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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Kearny Mesa's best

Burger spots

A burger that is treated as a serious culinary project rather than a quick way to fill a gap on the menu.

Based on 567 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Angry Petes Pizza Kearny Mesa image 1
Angry Petes Pizza Kearny Mesa image 2
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Pizza restaurant occupies a refurbished 90s Taco Bell building with Detroit-style pizza and a drive-through. Atmosphere blends retro arcade games and board games, creating a quirky, family-friendly vibe. Space feels welcoming and encourages hanging out beyond just dining.

Food includes Detroit style pizza, smash burger, and birria tacos. Dishes like wings, Mac 'n cheese, and bar food arrive hot and fresh with many toppings.

Smash burgers come out hot and fresh with a variety of toppings. The burgers hold their own alongside Detroit style pizza and other tasty menu items.

People are saying

"I thought their Detroit Style Pizza offered a taste of Detroit."

"The decor and food give it a nostalgic Midwest vibe."

"The pizza and coney dogs here are insane."

Good to know

1

Angry Hour runs from 3 to 6 pm with $5 draft beers.

2

Happy hour offers a slice of pizza and a beer for $11.

3

Trivia night is held weekly and is engaging for guests.

02
In-N-Out Burger image 1
Hamburger restaurant

Small hamburger restaurant with a nostalgic 1950s diner vibe and high energy inside. The space feels cozy but cramped, with a loud and fun atmosphere driven by young, well-trained staff. Drive-thru and parking can be challenging due to layout and limited outdoor seating.

Food comes out fresh and flavorful quickly even when busy. Employees sometimes bring food to the table, adding to the experience.

Burgers come with a simple menu focused on cheeseburgers and double cheeseburgers. Options include protein style burgers for low-carb needs, served quickly with fast drive-thru service.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh, flavorful, and always great."

"I found their burgers to be excellent and juicy."

"The staff here are super friendly and make you feel appreciated."

Good to know

1

Parking is difficult due to limited spots and a long drive-thru line.

2

The drive-thru is super fast, making it convenient for quick meals.

3

Prices are affordable, with meals often under $20.

03
The Friendly image 1
Hamburger restaurant

Simple burger spot with a bare bones interior and limited seating creates a casual, no-frills environment. Loud hip hop music and a hipster/skater vibe set a lively, youthful tone. Burgers stand out as delicious and creative, often described as some of the best around.

Food comes out quickly and cooked to order with a focus on smash burgers and unique options like the dirty flat top. Fries come with ranch and aioli on the side, making for a delicious meal overall.

Smash burgers stand out with smashed patties, cheese, and aioli sauce creating a greasy, flavorful bite. The Dirty OG flattop burger highlights this style with a simple yet delicious approach.

People are saying

"These burgers are beyond delicious; they melt in your mouth."

"I found the burgers here to be very affordable and filling."

"I thought the smashed burger here was the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Parking can be challenging during busy times, so arrive early.

2

The menu is fixed with no substitutions allowed on burgers.

3

The restaurant is small with limited seating available.

04
O'Brien's image 1
Restaurant

Restaurant offers a crowded and noisy atmosphere with tight seating inside and a dog-friendly patio featuring multiple sports TVs. Energy feels lively but sometimes uneven, with a strong focus on craft beer selection including rare taps. Food ranges from flavorful sandwiches to standout dishes with bold spices.

Food comes in big portions and tastes fresh. The menu offers elevated pub fare like a notable pastrami burger. Servers know the craft beer and food well.

Burgers range from pastrami specialty to standard options. Some come without fries and quality varies from top-of-the-line to basic cafeteria style.

People are saying

"I loved their great beer selection, especially the local brews."

"The atmosphere here for live sports is really fun and has good vibes."

"The food here is great and tasted fresh."

Good to know

1

Parking at O'Brien's is limited; plan ahead for street or pay parking.

2

O'Brien's offers awesome Tuesday Taco deals and great wing Wednesdays.

3

Fridays are dog nights, making it a pet-friendly spot.

05
Bopomofo Cafe image 1

Cafe blends Japanese and Taiwanese culture with a modern, clean design and plenty of sunlight. Atmosphere feels relaxed and family-friendly, welcoming for chill hangouts. Popular spot offers creative drink flavors and snacks with a focus on quality and detail.

Food features fusion flavors inspired by Taiwan with many creative drink and food options. Vegan choices include vegetarian popcorn chicken made well and served in a clean setting.

The burgers feature a honey walnut shrimp option that is light yet flavorful with a good texture. The shrimp burger stands out for its clear shrimp taste and is paired well with spicy popcorn chicken.

People are saying

"The blueberry matcha here is incredible and balanced."

"The food here is really good and made with fresh ingredients."

"You have to try the honey walnut shrimp burger; it's surprisingly light."

Good to know

1

The food is available only during limited hours at the moment.

2

Weekends in the evening can get crowded, so arrive early to avoid the crowd.

3

There are few tables outside, and limited seating inside.

