Best Burgers in San Diego, California 🇺🇸🍔
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 8 ก.พ. 2025
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This week, we went on a quest to discover the best burgers in San Diego, California. I asked all of you on Instagram what are the best burgers in San Diego, and your recommendations fueled our adventure. From iconic locations such as Hodad's and The Balboa to new burger joints like Hayes Burgers and Swagyu, we left no bun left unturned.
The best burgers in San Diego was inspired from the best birria tacos in San Diego video, so if you haven't seen that one, be sure to watch that next!
In order of appearance, here are the 5 best burgers in San Diego locations we visited:
Hodad's in Ocean Beach: Famous for their bacon cheeseburgers, Hodad's is a San Diego staple with multiple locations, including one now in Petco Park, the San Diego Padres Stadium downtown.
Swagyu Chop Shop & Burger in Pacific Beach: A new player in the "best burgers in San Diego" scene as they focus on high quality Wagyu beef. They have multiple locations across the country and now ship steaks and burgers across the country as well. They also do tasting menus and now serve brunch at this Pacific Beach location.
The Friendly in North Park: A unique location that says "Pizza and more" on their store sign in North Park, but the highlight here is most definitely the "dirt flattop burger" that consists of two patties, american cheese, caramelized onions, and a special garlic mayo.
The Balboa in Bankers Hill: Another San Diego staple that is located right across from Balboa Park, just north of downtown San Diego. A great little dive bar that serves up perfectly cooked burgers.
Hayes Burgers in Barrio Logan: A new kid on the block in the cultural neighborhood of Barrio Logan, serving up delicious smash burgers with homemade fries and beers. Hayes Burgers is definitely worth the trip for one of the best burgers in San Diego.
If you have any other "best burgers in San Diego" recommendations, please leave a comment below and I would love to try more! If you liked the video please give it thumbs up, subscribe and click on that notifications bell for weekly updates! THANK YOU!!
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WHO AM I?
Hi! My name is Gareth Leonard, an American Travel TH-camr with a passion for slow, meaningful Travel. I have spent the past 12+ years traveling around the world while creating travel vlogs to help inspire and educate people to “Travel Deeper.”
If you enjoy my work, please subscribe to this channel and turn on the notifications bell to stay up-to-date with my travel deeper adventures.
Daily updates can also be found on my Instagram Stories (@traveldeeper), so if you’ve read this far, send me a DM with the “🦊” emoji so I know you’re a real one!
Thanks for following along! 🙏
p.s. Don't forget to subscribe and hit that notifications bell, it helps a ton!
#TravelDeeper #travelvlog #SanDiego #BestBurgers #VisitSanDiego #VisitCalifornia
Thank you all for watching! 😃 I head down to Mexico next week to shoot more episodes in Baja and then I'll be filming here in San Diego and Los Angeles. If you have any video suggestions, I would love to hear them in the comments below!! 🙏 Also, if you enjoyed the video, come drop a "🍔" in my IG DMs (@TravelDeeper) so I can thank you personally! Have a great weekend!
Devanti Entoca, 1655 India St...heart of Little Italy...has great hamburger
@@davidpadilla9989 Adding this to my list, thank you!
Raglans in ob and Rocky’s in pb!
@@rachaelkendall119 Rocky's declined to be featured. I'll add Raglans to my list, thanks!
Rockys is dope
Rocky’s Crown Pub! Always!
I came to the channel for the Birria Taco reviews, but stayed for the burger reviews! Great job man - as a San Diego native who moved away, this is a great channel for me to see what has changed while I've been away. We visit often, and we are going to try some of these places. Great job, Gareth and I look forward to keeping up with your content.
I've always been partial to Tioli's Crazee Burger in North Park. Love the variety of meat and toppings they have. Plus the fries are to die for.
Yep. 100.
They are so good
Not at all the same since the 2 changes of ownership. New owner is whack and trying to hard. He cuts corners and sells regular beef as organic. He cheats on his wife and allows the encourages the same behaviors amongst his employees. Go to friendly instead
Went to Swagyu today after seeing your video! It was good.
