Sink Your Teeth Into These Juicy Patties
The humble burger: arguably one of America’s best culinary inventions. One of the best things about a burger is that it consistently hits the spot, whether you get it from a drive-thru or at a gourmet restaurant. Next time that craving hits, check out this list for some of South OC’s best burgers to sink your teeth in to. We rounded up seven establishments from San Clemente to Huntington Beach that know just how to serve up a perfectly juicy burger! Best Burgers Orange County
Whitestone Restaurant & Bar
Must-Try Burger: 90-Day Aged Cheeseburger
This sophisticated yet homey restaurant is right on the iconic Pacific Coast Highway and has a casual, relaxed ambiance. The expansive dining room is complete with wood finishings and rustic low light, making it an ideal spot to grab some elevated comfort food. Whitestone‘s 90-day aged cheeseburger is a must. It’s made with all high-quality meats—a blend of brisket, chuck, bacon and 90-day dry-aged beef. It’s served with all your typical burger fixings–and fries, of course!
@localemag This lobster, truffle mac n cheese at #whitestone in #danapoint is incredible. They also have a fantastic burger. #southoc #sanjuancapistrano #lagunaniguel #samclemente #lagunabeach #ocfoodie #ocdateideas #localemagazine ♬ I Like You (A Happier Song) – Post Malone
Local Insight: Don’t miss out on Whitestone‘s incredible happy hour – check out their menu here!
Location: Dana Point
Whitestone
Best Burgers Orange County
Slater’s 50/50
Must-Try Burger: Lonestar Smoke Burger
No place does burgers, bacon and beer quite like Slater’s 50/50. With a solid reputation for killer burgers, this is where you’ll want to go for some crowd-pleasers. Not only do they have over 10 different signature burgers on their menu, you can also build your own! If you’re looking for a flavor explosion, the Lonestar Smoke burger is made with Black Canyon angus beef and comes topped with smoked bacon, cheddar cheese, crispy onion rings, pickles, smoky barbecue sauce and garlic aioli.
Locations: Fresno, Huntington Beach, Pasadena, Riverside, San Diego, Valencia
Slater’s 50/50
The Riders Club Cafe
Must-Try Burger: The Burger
Just steps away from the beach, this laid-back “hole in the wall” eatery serves up burgers that you build yourself. They offer beef, chicken and even quinoa patties with cheese options like Swiss, Havarti, muenster, cheddar and goat. Each burger comes loaded with pickles, onions, lettuce and their signature house spread. You can also order additional toppings like a fried egg, sauteed mushrooms, bell peppers and more. With so many ways to customize your burger, you’ll find that the combinations here are endless.
Location: San Clemente
Best Burgers Orange County
TK Burgers
Must-Try Burger: Rib Eye Steak Burger
Serving SoCal since the ‘80s, TK Burgers knows a thing or two about keeping people happy with their classic old-school burgers. This spot keeps it simple and casual with a lively tiki theme, funky decor and bargain combos, which offer a full meal for less than $9. Their rib eye steak burger is one of their top sellers; it’s made with flame-broiled rib eye, TK secret sauce, green bell peppers, lettuce, tomato, red onion and special seasoning, served on their signature bun.
Locations: Mission Viejo, Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, Santa Ana
8/28
Craft House
Must-Try Burger: Wagyu Steak Burger
Not feeling just any ol’ burger? Craft House doesn’t have too many burger options, but quality more than makes up for quantity with the legendary Wagyu steak burger, prepared with Mishima Reserve Wagyu beef. If the meat itself isn’t decadent enough, it also includes short rib patty provolone, pulled pork, barbecue sauce, lettuce, tomato and pickle. The restaurant is also known for its selection of whiskeys so rare, they only get one bottle of each per year.
Location: Dana Point
Best Burgers Orange County
Hole in the Wall Burger
Must-Try Burger: The Spicy Burger
Everyone knows the best spots are the hidden, hole-in-the-wall joints, and this grab-and-go eatery is no exception. With just a handful of items on the menu, the burgers here are executed quickly and perfectly. While you can’t go wrong with a classic cheeseburger, their spicy chicken sandwich is a fan favorite, made with breaded chicken, lettuce, onions, tomato, pickles, pepper jack cheese and their proprietary sauce. Don’t forget to add an order of waffle fries with your burger!
Location: Lake Forest
The Cellar
Must-Try Burger: Cellar Burger
The Cellar is a homey, neighborhood cheese shop and wine bar known for its swanky, intimate atmosphere and stellar fare. They do it all here—coffee and brunch, happy hour and even a bubbly bar. Their signature Cellar burger is comprised of a Wagyu and chuck-blend patty, white American cheese, honey gem lettuce, tomato, red onion and house pickles. And since The Cellar is also a wine bar, order a glass of red while you’re there to perfectly complement your burger.
Location: San Clemente
