Craving a mouthwatering hamburger in sunny San Clemente? You’re in the right place! This coastal town isn’t just about beaches – it has an awesome burger scene with flavors and textures that will rock your taste buds. From cheesy burgers oozing with melted goodness to spicy patties that pack a kick, from gourmet creations to plant-based delights, we’ve got something for everyone. Get ready for a fun, casual ride through the Top 10 Burger Restaurants in San Clemente. Each spot comes with its unique sensory experience, tasty ingredients, and its own vibe. Let’s dig in (with no burger left behind)!
(We’ve ranked these from 10 to 1, with a new kid on the block taking the crown. Each entry has a quick intro, burger highlights, pros, cons, and a bottom line. Now, let’s unwrap these burgers!)
10. Antoine’s Café
A Hidden Breakfast Gem with Great Burgers
You might not think “burgers” when you hear Antoine’s, but don’t sleep on their burger menu! This cozy spot has been around since 1991, rocking that retro diner feel that just feels like home. Their Antoine’s Burger hits the spot, but if you’re nursing a hangover, well… they’ve got a burger for that too (aptly named the Hangover Burger). One happy customer raved, “The burger was moist and tasty and the french fries perfectly crisp” (Google Reviews). Prices are a little steep – expect to pay around $21 for a Hangover or Antoine’s burger with one side.
The Burger Experience
Look, Antoine’s might be breakfast-famous, but their burger selection (only three on the menu) deserves serious attention. Each Angus beef patty comes cooked just how you like it on a perfectly toasted bun. That Hangover Burger? It’s got a fried egg and bacon that’ll fix whatever ails you from the night before. The fries are that perfect golden crispy that makes you keep reaching for “just one more.” Plus, it’s just a few blocks from the beach – perfect for refueling after catching some waves.
Local Charm
What makes Antoine’s special is how it feels like everyone’s welcome. The walls are covered with local art and surf photos that scream “San Clemente.” The servers actually remember regulars’ names (how do they do that?), and you can bring your four-legged friend to hang out on the patio. They also source ingredients locally when possible, and honestly, their coffee with a burger makes for a weirdly perfect combo that I can’t explain but totally works.
Bottom Line
What We Love: What we love about Antoine’s Café? The cozy local vibe, the all-day breakfast, and surprisingly good burgers for a place that doesn’t even specialize in them. And those crispy fries? Addictive.
Room for Improvement: The biggest issue with Antoine’s Café is the wait time, especially on weekends—it gets packed. Parking isn’t much easier. They have a small lot with a few free spots in the back, but it fills up fast. If you don’t get lucky, you’ll have to find parking somewhere nearby, which isn’t always easy in downtown San Clemente. Also, if you’re craving a burger, keep in mind that Antoine’s isn’t a burger spot, so the menu is pretty limited when it comes to that.
9. Smashburger
Smashed for Maximum Flavor
Smashburger brings their signature smash technique to San Clemente’s Gateway Village Plaza, and it’s a game-changer if you haven’t tried it. They take Angus beef balls and literally smash them onto a scorching hot griddle. The result? Flavor city. Their menu’s got some creative options – the BBQ Bacon Cheddar is a popular choice, but the Truffle Mushroom Swiss has a serious fan club too. As one satisfied customer put it: “Good burger smashed fresh for you with a good outdoor area to enjoy some rays while you eat” (Yelp).
The Smashing Technique
Okay, so here’s why the smashing thing matters: when they smash that beef ball onto the grill, it creates this amazing sear that locks in all the juices and flavor. It’s kind of mesmerizing to watch through their open kitchen – the cook presses down with this burger press tool and magic happens. The flat patty gets way more contact with the hot surface than a regular burger, creating these incredible caramelized bits that burger enthusiasts go crazy for.