Wagyu vs Usda Choice
Yeah that's fair .... 😢
I just moved back to Sandy Eggo and I’m so happy to be here. I was hoping to see Rocky’s Crowne Point in your top 5. My favorite burger place. Simple. Delicious. Hodads is good but super messy. Thanks for the tips and check out Rocky’s in PB.
EDIT Haha! I just read through the comments and see a lot of San Diegoans mentioning Rocky’s!!
RIP Mike Hardin, friendly owner. Happy to see the business continue on in his absence.
The bacon patties are yummy. The vegetable toppings are massive, have it on the side and ask for ranch, large enough for two restaurant side salads.
A smashed burger is a different beast than a non-smashed burger. California has some of the biggest beef cattle heards in the nation. If one eats at Harris Ranch off I-5 one is eating some of the freshest beef in the nation, it is often also down wind of finishing lots. It could be one reason for not having to smash beef so thinly and thus using less beef.
As a San Diego native and current resident thank you for highlighting the beauty of our city.
It's absolutely my pleasure!! 🤗
I just spent a week in San Diego and had an amazing time. My soon to be wife lived there for 7yrs but luckily for me she came back to Boston. It looks like we will be back to visit San Diego many times in the coming years. You have a clean and beautiful city out there. We ate at the Hodad's in Ocean Beach on our final night.
Most beautiful city in America I think it's a shame Gavin Newsom is going to remain as Governor though wish I could move back there but way too expensive way too over-regulated too many freaking liberals and Hodad's is way overrated not that good at all Imo
@@joeybagadonuts7332 thanks for leaving, take some of your Cancervative friends
@@joeybagadonuts7332 gavin is going to ban meat...
Addicted to your adventures / your food journey... Love your channel!
Just wanted to say, I happened to come across your video yesterday and it made me needed to go by and try Swagyu. Then this morning a few friends invited me to get dinner and wanted to meet at Swagyu. Thanks for not only getting me hyped to go to dinner tonight, but also prepare me for the incredible meal I was heading into!
Try Rocky's Burger in Pacific Beach. It usually has good burgers. Pretty famous in the area
Rockys is by far the best burger in San Diego!
I have passed through Barrio Logan and Chicano Park off Interstate 5 and had never heard of Haydee's Burgers, until this video. Dude, the crunch of the toasty bun and the double-smash burger patties with the crispy edges, Done & Sold! 🍔They seems like next level to In-N-Out. I must and will try these on my next trip to SD this weekend. Thanks man, great videos! 👊💥💯
That’s because you have the name incorrect. It’s Hayes!
Great review. I spent my last year in the Navy in San Diego. Got out in 1970 & went back in 1972 & got a job @ the brand new Sheraton on Harbor Island. Got in on their 2 week training program before the grand opening May 1972. It was 500 rooms then but I know they added more rooms years later. What a gorgeous hotel!! I liked the burger @ The Friendly due to the price value & quality burger. Really enjoy your videos. Thank you!.
Went out to SD for the very first time 2 years ago to visit old friends and they took me to The Friendly and it was the BEST burger I’ve ever had. I live in NY and we have an establishment called Buns that has a great burger, runner-up only to The Friendly! Good taste guys! I’ll have to try the other joints on my next visit out West!
The Balboa! YES! My all time favorite burger place and dive bar!!!!!!!! So happy that was listed! My and my mates always go there! LOVE IT!!!
Once I saw OB in the intro I KNEW he was going to HODADS. It’s soooo 🔥
THE iconic spot in OB for sure 🙌
@@GarethLeonard you talk burgers to a SD native and Hodad's is always the first mentioned.
@@k00patr00pa1 Yep. Lived there for 22 years and whenever I visit, gotta go to Hodads.
I knew it before I clicked on the video. ;)
Hadouken on his first bite 😂
Rocky’s in PB/Crown Point is always overlooked. One of the top 3 burgers in SD.
