12 California Burger Spots That Show There’s More Than Just In-N-Out
California may be famous for In-N-Out, but the state’s burger game stretches far beyond that iconic drive-thru.
From beachside joints grilling patties with ocean views to hole-in-the-wall diners perfecting secret sauces, there’s no shortage of flavor waiting to be discovered.
These spots showcase creativity, bold ingredients, and a true love for the craft.
Whether stacked sky-high or kept simple and classic, each burger proves that California has more to offer than just one legendary chain.
1. The Apple Pan: LA’s Burger Time Machine
Step into this 1947 West LA institution and you’ll swear time stopped. Counter seating only, cash only, and burgers wrapped in paper that haven’t changed in decades.
Their signature Hickoryburger comes slathered in a smoky-sweet sauce that locals have been craving for generations.
The no-nonsense servers in paper hats complete the experience of this living piece of burger history.
2. Pie ‘n Burger: Pasadena’s Pride Since 1963
Locals flock to this Pasadena gem where the orange counter stools have supported burger enthusiasts for nearly 60 years.
The magic happens when they smash fresh beef on the griddle, creating the perfect crispy-edged patty.
True to its name, the homemade pies are just as legendary as the burgers. Strawberry pie in summer and olallieberry in winter keep regulars coming back through the seasons.
3. Cassell’s Hamburgers: Resurrected LA Legend
Rescued from extinction, this 1948 burger joint lives again in Koreatown with its original grills and meat grinder. The patties weigh exactly 6 ounces, ground fresh daily from prime beef chuck and brisket.
What sets Cassell’s apart? They cook burgers on custom-designed crossfire broilers instead of a traditional flat-top.
Don’t miss their house-made mayo and thousand island dressing that elevate every bite to burger nirvana.
4. Original Tommy’s: Chili Burger Kingdom
Born at Beverly and Rampart in 1946, Tommy’s built an empire on mountains of chili atop burgers, fries, and hot dogs.
The ritual remains unchanged: order at the window, receive a paper-wrapped flavor bomb, then devour it while standing at outdoor counters.
Famous for late-night lines of hungry partiers, Tommy’s signature chili recipe remains a closely guarded secret. The messier your hands get, the more authentic your Tommy’s experience!
5. Father’s Office: The No-Ketchup Revolution
Chef Sang Yoon sparked burger controversy when he opened Father’s Office in Santa Monica, refusing to allow ketchup or modifications to his masterpiece.
His Office Burger comes topped with caramelized onions, bacon, gruyère, blue cheese, and arugula on an oval bun. Craft beer fanatics appreciate the rotating taps featuring rare brews.
Despite the strict no-substitutions policy (or maybe because of it), lines still form for what many consider California’s most influential gourmet burger.
6. HiHo Cheeseburger: Wagyu Wonders
Grass-fed wagyu beef from New Zealand stars in these double-patty masterpieces that rival any fast-food chain. HiHo’s transparent sourcing practices mean you know exactly where your burger comes from.
The signature move? House-made mustard pickle relish that cuts through the richness of the premium beef.
Simple but elegant, these burgers prove that quality ingredients speak louder than fancy toppings or elaborate preparations.
7. Burgers Never Say D*e: From Instagram to Institution
What started as an underground backyard pop-up became LA’s hottest smashburger sensation.
Paper-thin patties with crispy, lacy edges are smashed on a scorching griddle until the meat develops an almost caramelized crust.
Founder Shawn Nee perfected his technique through thousands of trial burgers before going legit.
The no-frills approach (American cheese, pickles, onions, ketchup, mustard) creates burger harmony that attracts hour-long lines to their Silver Lake location.
8. Monty’s Good Burger: Plant-Based Perfection
Proving plant-based can be indulgent, Monty’s Impossible Meat burgers fool even dedicated carnivores. Founded by music industry veterans, this growing chain brings rock-and-roll energy to vegan comfort food.
The secret weapon? Their house-made spread and perfectly melty Follow Your Heart cheese.
With locations in Echo Park, Koreatown, and Riverside, Monty’s has built a cult following among celebrities and locals alike who crave guilt-free indulgence.
9. Super Duper Burgers: Bay Area Fast-Casual Champion
Born in San Francisco, Super Duper elevated the fast-food experience with sustainably raised beef and house-made pickles.
Their signature mini burger provides the perfect beef-to-bun ratio for burger purists. Free soft-serve cones with burger orders create lines of happy customers.
The local focus extends to their drink menu, featuring Bay Area kombucha and craft sodas alongside milkshakes made with organic Straus Family Creamery ice cream.
10. Gott’s Roadside: Wine Country’s Burger Destination
Originally called Taylor’s Automatic Refresher, Gott’s transformed from a St. Helena roadside stand to a Northern California institution.
Wine country tourists mingle with locals under the outdoor umbrellas, pairing Cabernet with California-style burgers. Beyond classic options, Gott’s embraces California fusion with ahi burgers and kimchi-topped creations.
Their fresh, local ingredients reflect the restaurant’s Napa Valley roots, making it the perfect refueling stop between wine tastings.
11. Burger Lounge: Grass-Fed Pioneer
Before sustainable meat became trendy, Burger Lounge built their reputation on grass-fed, single-source beef patties.
Started in La Jolla, this Southern California chain now dots the landscape from San Diego to Los Angeles. Their signature Lounge Burger comes on a fluffy house-made bun with organic cheese and vegetables.
Health-conscious burger lovers appreciate their transparency about ingredients and their commitment to environmental sustainability across all aspects of the business.
12. Hodad’s: Ocean Beach Surf Burger Legend
License plates cover the walls and surfboards hang from the ceiling at this San Diego institution where burgers come stacked impossibly high.
Opened in 1969, Hodad’s embodies Southern California beach culture with burgers so massive they require strategic eating techniques.
The bacon cheeseburger features a unique bacon patty – strips woven together and grilled until crisp.
Guy Fieri’s visit put them on the national map, but locals were lining up long before Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives discovered this surf-town treasure.