8 California Avocado Burgers That Taste Like Summer
Summer in California has always meant one thing to me: indulging in unforgettable avocado burgers that embody the very spirit of sunshine and good times.
There’s nothing quite like sinking your teeth into a perfectly grilled, juicy burger crowned with rich, creamy slices of California avocado, all while a warm coastal breeze drifts by.
Over the years, I’ve crisscrossed the Golden State, chasing down the best flavor combinations—whether paired with smoky bacon, tangy cheese, or fresh farmers’ market toppings—that make each bite sing. These eight restaurants have mastered the art, serving burgers that truly taste like summer on a plate.
1. The Green Monster at Avocado Burger
I stumbled upon this Ontario gem after a long road trip and nearly wept with joy. Their signature burger doesn’t just feature avocado—it celebrates it with thick, velvety slices layered generously atop a perfectly grilled patty.
What makes this spot special is how they grill the bun with a hint of garlic butter, creating a crunchy exterior that gives way to softness. The combination of melted jack cheese and their secret aioli sauce makes every bite a creamy dream.
My favorite touch? The sprinkle of tajin seasoning that adds just enough tang to cut through the richness and remind you that summer has a flavor all its own.
2. Spicy Sunrise Avocado Creation in Moreno Valley
Morning hunger pangs led me to this Moreno Valley treasure where burgers aren’t just topped with avocado—they’re infused with it! The chef actually mixes fresh avocado directly into the ground beef before grilling, creating a patty that stays incredibly moist.
Sunshine yellow egg yolk drips decadently over the edges, mingling with the spicy chipotle mayo that delivers a perfect kick. Crisp butter lettuce provides the essential cool crunch against the warmth of the meat.
Pro tip: Ask for their house-pickled jalapeños on the side. When you’re ready for extra heat, these tangy green circles take the flavor experience to an entirely new dimension of summer spice.
3. Beachside Bacon-Avocado Bliss at Tom’s Place
Sand between my toes and salt in my hair, I wandered into Tom’s Place in Costa Mesa after a morning of surfing. Their bacon-avocado cheeseburger isn’t trying to reinvent the wheel—it’s perfecting it with quality ingredients that sing together in harmony.
Thick-cut applewood smoked bacon provides a smoky crunch that contrasts beautifully with the buttery avocado slices. They use local produce from farmers’ markets, and you can taste the difference in the tomatoes that burst with sweetness.
The cheese is melted to that perfect gooey consistency where it stretches when you pull the burger apart. Simple? Yes. Magical? Absolutely.
4. Chain Champion: Red Robin’s Smashed Avocado ‘n Bacon
Sometimes the best summer memories happen at familiar places. Red Robin might be a chain, but their Smashed Avocado ‘n Bacon burger transported me straight to backyard BBQ bliss with friends laughing around a pool.
Unlike other places that simply slice avocado, they truly smash it into a chunky spread mixed with lime and cilantro that covers every inch of the patty. The mayo has a hint of chipotle that adds smokiness without overwhelming heat.
My nephew calls this the “green burger” and demands it every time we visit. Watching his face light up as he attempts to tackle this towering creation might be my favorite part of ordering it.
5. Neighborhood Knockout at Paul’s Place OC
Laughter spills onto the sidewalk outside Paul’s Place, a neighborhood joint where everybody seems to know each other. Their avocado burger arrives with a steak knife dramatically plunged through its center – necessary engineering for a creation of this magnitude.
Halved cherry tomatoes marinated in balsamic vinegar add bursts of tangy sweetness against the cool creaminess of hand-sliced avocado. The patty has those perfectly caramelized edges that only come from a well-seasoned flat-top grill that’s been in service for decades.
Funny enough, I first discovered this place when seeking shelter from a summer rainstorm. Now I find myself mysteriously craving it whenever the temperature hits 80 degrees.
6. Retro Revival at Woody’s Diner
Chrome gleams and oldies play on the jukebox at Woody’s Diner, where their Avocado Bacon Cheeseburger transported me straight to a 1950s summer. The cook slapped high-fives with me from behind the counter when I ordered it—apparently, it’s his personal creation.
Fresh California avocados are scooped directly onto the burger from their skins right before serving, ensuring that creamy texture hasn’t oxidized. The bacon is thick enough to provide substantial chew rather than shattering like glass as lesser varieties do.
My favorite quirky touch is how they hollow out the top bun slightly to create an avocado cradle that prevents slippage. Practical and delicious—the best of both worlds!
7. Desert Oasis: Grill-A-Burger’s Avocado Fiesta
Palm trees swayed overhead as I escaped the Palm Desert heat into Grill-A-Burger. Their Avocado Fiesta burger arrived with a side of avocado fries that changed my life—crispy panko coating giving way to warm, creamy avocado interior.
The burger itself features slices of avocado fanned artfully across the patty, sprinkled with cotija cheese that adds a salty counterpoint. Grilled corn kernels provide sweet pops of summer with each bite, reminding me of boardwalk food stands.
Even in 110-degree heat, this burger was worth the trip. The owner told me they go through over 200 avocados daily during peak season, each one hand-selected for perfect ripeness.
8. Family Tradition at Fair Oaks Burger
Generations of locals crowd the picnic tables at Fair Oaks Burger in Altadena, where the same family has been grilling since 1975. Their namesake burger arrives wrapped in paper that barely contains its generous proportions.
Avocado, bacon, cheese, and jalapeños create a flavor quartet that plays a symphony on your taste buds. The jalapeños aren’t overwhelmingly hot—they’re house-pickled to maintain their brightness while tempering their fire.
My summer ritual includes sitting under their massive oak tree, watching kids chase each other with water guns while enjoying this perfect burger. The owner’s grandmother still makes the secret sauce each morning, and no amount of pleading will get you the recipe!