I Tried 16 Famous California Burgers And Here’s My Take

California is packed with burger joints that have earned fame for their juicy patties, creative toppings, and perfectly toasted buns.

Sampling sixteen of these renowned burgers takes you on a flavorful journey across the state, from classic diner-style creations to inventive twists that push the boundaries of comfort food.

Each bite tells a story of passion, technique, and local flavor. Experiencing them all is a delicious adventure, revealing which ones truly live up to their legendary reputations.

1. Cassell’s Burger — Cassell’s Hamburgers (Los Angeles)

Juicy perfection awaits at this LA institution where they grind their beef daily. The patty boasts a beautiful char while maintaining a pink center that melts in your mouth.

What really sets Cassell’s apart is their homemade mayo and perfectly toasted Parker House bun. Founded in 1948, this spot has maintained its quality through decades of burger evolution.

2. Single Burger — Everson Royce Bar (Los Angeles)

Simplicity reigns supreme at ERB. Their single-patty wonder comes with just cheese, pickles, and a special sauce on a squishy bun, proving less is definitely more in burger architecture.

Located in the Arts District, this burger has no pretense but all the flavor. The meat speaks for itself, prime beef cooked medium with a slight crust that burger purists dream about.

3. Amboy Classic Double — Amboy Quality Meats & Delicious Burgers (Los Angeles)

Burger wizard Alvin Cailan created a smash burger masterpiece at this Chinatown gem. Two thin patties get smashed on the griddle until the edges crisp into delicious, lacy goodness.

American cheese melts perfectly between the layers, creating that ideal cheese-to-meat ratio.

The soft potato bun soaks up all the savory juices without falling apart, a structural engineering marvel in burger form.

4. Double Smash — For The Win (Los Angeles/San Diego)

Smash burger nirvana exists at For The Win. The griddle technique creates the ultimate texture contrast, crispy, caramelized edges giving way to juicy centers.

Their special sauce adds tangy complexity while the American cheese binds everything together.

Originally a pop-up sensation, FTW gained such a following they now have permanent locations. One bite explains the cult-like devotion among SoCal burger enthusiasts.

5. Classic Double — Burger She Wrote (Los Angeles)

Female-owned Burger She Wrote serves up mystery-solving flavors in every bite. Their double features two perfectly seasoned patties with an almost buttery quality that distinguishes them from competitors.

The cheese blankets each patty individually before they’re stacked with housemade pickles. A clever name backed by serious burger craftsmanship, this newer entry to LA’s burger scene proves great burgers can still have personality and flair.

6. World Famous Cheeseburger — Hinano Cafe (Venice)

Beach vibes and burger greatness converge at this Venice institution where Jim Morrison allegedly drank his last beer.

The no-frills patty comes perfectly seasoned and hand-formed, cooked on a well-seasoned flat-top that’s seen decades of service.

Grab a cold beer, shoot some pool, and enjoy this quintessential SoCal experience. The burger arrives wrapped in paper, unpretentious and honest, just like the historic dive bar that serves it.

7. Cheeseburger — Gott’s Roadside (St. Helena/Napa)

Wine country’s best burger comes from this upscale roadside stand. Using Niman Ranch beef gives their patty a distinctive clean, rich flavor that pairs beautifully with California’s finest cabernets.

The eggy challah bun adds subtle sweetness while maintaining structural integrity. Originally called Taylor’s Automatic Refresher, Gott’s maintains its heritage while elevating roadside fare. Their secret sauce brings everything together with a tangy finish.

8. Spruce Burger — Spruce (San Francisco)

Luxury meets comfort food at this Michelin-starred restaurant’s bar menu star. The patty features a proprietary blend of chuck, brisket, and short rib that delivers deep, complex beef flavor unmatched by simpler blends.

Served on an English muffin-style bun with house-made pickles and aioli, this burger justifies its hefty price tag.

The optional truffle fries make for the ultimate splurge meal that somehow manages to feel both indulgent and homey.

