18 Best Burger Restaurants in Santa Cruz

“Jack's Hamburgers in Santa Cruz is the go-to spot for the best burgers in town. Whether it's a bad day or a celebration, Jack's has you covered with fantastic burgers and off the charts fries. The menu offers a variety of options, including delicious cheeseburgers and chili dogs. The prices are reasonable, making it a steal for the quality you get. The chipotle burger with fries is a must-try, with a smoky flavor and a spicy kick that will satisfy your cravings. Located just a street over from downtown, Jack's is the perfect spot for unpretentious burgers and a great dining experience with friends and family.“

“Betty Burgers is an authentic hamburger joint in Santa Cruz, serving delicious burgers like the 1/2 pounder "Big Betty" with signature 'lube' special sauce. The meat is thick and real, and options like lettuce wraps with avocado are available. Don't forget to order a shake! The staff provides great service, even on busy evenings.“

“Belly Goat Craft Burgers offers a unique dining experience with inventive burgers made with high-quality meat. Their menu features a range of options, including vegetarian choices like the mushroom burger. The burgers are cooked to perfection and offer a perfect balance of ingredients. The atmosphere is relaxed and suitable for families, groups, and individuals. The restaurant also serves solid fries and offers a great environment.“

“Harbor Café boasts very high quality food, featuring unique menu items, including cheeseburgers and polenta fries. The service is impeccable, with friendly and attentive staff, such as Christy, who went above and beyond to ensure a pleasant experience, even with large families. The atmosphere is cozy, making it a popular spot for breakfast in Santa Cruz. Note that the cafe is small, so it's best to arrive early to avoid a wait.“

“Betty Burgers is a divey, old-fashioned burger joint with fresh veggies and good fries. The Basic Betty burger is a safe choice. The prices might be a bit high for some, but the quality and variety of the burgers make up for it. They offer vegetarian options with veggie patties. The service is excellent, and it's considered the best old-fashioned burger spot in the Santa Cruz/Capitola area. A great place to enjoy a classic burger experience with plenty of seating available.“

“Pretty Good Advice is a vegetarian/vegan restaurant in Santa Cruz that offers a variety of delicious plant-based options. They serve burgers, sandwiches, fries, salads, and desserts. The PGA Burger and Spicy Chick'n Burger are popular choices, both made with a black bean/soy patty base. The fries are crispy and come with vegan ranch dressing. The staff is friendly, and the housemade hot sauce adds a tasty kick to the meals. While seating is limited inside, it's a great spot for takeout and enjoying your meal outdoors. Pretty Good Advice is a welcome addition to Downtown Santa Cruz, providing affordable and tasty plant-based options in a convenient location.“

“The Habit Burger Grill is a clean and well-maintained restaurant that offers good quality burgers and food. Customers praise the care and attention given to the food preparation and presentation, with the burgers being a standout menu item. However, some reviews suggest that the portion sizes may be unbalanced, and the fries can sometimes be served cold. Overall, The Habit Burger Grill is a recommended spot for a satisfying burger experience.“

“The Point Kitchen and Bar offers a delightful dining experience, with a focus on fresh and flavorful dishes. From fish tacos to burgers, the menu boasts a variety of options that please the palate. The brunch selection is particularly impressive, with standouts like salmon benedict, sweet potato hash, and chicken and waffles. The service is always outstanding, with friendly and attentive staff. The atmosphere is inviting, with easy parking and a relaxed vibe. Whether you're in the mood for a Mexican coffee or a classic cocktail, The Point Kitchen and Bar is a great choice for a meal out.“

“Back Nine Grill & Bar is a restaurant known for its delicious food and cozy atmosphere. The scalloped potatoes are a standout, reminiscent of a homemade dish. Ribs, chicken sandwiches, and burgers are also popular choices, with options for vegetarians such as crispy fried green beans and cauliflower. The service, provided by friendly staff like Clay, contributes to a wonderful dining experience. The restaurant can get busy, but the volume remains quiet and relaxing.“

“Munch is a charming cafe that exceeds expectations. The ambiance is enchanting, with beautiful art and a grand piano adding to its elegance. The staff is welcoming and kind, and the food and pastries are top-notch. The cafe hosts various events, making each visit unique. With a fun and rotating menu of casual homemade food, and a colorful clientele, Munch is a great place to relax and unwind.“

“West End Tap and Kitchen offers a unique dining experience with a creative menu featuring fermented ingredients and kimchi. The atmosphere is amazing, with a laid-back high-ceiling warehouse conversion to a hip restaurant, suitable for both casual and sophisticated dining. The menu offers great vegetarian options, including unique appetizers, and kid-friendly fare. On tap, there's something for everyone, and the attentive servers and bartenders ensure a pleasant experience.“

“Seaside Fish & Chowder (formerly Fisherman's Galley) offers a delightful dining experience, with highlights including the best lobster roll with butter, an amazing blueberry pie, and delicious fried shrimp and fish. Customers praise the friendly staff and the restaurant's hidden gem status.“

“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.“

“Surf City Grill is a popular spot at the Santa Cruz beach boardwalk, known for its quick and polite service. It offers a variety of food options, from unique dishes like French fried artichoke and fried zucchini to classic choices like bacon cheeseburgers and garlic fries. The artichoke and zucchini are particularly popular, served with a tasty ranch dip. Vegetarian options, such as the vegetarian corn dog, are also available. The restaurant can get crowded, especially on weekends, but the long lines attest to its popularity. Prices are slightly steep, but the portion sizes are generous, making it a reasonable value. For dessert, the Cajun Corn Dog and Texas Donut are available, although the donut could be improved with more glaze. Indoor seating is provided for those looking to dine in. Overall, Surf City Grill is a great place to enjoy a meal or snack while visiting the boardwalk.“

“Five Guys is a restaurant that offers exceptional food, particularly its burgers, which are always fresh and promptly prepared. The staff is incredibly friendly, kind, and funny, providing a true American burger experience. The potatoes are cut and prepared with care, and the restaurant supports local farmers, crediting them on their menu. The burgers, including the Little Bacon Cheeseburger, are delicious, and the milkshakes are a treat.“

“Ulterior is a unique dining spot with a chill atmosphere. The restaurant serves delicious and portioned food, including vegetarian options that are all unique and delicious. The kitchen offers mouth-watering dishes like ahi tuna crudo, fresh farmers market salad, and pork rib sandwich. The bar serves great cocktails with creative designs and flavors.“