Never heard of before , Bro
True, but the cash only thing and long waits, and no sitting room is annoying
Try Nessy Burger in Fallbrook, North County.
I now MUST go check out The Friendly and Hayes Burgers. Those burgers look right up my alley!!
YESSS! When you do, let me know what you think! 😀
Gareth, excellent hosting bro. Those are some great joints. Las Quatro Milpas would be a great one to see. One of my SD favs. Thanks to Daniel too ! Yuma, AZ.
That place is delicious. Just got back from visiting San Diego and Las Quatro Milpas was what we had on our way to the airport. It was excellent.
@@cranekraken24 Hi, Thx for replying. It's been a few years since going to Los Quatro. Those ladies really make some Mexican magic. Looking forward to getting back to SD. Cheers !
Just got a Friendly's OG because of this video. And yes... it was bomb.
I love these videos they really help. With so many restaurants out there it can be very overwhelming.
I knew my boy Gareth was an experienced burger lover by the way he ate two massive bites of this absolute beast of a hamburger and followed it up with an onion ring. Great showing.
Haha, it's a tough job but somebody's gotta do it! 😂
Good call on Barrio Logan! As a native, I support this immensely!
Another winner! And you just crack me up…..the outtakes. 🤣
Thank you so much Tina!
I’m back watching this a second time just because I miss living in San Diego soooooo much 😩😩😩. The people, the vibes!!!
Me too I feel so stupid that I left cause I was home sick.well that didn't matter they didn't miss me. Should of stayed.
@@pamelathomas4586 it’ll still be there to visit... ☺️
@@mystysenchantedeats yeah I know but i've had 2 strokes since then and not able travel like before.should of never left😢
@@pamelathomas4586 2 strokes Pamela? Let me say I’m happy you’re still here!!! Don’t say you should’ve never left, there’s a reason you left there. I moved to Arizona 😅, what about you?
@@mystysenchantedeats I live charlotte nc now but when I leave san Diego I moved to columbus oh had 2 boys there then move here and had 2 strokes.i guess 1 stroke each kid. Just kidding😃 they grown now..
This made me crave for burgers! Now I'm loving the food vlog vs the travel vlog of Travel Deeper. Haha... Love the bloopers or "behind the scene" footage at the end.
Stumbled onto this channel!
Gareth is witty, entertaining, charming with lots of Charisma and yet with a certain subtleness about him!
This channel should be at 1 million soon!!
Robert from daytradingwiththelight
we women tolerate how he eats, like a pig. If he had more manners, he would have over a million.
I've live all my life in SD and never been to any except Hodads, can't wait to try these different spots. Thank you man!!
Right!! Me too. So today I went to friendlys n hayes burger. But Hayes burger reminded me a lot of “In N Out” or I might be wrong. Either way both of theme burgers were amazing😋😋
Yo same!!!!! Can’t wait to try some of these places
I'm from Illinois and my brother lives in OB in San Diego and the food and people are so great!!! Miss it tons. Can't wait to go back soon so, many great places I didnt get to go to.
Dude, I love your videos! You do such a great job of giving us viewers a vividly vicarious experience. Thanks for promoting local businesses too!
Thank you so much man, I appreciate it! 🍻
Loved the Bill Gray's/Tom Wahl's shout out! Did NOT see that coming....
Respect to those who know 👊
I don’t even eat 99% of the things in your videos because I’m a vegan but somehow they are always oddly satisfying and fun to watch. Thanks for sharing!🌈💓☮️🍄✨
I need to do a vegan video!!!
@@GarethLeonard I was gonna suggest that but didn’t wanna push your limits!😂 Dooooooo it!!!👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
@@GarethLeonard Please!!
Same! Haha
Come to the other side. We have flavor.
My money is on the Hays burger "buena, bonita, y barata". The video was worth the wait. Great job Gareth!
That's a smart choice, haha! Thank you Victor! 👊
🍔 great video! Do a best pizzas in San Diego and best breweries in San Diego. 😉
Great video- made me hungry!
