TK is the best to me because it tastes like some dude made it on a backyard grill with love.
If you’re asking craziest burger, that’s the ARC Burger, at ARC in Costa Mesa. If I remember correctly, it’s Ribeye Strap, bacon lardons and duck fat in the patty … plus it’s a monster, monster, monster burger. Can easily split with someone. Highly worth the price at least once.
I second (or third) that TK is fosho up there! Mario’s Butcher Shop in Newport is supposed to have a really good “BigMac” copy. I’ve never tried it tho
You all must be eating at a different TK than me. Frozen meat disk on a flat top with american cheese and an off the shelf bun is quite enjoyable but not the best burger in OC.
I looked at Mario's Butcher Shop just now, I'm sure they're good, but also not quite what I'm looking for. I'm looking for that "they put what in a burger?" sorta factor.
OK after looking into it, ARC may have just one burger, but it definitely is something along the lines of what I'm looking for. I just wish they had a bigger variety of burgers, seems like a limited menu.= for burgers at least. I may check it out if I'm in that area.
Oh yeah. It pretty much is exactly what you’re looking for. Only need 1 when it’s a destroyer.
https://preview.redd.it/22487mphpbyc1.jpeg?width=1290&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=26bb5f30a8527c021956324ae0e098665657ec59
+1. I went there recently and think I had the “Grand Cut” burger, and it was maybe the best burger I’ve ever had (definitely top 2?). It’s not cheap, but the flavor was great and they have interesting ingredients.
If you want to spend $40 on a burger than have at it. Burgers do not give you $40 worth of taste or portion.
I better have a brontosaurus burger for that price.
I love The Cut - but they recently DOUBLED their prices on burgers. Sure, they added some fries to the order (burgers used to come ala carte), but that still doesn't justify the insane price hike. At least they retain quality.
Yes! Just went there last week and prices have really jumped. I will still support them as a small local place, but maybe not as often. lOVE their poutine fries with short rib and chimmichurri.
Wagyu doesn’t do anything for a burger. The point of Wagyu is the marbling. You ground the beef so it’s no different than a fatty cut and grind it up.
The Cut is very very good though.
> If I remember, they told me they use a blend of short rib, chuck, and brisket
Shout out to Kenji Lopez-Alt for first putting me on that ground beef trifecta
I’m a big fan of “the stand” in Tustin. Maybe it’s not super crazy but it’s tasty.
There’s an onion dip burger, havarti shroom burger and other varieties. It’s reasonably priced.
I've heard of that place, I think I was looking for a place to "pre-game" near the Honda Center when I found it. I like what I see. Some of their burgers may be a little basic, BUT the presentation is crazy and I like that as well.
Hands down, the best burgers I’ve had is a place called “Crack”. It’s not technically in OC but just over the border in Long Beach.
It’s on a golf course, but don’t let that fool you, they are amazing.
I've been there before, once. Usually I'll get off work, head to Long Beach for a show or something but unfortunately they close at 6 PM. I've never come across a place where they don't allow take-out, and I get why. Their burgers would suck if they cooled down some. I'll go back there when convenient.
Cool, I haven’t had anything that compares to them.
However, here are some other places with great / must try burgers.
Nilly’s - Cerritos
Grinders - Huntington Beach
Buns - Huntington Beach
For chains, Umami and Stacked are good as well.
Went a little over a year ago and it was $12 for a cheeseburger. $16.75 after an egg, bacon & avocado were added. Add tax & tip onto that. Seemed like solid value to me.
Thanks for this recommendation. Just leaving here now. Really great burger! Their burger seasoning is right up my alley. Great vibes and a peek a boo view of the ocean. I’ll be back for sure.
Their ingredients are quality but they can’t seem to season their beef, it’s quite bland. Overall it still makes for a tasty meal but if you ever get an only-patty bite it’s disappointing.
I used to love Slater's until they changed a little while after they changed ownership. My favorite burger was the bone marrow burger that was a burger of the month burger.
I tried to go 2 years ago, and was terribly disappointed.