Burger Menu Highlights
Don’t sleep on Smashburger’s sides – they’re not an afterthought. Their rosemary-garlic-olive oil fries are a unique twist that ruins regular fries for you. If you’re trying to be “healthy,” go for the sweet potato fries. And those haystack onions? Thin-sliced, lightly battered little rings of heaven. Oh, and they use actual Häagen-Dazs in their milkshakes – none of that cheap stuff. The whole place has this modern, clean vibe that works for families but still feels cool enough for a casual date.
Bottom Line
What We Love: Those juicy seared patties with crispy edges, all the creative toppings (seriously, try the truffle mayo), and how easy it is to order online when you’re feeling lazy.
Room for Improvement: Since it’s a national chain, it doesn’t have that unique local feel. Portions run a bit smaller compared to some big burger spots, and while the flavor is solid, some burgers lean on the greasy side—that’s just part of the smash style. Prices are higher than fast food, and if you’re in a rush, don’t count on a drive-thru.
8. The Habit Burger & Grill
California-Style Charbroiled Burger Goodness
The Habit Burger & Grill brings chargrilled goodness to San Clemente. This popular chain started in Santa Barbara in 1969 and has a loyal following. (Business Insider) The Habit brings that classic California charbroiled flavor that just hits different. Their Charburger has this flame-grilled taste that makes regular fast food burgers seem sad in comparison. Beyond the basic burger, they’ve got solid options like the Mushroom Swiss and BBQ Bacon that never disappoint. One local fan called it “the best Habit I’ve been to with very understanding and wonderful staff” (Google Reviews, 2024). The bright, family-friendly vibe makes it perfect for post-beach burger cravings.
Regional Burger Specialties
The Santa Barbara Char is their regional specialty – it comes on grilled sourdough instead of a bun, which is a game-changer. And can we talk about their tempura green beans? Who knew green beans could be this addictive? What keeps people coming back to The Habit is their commitment to quality. Their produce is prepped fresh daily in-house, and they make all their sauces from scratch.
Bottom Line
What We Love: That flame-grilled flavor that’s consistently good, the diverse menu that has something for everyone, and how it feels fresher than typical fast food.
Room for Improvement: Being a chain, it doesn’t have the same unique local feel as an independent spot. The menu is broad, offering more than just burgers, including salads and other options, so it’s not strictly a burger-focused restaurant. During peak hours, it can get busy, and the prices tend to be higher than a typical burger joint.
7. In-N-Out Burger
A California Burger Icon
I mean, can you even have a SoCal burger list without In-N-Out? The San Clemente location opened in 2022 and immediately had lines around the block. What makes In-N-Out special is their absolute refusal to compromise – they grind fresh beef in-house daily, never freeze patties, and source farm-fresh produce delivered almost daily. They famously have no microwaves or freezers in any location. (In-N-Out)
Burger Fan Favorites
The Double-Double is the go-to order, but pro tip: ask for those “Animal Style” fries with cheese, spread, and grilled onions. You’re welcome.
Fresh is Best
In-N-Out keeps it simple with a tiny menu that hasn’t changed much since 1948. But that’s because they’ve perfected what they do. The not-so-secret “secret menu” is where the fun happens – “Protein Style” wraps your burger in lettuce instead of a bun, and the “3×3” or “4×4” adds extra patties and cheese for the seriously hungry.
Iconic Design
The whole red-and-white color scheme with palm trees is so iconically California that tourists make special trips just to snap photos and grab a burger. The San Clemente In-N-Out sits right off the I-5, making it the perfect road trip stop. Yes, the drive-thru line often looks intimidating, but it moves surprisingly fast. Inside, everything is spotless (seriously, have you ever seen a dirty In-N-Out?), with those vintage photos of the original locations on the walls.
Bottom Line
What We Love: That legendary fresh taste that never disappoints, the secret menu hacks that make you feel like an insider, and how they keep the line moving despite the crowds.
Room for Improvement: Those drive-thru lines can be brutal during peak times, and the super-limited menu means picky eaters might struggle. And if you’re hoping for delivery or an easy call-ahead order, you’re out of luck. You’ve got to show up in person, whether you’re dining in or hitting the drive-thru.