Next time, must try Rocky’s in PB 🍔
YUMMMM....Watching from San Diego.
Have you been to all of these places Tess?
My fav video - muchas gracias - for coming around our community to eat
My pleasure Ruth, thanks for watching!! 🤗
Nobody has more fun with work than you, Gareth. What a way to end the work week. L in the ATL.
Cheers L! It's a tough job but somebody has to do it! 😂
Nice vid.
Not sure if anyone mentioned it on IG, but personally the best burger I've had in SD was at Rocky's in PB.
Haha, lots of comments about Rocky's. They actually declined to be featured.
Keep Them SoCal & Bajá Vids Coming Gareth!!
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Thank you Javier! More from Baja in the coming weeks! 👊
Just launched the first episode from Baja!!
All these burger places and their burgers 🍔🍔🍔 look absolutely amazing 🤩. Hard job you have. Lol!
That swagyu burger looked absolutely perfect. Simple but delicious. I’ll be in SD in 2 weeks def gonna have to stop there
Same with the friendly
Let me know what you think Chris!
@chris greenwood how was it?
No u won’t
You are soooo coool love this video and checking out the burger’s today yummy
I appreciate it!
Hodads is iconic, but the Friendly is the best burger hands down. Glad you showed it. You missed Canada Steak Burgers though on University. Legit. Onion rings are the best and good Greek food.
Lots of people are recommending Canada Steak, I gotta add that to my list!
Ran in to this video randomly and I loved it. I live in Temecula now but lived in SD for a long time, loved to see the spots you visit and your positive SD vibe.
Rocky's in Crown Point is hands down the best burger in San Diego.
Agreed. Check the other comments 😂 They declined me filming. Gotta respect it.
Absolutely Amazing. Great Tour. Thank You So Much. Cheers from Los Angeles ✅❤️
Thanks for tuning in Mick! LA food series coming up next!!
Rocky’s in Crown Point also has good burgers!
Yes, see the other comments, that was a popular recommendation but couldn't make it happen 👌
Yep, Rocky's has been voted the best time and time again since the 80"s. Granted, a lot have come and gone that are good, but Rocky's is a mainstay.
No Joke - Rocky’s has the cast iron cooked burger and atmosphere unlike the rest of the 5 shown don’t forget about the happy hour specials !!!
But Great Video that was well done. I’m freaking starving
Thanks. 8)
Agreeeeeeee I can’t believe you didn’t make it to Rockys!!!
Enjoy your videos very much ! And I loved the garlic ff but I have them with the smashed burgers in that place where I saw the picture of cantiflas!.... Thank you sooo much for your delicious and fun videos to watch and know about goo places to eat ! And you are awesome and funny!
This episode slaps! burger nation! Very happy to live right next to Swagyu
I appreciate it, David! 👊
🤔
I wasn't all that impressed with their burger but I'm Jones(ing) to take home one of their steaks.
Adding to that list are Adrian's surf and turf in clairemont mesa blvd, Bully's East in Mission Valley and Burgers, Bait and Beer in Embarcardero South.
i’m so glad the friendly made it on this video! 🤤💕
Such a great spot!!
Just moved to SD from the Bay Area….can’t wait to try these places. Thanks!
My all time favorite burger in San Diego is and maybe in the 🌎 is Rocky’s in pacific beach 🤙
Yes, see the other comments, that was a popular recommendation but couldn't make it happen 👌
I lived in PB from 1978-1986 2 blocks behind Diego's. Rocky's was a regular stop (2 twice a month). The Mt Rushmore of burgers...
I'm not even a huge fan of their cash only policy and it still hits my top 4 list
@@GarethLeonard gotta come back and try. I legit came on this post to see if you tried Rocky's when tasting the burgers. please record and let us know!
My son said the same thing.
The Friendly is where it’s at!!! The atmosphere the guys and seriously the BEST burger I’ve ever had in my life! My husband and I were constantly bringing family and friends who were visiting SD and still to this day almost 6years later everyone still talks about that place!
