12 California Burger Joints Everyone Should Try At Least Once This Fall
Fall in California means cooler weather, colorful leaves, and the perfect excuse to explore some of the best burger joints in the state.
From classic patties to wild flavor combinations, these spots serve up burgers that’ll make your taste buds dance. Whether you’re cruising down the coast or exploring inland cities, these burger havens are worth the trip.
1. In-N-Out Burger
Nothing says California quite like biting into a Double-Double with animal-style fries on the side. In-N-Out has been slinging fresh, never-frozen patties since 1948, and their secret menu has reached legendary status among burger lovers.
Every burger gets freshly prepared lettuce and tomatoes sliced daily, and buns are baked fresh for the chain by local suppliers. The prices won’t break your piggy bank either, making it a favorite for families and broke college students alike.
With locations scattered across the state, you’re never too far from that signature taste. Many In-N-Outs feature outdoor seating, making fall the perfect time to grab your order and enjoy it al fresco.
2. Father’s Office
This Santa Monica gastropub revolutionized the burger game with its Office Burger, and they’re serious about it, no substitutions, no ketchup, no exceptions. Chef Sang Yoon created a masterpiece featuring dry-aged beef, caramelized onions, Gruyère and Maytag blue cheese, and arugula on a soft roll.
The burger pairs perfectly with their extensive craft beer selection, making it a foodie destination rather than just another burger spot. Sure, the no-modifications rule might seem strict, but there’s a method to the madness.
Trust the chef on this one, every ingredient plays its part in burger harmony. Fall evenings here feel extra special with their cozy ambiance and stellar menu.
3. The Counter
Ever wanted to be the boss of your own burger? The Counter hands you a checklist with hundreds of possible combinations to create your dream patty. Choose your protein, cheese, toppings, sauce, and bun, then watch the magic happen.
Born in Santa Monica back in 2003, this build-your-own concept turned burger customization into an art form. Kids love the power to design their meal, while adults appreciate the quality ingredients and creative options like fried eggs and grilled pineapple.
Seasonal specials rotate throughout the year, so you might catch fall-inspired toppings or sauces on the menu. Whether you’re adventurous or a creature of habit, The Counter delivers every time.
4. Crazee Burger
Want to try a buffalo burger? How about elk, wild boar, or even bison or ostrich? Crazee Burger in San Diego lives up to its name by offering some of the wildest protein options you’ll find anywhere.
Beyond the exotic meats, they also serve traditional beef burgers that are equally delicious for the less adventurous eaters in your group. The funky atmosphere matches the bold menu, with colorful walls and quirky decorations that make every visit memorable.
Locals swear by the ostrich burger, which is surprisingly lean and flavorful. Menu offerings rotate occasionally, so availability of exotic meats can vary. Fall is hunting season for some of these proteins, making it the ideal time to expand your burger horizons at this North Park gem.
5. HiHo Cheeseburger
Chef Sascha Lyon and partners brought their culinary precision to the burger world, and boy, are we grateful. HiHo focuses on simplicity done right—100% grass-fed Wagyu beef, American cheese, special sauce, and pickles on a squishy brioche bun.
The hand-cut fries are fried in beef tallow, giving them an old-school flavor that’ll transport you straight to burger heaven. Everything tastes fresh because it is, with ingredients sourced from quality suppliers who share Silverton’s commitment to excellence.
The Santa Monica location offers a bright, beachy vibe that’s perfect for post-beach burger cravings. Fall in California means fewer tourists, so you can actually snag a table without the summer crowds.
6. Original Tommy’s
Since 1946, Tommy’s has been serving burgers drowning in their famous chili—and we mean drowning in the best way possible. This Los Angeles institution doesn’t mess around with fancy ingredients or pretentious presentations.
What you get is a gloriously messy burger topped with meaty chili, mustard, onions, and pickles that requires at least a dozen napkins. The chili recipe remains a closely guarded secret, passed down through generations of the Koulax family.