6. Mulligan’s Sports Bar & Grill
Dive Bar, Serious Burgers
Want a burger with some local dive-bar character? Mulligan’s is your spot. This unassuming place off Calle Valle serves up burgers so big they need a steak knife stuck through them to stay together. One passionate Yelp reviewer declared, “The ABC Burger is the BEST in San Clemente!” (Yelp, 2024).
Mulligan’s opened in San Clemente in 2006 and has been a local favorite for nearly 19 years. The building itself has stood since the 1950s, with different names and owners over the years. Before Mulligan’s took over, Clint Eastwood even filmed Heartbreak Ridge there, adding to its history. (Giftly)
Signature Burger Creations
That ABC (avocado, bacon, cheese) is a monster, and the Western Burger with onion rings and BBQ sauce is equally impressive. Don’t let the dive bar vibe fool you – these burgers mean business, and the prices are surprisingly reasonable for what you get.
Monster-Sized Favorites
Mulligan’s nails that classic American sports bar experience. TVs everywhere showing different games, pool tables and dart boards for when you need something to do between bites, and a jukebox playing everything from classic rock to whatever’s current.
Full Bar Experience
The bar is fully stocked, and happy hour brings in the after-work crowd looking to unwind with great food in a place where nobody cares if your burger drips down your arm. It’s unpretentious in the best possible way.
Serious About Quality
What’s surprising about Mulligan’s is how seriously they take their burger game despite the casual atmosphere. Each patty gets seasoned just right and cooked to order by grill masters who know exactly how long to cook for that perfect medium or medium-well. The toppings are generous – the ABC Burger’s bacon is thick-cut and the avocado is always perfectly ripe. The Western Burger’s onion rings add both flavor and a satisfying crunch. And they serve tots instead of fries if you want a nostalgic side option.
Late Night Option
Plus, the kitchen stays open until Midnight on Friday and Saturday, which is clutch when you’re craving a quality burger after most places have closed.
Bottom Line
What We Love: Those massive, flavor-packed burgers that require two hands, the fun casual atmosphere with games to play, and having a full bar for when you want a beer with your burger.
Room for Improvement: It’s another chain so lacks the “San Clemente” vibe. The dive bar setting isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, and it can be hard to find a seat when there’s a big game on.
5. Vine Restaurant & Bar
Gourmet Burgers in an Upscale Setting
Vine brings a touch of class to the burger scene. This elegant wine-country inspired bistro makes an American Kobe Beef Burger that will make you forget every other burger you’ve had. One diner couldn’t contain their enthusiasm: “This Kobe Burger is to die for. So tender, so juicy and paired with well-seasoned fries” (TripAdvisor).
Vine opened back in 2007 and quickly established itself as a San Clemente fine dining destination (Vine). The interior feels warm and inviting with wood tones, soft lighting, and wine-themed décor that makes you want to linger. What sets their burgers apart is the sourcing – they use Kobe beef from specially raised cattle known for that incredible marbling and tenderness. It’s burger as fine dining, perfect for when you want to elevate your burger experience beyond the usual.
Wine Country Burger
Their Wine Country Burger features Kobe beef topped with herb cheese, onion jam, and arugula on a brioche bun. The truffle fries on the side are a meal themselves – crispy outside, fluffy inside, and dusted with parmesan and herbs. It’s a burger experience worth dressing up for. The cozy, upscale atmosphere makes it perfect for date night – try pairing your burger with a glass of Pinot Noir for the full experience.
The Wine Country Burger is a perfect example of how a burger can be both comfort food and culinary art. The chef grinds that premium Kobe beef fresh daily and cooks it on a special grill that preserves all the juiciness. The brioche bun comes from an artisan bakery. The herb cheese blend and slow-cooked onion jam add layers of flavor you just don’t get at regular burger spots. Even the arugula is carefully selected for the perfect peppery bite.
Bottom Line
What We Love: Those gourmet-quality ingredients that justify the price, the refined atmosphere that makes burger night feel special, and the extensive drink menu that lets you pair your burger with the perfect beverage.
