Summer is in full swing, which means it’s time for picnics, beaches, and barbeques. While grilling up a burger at home is a nice option, nothing beats the sheer variety and quality found in these North Park burger spots.
Crazee Burger
Crazee Burger in North Park is located just off 30th, recognizable by its wild wall art and extensive menu. Offering over 30 different burgers, you’re unlikely to find anywhere that has more to choose from in San Diego. Water buffalo, camel, and boar all sit beside tamer options if you aren’t feeling as adventurous.
The Cajun, sporting onions and chipotle sauce, alongside the Crack of Dawn (cheese, egg, hashbrowns, and bacon) are my two go-to’s. For vegetarians and vegans, there are a few options, including a portabella burger and Beyond vegan patties complimented by a vegan bun.
In a time where prices are skyrocketing and it is not unheard of to drop $20 for a simple burger, Crazee Burger keeps their menu more grounded, with a regular burger starting at nine bucks. Their fries are crisp and delicious, and even take out fairly well.
I know, fries are almost impossible to transport, but the ones from Crazee Burger held up admirably, making this spot one of the best places to get takeout in North Park.
The Friendly/The Friendly Tavern
Mentioned in countless articles on this site, no conversation about burgers in North Park, or even San Diego, is complete without mentioning the Friendly. With two locations in North Park (30th Street and University Ave) and a brand new Pacific Beach location, business at the Friendly is booming, and for good reason.
Their famous Dirty Flat Top burger is a smashed patties masterpiece, complete with crispy edges, buttery buns, and grilled onions. While one may look small, they pack quite a punch and definitely fill you up. Oh, and did I mention, they’re only six bucks?
The location on University, the Friendly Tavern, sells burgers, fries, and onion rings. While the O.G. location on 30th does one burger, no modifications, the Friendly Tavern has a few different options to choose from (also with no modifications).
Both locations have alcohol, and 30th has delicious slices of pizza if you need a little extra.
Craft House Burgers
Conveniently connected to Ripcurrent Brewing, Craft House serves up a variety of big, beefy burgers. Their menu features both standard burgers, like the “Not So Basic”, which has bacon, cheddar, and onion jam, as well as more bold options, including the “Surf and Turf”, complete with shrimp on top. As far as I know, this is the only spot to get seafood on your burger in North Park.
The burgers are a good size and definitely filling. The buns are huge (maybe a little too big in some cases), but perfect for soaking up the sauces that complement the burger so well.
In addition to a handful of excellent burgers, the menu features loads of different options for bar food, including loaded fries, mac and cheese, and tacos. Check out Ripcurrent, one of the best breweries in North Park, while you’re here too!
Redwing
Redwing is a good, old-fashioned dive bar on 30th that has a small kitchen by the bar that whips up all sorts of bar treats. This includes some great burgers that go beyond your usual greasy bar food.
Fun combinations, such as “The Craver” (cheese, bacon, and fried pickles) and “The Redwing” (habanero bacon cream cheese, grilled onions, and peppers) make the menu stand out. The fried pickles on The Craver provide a crispy, acidic bite that I have not had on a burger before.
While not cheap like the Friendly, a burger and fries will definitely fill you up, best paired with a beer for a few bucks if you come during happy hour. Get a side of fries, tots, or onion rings and you now have a complete, delicious meal. If you’re looking for a vegan or vegetarian burger in North Park, options are present here, and not just for burgers, but bar food and apps alike.
The staff is friendly and welcoming, and for beautiful summer days (or year-round) you can sit on the back patio in the sunshine.
