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Burger spots in San Clemente

A burger that is worth the mess, not just a convenient way to eat on the go.

Based on 616 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
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Gastropub

Open space blends indoor and outdoor seating with ocean views and succulent decor. Atmosphere stays laid back and mellow, capturing a fresh surf-city vibe without feeling fancy. Crowd enjoys a casual, neighborhood feel with consistent great energy until closing.

Food stands out for its flavorful and unique qualities. Dishes consistently deliver delicious and exceptional taste.

Burger stands out as delicious and exactly what you want. Fries and the short rib sandwich also pair well with the burger.

People are saying

"The food here is really good and has a creative feel."

"The food here is flavorful and unique."

"I thought the burger was amazing."

Good to know

1

Parking can be tight, especially on busy nights.

2

The menu features a nice selection of vegan options.

3

The pastrami sandwich is available only at limited times.

02
Los Molinos Beer image 1

Brewery with shaded outdoor seating and a family and dog friendly patio offers a cozy, communal vibe reminiscent of a classic German beer hall. Live music, including cover bands, adds to the vibrant atmosphere while surf videos play on TVs. The space feels open and welcoming, attracting locals and travelers alike.

Food arrives quickly even for large groups and pairs well with a variety of craft beers. The menu offers consistently great flavors that complement the lively atmosphere.

Grass-fed burger offers good flavor and stays juicy. Fries and birria egg rolls stand out alongside the burger.

People are saying

"I loved the perfectly crafted beer here."

"I thought the food here was great."

"I thought the burgers were wonderful."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday features a special menu that shouldn't be missed.

2

Live music happens every Saturday, creating a lively atmosphere.

3

The brewery is dog-friendly, making it a great spot for pet owners.

03
Mulligans image 1
Sports bar

Dive bar with a classic Irish vibe and free pool on six tables creates a lively, local hangout. Multiple televisions and a back patio support a sports-focused atmosphere with good music and casual energy. Board games, ping pong options, and a jukebox app add interactive fun.

Food here stands out with delicious bar dishes served alongside friendly service. The menu offers great flavors that exceed typical dive bar expectations.

Burgers here are well seasoned and cooked perfectly, especially the bacon burger and the animal burger. They are filling, with half a burger lasting for hours.

People are saying

"This dive bar has unexpectedly great food and drinks."

"I thought the burgers here were amazing and really good."

"The food here is delicious and served with friendly service."

Good to know

1

Expect longer wait times on weekend nights due to crowding.

2

Dogs are allowed inside and outside the venue.

3

Taco Tuesday offers great deals on food.

04
In-N-Out Burger image 1
Hamburger restaurant

Large building with European-style architecture and roomy indoor and outdoor seating creates a bright, clean environment. Noisy atmosphere fills with families and kids, especially during busy times. Drive-through and diner setup add convenience to the lively, casual vibe.

Food stays consistently fresh and tasty with a focus on quality. Burgers stand out as a great fast food option with reliable flavor.

Burgers here have a crispy bun and real meat that tastes full of flavor. Prices stay cheaper than other chains while delivering a classic, tasty burger experience.

People are saying

"I thought the burgers tasted extra delicious."

"I thought the bathrooms here were the nicest and very clean."

"I found the food here to be always great and delicious."

Good to know

1

Expect long lines during peak hours, especially for the drive-thru.

2

Credit cards are accepted, but cash is not accepted after 10 pm.

3

The restaurant is known for its cleanliness and well-stocked restrooms.

05
Flights & Irons Urban Kitchen image 1

Speakeasy-style restaurant with cozy, intimate atmosphere and live jazz music creates a relaxing vibe. Comfortable seating and a wood fire oven add warmth to the space. Guests enjoy a thoughtful dining experience paired with a good selection of beers, wines, and crafted cocktails.

Food comes cooked in iron over a wood fire, delivering well done and amazing flavors. The menu offers thoughtful dishes with excellent service guiding choices.

Juicy and flavorful burgers stand out here, including a well-prepared chicken burger served with a crisp salad. The F&I Burger and other options like the fried bologna sandwich offer bold, satisfying flavors.

People are saying

"I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this hidden gem."

"The food here is delicious, especially the fresh bread and tomato soup."