Room for Improvement: The higher price point for the two burgers on the menu (around $24+ with the hand-cut fries) puts it in special occasion territory for many. Usually requires sitting down for a full meal – not a quick grab-and-go burger joint.
4. Nick’s San Clemente
Upscale-Casual Dining with Perfect Burgers
Nick’s opened in 2008 and quickly became a local favorite (Nick’s Restaurant). The restaurant sits in a prime downtown location with large windows that let you people-watch while you eat. They bring upscale-casual dining to Del Mar street, and their burger game is strong. The Nick’s Cheeseburger features a thick, juicy patty, melted cheddar and American cheese, fresh veggies, and special spread on a toasted brioche bun. A TripAdvisor reviewer noted that the “cheeseburger and veggie burger are also noteworthy” (TripAdvisor, 2024).
Full Service Burger Experience
The full-service experience comes with stylish décor and an inviting bar. Pro tip: start with their famous Bacon Deviled Eggs before your burger arrives. They also do takeout if you want to enjoy that gourmet burger at home in your sweatpants (no judgment here).
Elegant Atmosphere
The interior strikes that perfect balance between modern elegance and coastal comfort – leather booths, wood accents, and subtle lighting create an atmosphere that feels special without being stuffy. The bar area is a destination itself, with mixologists who know how to craft both classic and creative cocktails to pair with your meal.
Attention to Detail
What makes the Nick’s Cheeseburger special is the attention to detail. The beef blend has the perfect ratio of chuck, brisket, and short rib for flavor and juiciness. Each patty gets hand-formed daily and cooked on a special grill. Fresh lettuce, tomato, and pickles add brightness and crunch. You can choose regular fries, sweet potato fries, or a side salad to complete your meal – options matter!
Bottom Line
What We Love: Those high-quality ingredients that you can taste in every bite, the polished service that makes you feel taken care of, and having stellar menu options beyond burgers for when you’re dining with non-burger people.
Room for Improvement: It gets packed during peak times, so reservations are smart, and prices reflect the upscale quality (but are totally worth it).
That brings us to the final three with Biggie’s coming in third.
3. Biggie’s Burgers & Shakes
Old-School Burger Joint Perfection
Biggie’s is like stepping into a time machine to when burger joints were simple and perfect. This local spot with its vintage ’50s vibe has been flipping burgers since 1991, and they’ve got it down to an art. The menu is refreshingly straightforward: fresh hand-made Biggie burgers with your choice of toppings, thick shakes, and three kinds of fries.
Cozy Setting
The place is tiny – just a small indoor counter and some outdoor seats with that casual beach vibe that makes San Clemente special. What makes Biggie’s special is how it embraces that old-school burger joint perfection without trying to be trendy. The small building has that classic red-and-white décor that feels nostalgic in all the right ways.
The walls feature photos of San Clemente’s surfing history, connecting the place to local culture. The open kitchen lets you watch your burger being made on a grill that’s developed decades of seasoning – that’s flavor you can’t buy.
Simple Menu, Big Flavor
The menu board hangs above the counter with straightforward options that don’t need fancy descriptions. Biggie’s uses fresh ground beef delivered daily, hand-forms each patty, and seasons them with a secret spice blend that enhances without overwhelming.
Classic Burger Toppings
The “works” gives you the classic combo of lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, mayo, mustard, and ketchup – burger perfection doesn’t need to be complicated. You can choose American, cheddar, Swiss, or pepper jack cheese to customize your experience.
Real Ice Cream Shakes
Their shakes use real ice cream in classic flavors, with specialty options like Oreo, banana, and peanut butter for the adventurous. And having three fry options (skinny, curly, or thick-cut steak fries) lets you pick your perfect potato experience. It’s customization without complication.
Bottom Line
What We Love: That old-school charm that never goes out of style, burgers made fresh to order right in front of you, and those thick, creamy shakes that take you back to childhood.
