11 California Burger Joints Famous Across The State For One Iconic Burger

California’s burger scene is built on bold flavors, local pride, and decades of dedication. Across the state, certain spots have earned loyal followings for doing one thing extremely well: crafting a burger that leaves a lasting impression.

These places don’t chase trends or overload the menu. They focus on one signature creation that speaks for itself, drawing crowds year after year.

Some are tucked into neighborhoods, others along highways, but all share the same goal, serve a great burger that people remember long after the last bite.

1. Double-Double, In-N-Out Burger, Baldwin Park Origin / Statewide

Two patties, two slices of cheese, and a whole lot of California pride. That’s what you get with this legendary creation that started in Baldwin Park back in 1948.

Harry and Esther Snyder built an empire on simplicity, fresh ingredients, and never freezing a single thing. Their secret menu alone could fill a book, but nothing beats the classic combination.

People line up around the block at every location, and tourists treat it like a pilgrimage site. The crispy lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and that tangy spread create burger magic every single time.

2. Hickory Burger, The Apple Pan, Los Angeles

Since 1947, this West Los Angeles institution has been grilling up perfection on a horseshoe-shaped counter where strangers become friends. The Hickory Burger features a thick patty smothered in tangy hickory sauce that tastes like smoky heaven.

Paper plates and zero pretension make this spot feel like stepping into your grandparents’ kitchen. Counter seating only means you watch the magic happen right before your eyes.

Cash-only policy keeps things old school, and the paper-wrapped presentation adds nostalgic charm you won’t find at modern chains.

3. Chili Burger, Original Tommy’s, Los Angeles

Grab extra napkins because this messy masterpiece will test your eating skills. Original Tommy’s opened in 1946 and changed the burger game by drowning their patties in homemade chili.

The secret recipe chili features a unique blend of spices that locals crave at 2 AM after concerts and late nights. Forget fancy presentation because this burger is all about bold flavors and satisfying hunger.

Yellow wrappers can barely contain the glorious mess, and first-timers always underestimate how many napkins they actually need for this beast.

4. Office Burger, Father’s Office, Santa Monica

No substitutions, no exceptions, no ketchup allowed. Father’s Office runs a tight ship with their famous Office Burger, and honestly, they have every right to be picky about it.

Caramelized onions, bacon, gruyere, blue cheese, and arugula combine into something that changed gastropub culture forever when it debuted in 2000. Chef Sang Yoon basically invented the gourmet burger craze with this creation.

Dry-aged beef gets cooked to perfect medium doneness, and the house-made bun soaks up all those incredible juices without falling apart.

5. 50/50 Burger, Slater’s 50/50, Anaheim Hills

What happens when you mix equal parts ground beef and ground bacon into one patty? Pure genius, that’s what happens, and Slater’s figured this out in 2009.

I’ll never forget my first bite of this ridiculous creation during a road trip through Orange County. My friend warned me it was intense, but nothing prepares you for that bacon explosion.

The patty alone contains more bacon than most people eat in a week, and somehow it works perfectly. Topped with sunny-side-up eggs and avocado mash, this beast redefines indulgence.

6. Charburger, The Habit Burger Grill, Santa Barbara Origin

Flame-kissed perfection started in Santa Barbara back in 1969 when Brent and Bruce Reichard opened their first location. The Charburger gets its name from those beautiful char marks that seal in all the beefy goodness.

Fresh ingredients arrive daily, and everything gets cooked to order on an open flame grill. Caramelized onions add sweetness that balances the savory char beautifully.

Now with locations across multiple states, The Habit proves that quality fast-casual dining can compete with any sit-down restaurant.

7. The Fatburger, Fatburger, Los Angeles

Lovie Yancey opened the first location in 1952 and named it after the generous portions that left nobody hungry. The original Fatburger features a hefty patty that actually tastes like real beef, not mystery meat.

Build your own adventure by choosing from tons of toppings, but purists stick with the classic combination. Fresh-baked buns get lightly toasted, creating the perfect vessel for all that juicy goodness.

Hip-hop legends like Ice Cube gave this place street cred by rapping about it, turning Fatburger into cultural icon status beyond just food.

8. Original Big Boy Double Decker, Bob’s Big Boy, Burbank

That chubby mascot in checkered overalls has been welcoming hungry customers since 1936, making this the oldest remaining Big Boy location in America. The double-decker burger basically invented the concept of stacking patties.

Three buns, two patties, and special sauce create an architectural marvel that somehow stays together while you eat it. Retro diner vibes transport you straight back to the 1950s.

Classic car shows happen regularly in the parking lot, where vintage rides match the vintage menu perfectly for an authentic throwback experience.

9. Bacon Cheeseburger, Hodad’s, San Diego

Surfboards cover the walls and ceiling at this Ocean Beach landmark where burgers come bigger than your head. Hodad’s bacon cheeseburger doesn’t mess around with portion sizes or flavor intensity.

Crispy bacon strips pile so high you might need an engineering degree to figure out the best angle of attack. The beef gets grilled to juicy perfection while maintaining that essential crispy exterior.

Expect long waits during summer weekends, but locals know the off-season offers shorter lines without sacrificing any of that legendary taste or character.

10. Cheeseburger, Pie ‘n Burger, Pasadena

Sometimes simple beats fancy, and Pie ‘n Burger has been proving that point since 1963. Their straightforward cheeseburger wins hearts through quality ingredients and perfect execution rather than gimmicks.

Fresh ground beef gets shaped by hand every morning, then cooked on a flat-top grill until the edges get wonderfully crispy. American cheese melts into every nook and cranny of the patty.

The name promises pie too, and their fruit pies deserve equal attention after you finish that burger and crispy shoestring fries combination.

11. Ahi Burger, Gott’s Roadside, St. Helena

Who says burgers must be beef? Gott’s Roadside flips the script with their incredible ahi tuna burger that brings Napa Valley sophistication to roadside dining.

Thick-cut ahi steak gets seared rare, keeping the center tender and almost buttery in texture. Wasabi mayo adds a spicy kick that complements the fish without overwhelming its natural flavor.

The country visitors appreciate having a lighter option that still delivers big taste, and the outdoor patio seating offers perfect people-watching opportunities while you eat.