9. Best Damn Grass-Fed Cheeseburger — 4505 Burgers & BBQ (San Francisco)

Bold name, bolder flavor. 4505’s grass-fed quarter-pounder delivers a clean, mineral-rich taste that reminds you what beef should actually taste like.

The secret weapon is their Gruyère cheese and famous “magical” sauce that elevates every bite. Founded by a butcher, this spot takes meat quality seriously.

The lettuce and onion stay crisp while the house-made bun absorbs just enough juice without compromising its structure.

10. Double Cheeseburger — Red’s Java House (San Francisco)

Waterfront history served on a sourdough roll makes this San Francisco burger uniquely Bay Area. Located on the Embarcadero since 1955, Red’s serves unpretentious burgers to longshoremen, tech workers, and tourists alike.

The thin patties get maximum griddle contact for flavor development. Skip fancy toppings and embrace the simplicity, just meat, cheese, and bread with optional raw onions.

The sourdough roll might seem strange until you try it, then you’ll wonder why more places don’t use it.

11. Trueburger — Trueburger (Oakland)

Oakland’s burger pride comes from this chef-owned spot where culinary training meets fast-food execution.

The signature Trueburger features 5 ounces of freshly ground chuck with the perfect fat ratio for maximum juiciness.

Cooked to medium by default, the slight pink center delivers peak flavor. The house-made pickles provide the perfect acidic counterpoint to the rich meat and American cheese.

Their hand-spun milkshakes make the ideal accompaniment to this East Bay favorite.

12. Rocky’s Cheeseburger — Rocky’s Crown Pub (San Diego)

No frills, no gimmicks, just burger perfection at this Crown Point institution. The half-pound patty comes gorgeously charred outside while maintaining juicy tenderness inside.

Cash only and 21+ adds to the old-school charm of this neighborhood pub. Rocky’s doesn’t bother with fancy toppings, just lettuce, tomato, onion and mayo on a standard bun.

When the beef quality is this good, simplicity becomes a virtue rather than a limitation.

13. Lounge Burger — Burger Lounge (San Diego)

Sustainable eating never tasted so good. Burger Lounge pioneered grass-fed burgers in San Diego before they became trendy, focusing on quality ingredients and environmental responsibility.

Their signature burger features a thick, single patty with organic cheese and vegetables. The meat has a cleaner, slightly leaner profile than conventional beef, letting the natural flavors shine.

Their house-made thousand island adds just enough tang without overwhelming the beef’s subtle grassy notes.

14. Dirty Flat Top — The Friendly (San Diego)

Burger innovation reaches new heights at this North Park hotspot. The Dirty Flat Top features two smashed patties with crispy edges that extend well beyond the bun, creating the coveted “meat skirt” burger enthusiasts dream about.

Garlic aioli and grilled onions add savory depth while the basic white bun wisely stays out of the way.

The Friendly keeps things casual with counter service and communal tables. Their burgers pair perfectly with their famous thick-crust pizza for the ultimate indulgence.

15. Cheeseburger — TK Burgers (Orange County)

Surf culture and burger tradition combine at this OC institution. TK’s grills their patties over open flames rather than a flat top, creating distinctive charcoal notes that transport you straight to a beach cookout.

The slightly smoky flavor pairs perfectly with their fresh-cut vegetables and soft sesame bun.

Multiple locations dot the Orange County coastline, but true fans visit the original Newport Beach spot. Sand on the floor and surfboards on the walls complete the authentic SoCal experience.

16. Old Fashion w/ Cheese — Sylvester’s Burgers (Los Osos/Atascadero)

Central Coast’s burger legend lives up to the hype with massive third-pound patties that require two hands and plenty of napkins. The meat has a distinctive seasoning blend that locals can recognize blindfolded.

Their signature Old Fashion comes loaded with traditional toppings on a toasted sesame seed bun. Sylvester’s quirky dinosaur theme adds charm to the experience.

Founded in 1988, they’ve expanded to multiple locations while maintaining consistent quality that draws travelers from Highway 1.