The food that can be eaten anywhere at any time, if it's good
Is it American food?
Or, is it German food?
Where was the first burger made?
According to Julian Canlas, who is a food blogger at Twisper, "the hamburger is probably most often associated with the USA. This is no surprise as it has become somewhat of a staple in that great nation. However, the story of the creation of the hamburger (one of many stories) is that the hamburger was brought to America by German immigrants from (surprise, surprise) Hamburg in the early 20th century. As a result, you would expect the best burgers to come from either America or Germany."
When it comes to burgers, everyone has a different opinion. For me, it doesn't matter where the burger comes from as long as it tastes good.
I don't know about you, but the burger is one of my favorite food. It is one of the foods that I can eat every single day, along with Margherita pizza and tiramisu.
But, I'm not talking about just a burger but a good burger with a thick juicy patty, cheddar cheese, and a little bit of spicy sauce. And, of course, a soft but delicious bun like a cloud.
It’s very difficult to say what makes a perfect burger, simply because there are so many different variations of the simple beef and bread sandwiches. Nowadays, every place around us makes a burger. However, for a burger lover like me, it is very important to find a place that makes good burgers.
For all of these reasons, this wasn’t an easy list to make for me. However, here are the nineteen best juiciest burger places in California, based on burger lovers' recommendations.
1. The Counter Palo Alto
"The Counter® Custom Burgers is the original create-your-own-burger restaurant in the "better burger" genre with a mission to challenge the traditional burger joint. The Counter® uses premium ingredients, including 100% responsibly raised and handled Angus beef, 100% natural chicken breast, all-natural turkey, organic bison, and housemade vegan veggie burgers." - Birdeye
The best part of The Counter is you can create your own burger choosing from 8 different protein options, about 70 toppings on six different buns.
Based on its customers' reviews and recommendations, creating a burger is what they like most, although burgers are somewhat expensive than average. However, creating their own burger enables customers to customize their burgers based on what they would like to eat when they're in the burger joint.
Recommendations based on customer reviews:
- Make sure you try the curly fries.
- The American Classic burger is one of the burgers you need to try
- One of the best places to have vegetarian burgers.
Price: On average, it's $35 - 40 for two people.
Location: 369 California Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94306
Website: https://www.thecounter.com/
2. Kirk's SteakBurgers
Since 1948, we have been hand-making our burger patties each morning using top-quality beef & our long-standing (and super-secret) family recipe. When you order your burger, we throw in our open fire charcoal bbq pit and cook it to order just the way you like it. Then you get to finish it any way you want - literally thousands of possible ways. - Rick J. / Business Owner
Kirk's Steakburgers on El Camino Real in Palo Alto is serving fresh burgers for over 70 years.
Besides making the best burgers in Palo Alto, their burgers are also quite large in size. Medium size would be more than enough for a hungry dude like me who likes burgers, but small is probably enough for most people most of the time.
Moreover, their milkshakes are also as good as their juicy, tasty burgers. The only negative comment is that there could be more vegetarian burger variety.
One last thing, besides their fabulous burgers and other side dishes, the staff is also very friendly.
Recommendations based on customer reviews:
- Steakburger with fresh toppings
- Chili cheese fries
Price: On average, it's $30 - 35 for two people.
Location: 855 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA 94301
Website: https://kirks-steakburgers.com/
3. The Apple Pan
In West Los Angeles, the Apple Pan is a lively diner dishing up classic American fare from burgers to pies from its tiny counter since 1947.
There is nothing in LA so iconic as a burger from Apple Pan, even if diners can’t sit inside at the moment. The thick patties and smoky hickory sauce make for an altogether unique experience, only possible on Pico. - Farley Elliott
Recommendations based on customer reviews:
- You have to try their apple pie
- If you're not a big fan of apple pie, you can also try their banana pie
- Their Hickory Burger is a memorable one and must-try
- Their fries are also golden, crispy, perfect
Price: On average, it's $25 - 30 for two people.
