Cool Eats in San Diego: Burgers

1. BARE BACK GRILLE – PACIFIC BEACH, GASLAMP $$$

This is not just the normal faire of a Burger, Fries and Beer type of place although at first glance that what it may seem. Yes, they make burgers outside United States. Bare Back Grill is all about New Zealand and we should be thankful for that. Step outside the box, or should we say bun. Have you had a lamb burger? OMG this burger is delicious. A serious lamb patty with melted blue cheese topside. Between the buns you will also find mint jelly, an aoili sauce and beets along with the usual trimmings. Serious flavors emanate with each bite. You have to try this burger, it is amazing.  How about a burger with fried eggs on top? When was the last time you were offered Edam or Brie Cheese on your burger? Yep, they do it here.They are also doing that thing, with organic, preservative free, and local grown veggies.

This is a great chill place. It has a great atmosphere. A small little joint close to the beach with all the down under stuff, plastered to the walls. There are large windows open to the street and make this place just a cool place to hang out and have our favorite burgers in town. Take a trip down under without the airfare.

Reviewed at 4640 Mission Blvd. (858) 274-7117 Also found in the Gaslamp at 624 E St (between 6th Ave & 7th Ave) (619) 237-9990

2. HODAD’S – OCEAN BEACH $$

Hodad’s is a family run restaurant in OB. The open air setting with the novelty license plates plastered to the walls & ceiling, make this a very laid back, grab-a-burger place, but prepare to wait in line. You can’t exactly choose where you sit – as it’s first come first serve basis. If you are lucky there are two seats inside a cut up, VW van. There is long communal table in the center, so you may need to share. The place is very family oriented.

The burgers are packed with fresh tomatoes, lettuce, cheddar cheese, and ginormous beef patties on a seeded bun. The meat is tasty and juicy and you will need a lot of napkins to clean up after yourself. If you add bacon to your burger, the bacon is generous thick and delicious. The mini cheeseburgers are the perfect size.

The french fries are more like potato wedges, and perfectly seasoned and they come with ranch dressing Tasty! The chocolate shakes and malts are the thickest, richest, chocolatey deliciousness around. Made with real ice cream and real milk. You may just need the spoon.

Located at 5010 Newport Ave (between Abbott St & Bacon St) The neighborhood is eclectic and entertaining to say the least.  Call (619) 224-4623

3. BURGER LOUNGE – LITTLE ITALY, LA JOLLA, HILLCREST, GASLAMP… $$$

Cool Stuff San Diego Favorite  

If you’re craving a good burger, veggie or meaty, the Burger Lounge is a favorite venue. The decor is sleek and clean as well as fancy and hip. Bring your date or in-laws to have a quality, grass-fed burger. All of the staff are friendly and attentive. I can’t remember the last time I was treated so well in a “burger joint”. The place is committed to mostly organic, green principles.

Their veggie burger is a delicious, quinoa based burger combined with grilled onions and cheddar cheese. The lettuce and tomato are fresh and are the actual colors they are supposed to be (green and red, respectively, in case you haven’t eaten fresh veggies in a while). The burgers are definitely filled with good fresh ingredients and the lounge bun was perfect as well. Try the half and half fries and onion rings. The Lounge is now serving a great Caesar Salad in addition to a fresh vegetable salad with an avocado ranch dressing.

Now with 6 locations throughout San Diego, you can find one close to you: In Little Italy at 1608 India Street or tightly packed in La Jolla at 1101 Wall Street.  In Kensington at 4116 Adams Avenue or try it across the bridge in Coronado on the main drag at 922 Orange Ave. Checkout the website for more locations: www.burgerlounge.com.

4. ROCKY’S CROWN PUB – PACIFIC BEACH $$

4. ROCKY’S CROWN PUB – PACIFIC BEACH $$

Well, the best burgers aren’t always made in Burger Joints. Rocky’s is a bar, but oh, by the way it makes one of the best burgers in town. If you want a great old fashioned burger, this is the place. If you want a quiet place and extremely polite staff and a place to sit immediately, this is not the spot for you.

This is a no frills burger menu. They serve a 1/3lb hamburger, 1/3lb cheeseburger, 1/2lb hamburger and a 1/2lb cheeseburger.The burgers are moist, very tender, not overly dense. They are juicy and perfectly cooked. The burgers are served on a nicely toasted hamburger bun that doesn’t fall apart. Find the traditional fixings of fresh ripe tomatoes, large slice of red onion, lettuce leaf, pickles and a smear of mayonnaise in between.  A great burger in a noisy, crowded bar. Be forewarned, they only take cash at Rocky’s.

Located at 3787 Ingraham Street in Pacific Beach. (858) 273-9140