San Diego's Best Hamburger 2008

Burger shack one-ups fast food joints with a policy that allows customers to pick the ingredients.

Reviews:

• “Not impressed”
• “Awesome Customer service, Awesome Quality of food, Awesome Dining expierence and enviroment.”
• “My new “go to” restaurant"
• “Best burgers and sides I’ve ever had!”
• “Great idea, poorly executed”

Boomerangs Gourmet Burger Joint or email Boomerangs Gourmet Burger Joint

Laid-back Ocean Beach institution serves one of San Diego’s best burgers.

Reviews:

• “Great burgers, cool so cal vibe”
• “Hope you have a big appetite”
• “Best Burgers in San Diego”
• “Great hole in the wall relaxing joint”
• “Best Burger Joint in Town”

Tips: No reservations are taken, and the lines can stretch out the door on weekends. Those in a hurry should consider placing their orders to-go.

Hodad’s

The Cohn Group strikes again, creating a so-San Diego setting where locals enjoy upscale food that’s both familiar and inventive.

Reviews:

• “Amazing filet mignon”
• “Horrible all around. Stay away.”
• “Christmas Paradise Lost aka Have you seen my server?”
• “Great Views”

Tips: Check out the adjacent C-Level lounge (also a Cohn Group establishment) that has a less-expensive menu and lots of fun cocktails.

Island Prime

The second installment of a local restaurateur’s “twisted farm food” lands in rehabbed barn in Hillcrest.

Reviews:

• “Excellent food, service and atmosphere”
• “Cool atmosphere good drinks”

Tips: Try the super-huge, tangy bloody mary on the weekend.

The Tractor Room

Retro decor and simple flavors make Jayne’s Gastropub a North Park hub for casually sophisticated foodies.

Reviews:

• “San Francisco quality in SD!”
• “cute new place!”

Tips: Hot spot Air Conditioned Lounge is right next store.

Jayne’s Gastropub

Junior Seau scores at the huge restaurant and sports bar with room for more than just Chargers fans.

Reviews:

• “seaus is by far one of the best restaurants in town”
• “Get there before Two for Lunch”

Tips: A private dining room is perfect for small parties of up to 20 people. There is also a separate Raw Mana Sushi Bar, and the Legends Room on the mezzanine level can be reserved for parties of up to 150.

Seau’s

Casual, intimate PB pub famous for juicy burgers and fresh fries draws throngs of locals.

Reviews:

• “You’re stoked about this burger”
• “Not your average PB Pub”
• “MOST AMAZING HAMBURGER EVER!!!!”
• “Rude!”
• “Best burger in San Diego”

Tips: Catch the game on one of the many TVs.

Rockys Crown Pub

Slow food mecca anchors North Park’s local dining scene, with an ever-changing lineup of sustainably produced beef, produce and boutique wine and beer.

Reviews:

• “don’t expect much but high prices and poor portions "
• “Unforgetable….but I’ll try to forget my experience”
• “Really disappointed—guess their previous success has gone to their head!”
• “Great local eatery, friendly staff, interesting menu selections”
• “Best Kept Secret in Culinary San Diego”

Tips: Owner Jay is well respected authority among serious local foodies, and his blog is considered a well of information on small farmers, growers and trends in slow food.

The Linkery

Slow-smoked meats in a rustic San Marcos restaurant.

Reviews:

• “Amazing Chocolate Cake”

Tips: Snack on half-priced apps and $3 drinks during the afternoon happy hours on the patio.-

Old California Mining Co

Inside the posh Omni hotel, tourists and locals mingle in the seafood-heavy restaurant with a classy bar on the side.

Reviews:

• “Awful service”

Tips: The menu is printed twice daily to relfect the freshes available seafood.

McCormick & Schmick’s

The old Hamburger Mary’s still rocks out Hillcrest with a new name, and the same great burgers and cocktails.

Reviews:

• “Margarita’s”
• “Great burgers”

Tips: Try the awesome sunday brunch from 10am-2pm. It’s packed, so arrive early and be prepared to wait.

Urban Mo’s

Hillcrest burger joint also serves beer and special waffle-cut fries in an industrial-style space.

Tips: The front windows are actually garage doors that roll back to let the air through.

Lucky Buck’s

UTC-adjacent haunt is a mecca for local bankers, big business meetings and solo lunches at the friendly bar.

Tips: There’s also a regular spinkling of tourists looking for good meal close to their hotel.

Harry’s Bar & American Grill

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