12 Must-Try California Burger Joints Everyone Should Visit At Least Once

California doesn’t just do burgers, it perfects them. From old-school diners tucked into bustling Los Angeles streets to sunny San Diego shacks dripping with beach vibes, the Golden State turns simple patties into edible legends.

Here, burgers aren’t just food, they’re a full-blown lifestyle, a juicy blend of nostalgia, creativity, and pure satisfaction.

Whether you’re chasing that first bite of a perfectly grilled classic or ready to dive into something stacked, sauced, and unapologetically over-the-top, these twelve California burger joints deserve a permanent spot on every food lover’s must-try list.

1. The Apple Pan

Since 1947, this West Los Angeles landmark has been flipping burgers the old-fashioned way, and regulars wouldn’t have it any other way. The hickory burger arrives wrapped in paper with a secret sauce that keeps people coming back decade after decade.

You’ll sit at a horseshoe-shaped counter where friendly servers work magic behind the scenes. Don’t skip the pie—it’s literally in the name for a reason.

Card only (cashless), no reservations, and absolutely worth the wait. Expect lines, especially on weekends, but the timeless atmosphere and juicy patties make every minute worthwhile for burger enthusiasts everywhere.

2. Pie ‘n Burger

Pasadena’s beloved treasure has been serving up straightforward, delicious burgers since 1963 without any fancy frills or gimmicks. What you get is honest-to-goodness beef cooked to perfection with fresh ingredients and a smile.

The atmosphere feels like stepping into a time machine set to the golden age of American diners. Locals swear by the cheeseburger and garlic burger, both served with crispy fries that crunch just right.

Breakfast is also legendary here, but we’re talking burgers today. Save room for pie because their homemade desserts are absolutely killer and pair wonderfully with any meal choice.

3. Father’s Office

Prepare yourself for a burger that breaks all the rules and refuses to apologize for it. The Office Burger comes with caramelized onions, bacon, gruyere, blue cheese, and arugula on a soft roll that somehow holds everything together.

Here’s the kicker: no substitutions, no ketchup, no exceptions. Chef Sang Yoon created this masterpiece exactly as intended, and he’s sticking to his guns.

This spot elevated the California burger scene and proved gourmet doesn’t mean pretentious when executed with passion.

4. Hodad’s

Walking into Hodad’s feels like crashing the coolest beach party in San Diego, complete with surfboards covering every inch of wall space. The burgers are massive, messy, and absolutely glorious in their over-the-top construction.

Order the bacon cheeseburger and watch as they pile on the toppings with reckless abandon. You’ll need plenty of napkins and maybe a forklift to finish this beast.

The laid-back surfer vibe matches the no-stress approach to burger perfection here. Lines snake out the door regularly, but the friendly staff keeps things moving while maintaining that quintessential California beach town charm everyone loves.

5. Burgers Never Say Die

With a name like that, you know they’re serious about their craft and not afraid to have fun doing it. This spot focuses on simple, ultra-thin smash burgers done to perfection, served with beef-tallow fries and minimal toppings.

The concise menu stays consistent year-round, emphasizing quality over gimmicks or seasonal rotations. Each burger tells a story through carefully balanced flavors and textures.

The industrial-chic space feels hip without trying too hard, attracting a crowd that appreciates culinary adventure. Whether you go classic or experimental, the beef quality shines through every single bite, proving burgers truly never say die.

6. HiHo Cheeseburger

Founded by the Sushi Nozawa Group (not Sang Yoon), this casual counter-service spot focuses on doing simple things exceptionally well. The cheeseburger here is a lesson in restraint—quality beef, American cheese, and a potato bun create burger nirvana.

Everything gets made in-house, from the pickles to the ketchup, ensuring freshness in every component. The hand-cut fries are cooked in canola oil (not beef tallow), giving them a clean, crispy texture that complements the burger perfectly.

The bright, clean space feels welcoming and unpretentious, letting the food do all the talking. This is California burger excellence stripped down to its essential elements and executed flawlessly.

7. Gott’s Roadside

What started as a roadside stand in 1999 has grown into a beloved mini-chain without losing its soul.

The Impossible Burger and ahi tuna burger cater to diverse tastes, but the classic cheeseburger remains the star attraction. Fresh ingredients sourced locally whenever possible elevate every bite beyond typical fast-casual fare.

Outdoor seating lets you soak up California sunshine while devouring your meal. The milkshakes are legendary too, making this a complete American dining experience that country visitors absolutely shouldn’t miss on their travels.

8. Super Duper Burgers

San Francisco’s commitment to sustainability meets burger excellence at this eco-conscious chain that refuses to compromise on taste. Hormone-free beef, organic produce, and compostable packaging make eating here feel good on multiple levels.

The Super Duper with cheese delivers straightforward burger satisfaction without pretension or unnecessary complications. Their garlic fries are dangerously addictive, so consider yourself warned before ordering.

The bright, modern spaces attract families, students, and professionals alike who appreciate quality fast food done right. Prices remain reasonable despite the premium ingredients, proving that doing good and tasting great can absolutely coexist in harmony.

9. Original Tommy’s

Since 1946, this Los Angeles institution has been slinging chili burgers that define late-night cravings and post-party munchies throughout Southern California. The messy, glorious chili cheeseburger is an experience you tackle with both hands and zero shame.

The original Beverly & Rampart stand and select others are open 24 hours—check their locations page for exact hours. Tommy’s saves hungry souls at all hours with consistent quality and lightning-fast service. The chili recipe remains a closely guarded secret passed down through generations.

Don’t wear white—seriously, the chili gets everywhere, but that’s part of the charm. This is California burger history on a bun, and every bite connects you to decades of satisfied customers.

10. Squeeze Burger (The Squeeze Inn)

Sacramento’s quirky gem became famous for one brilliant innovation: the cheese skirt that extends way beyond the bun’s edges like edible lace. Watching them create this crispy, golden masterpiece on the griddle is entertainment in itself.

The tiny original location earned the nickname “Squeeze” because customers literally squeezed into tight quarters for these beauties. Today, several locations operate under the “Squeeze Burger” name, continuing the same cheese-skirt tradition.

Order the Squeeze with Cheese and prepare for Instagram-worthy moments when it arrives at your table. The crispy cheese edges provide textural contrast that transforms a simple burger into something truly special and memorable.

11. Cassell’s Hamburgers

Originally opened in 1948 and revived in 2014, Cassell’s brings old-school burger craftsmanship back to life with reverence and respect. They grind premium beef daily in-house, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor in every patty.

The burger menu keeps things refreshingly simple—choose your size, add cheese if desired, and let the quality speak volumes. Burgers come with house-made pickles and produce on the side; historically, a small serving of potato salad accompanied each order.

The retro diner atmosphere captures California’s golden age without feeling like a theme park. This is authentic burger history reimagined for modern tastes while honoring the traditions that made Cassell’s legendary originally.

12. Slater’s 50/50

The name refers to their signature patty blend: fifty percent ground beef, fifty percent ground bacon, because apparently regular burgers weren’t indulgent enough. This bacon-obsessed chain takes guilty pleasures seriously and makes no apologies.

Monthly burger specials showcase wild creativity, from peanut butter and jelly burgers to mac and cheese-topped monsters. The extensive menu means everyone finds something exciting, even adventurous eaters.

The atmosphere buzzes with energy as people bond over shared appreciation for over-the-top deliciousness and bacon worship.