06
Anny's Fine Burger image 1
Hamburger restaurant

Hamburger restaurant offers a spacious, clean interior with a casual, unpretentious vibe and loud Mexican music that energizes the space. A covered patio accommodates large groups and families comfortably. The atmosphere feels like a vintage pizza parlor with a chill, relaxed mood.

Food comes out fresh and tasty with quick service. Prices stay reasonable while maintaining excellent quality.

Burgers come in big sizes with exceptional buns that hold together well. Options include meat varieties like Texas and salmon steak burgers, plus a sunrise burger and buffalo wings.

People are saying

"I found the burgers here to be really tasty and delicious."

"I found the chicken salad to be delicious and juicy."

"The burgers here are really tasty and delicious."

Good to know

1

Parking is often full; consider arriving early to secure a spot.

2

The average cost for two burgers with sides is around $43.

3

Generous portion sizes make it a good value despite higher prices.

07
Studio Diner image 1

Interior features an arched ceiling and movie set theme with memorabilia, creating a nostalgic diner atmosphere. Seating includes a spacious patio with mountain views and unique alien statues outside. Music and decor contribute to a lively, homely vibe with a classic yet stylish feel.

Food here is consistently delicious and satisfying. Every dish delivers great flavor and quality.

Burgers come juicy and perfectly cooked with a balanced seasoning that makes each bite work together flawlessly. The Eastwood Burger stands out with a strong meat flavor complemented by a blend of pickles.

People are saying

"The diner food, like the Reuben and fries, was solid and tasty."

"The food here is delicious and plentiful."

"The Eastwood Burger had a strong meat flavor."

Good to know

1

Parking spaces are limited, with only four spots available.

2

The diner only accepts cash payments for large parties.

3

Expect a 90-minute time limit during busy hours.

08
Players Sports Grill image 1

Wall-to-wall TVs create a strong sports focus with a chill vibe and spacious layout. High-quality pool tables attract players, especially during league matches. The atmosphere stays relaxed even on busy nights, supported by a crowd of friendly regulars.

Food features a large selection of generally good bar dishes with great service. The menu offers standard bar fare that consistently satisfies.

Good burgers come with homemade chips and options like the Coach burger combo. Burgers cook to order, such as the medium touchdown burger.

People are saying

"The bar staff here is awesome and super attentive."

"The food here is good, and the service is great."

"I enjoyed the good burgers here."

Good to know

1

Parking is easy and free.

2

Seating is tight for pool league especially during Chargers games.

3

Prices are higher than average for wings and draft beers.

09
Bullpen image 1
Bar & grill

Wall-to-wall TVs create a sports-focused atmosphere with eclectic music and a large, noisy space suited for big groups. Comfortable seating supports a chill vibe where cold beers and above-par dining, including prime rib and steaks, complement the energetic environment.

Food comes out hot and fresh with consistent quality. Service matches the food, making it a solid spot to enjoy a meal while watching sports.

Burgers come out well prepared and delicious, with options like a bison burger served alongside panko fries. Prices stay reasonable, making it a solid spot for burgers and beer while watching sports.

People are saying

"The food here is great, especially the pizza and burgers."

"This sports bar has TVs everywhere and good music."

"I found the burgers here delicious and well prepared."

Good to know

1

The Prime Rib special is available only on Wednesdays starting at 5 pm.

2

Expect the bar to be busy on Prime Rib night at 4:30 pm.

3

Parking can be difficult to find, so consider arriving early.

10
Denny's image 1
Restaurant

Large dining area offers a classic diner vibe with holiday decorations that create a lively atmosphere. Music plays through speakers, sometimes featuring Mexican country tunes from the kitchen. The environment feels homie and kid-friendly, welcoming for meals any time of day.

Food arrives fresh and delicious, prepared exactly as requested. Servers provide pleasant, attentive service ensuring meals come out promptly and cooked to preference.

Burgers often come with mozzarella cheese instead of cheddar and tend to lack seasoning. Veggie options like Dr. Praeger's patties are small, can fall apart quickly, and have less flavor compared to other brands.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh and flavorful."

"The staff at this Late Night Spot made me feel so taken care of."

"I found the burgers here to be delicious."

Good to know

1

Denny's is open 24 hours, even on Christmas.

2

Parking is plentiful and convenient right in front of the restaurant.

3

The menu has a huge variety, catering to different tastes.

11
Carl's Jr. image 1
Fast food restaurant

Fast food restaurant with reasonably priced burgers and early opening hours offers a quick breakfast option. Atmosphere includes narrow parking spaces and a focus on drive-thru service to manage wait times.

Food tastes consistently good and delicious with reasonable prices. Staff use warmers to keep items hot before serving.

Burgers come with solid lettuce and tomato and include options like the Western Bacon Burger and El-diablo Burger. Some burgers have issues like too much ketchup or undercooked meat.

People are saying

"I thought the burgers here tasted great."

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

"The drive thru service here is super fast and kind."

Good to know

1

Carl's Jr. is open until 10 PM and opens at 6 AM.

2

They charge 35 cents for a small slice of tomato.

3

They charge 35 cents for a wilted piece of lettuce.

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Kearny Mesa, San Diego

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