5 Top Hole-in-the-Wall Burger Joints in San Diego
These 5 Top Hole-in-the-Wall Burger Joints in San Diego are home to some of the best hole-in-the-wall burger joints in the country, and our article has highlighted five of the top contenders. The Friendly, The Balboa Cafe, The Balboa Bar & Grill, The Waterfront Bar & Grill, and Hodad’s are all unique in their own ways. Now you know why they are one of the best restaurants in San Diego for your burger fix. Be aware that there are plenty of other hidden gems to discover in San Diego. This list is not in any special order.
A lot of great options are in these posts!
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3 Top Hole-in-the-Wall Restaurants in San Diego
1. Hodad’s
Address: 5010 Newport Ave, San Diego, CA 92107
Phone Number: (619) 224-4623
Hodad’s is one of the top hole-in-the-wall burger joints in San Diego. It is a renowned burger joint located in the Ocean Beach area of San Diego, California. Established in 1969 by Byron and Virginia Hardin, Hodad’s has been serving mouth-watering burgers, fries, and shakes for over 50 years. It is a family-owned and operated business and has gained immense popularity among locals and tourists alike.
The restaurant has a casual and laid-back atmosphere with surfboards and stickers covering the walls. The menu primarily features burgers, but they also offer sandwiches, salads, and hot dogs. They use fresh, high-quality ingredients and offer vegetarian and vegan options. Hodad’s has been featured on multiple TV shows and publications and has been voted as one of the best burger joints in San Diego.
The Double Bacon Cheeseburger is the signature dish of Hodad’s. It consists of two juicy beef patties, crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, onions, pickles, and their famous homemade Thousand Island dressing. It’s a messy and indulgent burger that perfectly represents Hodad’s.
Main Menu Items:
1. “Single Cheeseburger” – A classic cheeseburger with a juicy beef patty, American cheese, lettuce, tomato, onions, pickles, and Thousand Island dressing.
2. “Guido Burger” – This burger has pastrami piled high on top of a juicy beef patty, Swiss cheese, lettuce, tomato, onions, pickles, and Thousand Island dressing.
3. “Veggie Burger” – A vegetarian option made with a house-made veggie patty, lettuce, tomato, onions, pickles, and Thousand Island dressing.
Customer Reviews:
“I have been coming to Hodad’s for years, and their burgers never disappoint. The Double Bacon Cheeseburger is a must-try!”
“The atmosphere is so cool, and the food is amazing. The Guido Burger is my favorite.”
“I’m a vegetarian, and the Veggie Burger at Hodad’s is the best I’ve ever had. I highly recommend it!”
Hodad’s is a family-owned and operated burger joint located in the Ocean Beach area of San Diego. They offer a casual atmosphere and serve mouth-watering burgers, sandwiches, and salads made with fresh, high-quality ingredients. Their signature dish is the messy and indulgent Double Bacon Cheeseburger, but they also have vegetarian and vegan options. Hodad’s has been voted as one of the best burger joints in San Diego and has a loyal following of customers who keep coming back for more. Now you know why they are one of the best restaurants in San Diego for your burger fix. They rank amid the top hole-in-the-wall burger joints in San Diego for good reasons.
2. The Balboa Bar & Grill
Address: 1863 5th Ave, San Diego, CA 92101
Phone Number: (619) 955-8525
The Balboa Bar & Grill is one of the popular hole-in-the-wall burger joints in San Diego. A hidden gem located in the Bankers Hill neighborhood of San Diego. Established in 1948, this family-owned and operated burger joint has been serving up delicious burgers, sandwiches, and fries for over 70 years. The restaurant has a retro ambiance with vintage decor and neon signs. They have indoor and outdoor seating and offer takeout and delivery options. The Balboa Bar & Grill has received rave reviews for their friendly service, affordable prices, and mouth-watering food. This is why they are one of the best restaurants in San Diego for your burger fix.
The Balboa Burger is the signature dish of The Balboa Bar & Grill. It consists of a juicy beef patty, melted American cheese, lettuce, tomato, onions, and thousand island dressing on a toasted bun. The burger is served with a side of crispy fries and a pickle spear. It’s a simple and classic burger that’s cooked to perfection.