WTF, Rocky’s is the best since 77,
nope
.... SAID EVERYONE WATCHING !
Cool Diners, Drive-ins and Dives video!
Thanks Eddy! Trying to switch things up here and there! 🍻
“Ung”ion rings :-D Wonderful episode! Love burgers and must visit San Diego now.
Haha, can't take the Upstate New York out of my accent 😂
The Balboa hamburger with veggies looks great too 😊. Think it's a tie now between The Balboa and first place (sorry don't remember name?). Those fries too look so good. I'm reviewing as I'm watching.
Love the friendly! But I'm not sure how Rocky's in crown point didn't make it on this list!
Rocky's is your basic garden burger! greasy and nothing special!
@@francotassone4929 the friendly is way more greasy and basic, but it's still delicious. I will grant you if you want the kitchen sink on your burger go to hodads. Rocky's burger is for that perfect slice of simplicity and the environment in that bar is amazing, there's a reason there's always a line out the door.
Check the other comments Benjamin, Rocky's actually declined to be featured.
Great video Gareth! Surprised to see Logan Heights for best burgers, grew up there in the 80's.
SD my whole life never knew about Friendly. Gonna try it tomorrow
That's my favorite place #1. U will love it
This video made me so hungry I just ordered a burger meal for two but just for myself. The chipotle aioli sounds like a good tongue twister, sounds delish too!
Hahaha, I couldn't even type it without messing up 😂
Canada Steak Burger on University Ave and 36th St. Best mom and pop burger out there! Been in business 40 years. Definitely missed out on that one bro.
Damn, I gotta check this one out! Thank you!! 👊
Thank you for the video! loved it now my husband and I have some new places to go try!! 🍔
Please come to Denver next!
I'll make you and Daniel a homemade 🍔 with plenty of pickles 😋
Also always Love the bloopers at the end and your interaction with locals
Very nicely done. Loved the Rochester references and comparisons. Best burger city Upstate.
Yes!! 👊 It's great to know someone watching understands the references!
Mmmmm The Friendly….just simple goodness. I need a dirty flat top now!! Definitely going to check down in Barrio Logan now too
It's all about that dirty flat top! 😂
😂😋 yum! Sunny SD and cheese burgers, my fave! More burgers please 🍔
Burgers on burgers on burgers!
You guys are indeed professional! I need a burger now! 🍔
Haha, I appreciate it Scott! 😅
I drive by these places all the time and never noticed them. Thanks!
Finally, everything is back open to make the stop!
The Friendly is so fire! I'm definitely gonna check out some of the others on this list. I thought Hodad's was overrated. Its a good burger but to stand in line for 20-30 mins waiting for an average burger made it feel not worth it.
It's the location, location, location!
You're both awesome! Respect your pickle fixation and Daniel's deep burger consideration.
Haha, he is a thoughtful man who appreciates his burgers 😂
Oh man, when you first walked up to The Balboa... a bit of sadness for me there. It used to be a place called Tin Can Ale House where you could go get cans of beer and watch live music. I used to go and see friends bands play there. I'm bummed that it's gone.
Oh man, that sounds like an awesome spot, I didn't know that!
But the balboa is sooooo gooodd
I miss it too brother
My soon to be wife used to spend a lot of time there.
Can’t believe I’m just now stumbling onto this channel. Also from Rochester, NY… he had me at Bill Grays/Schaller’s 🤤
Insanely good. Must get double bacon cheeseburger with frings!!
Yes, true story!! 💯
Yay!! I’ve only tried Hodad’s… can’t wait to try the rest . Thanks for this .
Suggestion : Wineries in Valla de Guadalupe : )
Valle de Guadalupe coming very soon!! Any specific recommendations there?
@@GarethLeonard Definitely Cuatro cuatros
Greetings from TIJUANA BC MEXICO🇲🇽
Greetings! I'll be back very soon!!
@@GarethLeonard You are always welcome! 🇲🇽🇺🇸
Las 3 B- “Buena, Bonita y Barata”!!! Awesome, thanks guys!!!
