Top Three Burger Joints in San Diego

When it comes to food, San Diegan's know how to do it. Primarily known for their Mexican food and the seafood, there are some pleasant surprises. They can really do any dish that you could possible want down here in So Cal. From the best Cajun in the west (or possibly, outside of Louisiana) at Chateau Orleans, to the best French food in the country at the French Gourmet, to the amazingly great food at 94^th Aero Squadron, San Diego is the place to go if you love (or even just like) food. When it comes to burgers, you can go with the Whopper, Big Mac, or (my favorite) the bacon ultimate at Jack in the Box, or you can step outside the box and attack one of these mouth watering treats. Beware though; once you visit one of these places, you may never be satisfied with fast food again.

BullsEye Burgers (The Last Boll Weevil)

Boll Weevil's was touted as the best burger in the world and the critics may be right. The sad thing is that they are no longer in business. There were a few of the franchise stands left open, but many of those were bought out as well. There is, however, one left down in Chula Vista. It has changed its name to BullsEye Burgers, but there is no mistaking that Boll Weevil Steerburger. They even have the special sauce if you ask for it. This was one of the best burgers in all of Southern California, and now is more rare than a white tiger (which, I hear, also makes for a good burger). This last outpost for the best burger in the world can be found down on Broadway in Chula Vista. Same menu, same prices, same taste. Only the name has been changed.

Classics Malt Shop

There is a great little diner tucked away in Point Loma. This place is truly decked out like a fifties diner. The same colors, tables, booths, and everything. This place is like stepping back in time (except for the prices, of course). It is a little "hole in the wall" joint in Point Loma that is surrounded by other fast food. This little center in the Von's parking lot is full of great little eateries. From Italian to Greek and Mexican to Japanese, you can find all the different little shops here, but the Classics Malt Shop is THE place for burgers in San Diego. You can get any variety of burger you want. They serve the traditional beef, more exotic ostrich, veggie burgers, buffalo burgers, or any other variety of meat you see in burgers (they don't have the afore mentioned white tiger burgers yet, though). Not only do they have the variety, they have the flavor and quality as well. This place rocks when it comes to burgers. The prices are very reasonable as well and they have one of the cheapest kids meals in town. If you come on the weekends, you can likely catch the classic car show they have in the parking lot as well. The only thing that is missing from this little piece of Americana is the skates on the car hop, but you can probably talk them into that as well (I have tried, but I guess I don't tip enough). You can find this little shop off of Midway just south of Sports Arena. There are no signs, just a huge Von's parking lot with a Sports Chalet. This place is so good, they don't need the crowds that a sign would bring in.

Rock Bottoms

For the more sophisticated people out there that want a simple and tasty treat, there are several nice restaurants that serve the burger. There is also Rock Bottoms Brewery. This is a nice little restaurant in the downtown area with some great brews and even better food. The executive chef there is awesome (we had the pleasure of meeting him once). This guy will jump through every possible hoop to make sure your meal is perfect, and he succeeds, every time. The food here is the best. If you do choose the burger, you will not be disappointed. It is surprisingly not expensive and one of the best in the bay area. Juicy and full of flavor every time with just the right amount of smokiness to the beef. You can get it in so many different styles as well. Whether you like patty melts, classic cheese, chili, jalapeno and avocado, or a big bacon double, you can get it here at Rock Bottoms. If you have never been there, I would suggest getting the sampler to drink. They have some great beers to go with the awesome dishes they serve.

There are so many places to eat in San Diego that this list just does not do justice to the entire area. These three are the some of the best, but there are so many more out there. There is the San Diego Burger Company in Seaport Village, In and Out all over the county, and many more. Most of the five star restaurants around have also announced lately, that they will start to offer burgers and burritos in their menus. San Diegans love their food, and the burger is one of the staples to a great day. Let's face it, what other food can you get quickly and eat while surfing? These are truly defining characteristics to great food in So Cal.