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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Top picks in Santa Barbara

Burgers

A burger that is built to be eaten rather than a towering mess that falls apart the second you pick it up.

Based on 604 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Riviera Bar image 1
Riviera Bar image 2
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Old woody design and a tin ceiling create a cozy atmosphere with lively energy. Burgers offer a perfect balance of flavors, paired well with tallow fries and classic cocktails. Friendly staff and 80s music make it a welcoming spot for a relaxed meal.

The burger stands out as comforting and elevated, delivering a perfect balance of flavors. It pairs well with tallow fries and cocktails, making for a satisfying meal.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious, especially the tallow fries and calamari."

"I enjoyed the expertly crafted cocktails here."

"I thought the burger was perfect, both comforting and elevated."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required for drop-in visits.

2

The bar is open late on weekends, making it a good late-night spot.

3

Expect a limited but well-prepared menu with a focus on quality.

02
Rincon Brewery image 1

Large, open space offers spacious patios and a chill vibe with respectful guests. Smash burgers shine with thinly cut onions and house-made chips. Playful touches like board games and ping pong keep all ages entertained.

Smash burgers come with thinly cut onions and pair well with house-made chips. Crispy cauliflower bites and fish & chips add variety beyond the burgers.

People are saying

"They have a large selection of tasty beers."

"The patio is a great outdoor space on a warm day."

"The smash burgers here are excellent, with thinly cut onions."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm daily with discounted drinks.

2

Limited parking is available near the brewery; consider street parking.

3

Rincon Brewery offers both indoor and outdoor seating options.

03
Chubbies Hamburgers image 1
Hamburger restaurant

Small shop offers juicy burgers with straightforward flavor and delicious cheeseburgers. Seating is comfortable in a clean, low-key space. Fries are excellent and prices stay affordable despite limited parking.

Burgers come out juicy and made just right with a straightforward, yummy flavor. The cheeseburgers stand out as delicious and satisfying compared to other big-name spots.

People are saying

"I thought the burgers here were the best I had."

"The American food here, especially the cheeseburgers, is amazing."

"The food here is pretty good and always excellent."

Good to know

1

Parking can be tricky, but there are usually spaces available nearby.

2

The burgers are priced under $20 for two people, offering good value.

3

Online ordering is available, which might save time during busy hours.

04
Happy Cat Eats image 1
American restaurant

Outdoor seating offers stunning beach views and a casual vibe with games like corn hole. Huge burgers, especially the smash burger, are perfect for sharing. Kids love the happy cat burger and hotdog options, making it a fun spot for families.

Huge burgers serve well for sharing. The smash burger stands out as very delicious and comes highly recommended. Kids enjoy the happy cat burger and hotdog options.

People are saying

"I loved the outdoor seating right across from the beach."

"You have to try the breakfast burrito with mac and cheese."

"I thought the smash burger was 10/10 delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required, and there is usually no wait.

2

The restaurant has outdoor seating and a kidโ€™s menu.

3

Parking is limited, but a parking deck is two blocks away.

05
Yellow Belly Tap image 1

Casual eatery offers huge juicy patties on crusty brioche buns for burger lovers. Large outdoor seating includes a fenced-in kids' play area and dog-friendly patios, making it perfect for families and pets. Indoor space feels cozy with quirky decor and comfy seats.

Huge juicy patties sit on crusty brioche buns, making the burgers almost hard to hold. Options like the Yellow Belly and Royal Cheese Burger come perfectly cooked and allow for medium rare orders without issues.

People are saying

"The outdoor seating is great for enjoying delicious burgers and craft beers."

"I enjoyed the excellent selection of beers on tap."

"I found the burgers here to be so juicy and perfectly cooked."

Good to know

1

Happy Hour deals are available with weekly specials.

2

They sometimes host tap takeovers by local breweries.

3

Vegetarians should be cautious due to cross-contamination in food preparation.

06
The Brewhouse image 1
American restaurant

Industrial decor creates a casual vibe with outdoor patios and live local music. Smash burgers shine, especially the Farm House burger with rich flavor. Dog friendly with a special menu for pets, it welcomes families and locals with friendly energy.

Smash burgers stand out with their rich flavor and juicy texture. The Farm House burger ranks among the top five favorites, showing a strong burger lineup.

People are saying

"The beer here is great and flavorful."