Main Menu Items:
1. “Bacon Cheeseburger” – A classic cheeseburger topped with crispy bacon, lettuce, tomato, onions, and thousand island dressing.
2. “Turkey Burger” – A healthy option made with a juicy turkey patty, lettuce, tomato, onions, and mayo on a toasted bun.
3. “Pastrami Sandwich” – Thinly sliced pastrami piled high on rye bread with mustard and pickles. It’s a delicious and filling sandwich that’s perfect for lunch.
Customer Reviews:
“I stumbled upon this place and was blown away by the food. The Balboa Burger is one of the best burgers I’ve ever had.”
“I love the retro vibe of this place. The staff is always friendly, and the food is consistently delicious.”
“I come here for the Pastrami Sandwich, and it never disappoints. The meat is tender and flavorful, and the bread is toasted to perfection.”
The Balboa Bar & Grill is a family-owned and operated burger joint located in the Bankers Hill neighborhood of San Diego. They have been in business for over 70 years and offer a retro ambiance with friendly service. The menu primarily features burgers, sandwiches, and fries, and their signature dish is the Balboa Burger. The restaurant has received rave reviews for their affordable prices and mouth-watering food. If you’re looking for a hole-in-the-wall burger joint in San Diego, The Balboa Bar & Grill is definitely worth checking out. They stand out among the top hole-in-the-wall burger joints in San Diego.
3. The Friendly
Name: The Friendly
Address: 3446 Adams Ave, San Diego, CA 92116
Phone Number: (619) 285-1358
The Friendly is one of the hole-in-the-wall burger joints in San Diego and is located in the Normal Heights neighborhood. This family-owned and operated restaurant has been serving up delicious burgers, fries, and milkshakes since 1976. The Friendly has a casual and friendly atmosphere with indoor and outdoor seating. They offer takeout and delivery options as well. The restaurant has received high ratings for their fresh ingredients, friendly service, and affordable prices. Now you know why they are one of the best restaurants in San Diego for your burger fix.
The Friendly’s signature dish is the Friendly Burger, which is a classic cheeseburger made with a juicy beef patty, American cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and thousand island dressing on a toasted bun. It’s a simple and delicious burger that’s cooked to perfection.
Main Menu Items:
1. “Bacon Cheeseburger” – A classic cheeseburger topped with crispy bacon, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and thousand island dressing.
2. “Mushroom Swiss Burger” – A juicy beef patty topped with sautéed mushrooms and melted Swiss cheese on a toasted bun.
3. “Friendly Fries” – Crispy golden fries seasoned with a special blend of spices. They’re the perfect side dish to any burger.
Customer Reviews:
“I’ve been coming to The Friendly for years, and it’s always been consistently great. The burgers are juicy and flavorful, and the fries are crispy and delicious.”
“This is my go-to spot for a classic cheeseburger. The service is friendly and efficient, and the prices are very reasonable.”
“The Friendly Burger is hands down the best burger in town. The patty is cooked to perfection, and the toppings are fresh and delicious.”
The Friendly is a family-owned and operated burger joint located in the Normal Heights neighborhood of San Diego. They have been serving up delicious burgers, fries, and milkshakes since 1976. The menu primarily features classic burgers, but they also have vegetarian options available. The restaurant has a casual and friendly atmosphere with indoor and outdoor seating, and they offer takeout and delivery options. The Friendly has received high ratings for their fresh ingredients, friendly service, and affordable prices. If you’re looking for a delicious and affordable burger joint in San Diego, The Friendly is definitely worth a visit. They deserve to be ranked among the top hole-in-the-wall burger joints in San Diego.
4. The Balboa Cafe
Address: 1863 5th Ave, San Diego, CA 92101
Phone Number: (619) 955-8525
The Balboa Cafe is among the top hole-in-the-wall burger joints in San Diego. It’s a popular hole-in-the-wall burger joint located in the Bankers Hill neighborhood. This family-owned and operated restaurant has been serving up delicious burgers and sandwiches since 1947. The Balboa Cafe has a casual and friendly atmosphere with indoor and outdoor seating available. They offer takeout and delivery options as well. The restaurant has received high ratings for their fresh ingredients, friendly service, and affordable prices. This is why they are one of the best restaurants in San Diego for your burger fix.
