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Local picks in Santa Monica

Burger lunch spots

When you want a burger for lunch, you need a place that takes the meal seriously enough to make the midday stop worth it.

Based on 702 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
The Cloverfield image 1
The Cloverfield image 2
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American restaurant

Large outdoor patio offers an airy, dog-friendly space with heaters and warm fires for chilly nights. Smooth jazz music plays, creating a peaceful and warm vibe that suits groups and families. A special bar room in the back hosts celebrations, adding to the cozy atmosphere.

Offers a convenient location near the airport with easy walking access. Serves lunch with a friendly ambiance suitable for meeting friends. Functions well for brunch, lunch, or dinner options.

Veggie options include a vegan veggie burger served with sweet potato fries. The salmon burger also stands out alongside the classic burger, both noted as delicious.

People are saying

"The outdoor seating has a great vibe and atmosphere."

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

"This lunch spot's large patio is dog and kid friendly."

Good to know

1

Free parking is available on the premises.

2

Reservations are required for outdoor seating.

3

Happy hour, called social hour, offers special deals.

02
Rabano image 1
Restaurant

Spacious restaurant with open, airy design and natural lighting creates a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. Heated outdoor patio welcomes dogs and offers a spot for people watching. Consistent focus on healthy, organic, and vegan options defines the dining experience.

Offers a variety of Korean, Mexican, and healthy dishes for lunch. Serves fresh, healthy food and drinks in a clean, functional setting.

Burgers here feature fresh ingredients and soft buns with sauces that add a slightly spicy kick. Options like the Wow Burger and Green Earth Burger stand out for their flavor and quality.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh, tasty, and always good."

"I found the healthy foods here to be delicious and fresh."

"The staff here is super friendly and helpful."

Good to know

1

Rabano offers a variety of dishes suitable for all tastes, including options for kids.

2

The kids menu includes a drink for a very reasonable price.

3

Rabano now offers breakfast burritos all day.

03
Cafe Zella image 1

Small cafe with cramped interior tables and limited outdoor seating creates a cozy atmosphere. Menu offers large portions with a focus on breakfast and lunch items, attracting locals and nearby workers. Service requires ordering at the counter, and wait times can be noticeable during busy periods.

Lunch includes solid options paired with great matcha. Both breakfast and lunch menus offer reliable choices.

Burger tastes like heaven on earth with rich flavor and satisfying texture. Not available every day, as they sometimes stop making burgers on Sundays.

People are saying

"The food here is so flavorful and delicious."

"This lunch spot's food is delicious and made with fresh ingredients."

"I ordered their burgers after surgery."

Good to know

1

Customers must walk to the counter to order and pay.

2

Expect a 10-minute wait for coffee and 20 minutes for burritos.

3

Salsa with the burrito is available only if paid extra.

04
Urban Skillet image 1
Halal restaurant

Halal restaurant offers a warm and inviting atmosphere with industrial/hipster decor and limited indoor seating complemented by outdoor tables along the sidewalk. The vibe stays friendly and upbeat, creating a welcoming space for casual dining or working on a laptop.

A really chill spot great for a quick lunch with friends or family. It works well for both lunch and dinner occasions.

Burgers here are halal and have a taste that matches authentic flavors from Riyadh. The quality stands out as some of the best, with a delicious and authentic beef burger experience.

People are saying

"These burgers are juicy, flavorful, and made with high-quality halal meat."

"The food here is packed with flavor."

"This lunch spot's skillet burgers and crispy tots are fantastic."

Good to know

1

Urban Skillet is 100% Halal.

2

The restaurant served halal beef and chicken.

3

Urban Skillet is open later than other local burger places.

05
The Curious Palate image 1
New American restaurant

Restaurant offers open-air seating with a calm, relaxing atmosphere that contrasts with nearby noisy spots. Space feels homey and curated, encouraging guests to unwind in a bright, spacious interior suitable for families.

Lunch features a burger and fries with a house-made dipping sauce. The spot works well for casual meetups and family lunches with kids.

Burgers here feature fresh ingredients and are cooked perfectly. Options like the California Burger and blue cheese burger stand out for their quality and flavor.

People are saying

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

"This lunch spot's food is delicious and prepared with fresh ingredients."

"I thought the burgers and fries were fresh and meaty."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is located on the 3rd floor of the Santa Monica Place Mall.

2

The menu offers a variety of dishes at reasonable prices.

3

There are many vegetarian options available.

