Finding the best burger in San Diego means discovering Hodad’s, where surf culture meets burgers so massive they stack high and overflow in the best way.
This East Village location at 945 Broadway earned a 4.1-star rating on Yelp with over 3,100 reviews, serving bacon cheeseburgers since becoming a San Diego institution.
The Bacon Cheeseburger with 432 reviews features thick bacon patties rather than traditional strips, creating unexpected texture alongside fresh toppings.
The Hodad’s original Ocean Beach location draws lines down the block daily, leading to this downtown expansion serving the same massive burgers.
What Makes Hodad’s the Best Burger in San Diego
The secret to earning the title of best burger in San Diego lies in stacking burgers impossibly high with fresh toppings that overflow.
The mini burgers measure sixth of a pound while singles reach third of a pound, though “mini” proves misleading given the stacked height.
At $15.60 for cheeseburgers and $21 for bacon versions, the prices reflect generous portions and fresh ingredients piled high.
The funky interior features license plates, stickers, graffiti, and a VW van used as seating, creating authentic surf culture atmosphere.
The Food Network recommendation validates what locals already knew: Hodad’s delivers massive, fresh burgers worth parking challenges.
The onion rings consistently earn recognition as meal standouts, perfectly fried without heavy breading according to multiple Elite reviewers.
Signature Burgers That Built the Legend
The Guido burger inspired by Guy Fieri combines pastrami, pickles, Swiss cheese, grilled onions, and spicy brown mustard for 5/5 stars.
One Chula Vista Elite reviewer specifically recommends the Guido as outstanding after trying both locations.
The Blue Jay features blue cheese sauce with bacon and grilled onions, though one reviewer notes the blue cheese can overpower other flavors.
The Double Bacon Cheeseburger at $33.60 creates eating challenges with two patties and thick bacon stacked impossibly high.
The mini versions provide more manageable options while maintaining the signature stacked presentation and fresh toppings.
These creative combinations prove Hodad’s innovates beyond standard cheeseburgers while maintaining burger fundamentals.
The Best Burger in San Diego Story
Hodad’s launched as an Ocean Beach surf culture institution, creating burgers that reflected the laid-back beach lifestyle.
The original location became legendary for lines down the block, with locals and tourists waiting patiently for massive burgers.
The surf-themed decor with license plates, stickers, and beach vibes created authentic atmosphere that couldn’t be replicated by chains.
Expanding to Downtown
The East Village location at 945 Broadway opened to serve downtown crowds without Ocean Beach’s constant lines.
The downtown spot maintains the same funky decor with license plates, surfboards, and stickers covering walls.
A VW van converted to seating provides Instagram-worthy dining spots that honor Hodad’s surf heritage.
The expansion proved successful, with the downtown location accommodating walk-ins more easily than Ocean Beach.
Post-Padres game crowds discovered Hodad’s as the perfect burger destination after baseball games.
The proximity to City College Trolley station makes access easy for those using public transportation.
Why San Diego Loves Hodad’s
One Peoria Elite reviewer noted Food Network’s recommendation led them to try Hodad’s despite parking challenges.
The fresh beef and massive portions create value that justifies prices compared to standard fast food.
The chocolate malts served in metal canisters with ice cream wedges create complete meal experiences beyond just burgers.
The own-brand beer with numerous choices pairs perfectly with massive burgers during baseball game celebrations.
Multiple televisions showing sports create casual sports bar atmosphere alongside the surf theme.
The t-shirt designs including Jaws references with burgers replacing sharks show the playful branding throughout.
