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Boomerang's

2009-01-26T13:59:00.000-08:00

Description:

Keep an eye out when driving through Clairemont, this hidden gem is well worth the trip! Although still fairly new on the San Diego burger scene, it's been getting rave reviews from it's patrons. Centrally located in Clairemont, "You Create Your Own Burger" is the concept, with a wide selection of toppings & sides. Aside from the burgers, the menu has several other food options. With a happy hour that runs from 4-7 every day of the week, and several specials including $10 pitchers of Moose Drool Beer on Mondays, this place could make for a great place to hang out, or watch Monday Night Football. Put this place on your list of burger places, you won't be disappointed!

Evaluations:

Brady's Score - 47

3/4 lb. Burger with Bacon & Avocado, & Sweet Potato French Fries

Brady's Comments - Excellent burger with a plethora of burger choices and accompaniments. The 3/4 lb burger with bacon and avocado was filling to say the least and it's quality was equally impressive. I liked the slightly charred taste of the patty with a juicy pink center. This burger was definitely at the top of my list!

Eric's Score - 45

3/4 lb. Burger with Garlic, Cajun Spice, & Bacon, & a side of Garlic Fries

Eric's Comments - The concept is brilliant! Very few places have this and it is worth the trip. Design your own burger completely to your liking and you will leave satisfied. Great choices for ingredients(which are mixed into the meat) and sides, along with a great happy hour make this a place to visit.

Jim's Score - 47

1/2 lb. Burger with Bacon, Pepperocinis, & Cajun Spices, Montery Jack Cheese, & a side of Mac n Cheese

Jim's Comments - I feel that they really want to make sure you have a good experience at Boomerang's, and the burger with bacon, pepperocinis, and Cajun spice solidified my satisfaction. There are an abundance of burger selections… why? Because you create your own burger and they have plenty of toppings to satisfy whatever taste you desire. Great service with low-key atmosphere makes for an overall enjoyable experience.

Marcos' Score -53

1/2 lb Burger with Bacon, Mushrooms, & Horsradish, & side of Mashed Potatoes

Marcos' Comments - If I were a king circa 1512 and could choose what meal I ate every night, what wench I had "relations" with that evening, and what ale I washed my meal down with, I would do well to eat at Boomerang's. To quote Roy Orbisson, "Anything you want, you got it." Your size of patty, your sides, your toppings mixed in the burger, for me... the 1/2 lb with bacon, mushrooms, and horseradish was Perfection!

Average Score - 48.00

Website - Boomerang Burgers

Location - 4577 Clairemont Drive, San Diego, CA 92117

Danny's Palm Bar & Grill

2009-01-26T13:29:00.000-08:00

Description:

If you happen to be venturing down Orange Street in Coronado, keep an eye out for a small black awning labeled "Danny's Palm Bar & Grill". It's hard to find if you don't know where it is exactly, like many small restaurants in Coronado. This "hole-in-the-wall" is definitely considered a locals bar featuring a narrow (but long) bar, a few tables in the rear, a jukebox, and a pool table. It's simple, it's local, and the menu items are typical bar food. Stay long enough and a motorcycle gang might walk through the squeeky hinged saloon style bar doors. This place often makes an appearance on the "Best of Coronado" lists, so we figured it was worth the trip over the bridge to taste their burgers. Here's how we rated it...

Evaluations:

Brady's Score - 43
Brady's Comments - A little too much burger as I ordered the full lb. Hot Gun burger. It was very tasty and I finished the monstrosity, however I would not recommend the full lb. burger for everyone. Messy burger, good fries, solid experience. Nice touch with the complimentary chips n' salsa.

Eric's Score - 41
Eric's Comments - After deciding to order the Awesome Grand Slam, which is a monstrous lb of beef, it goes without saying that Danny's is sure to satisfy even the most gluttonous patrons. The patties were smokin' hot and super tasty. Absolutely stellar burger not to disappoint, even if the burger juice did make the bun a bit soggy.

Jim's Score - 45
Jim's Comments - I love that the burger size is measured post cooking. So if you order a 1/2 lb burger, that's the size when it gets to the table. The Ranger burger had very "delish" meat - cooked perfectly for my taste and she didn't need to ask how I like it. I think this place is great for a burger if you happen to be in Coronado. There's also something about a waitress that can list all the beers on tap without looking.

Marcos' Score -44
Marcos' Comments - I am surprised my taste buds are this responsive in the chill. My lips are blue, my teeth are chattering, and I am in full on shrinkage mode. That being said, a delicious Helo burger, nicely seasoned beef and it makes up for the less than "warm atmosphere".