06
Augie's On Main - Chicken Restaurant Santa Monica, CA image 1

Outdoor seating fills driveway and backyard with a quiet courtyard and pleasant patio featuring heaters. Atmosphere stays chill and cool, inviting relaxed hangouts without indoor dining. Menu highlights include crispy, juicy chicken and creative sandwiches praised for freshness and flavor.

Quick and healthy lunch options stand out here. Outdoor seating adds a relaxed vibe for a midday break.

Burgers feature high-quality meat that stays juicy and saucy. Options include a fried chicken burger and large, luscious servings often paired with fries.

People are saying

"I found the spicy chicken sandwich to be one of the best."

"I found the burgers here to be excellent and delicious."

"The chili dog at this Lunch Spot has fantastic, thick chili."

Good to know

1

Only outdoor seating is available, so dress appropriately for the weather.

2

They only accept card payments; no cash is accepted.

3

You can bring your pets onto the patio, which is a nice touch.

07
George's Burgers image 1
Hamburger restaurant

Classic diner with retro-inspired decor and a lively, nostalgic atmosphere. Seating includes simple benches and booths, some showing wear, with both indoor and outdoor tables. The space feels unpretentious and familiar, offering step-free access.

Lunch combos include a burger, fries, and drink for under $15. The spot offers good value for quick meals. Booths can be hard to find during lunch due to repairs.

Burgers here offer a classic American taste with juicy, real meat and generous fixings. Options like the bacon and Swiss burger and double avocado burger bring bold, flavorful combinations to the menu.

People are saying

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

"You get huge portions of American food for a great price."

"This lunch spot's burgers are reliably excellent and charbroiled."

Good to know

1

The restaurant closes at 9:30 PM, so plan your visit accordingly.

2

Expect a busy atmosphere on weekends, but orders are prepared quickly.

3

Ample parking is available for guests visiting the restaurant.

08
Calabra image 1
Restaurant

Rooftop setting offers stunning views and outdoor heaters that keep the space comfortable despite the breeze. Atmosphere blends casual enjoyment with a sexy, entertaining vibe, attracting a lively crowd. Accessibility features include elevator access and wheelchair-friendly seating.

A relaxed rooftop with beautiful views sets the scene for lunch. The menu offers good options and the service is attentive.

A vegan burger features a creamy vegan cheese and a tomato-fig sauce on vegan brioche bread. The patty is homemade and tastes distinct from common brands, making it a standout option.

People are saying

"The food here was incredible, especially the slow-roasted chicken."

"Their vegan burger is delicious with a creamy vegan cheese."

"This Lunch Spot has delicious food that's artfully plated."

Good to know

1

Reservations are almost required due to high demand.

2

A $5 non-refundable reservation fee is charged per person.

3

Valet parking is available and convenient.

09
The Whaler Santa Monica image 1

Oceanfront setting offers unmatched beach views and a lively atmosphere with loud music and a DJ at night. The space includes a game room nook and TVs showing sports, attracting groups who enjoy social and energetic vibes. Outdoor seating on terraces enhances the experience with sunset views and a bar-focused environment.

Lunch offers a chance to enjoy shrimp cocktail with a tangy kick and join in on Taco Tuesday specials. Outdoor seating lets you watch people while having a beer and a meal.

Burgers come with fresh, tasty bread and are seasoned very well. Options include both meat and vegetarian, served piled sky high and consistently tasty.

People are saying

"The live sports here are great, with friendly and attentive service."

"I thought the burgers were really tasty and well put together."

"This Lunch Spot's food is tasty, well-seasoned, and beautifully presented."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-5pm with discounted drinks and appetizers.

2

Karaoke night, called terry-oke, happens every Monday at 9pm.

3

Parking is available nearby through SpotHero for convenience.

10
Edgemar Restaurant + Lounge image 1

Frank Gehry-designed space offers a gorgeous architectural setting with chic decor and warm, comfortable vibes. Music from a DJ energizes the atmosphere, creating a lively and busy environment. Outdoor patio features vintage Los Angeles clips, adding a unique touch to the experience.

Triple cooked wedge potatoes come with an insanely good curry dipping sauce. Wontons and Beet Poke are popular choices that make great leftovers for lunch.

Burgers come in a slider size but pack good flavor. The $18 price feels high, especially with beer and fries adding up to a $160 total for three burgers.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and fresh."

"The Lunch Spot's curry dipping sauce for the potatoes is insanely good."

"I had the best burger I've ever had in LA."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers food and drinks for $10.

2

Parking is available, but not validated.