"I thought the chicken burger was very good."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended as the restaurant can sell out quickly.

2

Happy hour offers $2 off select menu items and drinks at the bar.

3

Parking is limited; consider using the shopping center across the street.

06
Pico Plaza image 1
Shopping mall

Small shopping center with crowded businesses and moderate prices offers a variety of stores including a busy food spot known for grilled cheese. Parking is ample but features an oddly aligned lot that requires caution. Activity peaks around midnight, creating a lively atmosphere.

Food includes Chinese dishes with consistently great quality and friendly service.

Tasty burgers come with crispy fries here. The place serves flavorful and well-crafted burgers consistently.

People are saying

"The food here was great."

"I found plenty of parking available here."

"I found this place to be an excellent burger spot."

Good to know

1

Parking is generally available and not an issue at Pico Plaza.

2

The plaza features a good variety of stores for shopping.

3

The location is busy around midnight, so plan accordingly.

07
Small's Smash Club image 1

Minimalist design creates a clean, modern space with plenty of seating inside and out. The atmosphere shifts from chill and family friendly to fun and lively as it fills up. Burgers stand out for their phenomenal smash style and distinctive beef tallow flavor.

Great food stands out here, especially the burger that exceeds expectations. Friendly staff complement the amazing service and tasty dishes.

Smash burgers stand out with their perfect balance and fresh taste. Fries and onion rings come fresh and tasty, made without seed oils, complementing the meal well.

People are saying

"I thought the smash burger here was the best I ever had."

"I loved the beer selection; every one I tried was excellent."

"The food here is simple, juicy, and cooked to perfection."

Good to know

1

A single combo with fries and a small drink costs $19.

2

Expect to pay $1-2 extra for toppings beyond cheese, pickles, onions, and sauce.

3

The restaurant specializes in smash burgers and fries.

08
Krazy Kooters image 1
Hamburger restaurant

Hamburger restaurant with funky decor blending pirate, western, and Aztec temple themes creates a unique atmosphere. Live reggae music and a magician performing card tricks add entertaining energy. Outdoor patio features a party bus bar made from an old delivery van, enhancing the lively vibe.

Food here is consistently fresh and high quality. Every dish tastes excellent and pairs well with fun cocktails.

Bacon blue burger stands out with its rich flavor. Smash burgers and the standard burger come cooked perfectly, paired well with fries. Chicken sandwich also offers a solid alternative.

People are saying

"I thought the burgers here were amazing."

"The decorations and animatronic displays here are really cool."

"I thought the food here was delicious."

Good to know

1

Parking can be a bit of a hassle, so plan accordingly.

2

Brunch features live magic shows that entertain guests at their tables.

3

Reservations are recommended for weekend brunch due to popularity.

09
Rose Cafe & Donuts image 1

Donut shop offers fresh, high-quality donuts and delicious breakfast burritos in a clean, chill atmosphere with limited outdoor seating visible to the kitchen. It closes early, stopping grilled food service by mid-afternoon, and attracts locals with reasonable prices and a relaxed vibe.

Food includes breakfast dishes and donuts that are consistently good and delicious. Grilling stops at 2pm even though the place stays open until 3pm.

Burgers feature a perfect ratio of mayo, mustard, and ketchup. Options include a pastrami burger and a club burger with fries. Avocado and egg toppings are available.

People are saying

"The donuts here are so delicious and fresh."

"I enjoyed the food and donuts; they were delicious."

"I loved the juicy burger patty with its perfect ratio."

Good to know

1

They stop grilling food at 2pm, even though they are open until 3pm.

2

The prices are very reasonable, with sandwiches costing around $12.

3

They have leftover donuts after they stop serving grilled food.

10
Coastal Cowboy CA Eats image 1
American restaurant

Modern country decor with cowgirl surf art creates a laid-back, fun vibe that feels warm and welcoming. Busy atmosphere fills with people drawn to bold, fresh flavors in dishes like smash burgers and fish tacos. Patio seating adds to the casual, inviting energy.

Food features top shelf quality with a menu full of amazing options. Service includes attentive servers who bring orders to the table after counter ordering.

