Best Burgers in San Diego: Unmissable Local Gems You’ll Crave
Best Burgers in San Diego: Unmissable Local Gems You’ll Crave
San Diego’s burger scene is a delicious mix of legacy joints and innovative eateries, all focusing on quality ingredients and bold flavors. Whether you're a local or just visiting, these top spots for the best burgers in San Diego are must-tries for any food lover.
Click on the place names below to open their locations in Google Maps.
| Place | Rating | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| The Balboa | ⭐ 4.7/5 | Iconic $8 happy hour burgers in a historic setting. |
| Rocky's Crown Pub | ⭐ 4.6/5 | A local legend with decades of consistent, no-frills burgers. |
| Rosemarie's Buns & Brews | ⭐ 4.7/5 | Creative sliders with unique flavor combos by the beach. |
The Balboa ⭐ 4.7/5
Iconic neighborhood bar serving simple, high-quality burgers with multiple cheese and sauce options. Known for its $8 happy hour burgers, a small focused menu, and historic location, it’s a beloved spot for burger purists.
💡 Local Tip: Only $8 during happy hour
🎵 Atmosphere: Neighborhood bar with casual vibe
🅿️ Parking:
A mainstay on any reputable 'best burgers in San Diego' list... an honest and very solid burger pick.
Note: Limited seating and basic ambiance may not suit everyone.
Note: Located in Bankers Hill neighborhood, 2.5 miles from downtown San Diego
Rocky's Crown Pub ⭐ 4.6/5
Legacy burger joint operating since 1977 with minimal menu changes and recent credit card acceptance. It boasts decades of consistency, recently added credit card payments, and remains a local institution.
🎵 Atmosphere: Traditional pub with historic feel
🅿️ Parking:
It's an icon for a reason... just a damn good burger honed over decades
Note: Its no-frills setting and cash-only history (recently changed) might surprise some visitors.
Note: Located in Crown Point neighborhood, 5 miles from downtown San Diego
Rosemarie's Buns & Brews ⭐ 4.7/5
Slider-focused burger spot with creative flavor combinations and generous portions. Voted best sliders in San Diego, it offers unique flavor profiles and large portion sizes that keep customers coming back.
💡 Local Tip: Try the Elote fries and newest soft shell crab slider
🎵 Atmosphere: Adorable beachside casual dining
🅿️ Parking:
The slider concept is perfect... packed with so many different flavors
Note: Limited seating per reviews and its popular location can get crowded.
Note: Located in Mission Beach neighborhood, 6 miles northwest of downtown
Savor the Best Burgers in San Diego Today
Ready to bite into San Diego’s finest burgers? Head out to these local gems and discover why this city’s burger game is unbeatable. Let us know your favorite in the comments!
Images courtesy of Google Maps and respective businesses.
