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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in Gaslamp Quarter

Burger spots

You know exactly what a well-made burger should be and you have no patience for anything less.

Based on 628 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Good Night John Boy image 1
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Retro discotheque with a light-up dance floor pumps energetic disco and modern hits. Patio grill serves smash burgers and hot dogs, including the popular Johnny Meal. Vibrant vibe keeps crowds dancing and enjoying tasty, affordable eats.

Smash burgers and hot dogs grill fresh on the patio, offering reasonably priced options. The Johnny Meal with a smash burger stands out as a solid choice.

People are saying

"The dance floor was enjoyable with lively music."

"The burgers on the patio were to die for."

"Keenan made me one of the best burgers of my life."

Good to know

1

Happy hour on Fridays features custom cocktails and great deals.

2

Sunday is industry night with special $8 well drinks.

3

Karaoke starts at 10pm on Thursdays with a two-drink minimum.

02
Taste & Thirst image 1

Bar buzzes with many TVs and loud music, perfect for sports fans. Burgers shine, especially the spicy burger with BBQ sauce. Comfortable seats and classic cocktails round out a lively, tasty experience.

Spicy burger stands out with medium rare cooking and BBQ sauce. American Burger and Chicken and Waffles also feature alongside top quality burgers and a hot dog platter.

People are saying

"I loved their happy hour, especially the food specials."

"You have to try the carne asada fries; they're the star."

"I loved their delicious burgers, especially the spice burger."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs daily until 8pm, including weekends.

2

The establishment is 21+ on weekends, so no kids allowed.

3

Parking can be challenging; consider using Uber or Lyft.

03
Saint James French Diner image 1

Stylish French-inspired spot boasts a cozy ambiance and classy decor like a Montmartre café. Juicy double-patty burgers shine, especially the Parisienne burger with rich French flavors. Rooftop lounge offers a breathtaking city view, perfect for relaxing after happy hour with half-price burgers.

Burgers come with double patties that are juicy and flavorful. The Parisienne burger stands out as a culinary masterpiece with French flavors, and the happy hour offers half-price on all burgers, making them a great deal.

People are saying

"I found the Parisienne burger to be the best burger I ever had."

"You have to try the burger during Happy Hour; it's massive and worth it."

"The diner's mussels in saffron cream sauce were too good for words."

Good to know

1

Weekday happy hour from 3 to 6 offers burgers at half off, making it an incredible deal.

2

Happy hour runs Wednesday through Sunday from 3-6, with $10 burgers on Thursdays.

3

Reservations are recommended as the restaurant can fill up quickly, especially on weekends.

04
Bronze Bird image 1
Restaurant

Hotel restaurant offers modern design and artful decor for a relaxed yet upscale vibe. Burgers like Wagyu variety come perfectly cooked and pair well with sides like steak frites. Dog-friendly outdoor patio adds comfort, though noise rises during events.

Burgers come perfectly cooked, with options like the sirloin and Wagyu varieties. They pair well with sides like salad or steak frites.

People are saying

"The beet salad with goat cheese and steak was a great choice."

"The dinner here was excellent and surprisingly affordable."

"I ordered the sirloin burger, and it was cooked perfectly."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for dinner, especially on weekends.

2

Show your Broadway show tickets for a 20% discount on your meal.

3

Valet parking is available for $10 when dining and attending a theater.

05
SideBar Nightclub San Diego image 1

Two rooms offer an upscale, VIP vibe with an electric atmosphere and skilled DJs. Burgers impress with rich flavor and quality ingredients. Friendly, diverse crowds enjoy a well-designed space that balances luxury and fun.

Side burgers stand out with rich flavor and satisfying texture. Sharing the burger reveals its amazing taste and quality ingredients.

People are saying

"The bar staff here are so friendly and attentive."

"The VIP hosts here provide excellent, personalized service."

"I split the burger and it was really good."

Good to know

1

Cover charges apply after 10 PM on weekends; arrive early to avoid fees.

2

The DJ typically starts around 10:30 PM, attracting a larger crowd.

3

Happy hour offers discounted drinks from 5-7 PM on weekdays.

06
Kaluú Upscale Mexican & Lounge image 1

Upscale Mexican spot offers a Wagyu burger that shines alongside aguachile and tostadas. Elegant 1970s-style light show sets a vibrant mood. Rooftop dancing and craft cocktails make it perfect for lively nights out.

Wagyu burger stands out as a key dish here, recommended by both staff and diners. The burger pairs well with other Mexican flavors like aguachile and rockfish tostadas.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and full of flavor."

"This place is so energetic, it transforms into a club as the night progresses."

