The burger is an existential part of American cuisine. Endless debates have started over which burger is the most superior in the realm. While it might not be possible to pick the perfect burger – there’s only one way to find out. So, if you’re looking to make your pick for the best burger in Irvine, we suggest you start with our top five.
Burger Lounge
Straight forward and no nonsense – and delicious – is what you should expect from the lineup of burgers at Burger Lounge in Irvine. Sporting a menu of burgers, fries and shakes, this is what a burger joint should feel like. While there’s not a bad choice on the menu, The Husky should be on everyone’s radar. Double grass-fed beef, double organic white cheddar cheese, shredded lettuce, tomato, pickles, fresh onion and 1,000 Island dressing. Another interesting burger on the menu is the plant-based organic quinoa vegan burger.
8553 Irvine Center Drive, Irvine
Umami Burger
For those unaware, umami is defined as the taste and flavor of food. There’s no wrong turn at Umami Burger, but for $10, the Double Truffle is the best bang for your buck. This truffle-laced burger features two patties, truffle cheese fondue, truffle aioli and a truffle glaze. For a $10 price point, it might seem way too good to be true – and it is. You can also order any burger on the menu with an Impossible Beef Patty – or two. With locations across the United States, Irvine is lucky to have one of the most unique corporate burger joints at the Irvine Spectrum.
527 Spectrum Center Drive, Irvine
The Cut
The brain child of Chef Andres Dangond, The Cut Handcrafted Burgers is a burger lover’s mecca. Keeping it simple, the cut designates Original and Savory burgers. Yet, in a world closed off to outside experiences, this year we recommend you step outside your comfort zone and experience The Columbian, made with smoked mozzarella, cilantro chimichurri and roasted bananas. After winning numerous Orange County food awards as a food truck, it’s safe to say The Cut Handcrafted Burgers has become a well-integrated part of the brick-and-mortar burger scene in Irvine and only seems to get better with age.
3831 Alton Pkwy #C, Irvine
The Counter
The Counter, located in the Woodbury Town Center, features a build-your-own burger program, with unique protein options that include The Impossible Burger, turkey burgers, beef patties and organic bison. The Counter also offers a wide selection of curated burgers, one of which is called Bison Is Gouda AKA B.I.G! Made with organic bison, smoked gouda, bacon onion jam, sunny side up egg, baby spinach, scallions and house made 1,000 island dressing. The B.I.G is one of Irvine Weekly’s best burgers of 2021.
6416 Irvine Boulevard, Irvine
The Stand
Established in 2003, The Stand has served the city of Irvine sandwiches, hot dogs and craft beer for almost two decades. While there’s nothing fancy about The Stand, there are some good burgers. However, of all the signature burgers, and the customizations, the Ultimate Egg reigns supreme. If you’ve never experienced a bacon cheeseburger with a fried egg, be sure to add that to your food bucket list of 2021, and every year after.
5633 Alton Pkwy #200, Irvine
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