What’s the best burger in the neighborhood?

I’d like to discuss something that may be controversial: Which is the best burger in the neighborhood?

If we go by critic’s rankings, San Diego Magazine ranked Rosemarie’s the overall best burger in the city in 2024. This year, Rocky’s Crown Pub was named the best classic burger, E.L.E. (Everybody Loves Everybody) was the best pop-up burger, and Rosemarie’s took home the honor for best sliders.

But that’s not to say these are the only burgers in town: Irv’s, The Food Box, Biggie’s, Mission Burgers or Bare Back Grill could be at the top of your list. Just this weekend, some friends opened up the question of which burger is best. A strong suggestion that Irv’s should have taken top prize led to great dialogue about what people look for in their perfect burger. 

North PB resident and burger connoisseur Zak Bensing is a regular at the E.L.E. pop-up. When asked about what makes this burger stand out above the rest, he said “E.L.E. isn’t just a burger. It’s the people that make the burger what it is. It’s full of flavor and definitely full of love too. Bob, the owner, pours himself into his work and you can tell.” 

My vote is still out as I’ve yet to try many of the burgers on this list. I hope to try them all! 🍔

If you have strong feelings about which burger is best, send your thoughts to beachandbayhost@gmail.com!