San Diego’s Favorite Best Burger in San Diego Menu Items
Food Highlights
- Bacon Cheeseburger: The signature burger with 432 reviews features thick bacon patties rather than traditional strips creating pleasant surprise. At $21, the generous portions with fresh lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, mayo, ketchup, and mustard stack impossibly high. One New Berlin reviewer notes burgers overflow in the best way. The bacon thickness provides substantial meat beyond the beef patty. Multiple Elite reviewers declare these amazing and worth regular stops. 🥓
- Guido Burger: Inspired by Guy Fieri, this creation combines pastrami, pickles, Swiss cheese, grilled onions, and spicy brown mustard. At $21.60, one Chula Vista Elite reviewer rated this 5/5 stars calling it outstanding. The pastrami adds deli-style flavors to traditional burger format. The spicy mustard provides kick balancing rich meats. This celebrity-inspired burger proves Hodad’s creativity. 🌭
- Blue Jay: Blue cheese sauce, bacon, and grilled onions create rich combination at $21.60. With 131 reviews, this represents popular choice for blue cheese lovers. One Pomona Elite reviewer notes being smothered in blue cheese that overpowers other flavors. The grilled onions add sweetness attempting to balance strong cheese. Good for blue cheese enthusiasts willing to taste primarily cheese. 🧀
- Cheeseburger: The classic with 708 reviews represents Hodad’s most popular menu item at $15.60. Fresh beef patty with standard toppings stacked high creates the signature overflow. One Campbell Elite reviewer calls this pretty good, noting it’s worth the 20-minute walk. The straightforward execution lets quality beef shine. Perfect for those wanting classic burger done right. 🍔
- Mini Bacon Cheeseburger: At sixth of a pound for $16.20, the “mini” misleads given the stacked height. One New Berlin reviewer received this substantial burger that didn’t feel mini. Good for lighter appetites wanting Hodad’s experience without full-sized portions. The bacon still comes as thick patties maintaining signature preparation. 🥩
Sides That Steal the Show
- Onion Rings: Consistently praised as meal standouts, these perfectly fried rings feature thin batter without heavy breading. One Campbell Elite reviewer would return just for onion rings alone. One Highlands Ranch Elite reviewer called these perfectly fried and SO good. The crispy exterior and tender interior create ideal texture. Multiple reviewers declare these among the best they’ve had. 🧅
- Frings: Half fries, half onion rings provide best of both worlds. One La Mesa Elite reviewer received piles brought out with two big sides of ranch. The combination allows sampling both sides without committing to full orders. Perfect for groups sharing. 🍟
- Potato Wedges: Seasoned frozen wedges with 151 reviews provide familiar comfort. One Pomona Elite reviewer notes these are obviously frozen from grocery stores. The seasoning adds flavor while maintaining soft, almost mashed-potato texture inside. Good for those wanting familiar sides. 🥔
Drinks and Shakes
- Chocolate Malt: Served in metal canisters with ice cream wedges, these create experiences beyond standard shakes. One San Diego Elite reviewer specifically visits for shakes, noting they’re different when dining in versus takeout. The creamy chocolate flavor and substantial portions make these meal-worthy. 🍫
- Own-Brand Beer: Numerous beer choices pair perfectly with massive burgers. The house beers create local experience while accommodating different taste preferences. Good for those wanting cold beer with burgers after Padres games. 🍺
Atmosphere
The restaurant occupies downtown at 945 Broadway in East Village near City College Trolley station.
Inside, funky surf-themed decor features license plates, stickers, graffiti, and surfboards covering every surface.
A VW van converted to seating provides unique dining experience honoring California surf culture.
Loud, casual atmosphere welcomes families and groups celebrating post-game or casual meals.
Multiple televisions show sporting events creating sports bar vibe alongside surf theme.
The small space fills quickly during peak hours though downtown location handles crowds better than Ocean Beach.
Service receives mixed reviews, with some praising friendly, speedy servers while others note understaffing during busy periods.
The casual surfer-meets-metal music creates energetic environment rather than refined dining.
Cleanliness varies based on timing, with some reviewers noting sticky floors and messy bathrooms during rushes.
Free stickers at meal’s end encourage guests to add to the wall decorations or take home as souvenirs.
Parking proves challenging with paid lots nearby, though the location’s accessibility via trolley helps.
Hours run 11 AM to 9 PM daily except Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving, and “Bossman Day” September 30th annually.
Bottom Line
Visit Hodad’s for the best burger in San Diego featuring burgers stacked impossibly high that overflow with fresh toppings, thick bacon patties instead of traditional strips, onion rings consistently praised as among the best ever tasted, and funky surf culture atmosphere with VW van seating.
Over 50 years as a San Diego institution with lines down the block at Ocean Beach prove these massive burgers justify the hype. 🌟
Address: Hodad’s
Downtown: 945 Broadway, San Diego, CA 92101 📞 (619) 234-6323
Ocean Beach: [Original location with lines]
🕔 Every Day: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Closed Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving, and Bossman Day (Sept 30)