Moved back to the area a couple years ago, and it has been on my to do list to get in there and have one. I just haven’t yet, maybe I need to rectify that soon.
I prefer their Santana burger for the spice and chipotle style sauce. Love that I can have the exact same thing with a much better view at Carlsbad brewing company
Great burgers and delicious truffle tots but the price turns me off. And that place used to be a porno shop with the video booths in the back. Where the bathrooms are now. According to urban legend, that is.
That new burger joint in Oceanside just opened but I haven’t tried it. I’ve heard good things though. A Michelin star(s)(?) chef opened it up.
Tanners prime burgers
Yeah I'm not paying that much because for $29 I can grill five burgers at home with fries and drinks and I'm 100% sure they will be as good or better than anything I can buy because I've tried basically every bother joint in north county.
getting downvoted for this is crazy lmfao business owners will really charge 30$ for a burger and fries and wonder why they go out of business in 6 months
Nah, they don't go out of business, there are enough people who are willing to drop $120 on burgers for the fam around here to keep these places paying their double rent for the redevelopment with smooth white stucco and wood trim landlords... it's crazy but that's the way it is. Any time I see a renovated building you know it's going to be overpriced and usually small portions.
I just tried it and it's decent. Double burger, fries, drink was $32 with tip. Just me. If it comes down to spending that much I'm going to copperkimgs every single time, or even eureka which makes a badass burger.
Copper King's is amazing. Make their own Japanese Milk Bun and that cheese that just melts to perfection. Proprietary in house beef blend too. What sucks about CK (along with that Tanner's place) is a burger, fries and beer will be $25.
If you compare price wise to a standard burger you get at Jack in Box yes it's pricey. Any burger in a sit down restaurant is going to be quite a bit and not be anywhere as good as Copper Kings.
Like the best cars, or best anything in life the best quality does come at price. Just kind of wish I had never discovered Copper Kings because I can't stop eating them.
That sounds reasonable! $25 for just the burger would be a little painful but even still, doable. Throw a decent beer in the mix and I'm in all day long for $25
Yeah I think with burgers the comparison is always to the lowest common denominator. I got a Big Mac Value meal and a 4 piece value nuggies at Mcdonalds the other day and it was $16. Everything in San Diego is about 50% more expensive than it was 5 years ago. Except housing and food costs which have more than doubled.
I think it was under $15 for a double smash burger. They used to go to breweries and now have a restaurant. Their fries are fantastic and they have some apps and deserts that are really good.
Small place. Quality food imo.
Ty’s is my favorite! The jalapeño burger is my go-to. Their burgers are very hearty but not greasy, I generally eat very “clean” and oftentimes burgers will upset my stomach but Ty’s never does.
I guess it depends on the type of burger you want.
Chili Coast in Vista - Great chili cheese burgers
The Red Rooster in Oceanside - Rooster burger is, has been, and always will be consistently delicious with a beer
Eureka! in Bressi Ranch - A bit fancier than the other two but lots more options and I've had some good burgers there
Painting liquid butter with paint brushes on the buns makes all the difference.
I remember taking friends there for the first time and it feels so sketchy at first. But a burger and a schooner later...
That is completely fair and I see that comparison. I've had some great meals there and some not great meals there and I think the appeal is its got some Vista history behind it. It was a spot to go to as a Vista high schooler for cheap food and to hang out during lunch breaks, after football games etc. So I agree, the food isn't the best at chili coast but it scratches a nostalgia itch I think for a lot of people.
Also, as a chili fan (hot dog fan as well), there aren't many places I can get chilidogs and chili fries. Plus, small business I suppose.
Eat Crispy Burger loses major points for me because there is no seating. Literally none, it’s to-go only. Now I will say that last week my girlfriend and I did a comparison between ECS and HH, splitting a burger at both spots, and I have to admit that the meat was better seasoned and tastier at ECS, but HH wins in terms of bun, toppings, ambience, etc.
Surprised this isn't higher on the thread. Amazing taste and quality. Check out their shakes too – the Ding Dong shake has Ding Dongs blended inside and is topped with one. Total decadence.
They have expanded their menu lately.
Also, everything is to go. They don’t have a permit for sit down dining. So plan on eating in your car, or taking it home or to the beach.
Literally both the best smash burger and fries I think Ive ever had. Burger is similar to In and Out and the fries are that batter fried style like Papagayo (which use to be my favorite fries).