"The outdoor space here is really nice, especially the patio."

"They're so dog-friendly, they even have a doggy menu!"

Good to know

1

The Brewhouse is dog-friendly and offers a special menu for pets.

2

Free parking is available in the rear of The Brewhouse.

3

Happy hour includes a cheeseburger and a beer for $14.

07
Stardust Sportfishing image 1
Fishing charter

Boat trips offer a clean environment with music that lifts the mood. Early catches of sandbass keep excitement high. Food prices are steep, but the Mega Mouth burger is a must-try highlight.

Burgers here come with a killer Mega Mouth option. They serve fantastic burgers and sandwiches that stand out, even on the boat.

People are saying

"The crew's helpfulness preparing our seafood catch was over the top."

"The crew's super helpful with fishing, especially for beginners."

"The crew's expertise in untangling lines was world-class."

Good to know

1

The half day trip only goes out once a week on Wednesdays.

2

Expect the half day trip to last from 9am to 3pm, but it often runs late.

3

The full day trip is advertised from 7am to 5pm, but plan for up to 12 hours.

08
Eureka! image 1
American restaurant

Corner spot with plenty of outdoor seating offers a relaxed vibe and easy chat. Double smash burgers are rich and prompt, paired with truffle fries or green beans. Wide whisky selection and strong cocktails keep the energy youthful but calm.

Double smash burgers arrive promptly and cooked right. Options include a lettuce wrap and toppings like bone marrow. Burgers taste rich and come with sides like truffle fries or green beans.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the delicious burgers."

"JP's charm and expert drink suggestions made the bar feel like a celebration."

"The kids menu was awesome, my baby loved the chicken tenders."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers food and drink specials, making it a great time to visit.

2

Eureka! is dog friendly, allowing pets on the outdoor patio.

3

Parking is available at the public lot next to the restaurant.

09
SB Biergarten image 1
Beer garden

Spacious beer garden offers a lively mix of German beer hall style and American charm with indoor and outdoor seating. Smash burgers shine with habanero jelly for a fresh, bold taste. Cozy fire pits and classic TV shows create a fun vibe perfect for groups and dog owners.

Smash burgers come out hot and fresh with a homemade taste. The habanero jelly adds a unique flavor that many enjoy, often grabbing extra to enhance the experience.

People are saying

"I loved the great beer selection here."

"The smash burgers here are excellent and taste homemade."

"I found the atmosphere to be very chill and inviting."

Good to know

1

Trivia night happens every Wednesday at 7pm with no entry fee.

2

SB Biergarten is dog friendly, allowing pets in outdoor seating areas.

3

Parking is easy and free, with options for valet or public lots nearby.

10
Honor Bar image 1
New American restaurant

Outdoor patio with Adirondack chairs and a fireplace sets a cozy, elegant mood. Juicy burgers shine, especially the Honor Burger with grilled onions. Well-dressed crowd enjoys people watching and lively social energy.

Burgers here are juicy and made with great quality beef. The Honor Burger stands out as exceptional, with a well-balanced flavor and grilled onions that add a unique touch.

People are saying

"I thought the burger was truly excellent, juicy, and well-balanced."

"The salads here are fresh and the service is outstanding."

"The burgers here are amazing, especially with outdoor seating."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours to avoid long waits.

2

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

3

Expect a waiting line for the bar area during busy times.

11
The Win~Dow image 1
Hamburger restaurant

Quaint burger joint offers smash burgers with crispy edges and juicy flavor. Close seating and a comfortable outdoor area attract local teens. Fun vibe with great music keeps the mood relaxed and lively.

Smash burgers come perfectly cooked with crispy edges and a juicy, flavorful taste. The Double Burger offers great flavor at an affordable price, served hot and well-seasoned.

People are saying

"These smash burgers are simple, tasty, and perfectly cooked."

"I found the food to be fresh, tasty, and affordable."

"The homemade lemonade has a perfect balance of sweet and sour."

Good to know

1

Parking is on a one-way street, so visitors should be prepared for that.

2

They automatically add a 3% surcharge to bills, which can be declined.

3

The burger is only available in rare and regular doneness levels.

12
Little Bird Kitchen image 1

Family-friendly spot in a busy market corner offers generous portions with a chill vibe. Burgers feature secret sauce and fresh ground beef for bold flavor. Crisp onion rings and fresh salads round out the menu, making it great for casual meals.