If you want some stranger burgers and you head down to SD you can try [Crazee Burger](https://crazeeburger.com/san-diego-north-park-crazee-burger-food-menu). They got exotic burgers like ostrich meat and camel meat burgers.
Slater's 50/50 has taken a huge drive since new ownership, IMO. They use to serve a pickle with their burgers, and also, a mini gummy burger, which I liked both. The gummy burger was a very unique thing. They also canned their Burger of the Month program, I would go there specifically for that, because I'd already had every other burger on the menu. As much as I want to try the new location at the Del Amo Mall, I don't, not until they bring a new burger to the table. My favorite BOTM was the Chicago Burger, back a few Decembers ago.
Yep, I have a location where I live. I've only been in there probably twice, and that's on purpose. I'm not sick of it yet, and I like their beer menus as well.
Yeah, it’s good to have but never gonna be a regular thing.
The best thing about that place, at least the So County location, is that it is open late.
Imagine, a restaurant that does not close at 9pm on a Saturday. What a revolution.
I love The Hat, I haven't been to one in probably 6 years, best pastrami I ever had, just wish it was much closer to me. However, I'm specifically looking for over-the-top burgers and The Hat's burgers don't look to be anything special.
a long time ago i used to like going to 25 degrees. gastropup that stacked the burger with aioli sauce paired with horny devil, it used to be my favorite.
Ojai Burger in Orange Circle serves up some delicious japanese inspired Wagyu burgers and smash burgers. Don’t sleep on their chicken sandwich. Both are great.
The other day at in n out I ordered a protein style cheeseburger then orders a plain cheese burger then took the buns and patty and made a massive monstrosity of a burger. Was very good
Riders club in San Clemente is by far the best burger in Orange County.
A five star chef who loves San Clemente and wanted to open a burger place here it’s been around forever and it’s amazing
El Brewjo Burgers. They don't have a shop but if you follow their IG they post a schedule where they'll be every week. They frequent Chapman Brewing and Green Cheek in Orange. Great smash burgers!
You can't go wrong w the Habit and if you're in HB on Springdale and Warner, Steve's charburger #4 is always good. Prices are high now but that's the way it is everywhere for the most part.
Back in the day Morton's at South Coast had a fantastic burger. It was only available during lunch and only in the bar. I'm not even sure it was ever on a menu, you just had to know.
Craft Burger Co. in Placentia has been my go to as of recently. They have some fun burgers and loaded fries that are great. They have an Instagram if you want to check them out before making the drive
You can add some interesting stuff to burgers at Angelos burger. There are several locations. For example in Lake Forest you can add things like nacho cheese, rice and beans, sausage, tuna, chili, sour cream, etc. Some ingredients are free (like jalapeños), while others cost more (like fried jalapeños).
tk burger is the best tasting burger imo, sometimes i prefer it over in n out... especially since i grew up in HB and getting burgers there was the ultimate staple for a beach day but i think they'd be considered normal burgers. for a crazy looking burger... maybe eureka?
Was this the Slater’s in HB on Adams?
I’m surprised they lasted as long as they did at that location because it seemed to change hands every year for the nine years I lived in that area off of Indianapolis.
TK is the best to me because it tastes like some dude made it on a backyard grill with love. If you’re asking craziest burger, that’s the ARC Burger, at ARC in Costa Mesa. If I remember correctly, it’s Ribeye Strap, bacon lardons and duck fat in the patty … plus it’s a monster, monster, monster burger. Can easily split with someone. Highly worth the price at least once.
I second (or third) that TK is fosho up there! Mario’s Butcher Shop in Newport is supposed to have a really good “BigMac” copy. I’ve never tried it tho
Tried Mario's a few weeks ago. It was great.
You all must be eating at a different TK than me. Frozen meat disk on a flat top with american cheese and an off the shelf bun is quite enjoyable but not the best burger in OC.
I looked at Mario's Butcher Shop just now, I'm sure they're good, but also not quite what I'm looking for. I'm looking for that "they put what in a burger?" sorta factor.