Location: 10801 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90064
Website: https://theapplepan.com/
4. Goldburger
Located in Highland Park, the Goldburger serves takeaway-only. If you're planning to go there and sit your friends, Goldburger is not the best choice. However, their burgers are one of the best in LA.
Their burgers are a little bit of a lot of different things: the buns aren't crusty, the smashed patty is juicy and isn't paper-thin. With some sliced grilled onions and fresh crunchy pickles, the burger tastes amazing.
Goldburger’s Allen Yelent gives fans the best of both worlds: a still-juicy center but ample crust on the patty; the meat is more pressed around the edges than some of the city's other smash burgers, providing plenty of texture in every bite. - TimeOut
Recommendations based on customer reviews:
- The Goldburger is their classic signature burger
- The LA Special is their take on the pastrami burger
- Curly fries are fantastic, perfectly cooked
Price: On average, it's $30 - 35 for two people.
Location: 5623 York Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90042
Website: https://www.goldburgerla.com/
5. A+ Burger
A + Burger is one of the best local Korean burger places located on Telegraph Avenue. Their burgers taste how most burger commercials look. When you go to A+ Burger, your eyes will be full as much as your stomach.
Besides burgers, A+ Burger also offers rice and noodle bowls, salads, and more.
A+ Burger is remarkable for its fabulous service. You will appreciate adequate prices. The spectacular decor and enjoyable atmosphere let guests feel relaxed here. The average score of this place on Google is 4.6. - Restaurant Guru
Recommendations based on customer reviews:
- Fries are so crispy and taste so fresh
- Chili fries are the best in Oakland - you need to try them nacho cheese
- If you don't know what to order, you can go with Crispy Onion BBQ Burger
Price: On average, it's $25 - 30 for two people.
Location: 6228 Telegraph Ave. Oakland, California 94609
Website: https://aplusburger.square.site/
6. TrueBurger
Located in East Bay, TrueBurger offers an old-school burger served in an old-school way. They're explaining their burgers as Simple and Classic:
Simple and classic. No need to mess with what works. Our burgers are made with all-natural beef that’s ground daily and hand-formed for the perfect, tender bite. We sear the meat ‘diner style’ on a flat-top griddle to get crispy brown edges and a juicy interior. And every burger is served on a Semifreddis soft egg bun. - TrueBurger
Owned by two local chefs, TrueBurger is one of the best burger joints in East Bay if not in California. If you haven't been to TrueBurger, you must add it to your go-to list. As customers wrote on Yelp and other websites, you'll be addicted to their taste.
Recommendations based on customer reviews:
- Cheesy True Burger is absolutely a cheeseburger made in heaven. It's so juicy and cheesy.
- Their garlic fries and garlic mayo are must-haves.
- Their cold, hand-spun milkshake is a perfect pairing with a burger.
Price: On average, it's $25 - 30 for two people.
Location: 146 Grand Ave Oakland, CA 94612
Website: https://trueburgeroakland.com/
7. Notorious Burgers
Notorious Burgers was started by husband and wife – Julie and Brian Gruber. Together they have delivered unique well-favored menu items while supporting local craft breweries in San Diego. Notorious Burgers proudly distributes local craft beer paired with one-of-a-kind gourmet burgers and more. The restaurant has a fun mobster prohibition-themed environment which leads to the creative names of entrees such as the “GAMBINO’S BROKEN LEG OF LAMB” burger and the “PHILLY MOB” sandwich. - Notorious Burgers
Recommendations based on customer reviews:
- The Whitey Burger was very good. Good size. Very very tasty.
- Everything was fresh and flavorful.
- Big Poppa Burger (cheese, bacon onion rings, BBQ sauce), and the Notorious Burger (bacon, cheese, grilled onions) are must-try.
Price: On average, it's $30 - 35 for two people.
