Ocean Beach/DowntownWhat you're getting: Mini cheeseburger ($4.50)Most people gravitate towards the big-as-your-head burgers at Hodad’s, but for a mere $4.50, you can score a mini cheeseburger. The smaller stature delivers what some might call a better meat-to-bread (and toppings) ratio, anyway.

Featured on The Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives,” Hodad’s is a San Diego local favorite— Guy Fieri calls Hodad’s as the best burger he ever ate!. The “good old fashioned run-down-your-arm sloppy hamburgers” offer very generously portioned beef burger patties—be advised ahead of time that a single is more like a double, and even that can be hard to fit in your mouth!. The store itself is full of California kitsch, with skateboards, surfboards and license plates from across the states decking the walls and picnic table style benches.

This throwback-style hamburger stand with a sense of humor (“Under 99 billion sold!”) is a great place to get cheap eats in San Diego. Hodad’s specializes in giant-but-affordable burgers, including the “Guido burger” inspired by Guy Fieri—it overflows with pastrami, ketchup, pickles, cheese, and more. Hodad’s has three busy but laid-back locations in San Diego: one downtown; one at Petco Park; and the original Ocean Beach spot, where it’s fun to sit and people watch.

Billed as the best burger in the world, Hodad’s is one of the casual kid-friendly restaurants in San Diego loved by locals and visitors since 1969. This funky counter service joint even serves up a Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives inspired Guido Burger that comes with pastrami, Guy Fieri-style, as Hodad’s has been featured on the show multiple times. The wallet-friendly menu is rounded out with all the kid favorites of burgers, fries, onion rings, and shakes.

Recognized by CNN as one of the US’s top 5 burger joints, Hodad’s burgers are known by fans as the best in the west. Opened in 1969 in the laid-back Ocean Beach district of San Diego, Hodad’s has now expanded into a burger empire by serving their own signature but simple baskets of burgers, fries, onion rings and milk shakes. Their uncompromising commitment to quality and service has elevated this burger joint into the top spots.

Hodad’s loads up their burgers making them a fun experience to eat. A locally owned and operated restaurant found only in San Diego, Hodad’s has been recognized by CNN as one of the top 5 burger joints in the country, and for good reason. With sizes from a mini to a double double, these extra-large, extra tasty burgers come conveniently served with large cut homemade fries in a combo.

Hodad’s is a beloved burger joint that’s been in operation in the San Diego area for over 50 years. Originally opened in 1969, the restaurant has remained a family business passed down to its current third-generation owners. Through the years, Hodad’s has remained a local favorite, serving hot and juicy burgers alongside cold, refreshing milkshakes to thousands of loyal customers.

Fill up on massive burgers piled high with fresh toppings, accompanied by thick steak fries and monstrous milkshakes at Hodad’s ,Ocean Beach’s beloved family-owned restaurant since 1969. Head inside this laid-back eatery, just steps from the sandy shores of the Pacific, where the walls are covered with license plates and surfboards. You can even dine inside an old Volkswagen van.

Like In N Out for California or Dick’s for Washington, state- except Hodad’s has actually made it on a ton of “top burgers in the US” lists- from Zagat’s to Men’s Journal’s to Insider’s, etc. Its double bacon cheeseburger is its signature burger, and they even offer mini sizes for people with smaller appetites. Be prepared for a long line full of both locals and foodie tourists!

Recently featured on Food Network's "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives" Hodad's serves up huge, juicy, gourmet burgers without attitude. The atmosphere is dive-like with license plates and memorabilia lining the walls and blaring music to set the mood. They don't care if you're shoeless or shirtless (men only!) at this Ocean Beach location as it's THAT casual.

This iconic burger joint has been serving up some of the city’s best burgers since 1969. Located in Ocean Beach and the East Village in Downtown, Hodad’s is known for its massive, juicy burgers loaded with all the fixings. The Bacon Cheeseburger is legendary, featuring thick-cut bacon that’s cooked in a unique way to give it extra crunch.

