Round & Ground
If you don’t want none unless you got buns, hun, then it’s time to grab some culinary booty. May is National Hamburger Month - as if we needed another reason to wrap our fingers around some of America’s Finest burgers.
barleymash: All American
Fans of classic burgers will appreciate the simplicity of this patriotic option served on a soft and spongy barleybeer bun (made in-house). A smear of ale-aioli adds a touch of intrigue to the otherwise straightforward presentation, made complete by melted American cheese draped over a perfectly grilled beef patty.
600 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp
619.255.7373, barleymash.com
Wonderland Ocean Pub: Ground Short Rib Burger
Chuck is the go-to meat for most burgers, but this Asian-meets-Mexican selection served on a Telera roll goes one step further with the addition of short rib, a fattier cut that delivers on flavor. Spicy hoisin BBQ sauce adds a touch of sweetness that balances nicely with the pepper jack cheese and caramelized onions.
5083 Santa Monica Ave., Ocean Beach
619.255.3358, wonderlandob.com
TRUST: Wood Grill Burger
With toppings including sharp Asiago cheese, smoky bacon-tomato jam, peppery arugula and pickled onions, TRUST’s Wood Grill Burger is calibrated for maximum flavor performance. Its liberally seasoned patty is mostly ground chuck, rounded out with about 10-percent skirt steak
trimmings. Try it the “TRUST way,” with housecured braised bacon and a sunny-side egg.
3752 Park Blvd., Hillcrest
619.795.6901, trustrestaurantsd.com
Waypoint Public: Waypoint Burger
Chef Rich Sweeney recently made a few tweaks to his top-selling Waypoint Burger, which now tempts and satisfies with tender, salsa-verde-marinated pulled pork; spicy pickled veggies; and a sunny-sideup egg. He also swapped mozzarella for white cheddar cheese and toned down the acidity of the salsa, making a great burger better than ever.
3794 30th St., North Park
619.255.8778,
waypointpublic.com
Duke’s La Jolla: Classic Burger
If you’ve never tried a three-way, it’s a great time fall in lust with this sexy number from Duke’s. Featuring a trio of cuts of beef (chuck, brisket and hanger), it’s served with yellow mustard aioli and a bourbon pickle spear. For a little something on the side, the masterfully executed Kennebec (low-water-content potatoes perfect for frying) fries can’t be beat.
1216 Prospect St., La Jolla
858.454.5888, dukeslajolla.com
Royale with Cheese: Choriqueso Burger
Smoky, salty flavors dominate this dynamo from Royale With Cheese (located inside Park & Rec). Featuring a 1/3-pound Angus patty topped with chorizo, the double-meat delight makes mouths water with rajas (poblano pepper), pickled red onion, smoked cheddar and a dash of chipotle mayo.
4612 Park Blvd., University Heights
619.913.8641, royalewithcheesesd.com
MishMash: MishMash Burger
This hefty, half-pound patty of all-natural Brandt beef is topped with a thick slab of melted mozzarella and a pile of crispy onions. A generous application of garlic aioli on the bun brings everything together. For an extra buck, they’ll even stuff the thing with goat cheese.
1985 National Ave., Ste. 1133,
Barrio Logan
619.955.8544, mishmashsd.com
Plant Power Fast Food: The Holy Guacamole
For vegetarians and vegans needing burger fixes, O.B.’s new Plant Power Fast Food offers a heaven-sent solution: The Holy Guacamole. Made with a savory black-bean patty topped with guacamole, chipotle aioli, salsa, jalapeños and the standard veggies, it tastes great alongside one of the joint’s mean milkshakes.
2204 Sunset Cliffs Blvd., Ocean Beach
619.450.6845,
plantpowerfastfood.com
Madison: Buffalo Burger
Smoked mozzarella and tangy yogurt sauce (which introduces a rich, creamy texture) rounds out the lean patty in Madison’s Buffalo Burger. The shiny brioche bun and crisp waffle fries add a touch of sophistication without alienating burger purists.
4622 Park Blvd., University Heights
619.269.6566, madisononpark.com
1919: Suicide Burger
Peppers, mainly jalapeños, take center-stage on this spicy sandwich, which kills it with thick strips of candied cayenne bacon, pepper jack cheese, jalapeño jam and a zesty zigzag of house-made chipotle aioli. Order a beverage to temper the heat, but don’t worry - this baby’s not as piquant as its name suggests.
560 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp
619.501.1919, 1919sandiego.com