As any burger lover knows, a truly great burger is hard to come by. You want something juicy, flavorful, and cooked to perfection, and it takes a lot of culinary expertise to get all those elements right.
Fortunately, if you find yourself in the Monterey area and are in the mood for a delicious burger, you're in luck. While Monterey is known for its seafood scene, the city is home to several great spots that specialize in serving mouthwatering burgers.
So if you're looking for a delicious burger to sink your teeth into, we've got you covered. Here are the top three places to go when you crave the best burgers in Monterey.
American Burger
If you're looking for a classic burger joint experience with a whole lot of charm, American Burger is the place to go. As a family-owned restaurant, American Burger strives to create a laid-back community atmosphere by hosting regular live music events complete with dancing and great food.
American Burger's menu features an enticing blend of traditional flavors and creative concoctions. From the shrimp-topped Monterey Burger to the Breakfast Burger with bacon, eggs, and cheese, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
In addition to burgers, American Burger also serves a variety of classic favorites like grilled cheese sandwiches, patties melts, hot dogs, and fish and chips. And because immigrants from El Salvador found it, American Burger's menu also features some authentic Salvadoran flavors like pupusas.
Sur Burger
With its sleek and modern industrial interior, Sur Burger is the place to go when you're craving a gourmet burger. This popular burger spot features a variety of distinct flavor combinations, all served on top of an American-grown beef patty cooked to your liking.
Try the chili-topped Volcano for a unique twist on a classic flavor pairing, or go for the Big Kahuna for an exciting burger topped with bacon, pineapple, jalapeños, and jack cheese. Prefer something a little lighter? In addition to Sur Burger's other fish-focused menu items, the Sur Carmel offers a delicious taste of the sea.
For vegans, flexitarians, and everything in between, Sur Burger's Impossible and Beyond Burgers offers a delicious and hearty plant-based option that's every bit as filling and flavorful as the real deal.
Smashburger
A fast-casual burger chain in Monterey, Smashburger is the perfect place to go when you're short on time but still crave a great burger.
Smashburger's burgers are made with 100% Certified Angus Beef that's grass-fed and hand-smashed to order, with an emphasis on supporting local farms. From the classic Smashburger topped with American cheese, lettuce, tomato, and Smash Sauce, to the unique BBQ Bacon Cheddar Burger topped with haystack onions and applewood smoked bacon, Smashburger has a burger for everyone.
In addition to standard beef burgers, Smashburger also serves chicken sandwiches, turkey burgers, and vegetarian-approved black bean burgers. And for those looking to indulge, Smashburger's menu features a variety of enticing sides and shakes, including sweet potato fries, crispy fried onion straws, and thick and creamy milkshakes.
One of these three burger spots will satisfy your cravings no matter what you're in the mood for. So after enjoying some great family-friendly activities in the Monterey area, stop at one of these top burger joints for an unforgettable meal.