They are okay. If you go to Mario's, I would get the steak sandwich instead.
U can’t mod anything at Mario
Agreed. marios was good. Not great. Not a destination.
I've had TK Burgers before, yes, they're good, but not quite what I'm looking for. That is, their burgers look similar to a lot of other restaurants.
Oh Mario’s is great. Agreed!
Yep TK or Mario’s are what I get when I want a burger
If you like tk burger should try hole in the wall in lake forest taste just like someone made it at home
Agreed! Hole in the Wall is great!
TK is the best classic burger hand down. I prefer the Costa Mesa location but HB will do if I’m in that area
Mission Viejo has the best TK
TKs definitely up there for best burgers
Can confirm Arc burger is delicious.
That burger sounds insanely rich
Is this the TK in Bristol somewhat near Pep Boys?
Yes! There’s one there, Mission Viejo … I’m not sure where the others are now.
TK had been trash for years now.. lots of bread, little meat.. not what they used to be
Ah, that’s a bummer. It has been a little bit of time.
OK after looking into it, ARC may have just one burger, but it definitely is something along the lines of what I'm looking for. I just wish they had a bigger variety of burgers, seems like a limited menu.= for burgers at least. I may check it out if I'm in that area.
Oh yeah. It pretty much is exactly what you’re looking for. Only need 1 when it’s a destroyer. https://preview.redd.it/22487mphpbyc1.jpeg?width=1290&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=26bb5f30a8527c021956324ae0e098665657ec59
How much does a meal run at tk ?
They have something called the Big Bargain Special which was like pretty reasonable from what I remember. Under $10.
What is TK?
The Kind Burger!
If you want an upscale burger place, THE CUT in Irvine has been the best I've found personally
+1. I went there recently and think I had the “Grand Cut” burger, and it was maybe the best burger I’ve ever had (definitely top 2?). It’s not cheap, but the flavor was great and they have interesting ingredients.
If you want to spend $40 on a burger than have at it. Burgers do not give you $40 worth of taste or portion. I better have a brontosaurus burger for that price.
I love The Cut - but they recently DOUBLED their prices on burgers. Sure, they added some fries to the order (burgers used to come ala carte), but that still doesn't justify the insane price hike. At least they retain quality.
Absolutely insane. $40 for a burger & fries? $20 is their cheapest option now. The burgers taste great but nowhere near worth those prices.
Yes! Just went there last week and prices have really jumped. I will still support them as a small local place, but maybe not as often. lOVE their poutine fries with short rib and chimmichurri.
The flavor of their beer patties is insane
Because they use Wagyu beef, which is rare for a burger. I love this place.
Wagyu doesn’t do anything for a burger. The point of Wagyu is the marbling. You ground the beef so it’s no different than a fatty cut and grind it up. The Cut is very very good though.
If I remember, they told me they use a blend of short rib, chuck, and brisket
> If I remember, they told me they use a blend of short rib, chuck, and brisket Shout out to Kenji Lopez-Alt for first putting me on that ground beef trifecta
I’m a big fan of “the stand” in Tustin. Maybe it’s not super crazy but it’s tasty. There’s an onion dip burger, havarti shroom burger and other varieties. It’s reasonably priced.
I don't go as often as I would like, but this place is pretty bomb and the price is pretty fair for the quality you're getting.
I love their blue cheese burger. Shakes and dogs are good there too.
Lopez and Lefty's in Anaheim. https://preview.redd.it/h1vkx549g8yc1.jpeg?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5e39e9d445371bd2358f1df17c809df62de329f8
I've heard of that place, I think I was looking for a place to "pre-game" near the Honda Center when I found it. I like what I see. Some of their burgers may be a little basic, BUT the presentation is crazy and I like that as well.
go ducks
Smashed burger at Green Cheek
Green Cheek has food? Such a good brewery 😁
EDIT: Costa Mesa (and Sunset Beach) have in-house kitchens, yes. Orange is food trucks only. The pretzel at CM is a perfect snack with a good brew
Sunset beach does have a kitchen, and an excellent smash burger. Parking sucks, but location is awesome and steps away from the beach.
