19 Best Burger Restaurants in Santa Cruz

“4.5 stars (but gave 5 because Google Maps doesn’t allow half-stars)

I’m not usually a burger lover. I visited Jack’s Hamburger for the first time on a friend’s recommendation—and it really impressed me! I tried the tri-tip steak sandwich, and it was fantastic. The steak was flavorful and juicy, though one of my friends got a slightly overcooked piece, which made it taste a bit bitter. That was the only minor downside.

The portion size caught me off guard—it’s huge, especially for someone with a small stomach like me. Still, I ended up finishing the whole thing because it tasted so good!

I wish there were a Jack’s closer to home (it’s over an hour’s drive), but it was well worth the trip. Great experience overall!“

“Glad this place is here it’s so good. The spicy chicken sandwich is bomb. The hash brown sando is good too. The fries are amazing. They have tasty vegan ranch too. Th e soft serve is super tasty. I thought the lobster sando was yum too. Highly recommend.“

“Food is delicious. Service was top notch. Staff is extremely friendly.“

“My husband and I had a great breakfast I got a breakfast burrito and a frittata. Both were very good and big great food for a great price and the customer service was amazing.“

“As a member of Abbot Square, and one that has been around for a while, Belly Goat Burgers gave me good vibes and hope. Their menu has these big juicy burgers on them and, for a place that hits all the visual cues of a hipster brewery, it didn't seem all too expensive. All the menu options seemed unique and creative. I gave the Drunken Onion a try, along with two fried fish tacos and a side of fries.
Although I ate them last, I'll start with the fries as they were the least notable. They were fine. Not too pricey for a nice big basket, but a little dry.
I always like to try fried fish tacos. There are many unique ways to approach them, though they do retain a core identity, so you get to see the personality of the restaurant come through in a relatively subjective playing field. Belly Goat certainly tried here, and there are definite positives. I'm not usually a fan of pickled jalapenos but they worked here. The slaw was great, and they were big enough to match the price. Yet they fail in two key ways. First of all, the tortillas are not good. They have that slightly stale dryness and flavor typical of bought tortillas, and having to taste them in every bite unbalanced the experience. But far more importantly, the fish was bad too! The few bits of actual meat I got seemed fine, but they were so deeply enveloped in the oiliest, most char-flavored coating I have ever had I would rather have just ordered them vegetarian and fishless.
But they really made up for it with the burger. The Drunken Onion had so many great flavors -- acidity, meaty savoriness, creamy cheese, all rambunctiously competing for attention but ultimately working together to create a fun and enjoyable eating experience. The burger was huge, too, both in girth and height. It's nice to know that, at least when it comes to burgers, this place knows what they're doing.
Like I said, they have a fantastic looking menu and I'd love to try a few more of their offerings. I would just stay away from the tacos and stick to the burgers.“

“Food is delicious. Service was top notch. Staff is extremely friendly.“

“Taste great. Friendly Staff. Enjoyed having Birthday dinner with our daughter who turned 20 yrs old. Yummy“

“Service was great food was awesome My wife and I had the horseradish salmon dinner cook perfectly The greens were awesome The black rice really took it off the top it was off the hook it was such a great combination Plus all the beers on tap you couldn't
Beat it for the price..
This is a great place to bring your family Great place to bring friends Great atmosphere awesome food thank you so much for the one full experience“

“Best Philly Cheesesteak west of the Mississippi! They rock!!! Try an Apple Fritter too. They are killer!!!“

“Such a neat place! We really enjoyed this spot. Service and drinks! Their house drink menu is very unique and fun! Definitely recommend if you're visiting Santa Cruz! The entrance is around the back of motiv off pearl alley but if it's after 9:30p you'll need to go to motiv first to get stamped anyways.“

“Top of the line Food thats forsure“

“I love The Boardwalk. It's always a good time over there. Everything about a beach town is always fun. Such an amazing vibe everytime I go.“

“My family and i arrive to this location and they bring to us Hot meal they have Friendly servers they always smile they are kind with our kids. My omelette was utterly delicious i going to cone back this location in a good spot. in santa cruz. thanks for everything“

“My family and I recently went to the Santa Cruz beach boardwalk and we ate lunch here. I had a corn dog and a few garlic fries! Both were delicious but if you don’t like a lot of garlic I would recommend not to order the garlic fries because they are loaded with garlic! Garlic lovers will find them perfect for a snack though!
I’d definitely eat here again!“

“Burger King Just Changed My Life (For $4.99?!)

I wasn’t even in the mood for fast food—just wanted something quick and reliable. I walked into Burger King expecting “meh” and walked out rethinking everything I knew about burgers.

That Bacon Melt Double Patty Burger for $4.99? Spiritual awakening.
Double patty, crispy bacon, Swiss cheese, lettuce, mayo, ketchup—every bite hit like a choir of flavor angels in my mouth.

Customizing it on their touchscreen? Effortless. I felt like a sleep-deprived burger scientist building a masterpiece. Even with the lunch crowd, the vibe was chill, and the wait was short. And then… BOOM. First bite? Life. Changed.

And yes, the water was absurdly good. Ice cold. Crisp. Like it had been blessed by mountain monks. I half expected a wise old trout to rise from the cup and hand me a prophecy.

6 out of 5 stars. If you walk in and don’t order this burger? Buddy… rethink your life.“

“Betty’s Burgers in downtown Santa Cruz is a true local favorite and absolutely deserves five stars. Every visit delivers consistently **delicious burgers**—juicy, flavorful patties, fresh toppings, and a menu with something for everyone, from classic beef to veggie and turkey options. The atmosphere is fun and welcoming, with a classic diner vibe.

But the real standout? Their chocolate milkshake is always the best. Creamy, rich, and perfectly blended, it’s a must-try treat that keeps me coming back again and again. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite after the beach or enjoying a casual meal with friends, Betty’s Burgers never disappoints. Highly recommend for anyone craving a great burger and the best milkshake in Santa Cruz!“

“The only Five Guys in Santa Cruz since the one at the Capitola Mall shut down, with your standard Five Guys experience. The fries are good and plentiful, and the burgers are delicious with whatever vegetables you want on top. There's other options as well such as a vegetarian sandwich and hot dogs.“

“Good selection of breakfast and lunch items. Seems the prices are on-par with the rest of campus. The store itself has a decent selection of snacks, drinks, and condiments you can buy for your apartment or stuff your face with before class.“

“Absolutely the best crab sandwich I’ve ever had!

Seaside Fish and Chowder at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is a hidden gem that every seafood lover needs to visit. I stopped by on a whim and ended up having one of the most memorable meals of my trip.

Their crab sandwich is out of this world—sweet, fresh crab meat served on perfectly grilled sourdough from Sumano’s Bakery, crisped in butter until golden. The flavors were perfectly balanced, rich, and comforting without being heavy. You can taste the freshness.

The staff was friendly, the service was quick even with a crowd, and the location can’t be beat—right near the beach, with that classic Boardwalk vibe.

Highly recommend grabbing a crab sandwich (and maybe a bowl of chowder too!) and enjoying it while watching the waves. This place is a must-stop when you're in Santa Cruz!“