Location: 6955 El Camino Real Ste 107 Carlsbad, CA 92009
Website: http://www.notoriousburgers.com/
8. Crazee Burger
Over 30 handcrafted burgers, including: Steak Trim Angus beef, buffalo, venison, alligator, salmon, and more! We are also offering multiple Vegan and Vegetarian options. We also offer in-house made fresh soups and salads. We have daily happy hour which includes hand-selected craft beer, wine, and food. We offer a friendly atmosphere, with an open and inviting dog-friendly patio. - Crazee Burger
Recommendations based on customer reviews:
- Best grilled pastrami outside of NYC.
- They offer a wide variety of exotic burgers. I tried the Ostrich Burger and it was delicious.
- They have an exotic and creative menu of burgers to choose from.
- Chocolate peanut butter shake is one of the best in town.
Price: On average, it's $25 - 30 for two people.
Location: 3993 30th St. San Diego, CA 92104
Website: https://crazeeburger.com/
9. Super Duper Burger
Step into any Super Duper Burger, and you’ll notice we’re different. From our famous (free) house-made pickles to the hand-painted signage, to our cheerful staff, we build our restaurants like we build our burgers—sustainably, locally, and with an unwavering commitment to quality. We work with local farmers and food producers, designers, sign painters, and artisans because it reduces our carbon footprint, and, frankly, because they’re some of the best in the world. We source our ingredients locally (organic, non-GMO, or all-natural wherever possible), we make our food from scratch, and we're proud of every single item that comes out of our kitchen. - Super Duper Burgers
Recommendations based on customer reviews:
- The meat is juicy, their toppings are always fire, and their pickles...chef's kiss!
- The garlic cheese fries were absolutely delicious.
- The veggie burger was surprisingly good, tasted very fresh, and somewhat healthy.
- The sauces they put in their Mini Burger and Super Duper burger are great.
Price: On average, it's $25 - 30 for two people.
Location: 721 Market St San Francisco, CA 94103
Website: https://www.superduperburgers.com/
10. Pearl's Deluxe Burgers
We proudly serve natural, grass-fed beef burgers, turkey, veggie, and buffalo burgers. We do classic hamburgers, making the organic, grass-fed beef patties by hand. All our meat is of the highest quality; our buffalo burgers are so lean--they are actually lower in fat and cholesterol than chicken or most fish. We also make our own onion rings and cut them by hand. Many items on our menu are based on old family recipes from my mother, like our chili and the dressing for our Asian chicken salad. We have quick service, but food is definitely home style, and fresh! We don't start grilling until you order. Our most popular item on the menu is the Bula Burger, which won Best Burger at the San Francisco Great American Food and Music Festival. The Bula was inspired by a trip to Fiji. Bula is similar to the word aloha. - Sylvia Y., Owner of the Pearl's Deluxe Burgers
Recommendations based on customer reviews:
- The BEST chili cheeseburger in town.
- Burgers are a decent size, generous fresh ingredients, and really tasty.
- Fries and onion rings have a beautiful coating that adds to the flavor and crunch.
- Cobb salad was huge and no problems to swap out blue cheese for cheddar.
Price: On average, it's $30 - 35 for two people.
Location: 708 Post St. San Francisco, CA 94109
Website: https://pearlsdeluxe.com/
11. The Funny Farm Kitchen
Previously recognized as the Dr. of Donut Derangement at Psycho Donuts, and the winner of Food Network’s Donut Showdown, Chef Ron Levi continues to practice and perfect his skills in the culinary arts. Chef Ron has created many culinary products as a consultant for well-known food companies and helped to launch many gourmet food start-ups. Now Chef Ron applying those same whacky skills that he brought to Donuts, to your favorite comfort foods at The Funny Farm! At the Funny Farm, they take your favorite comfort foods and put their own twisted spin on them! Some are slightly twisted, others are just plain bonkers! - The Funny Farm Kitchen
Recommendations based on customer reviews:
- If anyone is looking for great food in South San Jose or up near Valley Fair, the Funny Farm Kitchen is great!
- The mozzarella sticks are beer-battered, thick, and the cheese was very hot and gooey. Perfection.
- Grilled cheese sandwich is a must-try.