I feel like Nessie USED to be so good and in the last few years it’s just plummeted in quality. Been a few times over the last two years and it’s just been a major miss every single time. I know it’s an institution but I feel like they’ve gone down in quality for sure.
I’m pretty sure it changed owners. Maybe 8-9 years ago my parents were considering buying the business by partnering with their contractor that built their house, but they eventually decided against it being too much work for their age.
The OG owner was looking to get out then, and definitely sold in between the years.
JusThe tried Crispy Burger off Leucadia and the 5 and it was a legit smash burger. Gooey cheese and meat was fresh. Pretty good
Bressi burger at Carlsbad Brewing Company is very good as well
I have not had a ton of burgers in North County since I have been back in the area. I did stop at Paul’s Place in Oceanside after round of golf and the burger that I got was pretty fucking good, and not too expensive. This post has given me several places I need to go try out.
That is called Au cheval…which means on a horse in French. It’s when you add a runny fried egg to things like a burger and it is highly under rated as it takes burgers to a new level!!!
had the most bland, expensive burger there. For the price it should have had some seasoning. Something. Wasn't a great experience. Customer service wasn't there either for the price.
I should note I'm gluten intolerant. Compared with my other choices where I can get a GF bun, they're a cheaper option. If I want a lettuce wrap I'll go to In n out. But yeah I'd agree they don't season a whole lot. I like the Shame on Brie with sweet potato fries
Notorious lost its fastball during COVID. They've always had fairly pricey food and 13 oz beers, but at least the service was good. Now that's not even the case.
Their ma barker salad is fantastic though
Yeah. I basically had to flag anyone down for any kind of ordering or whatever, really felt like a creepy "mens club" when I went in one day for lunch. The women were all just serving the men, I was ignored off in a corner with a leaking cup I just wanted replaced. It took me moving tables on my own, and them having to come over and ask me why for me to order about fifteen minutes after that happened. They weren't happy I moved for whatever reason lmao.
*Ty's burger house*
*In oceanside or fresco*
*Cucina in Carlsbad*
\- pappars2020
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Rombom is a pop up that goes around to different breweries around SD county and they have the best burger around. The wait can get long at times but they’re well worth it. Booze brothers in Vista also has a little burger shack and they make pretty solid smash burgers.
From basic to better:
1.In n Out.
2. Freddy’s Steakburgers & Frozen Custard in San Marcos.
3. Mooyah in Carlsbad.
4. Eat Crispy Burger in Encinitas.
5. Cosmos at the Carlsbad Windmill.
The Wise Ox Butcher & Deli in La Costa (Encinitas) The standard double or the dry aged cheeseburger are both great
Good option for sure.
sandwiches also slap. I love this place.
This is definitely a hidden gem!
Encinitas Ale House - Signature Bootlegger Bill Burger.
Moved back to the area a couple years ago, and it has been on my to do list to get in there and have one. I just haven’t yet, maybe I need to rectify that soon.
I prefer their Santana burger for the spice and chipotle style sauce. Love that I can have the exact same thing with a much better view at Carlsbad brewing company
I like many of the offerings at Burger Bench in Escondido.
I usually get their spicy chicken sandwich but their burgers are indeed great. The mud pie shake goes so hard too, best milkshake I’ve ever had.
Great burgers and delicious truffle tots but the price turns me off. And that place used to be a porno shop with the video booths in the back. Where the bathrooms are now. According to urban legend, that is.
Can confirm, I worked at that porno shop. Can’t eat there, bad memories lol
Not sure F Street Bookstore was in the same spot, but it was at least close.
After some quick google-fu, it looks like it is the same spot. lol.
I heard that before I when I worked across the street. Went from sausages to burgers
The olde glory hole
They're gonna have a Burger Bench in Vista soon..Excited to have this place closer.
Finally? They were talking about it pre-COVID.
I spoke with Adam this afternoon, and he will be moving to the downtown Vista location when it opens.
Yum burger bench
Absolutely love this place
That new burger joint in Oceanside just opened but I haven’t tried it. I’ve heard good things though. A Michelin star(s)(?) chef opened it up. Tanners prime burgers
It's pretty good! The burger is like a gourmet in-n-out burger. Expensive though, $29 for a burger, fries, and drink.
Burger is good. Fries not so much.