Room for Improvement: Expect a wait—during busy times, orders can take up to 30 minutes. Parking isn’t much easier, with a small lot that fills up fast, especially during peak hours.
Sliding in at number two is The Riders Club.
2. The Riders Club Café
Local Favorite with Handcrafted Quality
The Riders Club opened in 2010 with a simple mission: create the perfect burger experience. The restaurant sits in a historic building with tons of character – reclaimed wood, vintage surfboards, and local art create an atmosphere that feels authentic rather than manufactured. The Riders Club Café calls their approach “slow fast food,” and that perfectly captures what makes this place special. This locally owned spot takes burger-making seriously – they grind beef in-house daily and make all condiments from scratch (The Riders Club).
Simple Burger Menu
The menu stays refreshingly simple – get a classic beef burger (cooked medium), turkey burger, house-made veggie quinoa burger, or hot dog. Their housemade pickles and garlic aioli are must-tries. Pair your burger with thin-cut fries or onion rings and a craft beer from their rotating selection. The space has this cozy, rustic surf shack vibe with an ocean-breeze patio that feels quintessentially San Clemente.
Open Kitchen Theater
The small open kitchen puts the burger-making process on display like culinary theater. You can watch the chefs work with precision and passion, treating each order like a craft project rather than fast food.
Authentic Burger Experience
This commitment to quality shows in every bite and creates a dining experience that feels deeply connected to San Clemente’s laid-back beach culture. What sets Riders Club burgers apart starts with their beef blend – they use premium cuts with the ideal fat content for flavor and juiciness. The grinding happens daily in small batches to ensure freshness.
Hand-Formed Patties
Each patty gets formed by hand, never pressed or overworked, which keeps the texture perfect. The grill master cooks each burger to a perfect medium (unless you specify otherwise) with a pink center and caramelized exterior. Their house-made condiments take things to another level – the garlic aioli contains real roasted garlic, the pickles brine in-house with a special spice blend, and even the ketchup gets upgraded with roasted tomatoes and spices.
Bottom Line
What We Love: Those incredible handcrafted burgers that taste like someone really cares, the casual local hangout vibe with great craft beer options, and prices that feel reasonable for the quality you’re getting.
Room for Improvement: The menu might not please every hard core burger fan, and it often gets crowded with waits during peak times, and they close earlier ( 8 pm) than some might like.
That leads us to our number one pick: Pure Burger Bar!
1. Pure Burger Bar – Best Burgers in San Clemente! 🏆
The New Champion of San Clemente Burgers
Drum roll, please… Pure Burger Bar takes our top spot as San Clemente’s best burger restaurant! This newcomer to San Clemente has revolutionized the local burger scene by blending health-conscious ingredients with mind-blowing flavor. They are the only one on the list that uses 100% organic grass-fed, grass-finished beef and bison patties with zero hormones, antibiotics, or preservatives (Pure Burger Bar).
Clean Burger Ingredients, Amazing Taste
Pure Burger Bar represents the evolution of burger culture we’ve all been waiting for. They’ve solved the eternal dilemma: why can’t a delicious burger also be good for you? Their answer created this new category of “clean” burgers that sacrifice absolutely nothing in taste. The bison option provides an even leaner protein with a rich, slightly sweet flavor that’s addictive. They are the champions of the healthy fast food era.
They offer something for everyone. Whether your Keto, Carnivore, Vegetarian or Vegan, it’s on the menu. Need gluten-free? No problem. They have gluten-free buns customers have raved about, and gluten-free cookies to boot!
Award-Winning Quality
According to a comprehensive dataset analyzing California’s top organic grass-fed burger spots (Kaggle), Pure Burger Bar ranks among the elite establishments in the state for quality, sustainability, and taste.
The research, which looked at everything from sourcing practices to customer satisfaction and nutritional value, placed Pure Burger Bar in the top tier of health-conscious burger restaurants in Southern California. This independent verification confirms what locals have been saying since they opened – Pure Burger Bar offers a superior burger experience that prioritizes both flavor and wellness.