3

The restaurant has a family-style dining option for sharing.

11
Palms n' Patties image 1
Hamburger restaurant

Shared space with four restaurant stalls creates a food hall vibe that feels clean but somewhat characterless and stale. Music plays in the background, adding some energy to the otherwise quiet atmosphere. Seating is limited and can feel uncomfortable during busy times.

Smash burgers offer a solid choice for a casual lunch. The spot suits a relaxed meal rather than a quick bite.

Smash burgers come out insanely juicy with a perfectly toasted bread that is not oily. The house sauce adds a lovely flavor, making the burgers so good that ordering two is common.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, especially the smash burgers."

"These smash burgers are some of the best I've had in LA."

"This Lunch Spot has great, juicy, greasy smashburgers."

Good to know

1

They have a 50% off deal in the afternoon.

2

Parking is free in the lot at the back.

3

Seating is limited and shared with other shops.

12
1212 Santa Monica image 1
New American restaurant

Large space with dog-friendly patio and live DJ music creates a loud, fun atmosphere that energizes the evening. Outdoor seating features fire pits enhancing the vibe. Music volume often challenges conversation but adds to the lively environment.

Lunch offers a prix fixe menu around $18 with attentive and friendly service. It serves as a reasonably priced spot for a midday meal or happy hour.

Burgers come with pork ingredients unless requested otherwise, and staff clearly explain this. The Sicilian burger offers a solid flavor, while the Impossible burger feels light and satisfying. Fries accompany the burgers well.

People are saying

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

"Rico made great recommendations for the burgers and drinks."

"The service at this Lunch Spot was so attentive and friendly."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with half-price appetizers.

2

All-night happy hour is available on Mondays, offering great deals.

3

Reservations are recommended for special events like the Super Bowl.

13
Snug Harbor image 1

1940s-style diner with vintage decor and original bar stools creates a nostalgic atmosphere. Cozy indoor booths and a dog-friendly patio with private dividers offer varied seating. Intimate space fills with lively energy, blending classic charm with relaxed outdoor vibes.

A historic spot with a throwback vibe offers counter seating and a menu featuring a notable burger. Parking is usually easy even on Main Street during lunch.

Very solid burgers come with options like a double patty and sides such as curly fries. Weekday burger specials offer variety and value.

People are saying

"The food here felt like a home-cooked meal in an untouched-by-time diner."

"I had a very solid burger and planned to come back for the special."

"This lunch spot has such a cute diner charm."

Good to know

1

Parking is usually easy to find in the neighborhood behind the restaurant.

2

The menu features a diverse selection of traditional American diner dishes.

3

Daily specials and fresh juices are offered regularly.

14
Perry's Cafรฉ & Beach Rentals - Santa Monica 2400 image 1

Outdoor seating on sand with ocean views and umbrella-covered tables creates a relaxed, beachside atmosphere. Comfortable beach chairs and live music on select days add to the laid-back vibe. The setting features sunset views and casual dining right by the water.

Lunch happens right on the beach with great views. The spot suits both quick bites and relaxed meals with convenient seafront access.

Burgers here come with high quality ingredients and a delicious taste. Prices run close to $20 per burger, reflecting their premium nature.

People are saying

"I loved watching everything happening on the beach from the cafe."

"This lunch spot has fabulous beach views and a great location."

"I found the burgers here to be delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 5pm to 7pm on weekdays.

2

Bikes and beach umbrellas can be rented for $8 per hour.

3

The cafรฉ closes just before sunset, limiting evening visits.

15
Carl's Jr. image 1
Fast food restaurant

Bright and sparkling clean fast food restaurant with a quiet atmosphere. Staff often speak Spanish, and food preparation includes freshly grilled patties made in view. Known for vegan burgers and a variety of burger options, the place maintains a clean dining area and kitchen in most locations.

Offers quick meals suitable for people on the move with a focus on fast food. Wait times can exceed 20 minutes during lunch, which may affect the overall speed of service.

Burgers come fresh and cleanly made with options like the Diablo burger featuring jalapeรฑos and pepper jack cheese. Vegan burgers stand out among fast food, and the Angus burgers get serious attention from the kitchen.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and perfectly made."

"I thought the burgers here were the best I'd ever had."

"The food at this Lunch Spot was great and always hot."

Good to know

1

The facility is very clean and well-maintained.

2

The restroom is the cleanest I have seen around.

3

The drive-thru is faster than the McDonald's across the street.

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Santa Monica, California

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