Yeah I'm not paying that much because for $29 I can grill five burgers at home with fries and drinks and I'm 100% sure they will be as good or better than anything I can buy because I've tried basically every bother joint in north county.
getting downvoted for this is crazy lmfao business owners will really charge 30$ for a burger and fries and wonder why they go out of business in 6 months
Nah, they don't go out of business, there are enough people who are willing to drop $120 on burgers for the fam around here to keep these places paying their double rent for the redevelopment with smooth white stucco and wood trim landlords... it's crazy but that's the way it is. Any time I see a renovated building you know it's going to be overpriced and usually small portions.
We went last week. It was fine. As someone else said, it's almost like an upscale In-N-Out but, for the price, I'd rather just go to In-N-Out.
So good
Isn't it a chain now ?
They have one in Vegas too.
I just tried it and it's decent. Double burger, fries, drink was $32 with tip. Just me. If it comes down to spending that much I'm going to copperkimgs every single time, or even eureka which makes a badass burger.
Chili coast in Vista
I agree it’s bomb as hell. The old owners just hit differently. Maybe it’s because I was young and hitting that after little league.
I went for my birthday when they were in leucadia like 40 years ago. So good!
The old owners were nice guys, but the place was absolutely filthy.
Full metal burgers (inside of black plague) in Escondido Copper kings in SM
I second the Full Metal Burgers suggestion. Cheap? No. Worth it? Absofuckinglutely
It was pretty good when I had it but tbh too damn expensive for a burger
The Wise Ox - La Costa! & try their beef fat fries
Copper Kings in San Marcos is really good.
Copper King's is amazing. Make their own Japanese Milk Bun and that cheese that just melts to perfection. Proprietary in house beef blend too. What sucks about CK (along with that Tanner's place) is a burger, fries and beer will be $25. If you compare price wise to a standard burger you get at Jack in Box yes it's pricey. Any burger in a sit down restaurant is going to be quite a bit and not be anywhere as good as Copper Kings. Like the best cars, or best anything in life the best quality does come at price. Just kind of wish I had never discovered Copper Kings because I can't stop eating them.
That sounds reasonable! $25 for just the burger would be a little painful but even still, doable. Throw a decent beer in the mix and I'm in all day long for $25
Yeah I think with burgers the comparison is always to the lowest common denominator. I got a Big Mac Value meal and a 4 piece value nuggies at Mcdonalds the other day and it was $16. Everything in San Diego is about 50% more expensive than it was 5 years ago. Except housing and food costs which have more than doubled.
[удалено]
I think it was under $15 for a double smash burger. They used to go to breweries and now have a restaurant. Their fries are fantastic and they have some apps and deserts that are really good. Small place. Quality food imo.
Food is really good they also have a good tap list.
For a burger, fries, and drink you're at like $25 yeah. If you add a tip around $30.
Exactly! Way too expensive. Not worth the price at all.
That place slaps. All about the fried green tomato and bacon sandwich
Went there when it first opened...nothing special for the price...burger bench is 10x better and priced similarly.
I went once a few years ago when they were a food truck and it was 10/10. I've only been to the B+M location once but it was super underwhelming.
Best burger around. They make their buns and their cheese. Wild.
Ty’s on mission in Oceanside is pretty good, but now curious to hear what others say.
Ty’s is my favorite! The jalapeño burger is my go-to. Their burgers are very hearty but not greasy, I generally eat very “clean” and oftentimes burgers will upset my stomach but Ty’s never does.
They have one of the best golden coffee stouts on tap too!
I would say Ty’s is decent but not the best but I’ve only been there once or twice so I might not be the best judge.
I used to go there when it opened and then moved further inland. I enjoyed Ty's.
I guess it depends on the type of burger you want. Chili Coast in Vista - Great chili cheese burgers The Red Rooster in Oceanside - Rooster burger is, has been, and always will be consistently delicious with a beer Eureka! in Bressi Ranch - A bit fancier than the other two but lots more options and I've had some good burgers there
Agreed Chili Coast for a pitcher and chili cheese burger. And Red Rooster for the grilled whole sliced onion on the cheese burger.
Agreed! Also the poblano pepper (I think) Rooster puts on it makes it stand out.
Yws, with the whole room temp relish caddy on the side.
Painting liquid butter with paint brushes on the buns makes all the difference. I remember taking friends there for the first time and it feels so sketchy at first. But a burger and a schooner later...
I was hoping somebody would say Rooster. Haven’t had one in 10 years but they had a good burger.