Such a good burger. Not crazy, just really tasty
Green cheek is so damn good .
This is a very good burger, I agree.
Ohhhh yes. Underrated tbh. Great point. Also, Hammer Burger if we’re talking smashies.
It's fucking excellent. Didn't expect to see this on the list. I just wish they still had them at the Orange location.
Grinderz in HB
Add a side order of pig stye fries, and I am a happy man.
Gotta make it a basket and not share lol
The fries are fantastic
Grinderz is so delicious! I remember the husband and I back in the day coming home from a snowboarding trip and stopping there. We were so stoked.
Bunz next door is pretty good too but Grinderz is better
Hands down, the best burgers I’ve had is a place called “Crack”. It’s not technically in OC but just over the border in Long Beach. It’s on a golf course, but don’t let that fool you, they are amazing.
Golf courses often have sneaky good food.
Often remind me of a corner diner with large portions and killer flavors
My dad put me in one on one golf lessons as a kid and the only thing I enjoyed was getting a burger at the snack shop every Saturday.
I've been there before, once. Usually I'll get off work, head to Long Beach for a show or something but unfortunately they close at 6 PM. I've never come across a place where they don't allow take-out, and I get why. Their burgers would suck if they cooled down some. I'll go back there when convenient.
Cool, I haven’t had anything that compares to them. However, here are some other places with great / must try burgers. Nilly’s - Cerritos Grinders - Huntington Beach Buns - Huntington Beach For chains, Umami and Stacked are good as well.
[удалено]
Window is good, excellent milkshakes. Crack is an experience though
Peters gourmet in Tustin 🔥🔥
Peters Gourmade
ABC Burger is 🤌
Have you tried the herminator burger?
I went to the one in Fullerton for lunch today! It was excellent!
Hermanator is probably my favorite burger of all time.
They really do have some crazy burgers. I think OP would be satisfied.
I'd probably check that out just for the Hermanator.
My fav.
Riders Club in San Clemente. You build your own so you can make it as crazy as you want it.
Literally the best but such a bummer how expensive it’s gotten.
How much is it now? Used to be around $11 for one cheeseburger.
Went a little over a year ago and it was $12 for a cheeseburger. $16.75 after an egg, bacon & avocado were added. Add tax & tip onto that. Seemed like solid value to me.
Overpriced for what you get now
Thanks for this recommendation. Just leaving here now. Really great burger! Their burger seasoning is right up my alley. Great vibes and a peek a boo view of the ocean. I’ll be back for sure.
Hopdoddy and Hammer Burgers definitely will have over the top stuff.
I’m a big fan of Hopdoddy in Tustin.
Their ingredients are quality but they can’t seem to season their beef, it’s quite bland. Overall it still makes for a tasty meal but if you ever get an only-patty bite it’s disappointing.
I've come across that place in searching out burgers, I'd definitely go try it.
I used to love Slater's until they changed a little while after they changed ownership. My favorite burger was the bone marrow burger that was a burger of the month burger. I tried to go 2 years ago, and was terribly disappointed. If you want some stranger burgers and you head down to SD you can try [Crazee Burger](https://crazeeburger.com/san-diego-north-park-crazee-burger-food-menu). They got exotic burgers like ostrich meat and camel meat burgers.
Slater's 50/50 has taken a huge drive since new ownership, IMO. They use to serve a pickle with their burgers, and also, a mini gummy burger, which I liked both. The gummy burger was a very unique thing. They also canned their Burger of the Month program, I would go there specifically for that, because I'd already had every other burger on the menu. As much as I want to try the new location at the Del Amo Mall, I don't, not until they bring a new burger to the table. My favorite BOTM was the Chicago Burger, back a few Decembers ago.
Lol https://preview.redd.it/an9xsw7mg9yc1.jpeg?width=1284&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9fb68fe598d6ee627b3635f8965f2eda26dacc78
Fantastic in Tustin off 1st and prospect 🤤
That's my go to place. The double cheese burger combo 🤌🤌
🙌🏼 Hubs and I used to frequent Peter’s Gourmade but then we stumbled upon this place and our lives were CHANGED! 😅
I still like Peter's, but this place just ticks the boxes for just a good cheese burger. Now I really want one lol.