Pure Burger Bar also earned a “Best of San Clemente People’s Choice Ole Awards (2024)” nomination shortly after opening (San Clemente Times), which is impressive for a newcomer.
Pure Burger Atmosphere
Pure Burger Bar has created a space that feels both modern and welcoming. The surfer vibe is all over the walls with custom poster wall art that reflects the heart of San Clemente. The indoor seating is comfortable, and the relaxed outdoor patio has comfortable seating with umbrellas for shade—perfect for San Clemente’s amazing weather. Dog owners rejoice – your furry friends are welcome on the patio too!
They even have a star “spokesdog” for the patio—nice touch! She’s got a rad attitude, and a name as legendary as her vibe: Miss Pickles (aka Miss Pure Burger). Described as “the baldest, boldest burger queen around.” The “bald” comes from being a half-hairless Chinese Crestie.
Customizable Burger Options
You can make it your own with toppings like chipotle aioli, fresh avocado, or a gluten-free bun. Want to keep it lighter? Swap the brioche bun for a crisp lettuce wrap. But it’s the flavor that keeps people coming back—100% organic grass-fed & finished beef and bison deliver a richness you won’t find in conventional meat. And that made from scratch signature Pure Spread? Let’s just say once you try it, you’ll understand.
Healthier Fries
Even the fries get the special treatment – hand-cut daily and cooked in heart-healthy non-GMO rice bran oil. The result is crispy, golden fries that satisfy without that heavy, greasy feeling afterward. This attention to detail extends to everything on the menu – it’s a complete dining experience that feels both indulgent and wholesome at the same time, which is basically the holy grail of eating out. Pure Burger proves what many have suspected: you can absolutely enjoy an indulgent burger without the guilt trip afterward.
Pure Burger “Bar”
Pure Burger’s drink selection is built for easygoing, high-quality refreshment. Their rotating lineup of draft beers features craft brews that pair perfectly with any Signature burger, while bottled and canned beer options keep things classic. Wine lovers can sip on smooth reds or crisp whites, and if you’re in the mood for something a little stronger, their signature cocktails bring bold flavors to the mix. From a refreshing sangria to a well-poured whiskey, there’s something for every taste—especially during their all-day, everyday happy hour, where top picks start at just $4.
Affordable Quality and Sustainability
One amazed customer said it perfectly: “Best prices I’ve seen for high quality food that tastes amazing! Don’t miss this gem!” (Google Reviews). All their Signature grass-fed & finished beef burgers come with double-patties. All their Signature burgers only cost $9.99, which is often cheaper than less healthy competitors – how they manage this while using premium ingredients is impressive!
Convenient Location
Located at 1925 S El Camino Real, there’s plenty of parking too, which is no small thing in San Clemente! Whether you’re dining in or taking out, Pure Burger Bar has redefined what “best burger” means in San Clemente. Located right off the I-5 so you’re in and out in a jiff. They also have their own parking lot, which makes it even more convenient.
Bottom Line
What We Love: That high-quality grass-fed beef and bison that’s both delicious and healthier, options for every diet (even the pickiest eaters find something here), and the dog-friendly patio with plenty of parking.
Room for Improvement: They close relatively early (Friday & Saturday – 9 pm & Sunday thru Thursday – 8 pm), which can be a bummer for night owls, and there’s no drive-thru option for when you’re in a hurry.
Discover your own favorites: San Clemente’s burger scene is diverse and delicious. Whether you’re into gourmet burgers with fancy ingredients, classic cheeseburgers, spicy jalapeño kicks, or plant-based patties, this list has you covered. These top 10 restaurants each offer a unique take on the humble burger, so you really can’t go wrong. Now the only question is: which one will you try first? Happy eating!
Visit Pure Burger Bar at 1925 S El Camino Real and find out why they’re #1 on our list!
#PureBurgerBar #BestBurgers #GrassFedBurgers #HealthyBurgers #DogFriendlyRestaurants #OrangeCountyBurgers #BeachTownBurgers
