Best Hamburgers in Orange County

If you’re on the hunt for the best hamburgers in Orange County, My Local OC is your go-to guide for discovering local favorites and hidden gems. From classic roadside diners to trendy burger joints with gourmet flair, our curated recommendations highlight spots known for juicy patties, fresh ingredients, and unforgettable flavors. Whether you’re craving a double cheeseburger, a plant-based alternative, or a creative twist on the American classic, My Local OC connects you with the best hamburgers in Orange County and the experiences our county has to offer. See the list below.

 

 

 

 

 

The Origins of Hamburgers in the United States

Few foods are as quintessentially American as the hamburger. Found at backyard barbecues, drive-thrus, and gourmet restaurants alike, the hamburger has become a national icon. But its origins are a fascinating blend of international influence and American innovation.

The roots of the hamburger trace back to 19th-century Germany. In the port city of Hamburg, a popular dish called the “Hamburg steak” was made from minced beef, seasoned, and sometimes smoked or cooked. German immigrants brought this culinary tradition to the United States in the mid-1800s, where it began to evolve.

The transformation from Hamburg steak to the modern hamburger began when cooks started placing the ground beef patty between two slices of bread, making it easier to eat on the go. This innovation aligned perfectly with the rapid industrialization of America, when workers needed quick, portable meals.

Multiple American cities claim to be the birthplace of the hamburger as we know it today. One popular story credits Louis Lassen of New Haven, Connecticut, who, in 1900, served a ground beef patty between two slices of bread to a hurried customer. Meanwhile, Charlie Nagreen of Seymour, Wisconsin, is said to have flattened a meatball and put it between bread at a fair in 1885. Others point to the Menches brothers, who served a similar creation at the Erie County Fair in Hamburg, New York, the same year.

Despite the debate over who served it first, the hamburger’s popularity skyrocketed in the 20th century with the rise of diners and fast food. Chains like White Castle (founded in 1921) and McDonald’s (founded in the 1940s) helped solidify the hamburger’s place in American food culture.

Today, the hamburger represents more than just a meal—it’s a symbol of Americana, entrepreneurship, and culinary adaptability. Whether you enjoy yours with classic toppings or gourmet twists, every burger carries a bit of history between the buns.

WE ASKED…YOU ANSWERED ORANGE COUNTY. Below is your list of

THE BEST HAMBURGERS IN ORANGE COUNTY

Anaheim   Medii Kitchen   116 S Fairmont Blvd   Website

Anaheim   The Habit Bar and Grill   111 E Katella Ave   Website

Brea   Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar   240 S State College Blvd   Website

Buena Park   Paul’s Place   7012 Orangethorpe Ave   Website

Costa Mesa   Seabird’s Restaurant (Vegan)  2930 Bristol St   Website

Costa Mesa   Ruby’s Diner   3333 Bear Street    Website

Cypress   Take 5ive Grille & Bar   5660 Orangewood Ave   No Website Listed

Dana Point   A’s Burgers   34344 CA-1   (949) 496-4460   Website

Dana Point   Jimmy’s Famous American Tavern   25001 Dana Point Harbor Dr   Website

Dana Point   Turk’s Dana Wark Restaurant  34683 Golden Lantern   (949) 496-9028   Website

Fountain Valley   Habit Burger & Grill   17150 Brookhurst St A   Website

Fountain Valley   The Sun Vegan   11743 Edinger Avenue (Around the back of Lilac Ave)   No Website Listed

Fullerton   Petter’s Gourmet Burger   1101 N Harbor Blvd   Website

Garden Grove   Red Robin   12007 Harbor Blvd   Website

Huntington Beach   BomBurger   200 Main Street #110   (714) 969-2662   Instagram

Huntington Beach   Pocket Burger Shack   16873 CA-1   Instagram

Irvine   The Cut Handcrafted Burger   3831 Alton Pkwy Ste C   Website

Irvine   The Stand   5633 Alton Pkwy #200   Website

La Habra   Imperial Burgers   241 E Imperial Hwy   No Website Listed

Laguna Beach   Nick’s Laguna Beach   440 S Coast Hwy   Website

Laguna Hills   Snooty Fox   23028 Lake Forest Dr   Facebook

Laguna Niguel   Jack’s Woodside Grille   30065 Alicia Pkwy A   Website

Lake Forest   Angelo’s Burgers   23402 El Toro Rd   Website

Lake Forest   Burger Town USA   24418 Muirlands Blvd   (949) 586-9841   Website

Lake Forest   Habit Burger & Grill   23632 El Toro Rd A   (949) 206-9110   Website

Los Alamitos   Volcano Burgers   3652 W Cerritos Ave   Website

Mission Viejo   Nice Burger (100% Vegan)    25098 Marguerite Pkwy Suite C   Website

Mision Viejo   The Counter – Custom Burgers   27742 Antonio Parkway, Suite K-7   (949) 503-1917   Website

Mission Viejo   Tk Burgers   24902 Chrisanta Dr   Website

Newport Beach   Crystal Cove Shake Shack   7703 East Coast Hwy   Website

Orange   Ace’s Bar & Grill   3538 E Chapman Ave   (714) 643-8475   Website

Orange   Capri Bar and Grill   320 E Katella Ave   Website

Orange   Haven Craft Kitchen + Bar   190 S Glassell St   Website

Orange   Nexx Burger   2940 E Chapman Ave   Website

Orange   Omega Burger   319 W Chapman Ave   No Website Listed

Orange   Prime Cut   1547 W Katella Ave   Website

Placentia   Craft Burger   1450 N Kraemer Blvd   Website

Rancho Santa Margarita   Hanna’s   22195 El Paseo #110   (949) 709-2300   Website

Rancho Santa Margarita   In-N-Out   30121 Santa Margarita Pkwy   (800) 786-1000   Website

Rancho Santa Margarita   The Stand   22342 El Paseo Suite I   Website

San Clemente   Biggie’s Burgers   1017 S El Camino Real   Website

San Juan Capistrano   Trevor’s at the Tracks   26701 Verdugo St   Website

Santa Ana   Benchmark   601 E Santa Ana Blvd   Website

Santa Ana   Gully Burger   515 N Main St   No Website Listed

Santa Ana   Hammer Burger (Vegan)   313 N Bush St   Website

Seal Beach   The Hangout Restaurant & Beach Bar   901 Ocean Ave   Website

Stanton   Harry’s Cafe   8461 Katella Ave   Website

Tustin   Peter’s Gourmade Burger   14311 Newport Ave   (Temporarily Closed)   Website

Tustin   Ruby’s Diner   13102 Newport Avenue   (714) 838-7829 Website

Westminster   In-N-Out   6292 Westminster Blvd   Website

Yorba Linda   Fantasy Burger   23761 La Palma Ave   No Website Listed