9 California Burgers At The Top Of The Calorie Table
California knows how to pack a punch when it comes to indulgent burgers!
I’ve sampled my way through the Golden State’s most calorie-laden offerings, and let me tell you – these aren’t for the faint of heart.
From secret menus to legendary local chains, these burgers showcase the deliciously excessive side of California cuisine.
Ready for a mouthwatering tour of the state’s most caloric burger masterpieces?
1. The Triple Bacon Burger (The Habit Burger Grill)
Last summer, I challenged myself to finish this beast in one sitting – big mistake! The Triple Bacon Burger from The Habit doesn’t just have bacon; it celebrates it with three different preparations that create a symphony of smoky flavors.
Each patty comes topped with its own layer of crispy bacon, plus a special bacon jam that adds a sweet-savory punch you won’t forget. The chargrilled patties retain their juiciness while developing that perfect crust that The Habit is famous for.
Weighing in at approximately 1,200 calories, this burger isn’t playing around. The combination of three beef patties, multiple cheese slices, and all that glorious bacon creates what I like to call a “protein party” that’ll keep you full for hours – possibly days!
2. The Monster Burger (In-N-Out)
Hidden deep within In-N-Out’s not-so-secret menu lurks this caloric behemoth that makes their Double-Double look like a slider. My first encounter with The Monster left me both impressed and slightly terrified!
Four beef patties stacked between those signature toasted buns create a tower that’s nearly impossible to fit in your mouth. Each layer gets the full treatment – hand-leafed lettuce, tomato, and that famous spread that keeps California burger fans coming back for more.
Clocking in around 1,400 calories, this burger isn’t advertised on any menu board. You have to know to ask for it by name, making it feel like you’re part of an exclusive club of burger enthusiasts willing to tackle this magnificent monster. Worth every delicious, belt-loosening bite!
3. The 4×4 (In-N-Out)
My friend dared me to order this monstrosity during a road trip down the California coast, and I couldn’t back down from the challenge! The 4×4 from In-N-Out’s secret menu is essentially four of everything – four beef patties and four slices of American cheese stacked into a towering masterpiece.
What makes this burger especially dangerous is how good it tastes despite its overwhelming size. The quality of In-N-Out’s ingredients shines through even when multiplied to these extreme proportions. That special sauce mingles with the cheese and beef in perfect harmony.
Estimated at around 1,300 calories, this burger requires both hands, plenty of napkins, and possibly a nap afterward. Pro tip: ask for extra spread on the side for maximum flavor impact!
4. The Quad Burger (Five Guys)
Holy meatloaf on a bun! I still remember the looks I got when I unwrapped this monster at a Five Guys in San Diego. The Quad Burger isn’t just big – it’s a structural engineering marvel that somehow stays together despite its heft.
Four thick, hand-formed patties cooked to juicy perfection create the foundation. Then comes the customization that Five Guys is famous for – I went all out with bacon, grilled mushrooms, jalapeños, and two types of cheese. The sesame seed bun somehow manages to contain this masterpiece, though barely.
Approaching a staggering 1,800 calories, this burger represents Five Guys’ commitment to excess in the best possible way. The foil wrapper becomes essential as the juices flow freely with each bite of this deliciously overwhelming creation!
5. The Bacon King (Burger King)
“Your Majesty,” I whispered when this royal monstrosity arrived at my table in a Burger King just off the Pacific Coast Highway. The Bacon King lives up to its regal name with a combination that’s unapologetically indulgent.
Two flame-grilled quarter-pound beef patties form the foundation, but it’s the eight – yes, EIGHT – strips of thick-cut bacon that steal the show. Add two slices of American cheese and a generous slathering of mayonnaise, and you’ve got yourself a coronation of calories.
This 1,150-calorie creation represents Burger King’s commitment to living up to their name. The smokiness from the flame-grilled patties combines with the salty bacon to create a flavor explosion that’s worth every bit of the caloric splurge. Just maybe schedule a long walk afterward!
6. The Western Bacon Cheeseburger (Carl’s Jr.)
Yee-haw! This cowboy of a burger lassoed my taste buds during a road trip through Central California. Carl’s Jr.’s Western Bacon Cheeseburger isn’t just a burger – it’s a flavor rodeo that breaks all the rules!
The genius lies in the unexpected additions: crispy onion rings and tangy barbecue sauce layered between charbroiled beef patties and melted American cheese. The sweet-smoky-savory combination creates a taste experience that’s uniquely Californian despite its western theme. Those onion rings add a satisfying crunch that regular burgers can only dream of.
At approximately 760 calories for the single patty version (and well over 1,000 for the double), this burger proves that sometimes the wildest flavor combinations create the most memorable meals. I still crave that barbecue sauce whenever I drive past a Carl’s Jr.!
7. The California Classic Double Cheeseburger (Jack In The Box)
During a late-night study session in college, this burger became my caloric salvation. Jack in the Box created the California Classic as an homage to the state’s burger culture, and they didn’t hold back on the indulgence factor!
Two juicy beef patties serve as the foundation, but it’s the unique toppings that make this burger special. The addition of fresh guacamole gives it that California flair, while bacon adds smokiness and crunch. Topped with two slices of melty American cheese and a special sauce, this burger hits all the right flavor notes.
Weighing in at approximately 1,050 calories, this burger isn’t playing around. The combination of rich guacamole and savory beef creates a distinctly Californian experience that’s worth every calorie. It remains my go-to comfort food whenever I’m back in the Golden State!
8. The Big Carl (Carl’s Jr.)
Size matters when it comes to The Big Carl! I once ordered this mammoth creation before a movie and ended up too food-comatose to remember the film’s ending. Carl’s Jr. created this burger as their answer to a certain famous competitor’s signature sandwich, but they cranked up the calorie count to truly impressive levels.
Two charbroiled beef patties – each larger than their standard size – get topped with three slices of American cheese. The special sauce ties everything together, creating a messy but magnificent eating experience that requires multiple napkins and possibly a bib.
Totaling approximately 920 calories, The Big Carl lives up to its name in both size and satisfaction. The char-grilled flavor that Carl’s Jr. is known for really shines through, making this an indulgent treat that’s distinctly Californian in its unapologetic excess!
9. The Chili Cheeseburger (Tommy’s Original)
My first Tommy’s experience left me with chili on my shirt, a smile on my face, and absolutely no regrets! This Los Angeles institution has been serving their famous chili-topped burgers since 1946, and they’ve perfected the art of delicious mess-making.
The magic of Tommy’s Chili Cheeseburger lies in their special chili – a rich, meaty concoction that’s neither too spicy nor too mild. It blankets the burger patty completely, merging with the melted American cheese to create a gooey, savory experience unlike any other California burger. Each bite delivers that perfect combination of beef, chili, cheese, and fresh toppings.
Coming in at approximately 860 calories, this burger is worth every napkin you’ll need. The chili adds both flavor and significant calorie content, making this a truly indulgent Southern California classic that’s impossible to eat without making a mess!