Price: On average, it's $35 - 40 for two people.
Location: 7028 Santa Teresa Blvd. The Sideline Sports Bar, San Jose, CA 95139
Website: http://www.funnyfarmrestaurant.com/
12. Main Street Burgers
A few years ago, we traveled the country in search of inspiration for a great burger. We returned excited with a commitment to create the best tasting burger and the ultimate milkshake for Main Street Burgers and our community. To achieve this, we use only All Natural Beef, Ground Fresh Daily served on custom fresh baked buns with local produce. Our ice cream comes from a small, local, family owned business that creates premium, rich flavors for our hand scooped, thick shakes. - Main Street Burgers
Recommendations based on customer reviews:
- The impossible patty is very similar to a beef patty. It is quite large and definitely filling.
- Each layer to their burgers taste amazing. There is nothing more magical than bringing a few simple ingredients to create an explosion of flavor to your mouth.
- This place is super yummy! The burgers are juicy and delicious.
- Their shakes are bomb too you won't regret trying it.
Price: On average, it's $35 - 40 for two people.
Location: 1100 Lincoln Ave. San Jose, CA 95125
Website: http://www.mainstburgers.com/
13. Super Duper Burgers
At Super Duper Burgers, we serve fast food made with slow food values, using the best ingredients available to us. Our beef is 100% all-natural Brandt beef ground fresh each day, our shakes and soft serve are made with organic Straus cream from Petaluma, and our buns are delivered fresh each morning from an artisan bakery. On top of that, we offer a 100% natural free range chicken sandwich, an organic veggie burger, and we make our own pickles in house every day (always available for free at our pickle bar). - Super Duper Burgers
Recommendations based on customer reviews:
- If you want a quality burger on the quick, then this is a good spot.
- For the garlic fries, they add some shredded cheese on top that melted over the fries giving it a unique texture/taste.
- The cookie and cream milkshake is well worth the calories.
- Don't forget to get their vanilla/chocolate/mixed flavor with chocolate-dipped cone. You won't be disappointed.
Price: On average, it's $25 - 30 for two people.
Location: 15991 Los Gatos Blvd Bldg 3 Los Gatos, CA 95032
Website: https://www.superduperburgers.com/
14. Colorado Grill
Colorado Grill was founded in 1998 in Fresno, California. The founder, having extensive restaurant experience, wanted to establish a restaurant that serves quality, premium burgers, at a reasonable price. Well, that was some 20 years ago. Today, Colorado Grill is known in the Central Valley as the People's Choice for premium burgers and a host of other quality items. The restaurant is the recipient of numerous awards from organizations such as the California Restaurant Association, CBS "Best of the Valley", Fresno Magazine, and Fresno Bee's People's Choice to name a few. Colorado Grill is also known for the courteous service it provides in a relaxing and unpretentious atmosphere. - Colorado Grill
Recommendations based on customer reviews:
- One of the best burgers in Fresno.
- Colorado Grill uses a brioche bun and the ingredients are fresh.
- The burger patty tastes fresh and they use fresh ingredients.
- The grilled chicken is tender and has a great charred flavor.
- Chili cheese fries are amazing.
- The Oreo shake is perfect as it is very thick and has whole bits of cookie in it!
Price: On average, it's $20 - 25 for two people.
Location: 46 E Herndon Ave. Fresno, CA 93720
Website: https://www.coloradogrillrestaurants.com/
15. Starving Artists Bistro
We started Starving Artists Bistro to give Fresno's artists, musicians, and performers a stage and an audience to share their passion with. Our menu reflects the creativity and local flavor of our artists. From juicy burgers to tender short ribs, and a full selection of wine and spirits, every item displays our commitment to quality and passion for flavor. - Starving Artists Bistro
Recommendations based on customer reviews:
- Their bacon cheeseburger is one of the best burgers in Fresno.
- And the seasoned fries are delicious.
- The short rib tacos are amazing along with the bacon burger.
- The Buffalo Chicken Burger is baked chicken breast, very juicy and flavorful.