Smash burgers stand out with juicy, flavorful patties. The Outlaw burger pairs well with beef tallow fries for a rich taste. Fries are a must-try alongside the hot chicken sandwich and chips.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, fresh, and delicious."

"The staff at Outdoor Seating were so sweet and attentive."

"I thought the Outlaw burger was the best burger I had ever eaten."

Good to know

1

On Thursday, all IPA beers are $5.

2

Expect a 30-40 minute wait during peak hours.

3

You can substitute a gluten-free bun for any sandwich or burger.

11
Smashburger image 1
Hamburger restaurant

Casual hamburger restaurant with a homey atmosphere and clean environment. Burgers focus on quality ingredients and distinctive flavors like mushroom truffle and BBQ bacon. Fries vary from crispy skinny style to sweet potato waffle, with some items considered pricey.

Food comes out very quickly with great flavor and comforting quality. The dishes are consistently delicious and satisfying.

Smash burgers offer good flavor with quality ingredients and come fast. Options include a mac & cheese burger and a smash chicken burger that appeals to non-beef eaters.

People are saying

"I loved this Smash Burger; the service was great too."

"I found the food here to be great and flavorful."

"I thought the burgers here tasted great."

Good to know

1

Expect to pay around $15-$21 for a burger, fries, and shake.

2

The restaurant maintains a clean environment for diners.

3

Reservations are not required, but expect a busy atmosphere.

12
Carl's Jr. image 1
Fast food restaurant

Fast food restaurant offers a lively atmosphere with a nice dining area and consistently clean environment. It stays quiet and empty during visits, creating a calm pace despite the upbeat vibe. The place stands out for its tasty burgers and reliable quality over time.

Food arrives hot and fresh every time. Quality stays consistent and the meals are always made fresh.

Jalapeno Angus Burger stands out as a flavorful choice. Breakfast burgers serve all day at some locations. Vegan burgers and fries offer tasty alternatives. Sauce levels vary, sometimes making patties soggy.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be amazing and great."

"The bathrooms here were spotless."

"I thought the Jalapeno Angus Burger was the best I ever had."

Good to know

1

The automated ordering system in the drive-thru doesn't understand certain phrases.

2

The San Juan location serves the breakfast burger all day.

3

The bathrooms at Carl's Jr. are clean.

13
Habit Burger & Grill image 1
Hamburger restaurant

Casual hamburger restaurant with outside seating and heaters offers a diverse menu including chicken and Impossible burgers. Atmosphere stays nice and chill with clean surroundings and plenty of parking. Burgers are juicy and flavorful, supported by reasonable prices and consistent quality.

Food features flavorful chargrilled burgers with a fresh, made-to-order feel. Meals come out quickly and are consistently prepared fresh with care.

Burgers come chargrilled fresh to order with a juicy, flavorful taste. Options include a buttery classic, a portobello burger with avocado and special sauce, and newer chicken and Impossible burgers.

People are saying

"I loved the juicy, flavorful burgers here."

"The food here is delicious and made with care."

"I love their juicy American Food burgers."

Good to know

1

Habit Burger & Grill is open until 9:30 PM.

2

They offer great online deals and coupons.

3

Habit Burger & Grill offers vegetarian options that fit my needs.

14
Mr Pete's Burgers image 1
Hamburger restaurant

Interior features a southern California/Hawaiian vibe with Hawaiian music playing in the background, creating a cool and inviting atmosphere. Space is well lit, large, and immaculately clean, suitable for families and casual dining. Ocean views add to the relaxed, island-inspired setting.

Food features Triple 2, Aloha Burger, and Turkey Avocado Melt served with fries or onion rings. Teriyaki chicken bowl stands out more than the Mexican options. Meals come fresh and taste delicious in a casual setting.

420 burger features pastrami and an over easy egg, delivering consistent satisfaction. The Aloha Burger and bacon burger stand out for their rich flavors and improved quality under new ownership.

People are saying

"I found the burgers here to have excellent flavor."

"I was amazed by their pancakes and macadamia nuts."

"I thought the food here was great and delicious."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is now called Aloha Mr. Pete's after the new owners rebranded.

2

They have a drive-thru, so there is no waiting time to sit.

3

Prices increased significantly after the decor update.

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San Clemente, California

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