The Balboa Burger is the restaurant’s signature dish. It’s a classic cheeseburger made with a juicy beef patty, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and thousand island dressing on a toasted bun. The burger is cooked to perfection and served with a side of crispy fries.
Main Menu Items:
1. “Bacon Cheeseburger” – A classic cheeseburger topped with crispy bacon, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and thousand island dressing.
2. “Pastrami Sandwich” – Thinly sliced pastrami piled high on rye bread with Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and thousand island dressing.
3. “Turkey Club” – Turkey breast, crispy bacon, lettuce, tomato, and mayo on toasted sourdough bread.
Customer Reviews:
“I’ve been coming to The Balboa Cafe for years, and it’s still one of my favorite burger joints in San Diego. The Balboa Burger is a classic, and the fries are always crispy and delicious.”
“The pastrami sandwich is my go-to order at The Balboa Cafe. It’s piled high with meat and packed with flavor.”
“The friendly staff and casual atmosphere make The Balboa Cafe a great spot for a quick bite or a laid-back meal with friends.”
The Balboa Cafe is a family-owned and operated burger joint located in the Bankers Hill neighborhood of San Diego. They have been serving up delicious burgers and sandwiches since 1947. The menu primarily features classic burgers and sandwiches, but they also have vegetarian options available. The restaurant has a casual and friendly atmosphere with indoor and outdoor seating, and they offer takeout and delivery options. The Balboa Cafe has received high ratings for their fresh ingredients, friendly service, and affordable prices. If you’re looking for a classic burger or sandwich in San Diego, The Balboa Cafe is definitely worth a visit. They have earned the ranking as one of the top hole-in-the-wall burger joints in San Diego.
5. The Waterfront Bar & Grill
Address: 2044 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101
Phone Number: (619) 232-9656
The Waterfront Bar & Grill is amid the top hole-in-the-wall burger joints in San Diego. They are a casual, no-frills burger joint located in the Little Italy neighborhood . The restaurant has been in operation since 1933, making it one of the oldest bars in San Diego. The Waterfront is family-owned and operated, which adds to its charm and character. The restaurant has a laid-back atmosphere and is a popular spot for locals to grab a quick bite to eat. Now you know why they are one of the best restaurants in San Diego for your burger fix.
The Waterfront Bar & Grill is best known for its burgers, which are made with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. The signature burger is the “Waterfront Burger,” which is a classic cheeseburger with lettuce, tomato, onion, and thousand island dressing. The burger is served on a soft bun and is perfectly juicy and flavorful.
Main Menu Items:
1. Waterfront Burger – A classic cheeseburger with lettuce, tomato, onion, and thousand island dressing.
2. Fish Tacos – Grilled or fried fish served with cabbage, pico de gallo, and chipotle sauce on corn tortillas.
3. California Club – A sandwich made with turkey, bacon, avocado, lettuce, tomato, and mayo on sourdough bread.
Customer Reviews:
“I’ve been coming to The Waterfront for years and it never disappoints. The burgers are always juicy and delicious, and the fries are crispy and perfect.”
“I love the laid-back vibe of The Waterfront. It’s the perfect spot to grab a beer and a burger after work.”
“I’ve tried a lot of burgers in San Diego, but The Waterfront’s Waterfront Burger is hands-down the best.”
In summary, The Waterfront Bar & Grill is a classic San Diego burger joint with a long history and a loyal following. The restaurant’s signature Waterfront Burger is a must-try for anyone looking for a delicious and satisfying burger. With its casual atmosphere and friendly service, The Waterfront is a great spot to grab a bite to eat and relax with friends. They can definitely be counted among the top hole-in-the-wall burger joints in San Diego.
Each of these hole-in-the-wall burger joints in San Diego — Hodad’s, The Balboa Bar & Grill, The Friendly, The Balboa Cafe, The Waterfront Bar & Grill — offers delicious burgers that will leave you wanting more. FYI, this is by no means a total list, and there are plenty of other hidden gems to discover in San Diego. This is why they are one of the best restaurants in San Diego for your burger fix. So, next time you’re in the area, be sure to venture out and explore the city’s many other outstanding burger joints. You never know what delicious surprises you might find!
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