"I had the best burger I’ve ever eaten here."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers exceptional drinks and food from 4-7pm on weekdays.

2

The venue transforms into a nightclub on weekends, starting at 9pm.

3

Expect a lively atmosphere with live music on Saturday nights.

07
Baja Rick's Cantina image 1
Mexican restaurant

Outdoor seating offers stunning harbor views and a lively vibe with live music and DJs. Burgers, especially the Ricks Burger, are tasty but can be messy. Nautical decor adds a playful touch to the bright, airy space.

Burgers here are great but tend to be wet and messy to eat. The Ricks Burger stands out as a popular choice.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and top-notch."

"The outdoor seating is perfect for catching a tasty meal before a Padres game."

"I thought the burgers were good."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm with 32-ounce Coors for $12.

2

Expect longer wait times during conventions or special events.

3

The kitchen closes early, so check before arriving.

08
Tapas & Beers | French and Spanish Restaurant image 1

Space blends rustic charm with modern flair, offering a cozy yet roomy vibe. Burgers shine with the French burger and mushroom options, though cooking varies. Unique European flavors and fresh, farm-sourced ingredients create a warm, inviting experience.

The burgers come in medium rare to well done options, with some inconsistency in cooking. The French burger stands out as a notable choice, and the mushroom burger pairs with fries.

People are saying

"The food here is excellent, with subtle and blended flavors."

"The beer here is ice cold and delicious."

"I ordered the mushroom burger and it was still very good."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially during busy times like theater shows.

2

The restaurant is wheelchair accessible with tables set up for easy access.

3

It's conveniently located just steps away from the Civic Theater.

09
The Smoking Gun SD image 1

Bar and grill offers a laid-back vibe with 1990s memorabilia and arcade games. Burgers impress with a butter burger that melts in your mouth and a juicy smash burger during happy hour. Seating is ample with excellent visibility for spectators.

Butter burger stands out with a rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture. The smash burger shines during happy hour, offering a classic, juicy bite. The Waygu double cheeseburger delivers a flavorful, well-cooked experience.

People are saying

"The arcades here are amazing and have a great atmosphere."

"It's a great chill spot to hang out and socialize."

"The butter burger melted in my mouth."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs Monday to Friday from 3-6 pm with food and drink specials.

2

Expect a cover charge during major sports events like UFC fights.

3

Parking can be challenging; arrive early to secure a spot.

10
Gaslamp BBQ image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Barbecue spot with a saloon vibe offers juicy burgers packed with pulled pork and beef. Indoor and outdoor seating opens to the street, creating a relaxed atmosphere. TVs and music add to the friendly mood while evenings stay calm and quiet.

Burgers here are juicy and packed with flavor, often featuring pulled pork alongside beef patties. The BBQ sauce soaks into the bun, adding a tangy richness that complements the meat well.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and fresh."

"These ribs are fall-off-the-bone tender and perfectly seasoned."

"The Duke burger's pulled pork and beef patty are so flavorful."

Good to know

1

Gaslamp BBQ does not serve breakfast.

2

It is the only place in the Gaslamp with beef ribs.

3

Parking can be difficult due to its proximity to the San Diego Convention Center.

11
Maryjane's image 1
American restaurant

Retro diner style creates a classy vibe with live music adding charm. Burgers serve classic comfort food with a fun Bikini Bottom twist. Bright seating and outdoor options make it a pleasant spot to relax.

Burgers here offer classic American diner fare with a Bikini Bottom theme. The signature burger and tots serve as straightforward comfort food without extra flair.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and iconic."

"This diner's decor was the main attraction, like a SpongeBob theme."

"I loved the burgers here; they were delicious."

Good to know

1

Expect food to take about 20-25 minutes to be served during peak times.

2

The restaurant offers an all-day breakfast menu, appealing to various schedules.

3

Prices are reasonable for the area, with generous portion sizes.

12
Zama San Diego image 1
Latin American restaurant

Latin American flavors shine in a lively spot with Tulum-inspired decor and a magical patio. The bison burger offers rich taste paired with sautéed vegetables. Loud music, DJs, and indoor fireworks create an energetic vibe perfect for festive nights.

The bison burger stands out with its rich, tasty flavor. It pairs well with sautéed vegetables that bring a lot of taste to the plate.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, full of flavor."

"The service here makes your date feel like a million bucks."

"I thought the bison burger was so tasty and delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended to avoid long wait times, especially on weekends.

2

A 20% service charge is automatically added to all dining bills.

3

Happy hour offers discounted drinks and appetizers from 4-7pm on weekdays.

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Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego

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