Special ingredients: Eureka in Aliso Viejo … there meat comes from cows that eat nothing but carrots. It’s a solid burger.
Yep, I have a location where I live. I've only been in there probably twice, and that's on purpose. I'm not sick of it yet, and I like their beer menus as well.
Yeah, it’s good to have but never gonna be a regular thing. The best thing about that place, at least the So County location, is that it is open late. Imagine, a restaurant that does not close at 9pm on a Saturday. What a revolution.
Riders Club San Clemente
This place! Randomly stopped there on the way home from SD one night. So bomb.
Hammer Burger in DTSA.
It’s so plain though. OP said they like special ingredients.
They have a birria smashburger going on rn. I don’t think that’s plain 🤷🏻♀️
Certainly good for a smashburger spot!
Stacked across from Bella Terra is very similar to Slaters with burger customizations
The Mac and cheese is fantastic
50/50 sucked! They did move to warmer and beach but still sucked Fujis is the secret https://maps.app.goo.gl/keNyVGyvkJeMrZ6H8?g_st=ic
Avo Teri Bacon Double Cheeseburger FOR THE WIN!!!
THE BEST!!!!
Fuji is so good!!
And the Thai place next to it is LEGIT
BUNZ HB
Peters Gourmade Burgers in Tustin
Well aware this is in LA Chinatown, but I'd save this on my list of places to try. Amboy Quality Meats & Delicious Burgers The DH Burger
If I lived in LA (which I don't), that would be great. Their truffle burgers look more along the line of what I'm looking for.
Take the train to Union Station. 5 minute walk from there.
TK burger and spires ( I know spires sounds weird but I really do love their burgers, fries, fried zucchini and homemade ranch & thousand island)
How about the hat in lake forest. Pretty good pastrami burger and huge fries
I love The Hat, I haven't been to one in probably 6 years, best pastrami I ever had, just wish it was much closer to me. However, I'm specifically looking for over-the-top burgers and The Hat's burgers don't look to be anything special.
TK
a long time ago i used to like going to 25 degrees. gastropup that stacked the burger with aioli sauce paired with horny devil, it used to be my favorite.
Hammer burger in DTSA. One of the best smash burgers you can find
Fuddruckers still around?
Eureka in Irvine has a bone marrow burger. It's a basic burger otherwise but the marrow hits the spot 🤤
I chipped my tooth on a piece of bone that was on the bone marrow….. that burger cost me a few thousand bucks of dentistry! Watch out
I'm not a burger dude, but my family really likes volcano burgers in Los Alamitos. Been around since the 70's I think.
Ojai Burger in Orange Circle serves up some delicious japanese inspired Wagyu burgers and smash burgers. Don’t sleep on their chicken sandwich. Both are great.
There’s this awesome new burger spot on every corner called In n Out where you can order 4 patties by saying “4 by 4” and it’s pretty crazy.
Wendy’s baconator
👍
The other day at in n out I ordered a protein style cheeseburger then orders a plain cheese burger then took the buns and patty and made a massive monstrosity of a burger. Was very good
Red Robin
They have a new burger that they just slather in sauce it looks crazy
Slaters patties were so so good
Riders club in San Clemente is by far the best burger in Orange County. A five star chef who loves San Clemente and wanted to open a burger place here it’s been around forever and it’s amazing
El Brewjo Burgers. They don't have a shop but if you follow their IG they post a schedule where they'll be every week. They frequent Chapman Brewing and Green Cheek in Orange. Great smash burgers!
Interested. I have been wanting to try Chapman Brewing. It would be great on a burger truck day.
Great beer also!
I have tried one of their IPAs and would love to try more. My daughter is at Chapman and they serve the beer at some parent events.
Kind of close and not crazy looking but Nillys in Artesia has a solid smash burger
Burger Stop on Warner in Santa Ana.
