Close your eyes and imagine a quintessential local burger spot — the kind of place you’d bring someone from out of town to try. Okay, we know many of you were picturing In-N-Out — the most beloved burger franchise on the Best Coast. But if you don’t want to wait in line for 45 minutes to get some animal fries, why not try these five local hidden gems?
The kimchi burger at Konjoe Burger Bar. | Photo via @erikaeatss_
🍔 Best craft burger
Konjoe Burger Bar | 949 Ruff Dr.
Expect top-tier artisanal ingredients like grass-fed beef, Sonoma Brinery pickles, Sir Kensington ketchup, and truffle fries. Check out their steamed buns, kimchi burgers + chicken sandwiches for more fusion flavors.
🍔 Best burger protein
Sliders Burgers | 1645 W. San Carlos St.
Don’t be fooled by the name — these burgers come full-sized. And you’ll appreciate the surprising range of proteins that Sliders offers, including wild boar, bison, elk + ostrich.
Caramelized + crispy onions in a Super Smash Burger. | Photo via @letssitdownandeat
🍔 Best bar burger
Super Smash Burgers | Locations vary
Catch this weekly pop-up on Thursdays at Narrative Fermentations to try their spin on an LA-style burger — smashed patties mixed with caramelized onions, pickles, and special sauce on a pillowy bun.
If you’re going to eat a burger, why not make it Wagyu? | Photo by Eugene Marchuk, courtesy of LB Steak
🍔 Best burger to impress
LB Steak | 334 Santana Row, #1000
Are we suggesting you go to a steakhouse for a simple burger? No. We’re suggesting you go to their steakhouse for an amazing burger. Their can’t-miss Wagyu burger features a smoked onion marmalade + foraged mushrooms.
🍔 Best big burger
Kirk’s Steakburgers | 2388 S Bascom Ave., Campbell
Since the 1940s, Kirk’s has been known for its huge ½ lb and double ⅓ lb patties — all cooked on an indoor BBQ pit using a secret, family recipe. Get your grub on with the steak sandwich, onion rings, and smokey “grillsauce.”
Did we miss your favorite burger joint? Let us know.