Address: 945 Broadway, San Diego, CA 92101Phone:+1 (619) 234-6323Website:hodadies.com/homeDetails: $, Hamburger restaurant. Located in San Diego, Hodad’s Downtown is a burger lover’s paradise. Recommended by a friend, the restaurant more than lives up to expectations with its excellent food and enormous burger portions.

Hodad’s is a surf town institution, and their Guido is a culinary invention that gives other San Diego foods a run for their money. This Guy Fieri-inspired burger includes pastrami, grilled onions, Swiss cheese and one of our favorite types of mustard: brown mustard. Burger plus deli sandwich equals San Diego delicious!

- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (2,326 reviews)- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.5/5), Atmosphere (4.5/5)- Type of cuisine: American, Bar- Address: 5010 Newport Ave, San Diego, CA 92107-3010- Read more on Tripadvisor. You may also like:Highest-paying jobs in San Diego that don't require a college degree

Apparently a hodad is a noun for a nonsurfer who spends their time at beaches pretending to be a surfer, but what really matters is that Hodad’s serves some of the best and biggest burgers in town. Nothing fancy or different about them, but Hodad’s burgers are juicy and sinful, just as a burger should be.

Chick-fil-a’s “irreverent” billboards of cows throwing cluckers under the bus disturb me, but I’m afraid the sentiment applies here. Branch out from Hodad’s famed burgers to try the sleeper hit: crispy chicken tenders with a potato-chip breading (and the same addictive potato wedge fries on the side).

Flanked by locals, foodies and tourists, San Diego’s Hodad is a hyper local fast burger chain. Featured in top magazines like Insider and Men’s Journal, their signature bacon cheeseburger is stuffed with satisfying amounts of double bacon. For people with smaller appetites, a mini size is available.

In terms of food and drink, some Ocean Beach favourites are Hodad’s (famous burgers, 4.6/5 from 5268 reviews), OB Noodle House (4.5/5 from 1604 reviews), Raglan Public House (4.6/5 from 844 reviews, inspired by Queenstown’s world-famous Fergburger!) and Kilowatt brewing (4.7/5 from 213 reviews).

After a day of sun and surf, get in some bites and barks at the beach over at Hodad’s, a legendary burger joint in Ocean Beach. What makes it even more appealing is its dog-friendly outdoor patio. Indulge in their famous burgers while your pup relaxes beside you, enjoying the beachy breeze.

Fieri got his buns to Ocean Beach to try this legendary burger spot, and you can still find his influence on the menu with the “Guido Burger” — topped with pastrami, Swiss cheese, spicy brown mustard, and grilled onions. Buying pizza here is dough well spent. Photo via @adamkcady

Walking into Hodad's Downtown, I was immediately hit with a wave of nostalgia. The restaurant exudes a classic American diner vibe, complete with checkered floors and retro memorabilia adorning the walls. But let's get to the main attraction - the burgers.

Some people say this restaurant serves the best burgers in the world. It has even been featured on the Food Network and CNN. Hodad’s has multiple locations throughout San Diego, and the main focus is burgers – made in all sizes and some meat-free options.

Save the appetite, though—North Park’s Restaurant Row is nearby. Grab a couple of gourmet tacos at City Tacos, a great first stop before exploring the local beer scene. Start at North Park Beer Co., then walk around the corner to visit Toronado.

– Rating: 4.5 / 5 (2,320 reviews)– Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.5/5), Atmosphere (4.5/5)– Type of cuisine: American, Bar– Address: 5010 Newport Ave, San Diego, CA 92107-3010– Read more on Tripadvisor

945 BroadwaySan Diego, CA 92101(619) 234-6323 Visit Website See Menu Open in Google Maps. This is one of the two Hodad’s locations in California, serving incredible burgers and sides, plus shakes and beer, in an eclectic space.

Hodads – This breakout burger sensation in Ocean Beach was over 40 years in the making. They serve “old-fashioned, sloppy, run down your arms burgers” that are fresh-made, never frozen. You’ll find them on Newport Avenue.

Surfing in Ocean Beach works up a serious appetite, which is how I discovered Hodad’s legendary onion rings. The line stretching down Newport Avenue should’ve been my first clue these weren’t ordinary rings.

I totally recommend it or Hodads when spending a day at Ocean Beach. Let me know what you had in the comments.