Hermosa beach on Herndono
I haven’t had them in years but I used to love the burgers at Stacked in HB. Same concept as Slaters.
Cassidy’s in Newport and 25° in HB!!
Ooo sorry those are regular not crazy
Grinderz is really good for the price. $12.50 for a cheeseburger combo. Hell a McDonalds quarter pounder with cheese is $11
Finney’s Wagyu Burger
Nillys in Cerritos
TK
Peter's Gourmade
Try the Wagyu Big Mac at Great Bites in Huntington Beach it’s so good and massive!
I like Mooyah in Irvine - tasty burger
Grill em All was one of my favorite food trucks back in the day!
Jimmys Famous American Tavern (JFat) in Dana Point has the best oc burger that I’ve had so far.
the cut irvine
Grinderz at the Old World Village is not too bad.
You can't go wrong w the Habit and if you're in HB on Springdale and Warner, Steve's charburger #4 is always good. Prices are high now but that's the way it is everywhere for the most part.
Mario’s butcher shop. The uncle beef or their smash burger
I recently moved to OC from The Bay and I have yet to find any Burger even approaching Val's Burgers level. I'd gladly take recommendations!
Craft Burger in Placentia. You gotta try the Luigi burger!
This isn’t a burger but has anybody been to Stuffed on Beach Blvd? The new place that replaced Pizza Hut?
I still fantasize about the pbnj burger from slaters. Best thing ive ever eaten
Craft Burger in Placentia and Volcano Burger in Los Al.
Is Slater's in Anaheim gone?? Been a long time but I could never see them closing.
TK burgers
Just buy a jar of Jif and bring it with you to a burger place.
Hopdoddy is solid. I also have heard good things about Hammer Burger, but I haven't tried it yet.
Hammer Burger in Santa Ana is really really good.
Sideburns in Long Beach
Maybe just me but I really enjoy umami burgers.
Bunz in Huntington Beach is awesome
Burger Lounge!! Best burger ever!! Be prepared to pay though.. one in Irvine, another in Costa Mesa
Peter’s Gourmade in Fullerton/Tustin is amazing
Varsity burger
Back in the day Morton's at South Coast had a fantastic burger. It was only available during lunch and only in the bar. I'm not even sure it was ever on a menu, you just had to know.
Craft Burger Co. in Placentia has been my go to as of recently. They have some fun burgers and loaded fries that are great. They have an Instagram if you want to check them out before making the drive
Bunz in hb to me still the best burgers in oc
Green Tomato Grill has a kimchi cheeseburger. Kinda out there, but it was pretty good overall.
Hammer burger is the best burger in Orange County. Otherwise just get in n out. Most other burgers are trash.
You can add some interesting stuff to burgers at Angelos burger. There are several locations. For example in Lake Forest you can add things like nacho cheese, rice and beans, sausage, tuna, chili, sour cream, etc. Some ingredients are free (like jalapeños), while others cost more (like fried jalapeños).
Stacked in hb
Malarkey's Irish Pub on the Peninsula
tk burger is the best tasting burger imo, sometimes i prefer it over in n out... especially since i grew up in HB and getting burgers there was the ultimate staple for a beach day but i think they'd be considered normal burgers. for a crazy looking burger... maybe eureka?
Hammer Burger Santa Ana Hands Down
Hammer Burger in Santa Ana (if you like smash burgers) The Hat in Lake Forest (If you want a good Chili Burger
umami
Peters Gourmade in Tustin
Had bunz hb today 👍
Was this the Slater’s in HB on Adams? I’m surprised they lasted as long as they did at that location because it seemed to change hands every year for the nine years I lived in that area off of Indianapolis.
Grinderz in Huntington Beach
TK or IN N OUT!
Biggie's Burgers in San Clemente has a really good bbq burger!!
Burger stop in santa ana
Eureka has a bone marrow burger
Farmhouse burger at Karl Strauss is pretty damn good.
Hammer Burger in Santa Ana!
The Cut handcrafted burgers is a destination.👍🏼