Where to Get the Best Burgers in San Diego

We asked our readers to tell us their pick for the best burgers in San Diego so we’ll know where to go when we’re in need of one…NOTHING beats a good burger when you’re craving one!

The mouth-watering list below is the result.

One takeaway from putting this list together: San Diego has some damn good burgers!

Yeah, yeah…we know “(insert your favorite place that isn’t on this list here) actually has the best burger in town,” so go ahead and let us hear it. We want to try them all!


The Balboa (#1)

The Balboa won first place for the best burger in San Diego by a good margin, so we are giving them the credit they deserve (the others are not specifically ranked as their votes were pretty close, and this isn’t exactly a scientific study, now is it?!).

The Balboa scared the hell out of every burger-lover when they initially announced a permanent closure in the depths of the pandemic, but lucky for us, they pulled through. We plan on eating enough of their burgers to ensure that they won’t have to worry about closing ever again!


Rosemarie’s Burgers

Rosemarie’s won were voted Best Burger 2024, critics choice & readers choice award, in San Diego Magazine’s latest poll. And we can’t lie…these are a go-to for the ThereSanDiego team.


Rocky’s Crown Pub

You guys love a Rocky’s Crown Pub burger—that’s for sure. We heard you loud and clear!

Next to The Balboa, Rocky’s burgers definitely seemed to have the most passionately supportive and vocal fan base.


The Friendly

No website, no inside seating, and no modifications on your order—we love it! And you do, too…The Friendly’s smash burgers consistently come up as some of the best in San Diego.


Hodad’s

Of course, these guys made the list…Hodad’s is an institution!


Neighborhood

Neighborhood recently underwent a major renovation, but they still have an amazing burger on the menu! Pro tip: make it ‘extra hood.’


Craft + Commerce

The secret sauce on their Classic Burger is to die for! Pro tip: make it “wet.”


Samburgers

Without a doubt, Sam the Cooking Guy knows how to make a damn good burger!


Swagyu Chop Shop

A hamburger made from Wagyu?! How could that NOT make the list?

Swagyu Chop Shop is a Wagyu-focused butcher shop by Chef Steve Brown featuring the best Wagyu in the world from the US, AUS, and Japan. He’s got locations in Pacific Beach, Imperial Beach, and Poway, so you can get your burger fix anytime! You can also enjoy delicious Whataburger items.


Rombomb Burgers

We love the story behind this burger pop-up as much as their fans love the burgers.


There you have it…the best burgers in San Diego. Plot your course to try them all!

See you there!

Share This Post
The Latest
Spreckels Organ Pavilion's Special Christmas Concert
Prepare to be dazzled as Spreckels Organ Pavilion’s Special Christmas Concert transforms Balboa Park into a spectacular winter wonderland. The World’s Largest Outdoor Organ will...
Rooftop Cinema Club Fireside Films
San Diego’s most-popular outdoor cinema is unveiling something spectacular this winter. Rooftop Cinema Club Fireside Films is transforming their prime seating area into an intimate...
holiday at la valencia hotel
Experience the magic of La Jolla’s winter season as you spend holiday at la valencia hotel—where timeless celebrations bring coastal elegance to life. From champagne-paired...
top concerts in san diego this week
Here are the top concerts in San Diego this week! From uplifting gospel fusion to viral Latin hits and country Christmas cheer, there’s something for...
The Craving
The Craving is all about helping you satisfy your craving for all of the best from San Diego’s local food scene. Come back every week...
Tidepooling Adventures
From octopuses to sea stars, hermit crabs, and sea anemones, there is no shortage of life in San Diego’s tide pools. This fall, King Tides return to...