Charly Burgers 🍔 😋 😍 in Lemon Grove is the best by far
great video, it was cool seeing the town i grew up in!
The Friendly burger looked like everything I expected from a pizza spot.
I ended up trying the friendly burger and it was pretty good. They do lather it in mayo, like lots and lots of mayo. Next time I’ll ask for them to put a little or maybe none at all. Def will be going back at some point.
Hodads is the one and only place I thought of! Fantastic!
Hodad's is iconic!
@@GarethLeonard I could go for a Hodads burger and fries right now! 🍔🍔🍔
Hi watching from Saudi Arabia
Originally from Philippines
That's amazing, thank you for watching Sarah!!
Funny that you mentioned "hard roll" since no one on this side (except us northeast transplant people) know what that is. Really enjoyed this review/rundown of all the burgers - great job!
Haha, respect!! 👊
Doods foods aka the balboa has the best burger in the town hands down👌🏾
Solid choice!!
Just found your channel, really enjoying reading about spots in my home town that I need to add to my list! For burgers, not sure if you have tried the Royale with cheese at Bo Beau (several locations), Danny's Palm Bar and Grill in Coronado, or the old tried and true Rocky's Crown Pub (21+ and cash only though).
As a SD resident and having been to all of these places, I approve. There are much better places than Hodads though. You missed Rocky’s in PB and Chicago Fire Grill in UTC are a lot better IMO. Higher quality buns and fresh beef. Good list though!
Ya Honda’s is garbage, Rocky’s is the shit and they don’t allow Canadian immigrants in lol 😂. True story read there reviews.
Hodad's is way overrated not that good at all it's all bun and vegetable hardly any meat
Also Nessie Burger!!!!
Rockys is just ok imo.
Agreed, you can't beat a Rocky's Burger.
Another great video I will be trying some of these next time I'm in San Diego just like I did with your tacos video. Keep up the good work.
I appreciate it Carlos 👊
Rocky's Crown Pub is just as good as Hodad's but without the huge lines.
I completely agree!!
I’m pretty sure these guys tried to walk into Rocky’s and the owner denied the publicity.
Yeah, they were actually the first stop on my list, but they politely declined to be featured... apparently Rocky's is doing just fine, haha! I respect the fact that they want to stay quiet for their local customers, so we honored their request.
@@JennJarvis Correct, thank you!
They're different burger styles. To each their own.
Very beautiful images and very well done, congratulations !!!
Cheers!! 🍻
These all look good, but I want to thank all the amazing Culinary Specialists in the US Navy for the awesome burgers I have had on board USS Essex and every other command during my career. They work hard and are underappreciated!
I have been trying to get in touch with someone in the Navy that I can film and see how they cook!!
@@GarethLeonard I retired a few years ago but I bet that if you made a community post asking if one of your viewers was a military culinary specialist that you would find one. I still know a few people….
Used to live in North Park before all the renovations. No Friendly back then. Been super hammered in the Balboa, didn’t realize they had burgers! Lol next time I’m in SD gonna try these places!
I’m glad you showed Hodad’s Not only is there burgers delicious.Their onion rings are fantastic.
I'd go back just for the onion rings!
Now I’m hungry for onion rings
@@kingdiamond51fifty I just watched this. TG I live near Hodad's. Definitely having bacon cheeseburger & onion rings tonight.
@@gemoftheocean Now you got me jealous
Another cool video. 👍😎
I'm disappointed Rocky's in PB wasn't on here but understand you couldn't do TWO joints in the same neighborhood. DEF recommend you try / go to Rocky's the next time you do this challenge. It's primo! (Update: saw that you replied to someone else's comment that they declined to be on the channel. Too bad!)
Another fire video!
Thank you so much Don!
THE FOOD BURGER IS PART AMERICAN DREAM YUMMY
Absolutely! 🇺🇸🍔
OMG! First burger place . . . huge burger two patties, with tons of pickles and onion rings. Looks amazing 🤩😋