Late-night cravings? Tommy’s has your back with many locations open 24/7, especially in the Los Angeles area. Fall nights in LA can get surprisingly cool, making a piping hot chili burger the perfect comfort food after a long day.
7. Gott’s Roadside
Originally known as Taylor’s Automatic Refresher, Gott’s has been a Napa Valley staple since 1999, serving burgers that rival the region’s famous wines. Their California burger comes loaded with Niman Ranch beef, cheese, and fresh local produce.
The retro roadside diner vibe adds to the charm, with outdoor seating perfect for people-watching. Beyond burgers, their milkshakes and garlic fries have earned cult followings of their own.
Fall in Napa means harvest season, so you can combine burger-eating with wine-tasting for the ultimate California experience. Multiple locations throughout Northern California make Gott’s accessible wherever your autumn adventures take you.
8. Hyphy Burger
Oakland’s Hyphy Burger brings Bay Area hip-hop culture straight to your plate with burgers as bold as the city itself. Named after the hyphy music movement, this spot doesn’t hold back on flavor or personality.
Their signature burgers feature grass-fed beef with inventive toppings that change seasonally, always pushing creative boundaries. The “You Feel Me” Burger, a local favorite, showcases their special sauce and smash-patty style.
Street art decorates the walls, creating an atmosphere that feels authentically Oakland. Seasonal specials rotate, but roasted squash and crispy sage are not standard fall ingredients here. Still, it’s worth traveling for a creative take on the California smash burger.
9. Hodad’s
Walking into Hodad’s feels like stepping into a surfer’s dream, with license plates covering every inch of the walls and ceiling. This San Diego legend has been serving massive burgers since 1969, and they haven’t changed the winning formula.
The bacon cheeseburger arrives stacked so high you’ll need to unhinge your jaw like a snake to take a bite. Fresh ingredients and generous portions explain why lines stretch down the block, especially at the Ocean Beach location.
Vegetarians aren’t left out—their veggie burger has won over even the most devoted carnivores. Fall means slightly shorter wait times, giving you the perfect excuse to finally experience this iconic burger joint.
10. Super Duper Burgers
San Francisco’s Super Duper Burgers proves that fast food doesn’t have to mean junky food. Using antibiotic- and hormone-free beef, organic produce, and buns baked fresh daily, they’ve elevated the quick-service burger game.
Their Super Duper burger with cheese hits all the right notes—juicy, flavorful, and satisfying without the guilt. The garlic fries are criminally addictive, fried to golden perfection and tossed with fresh garlic that’ll keep vampires away for weeks.
With multiple Bay Area locations, grabbing a Super Duper burger is easy no matter which neighborhood you’re exploring. Fall in San Francisco means foggy evenings that call for comfort food, and these burgers deliver exactly that warmth.
11. The Apple Pan
Step back in time at The Apple Pan, a West Los Angeles institution that’s been flipping burgers since 1947. The horseshoe-shaped counter with red leather stools creates an intimate dining experience where you can watch your burger being made right in front of you.
Their Hickory Burger comes wrapped in paper with house sauce, pickles, and lettuce—simple perfection that hasn’t changed in over 70 years. Cash-only policy and no-nonsense service add to the authentic old-school charm.
Don’t skip the banana cream pie for dessert, it’s as famous as the burgers. Fall evenings here feel nostalgic and cozy, reminding us why classic never goes out of style.
12. Pie ‘n Burger
Pasadena’s Pie ‘n Burger has been serving up old-fashioned goodness since 1963, becoming a beloved neighborhood spot for generations of families. The burgers are straightforward and honest—quality beef cooked to order on a flat-top grill with classic toppings.
As the name suggests, pie is equally important here, with homemade varieties that change daily. The combination of a juicy cheeseburger followed by a slice of fresh peach pie creates the ultimate comfort meal.
Caltech students and local families pack the vinyl booths during lunch and dinner rushes. Fall brings seasonal pies like pumpkin or apple to the menu, making your burger-and-pie combo even more seasonally appropriate and delicious.