Average Score - 43.25

Website - None

Location - 965 Orange Avenue, Coronado, CA 92118

Nessy Burger

2008-09-17T13:15:00.000-07:00

Description:
Named after the fabled Loc Ness Monster from Scotland, this burger joint is probably the furthest competitor outside of downtown San Diego. It wouldn't be the easiest to find either unless you were told where it is, simply described as "on the side of the road." Nessy Burger literally is a burger stand on the side of the road, just off Freeway 15 in Fallbrook. Be prepared to eat your burger either standing, or in your car, seating is extremely limited with only a few park style benches. No alcohol is served here so don't expect a cold one with your burger, unless you run to the gas staion next door and pick some up. The menu is very limited, but you can't expect much from a trailer serving burgers on the side of the road... It's an adventure in itself!

Evaluations:

Brady's Score - 41
Brady's Comments - Opted for the "off the menu" Double Burger and glad I did. A bit tough to get my jaws around this monstrocity but when I did, it was tasty. Definitely not frozen and for a roadside stand in the middle of nowhere, it was a very good burger.

Eric's Score - 40
Eric's Comments - If you need something fast and you happen to be driving up/down the 15 freeway, I would say the burger is worth it. Otherwise, don't make the trip, as the burger is good but not extraordinary. Definitely satisfied my hunger since I ordered the Double and the fries were a good size as well. Definitely didn't care for the atmosphere or flies!

Jim's Score - 41
Jim's Comments - All I'm going to comment on is the burger, not the swarming flies, not the side of the street location, not the lack of seating, and not the lack of plates. The burger was good. Tasty meat, well proportioned with the bun. I like the availability of 1000 Island dressing to top my meat with.

Marcos' Score -35
Marcos' Comments - Nessy Burger is like you're in Mexico and see a fish taco stand. You get good value for the product, a decent meal but flies and the smell of fumes from passing cars have me seeking the comfort of a restaurant. Decent burger, not "Best of SD".

Average Score - 39.25

Website - None
Location - 4760 Highway 76, Fallbrook, CA 92028
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Burger Lounge

2008-09-17T12:59:00.000-07:00

Description:
On the corner of Herschel and Wall Streets in Downtown La Jolla, this burger joint offers a pretty simple menu - burgers! Order a burger, then tell 'em what you want on it. That's about it. You want fries? Sure, but they aren't included with your burger, so make sure you order those too. It's a simple operation going on over there, but it seems to be working since they have another location in Kensington, and a new location just opened up in Coronado. One more, and we may need to categorize this place as a "chain" restaurant. The seating is very limited, mostly outdoors, but if you're lucky to get a table, or a spot at the indoor counter, you'll have fun eating a burger while watching the "La Jollans" strut their stuff down Herschel St. They have a couple local brews on tap, but there is no room for any TVs, so don't plan on watching the game here.

Evaluations:

Brady's Score - 33
Brady's Comments - A very average burger at best. Tasted mostly bun with each bite and certainly the "tall grass" beef is not worth the advertisement it is written on. Personally, I would rather have a 6 dollar burger from Carl's Jr. Onion rings were worth noting.

Eric's Score - 31
Eric's Comments - If you are on that organic, healthy kick, this place is for you. Grass fed burgers are decent, but not exactly what I was craving. Average size left me hungry after dinner, even after the good size of the sides. Had I known that you could order a double patty(not on the menu), I feel like my impression might have been a lot different. I would give it another chance to find out.

Jim's Score - 38
Jim's Comments - A frozen patty but with a lot of taste. I was disappointed with the amount of meat but the bun was great. Very tasty! Nothing special about the toppings but I liked the onions. I was satisfied but felt there could have been more.

Marcos' Score - 41
Marcos' Comments - Considered fast food, this burger exceeds the Holy Grail of fast food - In 'N' Out. I have no idea what "grass fed" means (aren't all cows grass fed?) but the taste of the meat is stellar. If a quick, tasty burger is what you seek, lounge in La Jolla where the burgers rock.

Average Score - 35.75

Website - Burger Lounge
Location - 1101 Wall Street, La Jolla, CA 92037
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Crest Cafe

2008-09-17T12:42:00.000-07:00

Description:
Crest Cafe is located in the Hillcrest area of San Diego. Just off the main street in Hillcrest you will find this small "diner style" restaurant. Providing both booth and table seating, this cafe has a lot to offer on their menu aside from their burgers. The service is very friendly, and the wait time for your food is quick.