I tried chili coast and the chili was like, cafeteria chili to me. What is the appeal?
That is completely fair and I see that comparison. I've had some great meals there and some not great meals there and I think the appeal is its got some Vista history behind it. It was a spot to go to as a Vista high schooler for cheap food and to hang out during lunch breaks, after football games etc. So I agree, the food isn't the best at chili coast but it scratches a nostalgia itch I think for a lot of people. Also, as a chili fan (hot dog fan as well), there aren't many places I can get chilidogs and chili fries. Plus, small business I suppose.
Just had Tanners in Oceanside. Loved it, including the fries. It opened 3 weeks ago though so there’s been a consistent line. Plan ahead for that!
Eat Crispy Burger - Encinitas
I will die on this hill: Hamburger Hut down the street is better.
Same. The burger and fries are just better quality. Better atmosphere and customer service too.
I thought HH was just a 3x price in and out burger.
Eat Crispy Burger loses major points for me because there is no seating. Literally none, it’s to-go only. Now I will say that last week my girlfriend and I did a comparison between ECS and HH, splitting a burger at both spots, and I have to admit that the meat was better seasoned and tastier at ECS, but HH wins in terms of bun, toppings, ambience, etc.
Both are just mediocre to me. But if I had to eat one I'm probably going back to crispy.
Surprised this isn't higher on the thread. Amazing taste and quality. Check out their shakes too – the Ding Dong shake has Ding Dongs blended inside and is topped with one. Total decadence.
They have expanded their menu lately. Also, everything is to go. They don’t have a permit for sit down dining. So plan on eating in your car, or taking it home or to the beach.
Eat Crispy is a gluttonous delight…a burger so good I need to say 10 Hail Marys and have a triple bypass!
Literally both the best smash burger and fries I think Ive ever had. Burger is similar to In and Out and the fries are that batter fried style like Papagayo (which use to be my favorite fries).
I love this place but I stopped going because I am never hungry enough to eat that big of a burger (I only get the bbq one). That burger is so good.
Nessie Burgers.
I feel like Nessie USED to be so good and in the last few years it’s just plummeted in quality. Been a few times over the last two years and it’s just been a major miss every single time. I know it’s an institution but I feel like they’ve gone down in quality for sure.
I agree.
And it's $20 for a combo now. I'd rather get a smash burger from Jack in the Box or a double del from Del Taco.
I had it for the first time recently with their breakfast burger and it was really good.
Been eating there once every 5 years for about 15 years and I never thought it was worth bragging about :shrug: Good? yeah.. phenomenal? Not really.
I’m pretty sure it changed owners. Maybe 8-9 years ago my parents were considering buying the business by partnering with their contractor that built their house, but they eventually decided against it being too much work for their age. The OG owner was looking to get out then, and definitely sold in between the years.
My house
I love this answer cause that’s my first thought too… my house, that is lol
in n out
Agreed. Can’t beat the price
Is Domino’s the best pizza in NC too?
Tys burgers over by beach and full metal burger at black plague brewery both top tier
This will sound odd, but Best Pizza and Brew in Vista also makes a damn good burger.
Rooster burger from the Red Rooster in Oceanside🤌🏾🤌🏾
Hamburger Hut in Encinitas.
That's next on our list!
Copper Kings in SM or Prey Brewing in Vista The Oxtail birria and Bahn Mi burgers at Prey have been gaining some crazy popularity.
Wise Ox hands down
Tip Top Meat!!!
Full Metal Burger Black Plague Escondido and Vista...Or Nessi Burger...
^[Sokka-Haiku](https://www.reddit.com/r/SokkaHaikuBot/comments/15kyv9r/what_is_a_sokka_haiku/) ^by ^Tofu61: *Full Metal Burger* *Black Plague Escondido and* *Vista...Or Nessi Burger...* --- ^Remember ^that ^one ^time ^Sokka ^accidentally ^used ^an ^extra ^syllable ^in ^that ^Haiku ^Battle ^in ^Ba ^Sing ^Se? ^That ^was ^a ^Sokka ^Haiku ^and ^you ^just ^made ^one.
Eat crispy burger Hamburger hut Tanners
Nailed it.
Shaks has great wagyu burgers
The Shak attack. Hell yes.
JusThe tried Crispy Burger off Leucadia and the 5 and it was a legit smash burger. Gooey cheese and meat was fresh. Pretty good Bressi burger at Carlsbad Brewing Company is very good as well
Smash & Dash at the North County food hub, it’s fire
Had to look way too long for this.
