Top 15 burgers in Downtown San Diego
Downtown San Diego is a vibrant hub for foodies, and burgers are a must-try. Indulge in juicy, mouth-watering burgers in Downtown San Diego, where a variety of restaurants and gourmet food trucks offer unique twists on this classic American dish. From traditional to gourmet, there's a burger in Downtown San Diego for every palate.
- 1. Werewolf
- 2. The Melt
- 3. Bun & Patti
- 4. Neighborhood
- 5. Hodad's Downtown
- 6. Shake Shack Little Italy
- 7. Burger Lounge
- 8. Burgers, Bait & Beer
- 9. San Diego Burger Co. in Downtown San Diego
- 10. Gaslamp Burger in Downtown San Diego
- 11. The Local Eatery & Drinking Hole
- 12. Jack in the Box
- 13. Burger King in Downtown San Diego
- 14. Hodad’s Petco Park
- 15. Burger Fanatics
1. Werewolf
Unique rock-themed atmosphere with a large selection of local craft beers

The Triple Threat Burger and the KISS Burger are two delicious options at a restaurant in San Diego. The Triple Threat Burger is a standout, known for its juicy and flavorful meat. It is a must-try for anyone looking for a great burger in the area. The KISS Burger is another excellent choice, with its grilled onions and house sauce adding an extra layer of flavor. Both burgers have received high praise, with the Triple Threat Burger being hailed as one of the best in San Diego and the KISS Burger earning a recommendation from this author.
In summary, the Triple Threat Burger and the KISS Burger are two delicious options for burger lovers in San Diego. The Triple Threat Burger is a standout for its juicy and flavorful meat, while the KISS Burger is a tasty choice with its grilled onions and house sauce. Both burgers come highly recommended by those who have tried them.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Downtown Spots
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2. The Melt
Hand-crafted artisanal burgers using sustainable ingredients

The burgers at this establishment are known for their great taste and high quality. They are freshly grilled, ensuring a delicious and satisfying meal. The service is also quick, allowing customers to enjoy their meals without a long wait.
The burgers have received praise for their excellent flavor and texture. They are not dry or overcooked, and their freshness is evident in every bite. Patrons appreciate the care that goes into making each burger, resulting in a well-made and enjoyable dining experience.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Mid-Range
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3. Bun & Patti
Features a lively atmosphere with outdoor seating, local beers, and milkshakes.

The burger I had was one of the best I have ever tasted. The toasted brioche bun provided a satisfying crunch, and the high-quality ingredients were evident. My dining companion and I both ordered the basic, single burger with fries. We were both thoroughly impressed with our meals.
The restaurant's decor was pleasant, and the fries were crispy on the outside. The burger was cooked to perfection and was as delicious as any I have had before. The ingredients were fresh and skillfully prepared, making for an exceptional dining experience.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
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4. Neighborhood
Cozy atmosphere with outdoor seating and local craft beers

The restaurant offers delicious burgers and flavorful fries that are sure to satisfy your cravings. A recommended starter is the Jalapeño Mac and Cheese, perfect for sharing among friends. The establishment boasts an impressive selection of beers on draft and unique cocktails, which are consistently well-prepared.
If you're in the mood for a burger, the Neighborhood Burger is a top choice. Pair it with Sweet Potato Fries for a delightful meal. The restaurant also offers an extensive selection of wines and beers to complement your meal.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Late Night
- Affordable Nightlife
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5. Hodad's Downtown
Ocean views from rooftop deck, hand-formed patties, and locally sourced ingredients

The burgers at this establishment are truly exceptional. The cooks pile on the onions, adding an extra burst of flavor to each bite. The onion rings are another highlight – crispy and fresh, with a satisfying crunch. The service is also noteworthy. Staff members check in frequently and are universally friendly and welcoming. If you're in the area, this restaurant is a must-visit. Even if you're not nearby, it's worth making a special trip for the delicious food and welcoming atmosphere.
This OB restaurant is known for its surfer theme and top-quality burgers. From the moment you enter, you're transported to a laid-back beach town. The surf-inspired decor sets the stage for a relaxed and enjoyable dining experience. The burgers are some of the best in the area, with generously applied toppings and fresh, tasty ingredients. Whether you're a local or just passing through, this restaurant is a great choice for a casual and satisfying meal.
TOPICS
- Downtown Spots
- American Cuisine
- Mid-Range
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6. Shake Shack Little Italy
Leangrown protein-style bun available, Sustainable meat sourcing

