friendly chain, but its Thousand Oaks location is hugely popular with locals—and the burgers are a big part of why.
The All‑American Burger and BBQ Ranch Burger are both staples: juicy patties, smoked bacon, cheddar or jack cheese, crisp lettuce and tomato, plus flavorful sauces. You can also go more adventurous with things like bison burgers, depending on the menu rotation. The big patio, friendly vibe, and good draft list make it a favorite for casual burger nights with friends, family, or your dog in tow.
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