Finding the best burger in San Diego means discovering Hodad’s, where surf culture meets burgers stacked impossibly high and overflow.
This East Village location at 945 Broadway serves bacon cheeseburgers that became a San Diego institution over 50 years.
The Bacon Cheeseburger features thick bacon patties rather than traditional strips, creating unexpected texture alongside fresh toppings throughout.
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.
The mini burgers measure sixth of a pound while singles reach third of a pound, though “mini” proves misleading given stacked height.
At $15.60 for cheeseburgers and $21 for bacon versions, the prices reflect generous portions and fresh ingredients piled high always.
The Story Behind San Diego’s Best Burger
Hodad’s launched as an Ocean Beach surf culture institution, creating burgers that reflected the laid-back beach lifestyle perfectly.
The original location became legendary for lines down the block, with locals and tourists waiting patiently for massive burgers.
The East Village location at 945 Broadway opened to serve downtown crowds without Ocean Beach’s constant lines throughout the day.
San Diego’s Favorite Menu Items
Food Highlights
- Bacon Cheeseburger: The signature burger features thick bacon patties rather than traditional strips, creating a pleasant surprise throughout every bite. At $21, the generous portions with fresh lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, mayo, ketchup, and mustard stack impossibly high. 🥓
- Guido Burger: Inspired by Guy Fieri, this creation combines pastrami, pickles, Swiss cheese, grilled onions, and spicy brown mustard perfectly. At $21.60, the pastrami adds deli-style flavors to the traditional burger format, with spicy mustard providing kick to balance rich meats. 🌭
- Blue Jay: Blue cheese sauce, bacon, and grilled onions create a rich combination at $21.60 for blue cheese lovers. The grilled onions add sweetness, attempting to balance strong cheese, though blue cheese can overpower other flavors throughout. 🧀
- Cheeseburger: The classic represents the most popular menu item at $15.60 with a fresh beef patty and standard toppings stacked high. The straightforward execution lets quality beef shine, perfect for those wanting a classic burger done right, always. 🍔
- Mini Bacon Cheeseburger: At sixth of a pound for $16.20, the “mini” misleads, given the stacked height that doesn’t feel mini. The bacon still comes as thick patties, maintaining signature preparation, good for lighter appetites wanting the Hodad’s experience. 🥩
Sides That Steal the Show
- Onion Rings: Consistently praised as meal standouts, these perfectly fried rings feature thin batter without heavy breading, creating an ideal texture. Multiple reviewers declare these among the best they’ve had anywhere, with some returning just for onion rings alone. 🧅
- Frings: Half fries, half onion rings provide the best of both worlds, with piles brought out with two big sides of ranch. The combination allows sampling both sides without committing to full orders, perfect for groups sharing together. 🍟
- Chocolate Malt: Served in metal canisters with ice cream wedges, these create experiences beyond standard shakes throughout the meal. The creamy chocolate flavor and substantial portions make these meal-worthy, different when dining in versus takeout. 🍫
Atmosphere
The restaurant is located downtown at 945 Broadway in East Village near City College Trolley station for easy access.
Inside, funky surf-themed decor features license plates, stickers, graffiti, and surfboards covering every surface, creating an authentic atmosphere.
A VW van converted to seating provides a unique dining experience honoring California surf culture throughout the space.
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 are consistently praised as among the best ever tasted.
Over 50 years as a San Diego institution with lines down the block at Ocean Beach, proves these massive burgers justify hype. 🌟
Address: Hodad’s
Downtown: 945 Broadway, San Diego, CA 92101 📞 (619) 234-6323
Original Ocean Beach location available
🕔 Every Day: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Closed Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving, and Bossman Day (Sept 30)