The service at this establishment is commendable, with staff who are quick, friendly, and go the extra mile to ensure the restaurant is well-maintained. Their attentiveness and care towards the customers create a welcoming atmosphere.
The burgers are a highlight of the menu, regularly receiving praise for their delicious taste and high-quality ingredients. The freshness of the components used in the preparation of the dishes is evident in every bite. However, some patrons note that the patties could be larger in size. Overall, the burgers are a satisfying choice for any diner.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
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7. Burger Lounge
Hand-cut kennebec fries, local beer on tap

The burgers offered are straightforward yet flavorful and made with quality ingredients. They are prepared to the customer's preferred temperature and come with a soft bun. Some people may consider the prices to be expensive, but for others, they are reasonable, especially considering the location.
In summary, the burgers are tasty and well-prepared, with a choice of doneness and a soft bun. The cost of the burgers may be seen as high by some, but overall, it is around average for a burger combo, and many find it acceptable given the location.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Downtown Spots
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8. Burgers, Bait & Beer
Waterfront location with marina views, Pet-friendly outdoor seating, Full bar with local craft beers

The Pastrami Burger stood out as a delicious and juicy culinary experience. Its savory taste was memorable, leaving a strong desire to have it again.
Similarly, the All American Burger was a fantastic offering. Its deliciousness was evident as it was quickly consumed, leaving no opportunity for capturing a photo. It is highly recommended for anyone seeking a satisfying meal.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Waterfront
- Mid-Range
9. San Diego Burger Co. in Downtown San Diego
Waterfront location, dog-friendly patio, locally sourced ingredients

San Diego Burger Co in Seaport Village is a participant in the idine program and offers a variety of food and beverage options. Upon arrival, there was a line, and customers received a number to wait for their orders. Finding a table was a challenge, but we managed to do so. I ordered an Avocado Bacon Cheeseburger cooked medium rare, but it was served medium well. The other half had a fish burger, and we shared a combo order of rings and fries, along with bottled soda and water.
The food served at San Diego Burger Co is tasty and portioned generously. Our server, Diana, was friendly and provided excellent recommendations. The prices are reasonable for a tourist area, and the food made for a satisfying lunch.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Budget-Friendly Eats
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10. Gaslamp Burger in Downtown San Diego
Gourmet burgers with unique flavor combinations

One of the top burger establishments in San Diego is a family-owned restaurant that stands out for its unique and delicious offerings. Their menu features a range of tasty options, including a BBQ burger, SD Burger, and chicken wings that are sure to delight. The high-quality ingredients and impressive flavors make this a must-visit spot for burger lovers.
During a recent heatwave, I took advantage of their lunch special and was not disappointed. For just $9, I enjoyed a large and satisfying cheeseburger. The meal also included a generous serving of fresh, hot French fries. In addition, they offered beer specials that added to the overall enjoyment of the meal. Overall, I had a fantastic hamburger lunch experience and would highly recommend this restaurant to anyone seeking a delicious and satisfying meal.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Happy Hours
- Downtown Spots
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11. The Local Eatery & Drinking Hole
Cozy atmosphere with a vintage, industrial design

The burgers at this establishment are truly exceptional. Of particular note is the Brew Pub Burger, which is a standout option. This burger features a short rib patty that is incredibly juicy, contributing to its overall deliciousness.
Another element that makes the Brew Pub Burger noteworthy is the beer-battered onion rings. These add-ons provide a satisfying crunch with each bite, enhancing the burger's texture and flavor.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Happy Hours
- Downtown Spots
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12. Jack in the Box
Open 24/7, drive-thru services, mobile ordering available

The burger I tried at this location was enjoyable with a good flavor and fresh ingredients. However, there is room for improvement in terms of cleanliness. My experience was positive overall, with a focus on the fresh and delicious burgers that are available in various options.
This establishment is known for serving fresh and delicious burgers that are sure to satisfy. With a wide variety to choose from, there is something for everyone. Despite the cleanliness of the location needing some attention, the burgers remain a standout feature and the primary reason for many customers' repeat visits.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Social Gatherings
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13. Burger King in Downtown San Diego
Mobile ordering and delivery available

Burger King, located in San Diego, offers fresh and delicious food, making it a popular choice among visitors. The establishment is known for its high-quality buns and taste that keeps customers coming back. However, during a recent visit, there was an issue with the air conditioning, causing the lobby to be quite warm. Despite this, the staff remained friendly and welcoming, adding to the positive dining experience.
In summary, Burger King in San Diego is known for its fresh and delicious food, particularly its standout buns. The staff is friendly and creates a welcoming environment for customers. However, during a recent visit, there was an issue with the air conditioning that made the lobby uncomfortably hot. Despite this, the overall dining experience was still positive.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
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14. Hodad’s Petco Park

TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Weekend Dining
15. Burger Fanatics

TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
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