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Local picks

Burger spots in Gaslamp Quarter

A burger should be substantial enough to be the only thing you need to order.

Based on 616 Opinions
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Updated July 2026
01
Good Night John Boy image 1
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Retro discotheque with 70s theme and light-up dance floor creates a lively atmosphere. Energetic music ranges from disco to modern hits, drawing crowds ready to dance all night. Patio features a grill master serving notable burgers and hot dogs, adding to the vibrant vibe.

Food features delicious hotdogs and burgers cooked outside by Keenan. Prices stay reasonable while the menu pairs well with great cocktails and friendly service.

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 food Keenan cooked up was amazing."

"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 with many TVs and high-top tables creates a lively, sports-focused atmosphere. Music ranges from digital jukebox selections to curated playlists, contributing to a loud, energetic vibe. Comfortable seating and a mix of classic cocktails and quality food define the experience.

Good food comes with tasty drinks and half-price happy hour specials on beers and food. The flavors are satisfying and the atmosphere feels welcoming.

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."

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

"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 restaurant with a cozy ambiance and classy decor reminiscent of a Montmartre cafรฉ. Brightly lit bar features a stacked bottle display creating a cool vibe. Rooftop lounge offers a breathtaking city view, enhancing the overall experience.

Food here is consistently high quality and perfectly prepared. Dishes come out delicious and impress even the most jaded palates.

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 food here is thoughtfully indulgent and authentically French."

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 with modern design and artful decor creates a relaxed yet upscale atmosphere. Spacious seating and a dog-friendly outdoor patio add comfort and convenience. Noise levels can rise during events, affecting conversation.

Food shows excellent quality and great variety at a reasonable price point. It exceeds expectations for a hotel lobby restaurant.

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 food, especially the lobster roll, was phenomenal."

"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
Kaluรบ Upscale Mexican & Lounge image 1

Upscale Mexican restaurant transforms into a nightclub with a vibrant atmosphere and rooftop dancing. Elegant interior features a 1970s-style light show and expertly mixed craft cocktails. The space fills with lively crowds, especially during girls' night events.

Unbelievable food quality pairs with cheap drinks to create a unique dining experience. Happy hour offers exceptional food and drinks in a great atmosphere.

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 Iโ€™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.

06
Tapas & Beers | French and Spanish Restaurant image 1

Space combines rustic charm and modern flair with high tables and some outdoor seating. Atmosphere feels cozy yet roomy, warm, and inviting with a chill, fun vibe. Crowd enjoys unique European flavors and fresh, farm-sourced ingredients in a setting that blends French and Spanish influences.

Food here is consistently delicious and fresh with many dishes described as incredible. Service complements the great food well, making for a satisfying meal.

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.

07
Zama San Diego image 1
Latin American restaurant

Latin American restaurant with beautiful Tulum-inspired decor and a magical patio creates a lively atmosphere. Music plays loudly, often featuring DJs and dancers, making the vibe energetic and festive. Celebrations include sparklers and indoor fireworks, adding to the dynamic party energy.

Food here stands out for its exceptional quality and phenomenal service. The combination of great ambiance and well-prepared dishes creates a memorable dining experience.

The bison burger stands out with its rich, tasty flavor. It pairs well with sautรฉed 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.

08
The Smoking Gun SD image 1

Bar and grill with large open space and 1990s style memorabilia creates a laid-back vibe with arcade games and ping pong for entertainment. Atmosphere feels authentic and welcoming, suited for spectators and casual hangouts. Seating is ample, and visibility from all angles is excellent.

Food arrives hot with great taste and quality. Burgers and spicy chicken sandwiches stand out as delicious options. It works well as a late night food spot.

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."

"The food here is delicious, especially the tender ribs and tasty wings."

"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.

09
Baja Rick's Cantina image 1
Mexican restaurant

Outdoor seating overlooks waterfront with stunning harbor views and a coastal-meets-urban vibe. Live music and DJs create a lively atmosphere, especially before sports events. Playful, colorful decor with nautical touches complements the bright, airy indoor space.

Food features fresh, bold flavors of Mexican cuisine with a modern twist. Dishes like the surf and turf burrito and Tres Amigos taco platter stand out for their taste and creativity.

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.

10
Maryjane's image 1
American restaurant

Retro diner style sets a classy, mellow vibe with live music enhancing the atmosphere. Bright and comfortable seating fills steadily without overcrowding, creating a pleasant, relaxing environment. The space stands out for its distinctive decor and outdoor seating options.

Food comes out hot and fresh with very good quality. Dishes like the cake and eggs with hashbrowns are delicious, though some items like pancakes and coffee can be pricey.

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.

11
Gaslamp BBQ image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Barbecue restaurant with saloon vibe and indoor and outdoor seating opens up to the street, creating a relaxed and calm atmosphere. TVs show sports while music adds to the friendly mood. Quiet evenings contrast with nearby busy spots, offering a unique, laid-back experience.

Food arrives very fast with a great selection of BBQ dishes and drinks. The flavors are consistently good for the price and satisfy well.

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.

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Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego

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