Evaluations:

Brady's Score - 33
Brady's Comments - A very satisfying burger. Although not the largest burger we've tasted, had a great ratio and left me "satiated". Toppings were fresh and tasty. I have no complaints but at the same time, wasn't blown away. Had the BAC Burger and it was a solid burger experience.

Eric's Score - 36
Eric's Comments - I fell victim to the hype, but I was not impressed. The size of the Butter Burger was ok, with the best part being the "homemade" sides that come with it. It did have a nice selection of burgers and sides, but the signature burger left much to be desired. Disappointing!

Jim's Score - 34
Jim's Comments - I enjoyed the burger but didn't taste any of the added extra flavor that was supposed to be in it. For $10 I feel like there should be more, maybe a little something special. The fries were pretty soggy, but I like crisp fries, so I couldn't give them the extra point. The service was good, very friendly. I just feel like the "Signature" Butter Burger was not so. Thanks anyways.

Marcos' Score - 37
Marcos' Comments - With a diner feel and diner hours, you are better "served" after a night drinking to stop by for a late-night burger. Nothing mind-blowing about this place, though the diversity of burger choices is a plus. Service is good, food is out quickly to you like I am at a 50s diner.

Average Score - 36.75

Website - Crest Cafe
Location - 425 Robinson Ave, San Diego, CA 92103
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Chief's Burgers & Brew

2008-09-17T12:28:00.000-07:00

Description:
Although it's considered a "Denver Broncos" bar, this burger joint in Solana Beach offers up a nice selection of burgers for the meat connoisseur. Tucked away in a small shopping center, Chief's supports a sports-lover's TV craving with lots of flat-panels lining the walls. The restaurant offers indoor and outdoor seating for those really nice San Diego days! Beware that on Sundays, Broncos fans do swarm here, so if you're not a fan, you may want to choose an alternate day for a visit.

Evaluations:

Brady's Score - 43
Brady's Comments - A mouthful of searing hot goodness. Could tell this burger was hand-packed and served right off the grill with no heat lamps in between. A little too much beef between the buns for the "1 pounder" in relation to the other parts, but still a very tasty burger.

Eric's Score - 40
Eric's Comments - I had the Super Chief Burger and it was big! I was very hungry so the size nor the greasiness didn't deter me from eating the entire thing. It would have been a much better experience if I was a Bronco fan, although I still enjoyed the burger despite the surroundings. Not "wowed" but not disappointed.

Jim's Score - 46
Jim's Comments - The Western Burger was great! I felt the hand made patty was damn near perfect. Bun was pretty average, but the overall satisfaction was way up there! Fun, laid back atmosphere with plenty of sports on TV adds to the "sports bar" experience.

Marcos' Score - 41
Marcos' Comments - The Bacon, Mushroom, Swiss Burger is solid. Solid taste, solid portions, and I love that you can order the "Super Chief" for a 1 lb. burger if you are feeling naughty. Like a good massage… can't say that it will blow your mind, but you won't leave disappointed.

Average Score - 42.5

Website - Chief's Burgers & Brew
Location - 124 Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Solana Beach, CA 92075
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Nicky Rotten's

2008-09-17T12:09:00.000-07:00

Description:
From the website, it may look like a "tough guys" bar, but this burger joint (they even call themselves this), is a great place to enjoy a burger before a Padres game, after a game, or anytime you feel the urge for some delicious beef! We met the owner while we consumed and rated, and he (as well as the other waitstaff) were genuinely nice and wanted us to have a good time! Located in the Gaslamp District of downtown San Diego, this burger joint has a decent selection of burgers (their primary menu selections), a big bar serving all the booze your heart desires, and several flat-panel TVs that can satisfy a sport enthusiast's viewing pleasure.

Evaluations:

Brady's Score - 40
Brady's Comments - If you are looking for a solid, tasty burger in downtown San Diego, come here. Casual bar atmosphere with unpretentious patrons. It's a big eaters delight and you won't leave hungry. Only drawback is frozen beef patties and too much thousand island dressing, but anytime the owner comes over and buys a round for your party, you gotta love it. Good fries with the Bacavo Burger.

Eric's Score - 43
Eric's Comments - I had the Jalapeno Burger and was very satisfied, even after the hype from 2 different waitresses. The price is just right($10 burger/fries/beer special on game days) and the atmosphere is good. A very good sports bar with exceptional food makes this restaurant a hit in my book. A great selection of draft beer and alcohol will satisfy anyone's appetiite!

Jim's Score - 41
Jim's Comments - I judged this one tough. I thought the Bad Ass Burger was good but just not excellent. First, it was a frozen patty, which I don't like at all. It tasted like a Costco patty. The service was good, love the extra free shots, but they were probably because they knew we were grading them.

