4 Best Restaurants in San Diego, California

Surfers with big appetites, and fans of Food Network's Diners, Drive-ins and Dives, chow down on huge, messy burgers, fries, onion rings, and shakes at this funky, hippie beach joint adorned with beat-up surfboards, stickers, and license plates from almost every state. Don’t be put off by lines out the door---they move quickly and the wait is worth it, especially for the Guido Burger; inspired by Guy Fieri, it's topped with pastrami, onions, pickles, and Swiss cheese. Wash it down with one of their own microbrews including a hazy IPA and a Mexican lager. A miniburger is a less-filling option, and there are veggie and chicken patty options for the red-meat averse. Newer outposts—as family-friendly as the original '60s joint—are Downtown and at Petco Park.

Inspired by the grass-fed burgers they sampled in New Zealand, the founders of this convivial eatery set out to replicate those same high-quality flavors in their Ocean Beach spot. The interior nods to the outdoor-oriented Kiwi country, with surfboards turned into light fixtures, rugby photos, and bodyboards as wall art. An outdoor "parklet" wrapping the corner lot draws a crowd, clinging to the laid-back atmosphere and chill staff that will know you by name before the meal is over. Food focuses on burgers with organic, grass-fed beef, as well as chicken, lamb, and seafood options dressed in garlic aioli and tomato chutney, along with huge portions of onions rings and fries. The meat pies have a croissant-like crust, and there are also salads for those seeking greens. The weekend brunch menu delivers chilaquiles, steak and tamale Benedict, and cheesy grits. With 24 beers on tap, this OB mainstay was one of the first local businesses to pioneer the craft beer movement.

Bacon is king at this lively burger, beer, and sports bar in Liberty Station. Founder Scott Slater’s signature “designer” patty, half beef and half ground bacon, is topped with a fried egg and cheese, and sauced with chipotle adobo mayonnaise. Or design your own burger from a menu with over 50 toppings like Guinness bacon chili or bacon jalapeño jam. Even fries get a lift from bacon ketchup. While little ones munch sliders from the kids' menu, parents quaff one of the 100 craft and local beers on tap and join military from nearby bases and other sports fans following games on the room’s many flat-screen TVs. There's even a dog menu featuring the signature 50/50 patty or bacon strips for furry friends.

Meatballs get a trendy spin at S&S, where the decor blends a gold-wrapped bar and geometric stools with old-time touches like a bakery area fashioned after a vintage storefront. This cozy space is the perfect spot to indulge in comfort food with a twist. First select a meatball type (pork, chorizo, beef, chicken, quinoa, or sietan) before choosing the style—sliders, a sandwich, with spaghetti, or in a skillet. The meatballs are filling, but save room for the sides, particularly the fried pizza knots. Other small plates include mac and cheese, broccolini with garlic and Parmesan, and spiced crispy chickpeas. A slice of homemade pie topped with soft serve is a great ending to the meal.