Burgers come with secret sauce, pickles, onion, and American cheese on fresh ground beef. The LBK Burger offers a perfect balance of flavors that make it very tasty and flavorful.

People are saying

"I thought the chicken sandwich here was the best I've ever had."

"This burger is so flavorful and perfectly balanced."

"I was craving the chocolate malted and planned to return for another."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is located in a public market with various dining options.

2

You can take food to go and enjoy it at nearby parks or the beach.

3

They offer a kids menu, making it family-friendly.

13
Brass Bear Funk Zone image 1

Outdoor seating with a cozy patio and dog-friendly areas sets a relaxed tone. Homemade burgers, especially the Brass Bear Burger, offer unique, delicious flavors. Family-friendly features like a supervised play area keep kids entertained while live music adds a fun atmosphere.

Homemade burgers come in perfect portions with a flavor that stands out as different and delicious. The Brass Bear Burger earns praise for its taste, making the wait worthwhile.

People are saying

"The beer here is always amazing, especially the IPAs."

"I loved the cozy, dog-friendly outdoor patio with vegetation."

"You have to try the Brass Bear Burger; it's the best I've had."

Good to know

1

Public parking is available behind the brewery, but it may require a fee.

2

Brass Bear Funk Zone is family-friendly with a fenced area for kids' activities.

3

Reservations are recommended for hosting events, especially for larger groups.

14
Habit Burger & Grill image 1
Hamburger restaurant

Outdoor seating creates a sunny patio perfect for families and tourists. Burgers shine with fresh local ingredients and a homemade flavor that impresses. Tight seating fits a busy downtown vibe, making it a lively spot for tasty meals.

Burgers feature fresh and local ingredients with a homemade flavor that stands out. Both beef and chicken options taste very tasty and come with great fries.

People are saying

"I thought the hamburger here was good and tasty."

"I found the onion rings here to be even better than the other fried items."

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

Good to know

1

Parking is free for the first 75 minutes in the adjacent garage.

2

The restaurant has plenty of seating both inside and outside.

3

Finding a clean, available table can be challenging during busy hours.

15
Garrett's Old Fashioned Restaurant image 1
Traditional American restaurant

Old-fashioned diner offers a retro atmosphere with cozy booths and natural light. Burgers shine here, especially the Bacon Avocado Cheese Burger, served fast with tasty sides like onion rings. Small space fills with friendly chatter, creating a warm, family feel.

Old Fashioned Burgers stand out, especially the Bacon Avocado Cheese Burger. Burgers come with quick service and pair well with sides like onion rings and fries.

People are saying

"The food here is classic diner fare, really good and satisfying."

"It's like stepping back in time for breakfast here."

"The burgers here feel like a genuine step back in time."

Good to know

1

Parking is mostly street parking and often timed.

2

Reservations are not accepted, so expect potential wait times.

3

Prices are reasonable for breakfast, but some items may feel overpriced.

16
Carl's Jr. image 1
Fast food restaurant

Spacious seating and outdated decor create a relaxed vibe. Menu shines with fresh fish sandwiches and a guacamole burger that stands out. Pricing is high but balanced by buy-one-get-one-free deals.

Menu features a variety of burgers with a standout guacamole burger. Offers a solid selection that appeals to burger lovers.

People are saying

"I found the fast food to be exactly what I expected, delicious."

"I thought the food was delicious."

"I ordered the Southwest chicken burger; it was the main highlight."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a buy-one-get-one-free deal on breakfast burritos.

2

Expect clean bathrooms with locks for privacy.

3

The menu includes a fish sandwich option.

17
Sam's To Go image 1
Sandwich shop

Classic hole-in-the-wall shop offers old school burgers with simple, bold flavors and a huge, varied menu featuring high-quality ingredients. Loud music and an eclectic crowd create a lively vibe. Affordable prices make it a great spot for casual dining.

Old school burgers come with classic flavors and simple preparation. The garden burger tends to be mushy and less appealing when cooked well done.

People are saying

"I questioned why I would go to fast food places when I could get a great burger here."

"The sandwiches here are phenomenal, especially the pastrami."

"The bread here is so fresh, it makes the whole sandwich."

Good to know

1

The menu at Sam's To Go is huge and varied.

2

They offer daily specials for added value.

3

There are a few parking spots in the back.

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