Price: On average, it's $35 - 40 for two people.
Location: 9447 N Fort Washington Rd Ste 101 Fresno, CA 93730
Website: https://starvingartistsbistro.com/
16. Bulldog Burger Bistro
Established in 2016, Bulldog Burger Bistro is a locally owned burger/food dive serving the finest quality food and offers six beers on tap. We have a little something for everyone. Our burgers are hand-crafted, never frozen, 100% Certified Angus Beef! We also offer great specialty salads, wraps & appetizers. We're proud to offer the freshest, best quality ingredients! - Bulldog Burger Bistro
Recommendations based on customer reviews:
- One of the best burgers in town and their fries are amazingly seasoned.
- The burgers and chicken sandwiches are very good and very fulfilling. Their sauces are really good too.
- The side order of fries is large so that's great for sharing.
- Better be hungry to eat here, everything is huge.
Price: On average, it's $30 - 35 for two people.
Location: 1782 E Barstow Ave. Fresno, CA 93710
Website: https://go.tothebulldog.com/
17. Famous Burgers
At Famous Burgers & Brew we offer meals of excellent quality and invite you to try our delicious food. The key to our success is simple: providing quality consistent food that tastes great every single time. We pride ourselves on serving our customers, delicious genuine dishes like: Burgers Eat delicious food. Grab a drink or a craft beer. But most of all, relax! We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your continued support. - Famous Burgers & Brew
Recommendations based on customer reviews:
- One of the best burgers in town. The guacamole burger with bacon is the way to go. Freshly toasted buns and perfectly seasoned meat, tough to beat!
- The burger is a good size and not a freeze-dried patty.
- The side garden salad is fresh and a good veggie mix.
- The sweet potato fries are fire.
Price: On average, it's $25 - 30 for two people.
Location: 3101 Zinfandel Dr. Ste 132 Rancho Cordova, CA 95670
Website: https://www.famousburgersandbrew.com/
18. Skip's Kitchen
Opened in 2011, Skip's Kitchen is a local, family-owned, restaurant serving gourmet casual food. Whether it is a quick bite during your lunch hour or dinner with the kids after practice, Skip's Kitchen is a great place to stop and have a great time with great food in a great atmosphere. Skip's Kitchen specializes in gourmet burgers, salads, and sandwiches. - Skip's Kitchen
Recommendations based on customer reviews:
- Mushroom Swiss burger is great! Very juicy. Delicious.
- The steak sandwich tastes like real steak.
- The sweet potato fries complement the burger nicely.
- The food is always fresh and tastes good.
- The soda cups are large enough to where you will not be needing a refill.
Price: On average, it's $25 - 30 for two people.
Location: 4717 El Camino Ave Carmichael, CA 95608
Website: http://www.skipskitchen.com/index.html
19. Hot Off The Griddle
Hot Off The Griddle opened in Nov 2017 and is located inside the Stone Creek center in South Natomas. Since then, Owners Sean and Jason have been serving comfort food and other classics 7 days a week. The interior, designed and installed by Sean and Jason themselves with help from friends and family, reflects a change in the general dining atmosphere most are used to. We wanted it to be "bright and open," said the owners. Collectively the pair share over 2 decades of restaurant experience, from serving and hosting to supervising roles and managing, both are very active in the day to day of the restaurant. - Hot Off The Griddle
Recommendations based on customer reviews:
- Great breakfast options but the burgers are seriously one of the best in Sacramento.
- Portobello Burger is succulent, juicy, with tasty pesto sauce.
- The Farmer's Burger will conquer your hunger pangs for sure.
- Their home fries are also really good.
Price: On average, it's $25 - 30 for two people.
Location: 1583 W El Camino Ave Ste 103 Sacramento, CA 95833
Website: https://www.hotg.net/
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The burger places have expanded rapidly over the last years. This list is but a few of the best burger restaurants in California.
If there’s a good burger joint you would like to recommend besides this list of best burgers in California, let us know in the comments below!