Marcos' Score - 44
Marcos' Comments - I don't know if it's the corner booth or the picture of the Rat Pack that Olson busted, but I feel like I'm part of the original Rat Pack tonight. "Would you like a free shot, would you like a free shirt?" The experience is an A+ with sports on every TV, girls in short skirts, and a delicious Nicky Rotten Burger & fries for an affordable price. It was a very good year!!

Average Score - 42.75

Website - Nicky Rotten's
Location - 560 5th Ave., San Diego, CA 92101
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Urban Mo's

2008-09-17T11:51:00.000-07:00

Description:
Located in the Hillcrest area of San Diego, this burger joint used to be called Hamburger Mary's. Under the new name, it's still serving up the same delicious burger creations as before. With an shaded outdoor patio & bar, this place is great to come to on a nice day. We think it's fair warning to let our readers know that Urban Mo's is located in the "gay" area of San Diego, so don't be surprised if there is a larger than normal contingent of gay customers.

Evaluations:

Brady's Score - 42
Brady's Comments - Excellent burger. Fresh ingredients - could tell bacon was grilled upon order & meat was "handpacked". Too heavy on the house mayo though. Maybe should've stuck to the thousand island that the Mo Burger was supposed to come with. Generous with toppings(avocado, cheese) and overall a very good burger experience.

Eric's Score - 42
Eric's Comments - A very unique experience, as this is a traditionally gay restaurant. That aside, the burger was exceptional. A very big burger with an abundance of good fries has you leaving with a full stomach. The Paris Burger has the right amount of bleu cheese, garlic, and spices. It's a messy burger because of the special sauce and grease, but overall very satisfying.

Jim's Score - 43
Jim's Comments - Easy Burger with cheddar & bacon was great. Although it wasn't an explosion of flavor in my mouth, I still feel all the toppings were well represented. The service was good, the atmosphere is fine and the burger was pretty decent. The toppings win the the most points with the bacon being crispy & fresh. The cheese amount was perfect and the thousand island is a good choice. Well done Mo's!

Marcos' Score - 35
Marcos' Comments - Guacomole Burger - in your face! Like the location and atmosphere, the burger is overwhelming. Messy, dirty, but good in a naughty way. A top burger it is not. Spend your $11 elsewhere.

Average Score - 40.5

Website - Urban Mo's
Location - 308 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92103
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Hash House (a go go)

2008-09-17T11:29:00.000-07:00

Description:
There aren't too many places in San Diego where you automatically get a full 1lb burger unless you specifically ask for it. At Hash House, it's a standard! No matter what burger you order, the meat totals 1 lb! Now that's a BIG burger! Located in the Hillcrest area of San Diego, Hash House (a go go) has made a name for itself as having not only delicious burgers, but an outstanding breakfast as well. Alas, we only rate the burgers here, but maybe our next challenge... With both bar & table seating, this place is nicely sized and has a clean, contemporary feel inside.

Evaluations:

Brady's Score - 49
Brady's Comments - A glutton's paradise. Presentation and portions are worthy of the days of Roman antiquity(vomitorium optional). Struck a "healthy" balance of quality and quantity. A truly unique and filling burger experience.

Eric's Score - 47
Eric's Comments - A Monstrosity! With the size of the burger and the size of the beers, you are going to be stuffed when you are finished. Not a lot of choices, but the few choices offer some nice variety. Fries or Mac n Cheese are your side options, both very satisfying. This was the first burger that I didn't finish. All burgers are $15 but large enought to split.

Jim's Score -46
Jim's Comments - This burger was great! I love the mashed potatoes on top. A little too big to finish, but enjoyed every bite. Nothing spectacular about the sides but the Mac n Cheese was a nice change. I'll defintiely be back! Price of burger ($15) is high but you get 1 pound of beef per burger.

Marcos' Score - 37
Marcos' Comments -I feel like the guy who's eyes are bigger than his stomach. I felt hungry... thought I could eat the whole thing... yet, the reality of that ginormous burger is... it's too much to deal with. Now, I look at it like this... if it's bigger than your hand - it's too damn big!

Average Score - 44.75

Website - Hash House
Location - 3625 5th Ave., San Diego, CA 92103
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Tioli's Crazee Burger

2008-09-17T11:13:00.000-07:00

Description:
Located in the North Park area of San Diego, this burger joint is one you might just walk right by without knowing it was there. Luckily, there was enough hype about it that we felt it was necessary to check it out. A very wide variety of burgers to choose from. Even some you might never think of! Order at the counter then grab a table, the food will soon be there. A little dark and quiet, but with a great selection of imported beers. If you're looking for a place to grab a burger and a beer while watching a game, you may want to reconsider, there's only a couple TVs located in the bar.

