Bare Back Grill uses organic beef, house-made tomato chutney, and aioli to make one of the tastiest burgers in San Diego. More

JWok's burger is far from traditional. With toppings like bell peppers, mushrooms, and tom yum mayo, this Asian fusion burger is in a class of its own. More

Classics Malt Shop in San Diego clearly follows the "KISS" procedure when it comes to cooking. The burger shop with a retro theme is a great spot to grab a classic, no-frills cheeseburger and a malt or shake. More

Urban Solace's burger is a successful example of comfort food gone gourmet. The burger features a Niman Ranch beef patty with herbs and spices mixed in, tomato jam, white cheddar, and creamy house sauce. More

In my experience, steak restaurants can either be a great or terrible place for a burger. I've had everything from top-notch experiences to sad, charred-to-death patties that made me think I was being punished for ordering the cheapest thing on the menu. Cowboy Star, a contemporary Western-themed restaurant concept in downtown San Diego that specializes in hand-cut steaks, is decidedly in the first category. More

San Diego's East Village Tavern and Bowl is a great spot for happy hour, but overcooked burgers and a bizarre caramel dip for sweet potato fries made for a lackluster meal. More

Nicky Rottens' impeccably constructed burger is officially the burger to beat in San Diego, not to mention an excellent value, particularly for the Gaslamp Quarter. More

Corvette Diner is all about fun first and food second. The restaurant serves a perfectly acceptable burger, but the main attractions are the atmosphere and spectacular shakes. More

This family-owned restaurant with nearly three decades of satisfying the burger cravings of San Diegans serves delicious charbroiled steak burgers. More

The Waterfront's burger coulda been a contender, if not for sloppy attention to detail and a sad, spongy bun that knocked it out of the ring. More