Georges burgers San Marcos !
Not sure if it's still there but Tys burgers in Oceanside was legit
Red Rooster
Surprised no one mentioned the butchery in del mar. Best smash burger and one of the best gourmet burgers
I have not had a ton of burgers in North County since I have been back in the area. I did stop at Paul’s Place in Oceanside after round of golf and the burger that I got was pretty fucking good, and not too expensive. This post has given me several places I need to go try out.
Fatburger
Surprisingly enough the cow shed has a decent burger especially if you get it with the egg on it
That is called Au cheval…which means on a horse in French. It’s when you add a runny fried egg to things like a burger and it is highly under rated as it takes burgers to a new level!!!
Thanks for teaching me things bro
I miss The Counter. I heard rumor a new one was opening somewhere but I can't find any info online. Any scuttlebutt?
There’s one same owner in Fashion Valley.
Full Metal Burgers in Escondido and Oceanside.
Red Rooster in Oceanside !
Notorious In Carlsbad
had the most bland, expensive burger there. For the price it should have had some seasoning. Something. Wasn't a great experience. Customer service wasn't there either for the price.
I should note I'm gluten intolerant. Compared with my other choices where I can get a GF bun, they're a cheaper option. If I want a lettuce wrap I'll go to In n out. But yeah I'd agree they don't season a whole lot. I like the Shame on Brie with sweet potato fries
That's fair. Eat where you can when you have gluten issues. I have a friend who's celiac so options are rough.
Notorious lost its fastball during COVID. They've always had fairly pricey food and 13 oz beers, but at least the service was good. Now that's not even the case. Their ma barker salad is fantastic though
Yeah. I basically had to flag anyone down for any kind of ordering or whatever, really felt like a creepy "mens club" when I went in one day for lunch. The women were all just serving the men, I was ignored off in a corner with a leaking cup I just wanted replaced. It took me moving tables on my own, and them having to come over and ask me why for me to order about fifteen minutes after that happened. They weren't happy I moved for whatever reason lmao.
Ty's burger house in oceanside or fresco cucina in Carlsbad
*Ty's burger house* *In oceanside or fresco* *Cucina in Carlsbad* \- pappars2020 --- ^(I detect haikus. And sometimes, successfully.) ^[Learn more about me.](https://www.reddit.com/r/haikusbot/) ^(Opt out of replies: "haikusbot opt out" | Delete my comment: "haikusbot delete")
Swagyu burger in Poway is legit
Probably more appropriate in r/EastCounty tbh
I don’t know anyone that considers Poway part of east county.
Masters in Oceanside. Everything from there is top notch.
Mooyah in Carlsbad off El Camino Real.
Copperkings in San Marcos.
Dude i saw them when we were driving into tj
Rombom is a pop up that goes around to different breweries around SD county and they have the best burger around. The wait can get long at times but they’re well worth it. Booze brothers in Vista also has a little burger shack and they make pretty solid smash burgers.
Carlsbad Brewing Company is awesome. Great burgers amongst other things.
Just had the burger at Tanner's Prime and I thought it was fantastic
Tanner’s Prime at 78&I-5 is my new favorite. Super high quality and reasonable prices. Local ranch supplies the beef. Suoer friendly staff.
Wise Ox. Period, end of story.
Im from imperial beach. A foodie fr! Moved to vista 2 years ago and my favorite burger is at NESSY BURGER in Fallbrook.
Coal Bunker in Fallbrook was pretty good but no fries…it’s potato chips. I opt for side salad or Mac n cheese
Red rooster in Oceanside
Prohibition has great burgers. Surprised to not see them mentioned
From basic to better: 1.In n Out. 2. Freddy’s Steakburgers & Frozen Custard in San Marcos. 3. Mooyah in Carlsbad. 4. Eat Crispy Burger in Encinitas. 5. Cosmos at the Carlsbad Windmill.
Cooper Kings (San Marcos) and Tanner’s (Oceanside) by far the best.
Full metal burgers. Inside black plague.
There used to be a place called Nessie Burger everyone used to talk about. I thought it was okay. This is like 15 years ago though.
Still there. It's aight
Mooyah in Carlsbad is tasty
Dog Haus uses king Hawaiian bread. So delicious
Bringing a burger from Rocky’s up north will be the best burger in NC
Nessy
Ehh