Evaluations:

Brady's Score - 40
Brady's Comments - Low key atmosphere with a wide variety of burger choices. Although grilled, the bun was a little spongy. Toppings were fresh and ubiquitous. The Avocado Bacon Brie burger was a good, solid burger, however I still felt the need to plow selfishly into the fries to feel satisfied.

Eric's Score - 42
Eric's Comments - The chef recommended Cajun Burger is for the spice lover. It had a kick that made you want more, but not too much more. The shoestring fries were a good compliment to a very good burger. Enjoy a variety of beers and a game as you wait for an above-average meal. Just the right amount of food so you don't feel stuffed.

Jim's Score - 41
Jim's Comments - The Bleu Chesse burger was an overall good burger, that's about it. Good selection of micro-brews.

Marcos' Score - 26
Marcos' Comments - I feel like I'm "that guy" senior year at high school, I don't have a date for Prom so I get the left over, desperate senior girl. The Lamb Beef Burger was like choosing to play outside in Hiroshima in 1945, a bad choice, less than stellar esperience, and leaving me with the feeling of "if only I …". The burger was unique, though I wouldn't eat it again if it was free.

Average Score - 37.25

Website - Tioli's Crazee Burger
Location - 4201 30th St. San Diego, CA 92104
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Hodad's

2008-09-17T10:42:00.000-07:00

Description:
This is a well known burger joint in the Ocean Beach area of San Diego. You may find yourself surrounded by local surfers chowing down on a double burger after catching some morning waves. During it's busy time, there is often a line out the door as seating is limited, but worth the wait. The decor is fun, but with limited TV viewing, and the waitstaff is young-hearted and energetic.

Evaluations:

Brady's Score - 41
Brady's Comments - If there ever was a wide-mouthed burger, this is it. Although 1st few bites were hard to "plan", by the 3rd bite you had the tasty full burger. Fresh condiments & very juicy. Super messy but worth the mop-up.

Eric's Score - 41
Eric's Comments - If you are hungry, this is the burger for you. Very generous portions when it comes to the size of the patties & fixings. Fries were average in quality & taste. More of a fast food feel, as they look to shuffle customers in and out. Don't come here if you want to relax or watch a game.

Jim's Score - 36
Jim's Comments - The burger was huge(double cheese & bacon with ALL toppings)! Very messy and hard to eat, delicious though. Bun was standard, nothing special and patties were frozen(not hand-made). Toppings were fresh and great quality, although too many. Good burger overall.

Marcos' Score - 36
Marcos' Comments - I feel like it's circa 2000. I'm back in college, Bodie has just finished a 2 hr. surf session and is now sitting next to me taking my order. Like in college, I would have adored a value packed burger, but I hesitate to call it extraordinary. A decent burger, a decent price.

Average Score - 38.5

Website - Hodad's
Location - 5010 Newport Avenue, San Diego, CA 92107
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Rocky's Crown Pub

2008-09-17T09:58:00.000-07:00

Description:
Some would consider this a "locals" place in the Crown Point area of Pacific Beach. It's pretty well known here in San Diego for their burgers. The menu is limited (pretty much to just burgers), but has a small bar like atmosphere with several flat panel TVs offering sports, and a nice variety of beers, including some local micro-brews.

Evaluations:

Brady's Score - 40
Brady's Comments- Excellent patty to bun ratio. Bun squished down through eating session to accentuate flavor of beef. Fresh toppings, pickles were "cheap" quantity type slices. Toasted bun was average, white sesame right out of the package.

Eric's Score - 43
Eric's Comments - Very good sports viewing experience. Multiple TV's placed in all the right spots. Small, local place with a good local beer and a decent selection of drafts. Would absolutely recommend if you are in the neighborhood.

Jim's Score - 41
Jim's Comments - The burger was a little misshapen, but it didn't take away from the overall satisfaction, delicious! Great thickness of burger, cooked medium(no pink) fully through. Meat was very tasty, bun was fairly standard. Toppings were pretty standard but complimented the burger well. Perfect amount of food with fries which were cooked well!

Marcos' Score - 44
Marcos' Coments - I don't know where else you'll find a $6 burger with as much no frills flavor. This burger is like buying a used car, you know what you're going to get and know the value is there, but you are still surprised about the quality and skill in the delivered product.

Average Score - 42.0

Location - 3786 Ingraham Street, San Diego, CA 92109
Website - None
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