11 Best Burgers in San Jose, Santa Clara, & the South Bay of 2023

Apr 16, 2023

On this important day, you likely cooked out, but if you missed it, it's only fitting to celebrate with the quintessential American meal – the hamburger, nonetheless. There's nothing like sinking your teeth into a juicy, flavorful burger, preferably with a side of crispy, golden fries. The South Bay has a long-standing love affair with American food, and hamburgers, in particular, have always been cherished in Silicon Valley. Whether it's the fact that people come from every corner of the country to settle in the Bay Area, or perhaps its our disproportionate number of foreign immigrants, the South Bay is home to a melding of cultures that make for some truly memorable burgers.

Now, before we begin our list, let's get the disclaimers out of the way. I love In-N-Out, I devour Habit Burgers, I endulge in Five Guys, and I can even admit that I will take down a Burger King burger every now and then. That is not the list we're putting together here, so please feel free to choose not to send me hate mail for missing these fan favorites. The below is still a mix of styles, but we will have to do a fast food burger list another day.

Brew City Grill delights customers with its delicious selection of food and top-notch services. Perfect for gathering with friends and family, or even catching a game on one of their screens, this spot boasts a warm and inviting atmosphere. Known for their delectable hamburgers, the juicy and perfectly cooked burgers, paired with their unmatched fries, are a must-try. However, their menu doesn't stop there, as one of my favorite items is the mouth-watering Nashville style tots, crispy and packed with flavor. For the more adventurous, the diverse beer options such as sour beer will keep you coming back for more, to relax in their cozy patio area or chat with their friendly bartenders. Brew City Grill is the ideal destination for those seeking tasty food and a great time, you'll wonder how you ever lived without it.

Kenny's Cafe is a hidden gem that serves some of the most delectable hamburgers and breakfast burritos, the Philly Cheese Steak and the House Breakfast Burrito are among the must-try items on their menu. Stepping inside, you will be greeted by a warm atmosphere thanks to the friendly owner, Kenny, and the walls decorated with photographs of happy customers, to really show you the love and care that goes into every dish. Don't be fooled by this unassuming cafe's small size, because the portions here are generous and guaranteed to satisfy your cravings, though it's important to remember bring cash for payment as it's much preferred by Kenny. The cafe may be a one-man-show, making it vital to call ahead to place your order, but it is the embodiment of the passionate, hardworking spirit that keeps customers coming back for more mouthwatering hamburgers and breakfast burritos that are definitely worth a visit in Santa Clara.

The Funny Farm Restaurant is a quirky and delightful dining spot filled with kooky decorations and a lively atmosphere that never fails to entertain. There, you'll find an incredible array of mouthwatering hamburgers like the "Get Shorty" with braised short rib, a truly one-of-a-kind burger offering that has won the hearts of many visitors. Not only are the burgers packed full of flavor but the menu also features a diverse range of satisfying dishes, such as the irresistible Loco Moco Tots which is, quite popular but sometimes they run out of tater tots earlier in the day so keep that in mind when stopping by. The staff is known to be extremely friendly providing outstanding and enjoyable service which further enhances the overall dining experience.

Burger Pit is a timeless establishment, boasting the comforting ambience of a classic American diner. Throughout the years, the Burger Pit charms guests from all walks of life, from families to seniors enjoying their delicious offerings in the relaxed atmosphere. The charm doesn't stop with the ambience; the staff is incredibly warm and welcoming, ensuring your dining experience is top-notch. Their menu never fails to delight, as the succulent cheeseburgers and perfectly cooked chili size are crowd favorites, complemented by their divine crispy fries. There's something for everyone, even a kids menu and a selection of beer and wine to enjoy. Make sure to try their scrumptious cheeseburger and a side of their golden, mouthwatering fries that have won the hearts of many visitors. However, do make sure to visit this iconic spot soon, as it is set to unfortunately close its doors in April 2024, which will undoubtedly leave a void in the hearts of their patrons.

Henry's World Famous Hi-Life, located in San Jose, is an incredible spot to enjoy delicious, high-quality steaks and their renowned prime rib, which has left diners satisfied for decades. Upon entering, you'll be greeted with a charming vintage atmosphere, featuring wooden walls, antique decorations, and a cozy bar area where you can enjoy a refreshing root beer on tap or your favorite cocktail. When it comes to their popular Hamburgers at this legendary eatery, expectations are always met with juicy, mouthwatering beef and exquisite seasoning, ensuring that every bite is an unforgettable culinary experience. If you're seeking well-priced steaks and a lovely ambiance for your next special occasion, or simply gathering with friends, don't miss an opportunity, to visit Henry's World Famous Hi-Life and indulge in their prime rib or a scrumptious rib-eye steak, that will definitely have you coming back for more.

Kirk's Steakburgers has been serving up mouth-watering hamburgers since 1946, creating an inviting atmosphere for both sports enthusiasts and casual diners alike. The cozy, dimly-lit interior features televisions showcasing ESPN, while the sheltered outdoor seating area is adorned with warm Christmas lights for an extra touch of ambience. With a focus on top quality meat, Kirk's offers a range of delicious, juicy hamburgers that are perfect for satisfying your cravings, the most popular being the Double Steakburger and Pineapple Bacon Burger. Don't forget to pair your burger with their delectable steak fries, curly fries, and a rich, creamy milkshake for a meal that truly hits the spot. Be prepared to spend around $20 for the standard burger, fries, and drink combo, but do know that the exceptional flavors and welcoming atmosphere make this hidden gem well worth the visit.

San Pedro Square Market is a lively, family-friendly spot that boasts a variety of food options, drinks, and entertainment. With numerous chefs and restaurants offering delectable dishes like Nepali momos, gourmet burgers, seafood, and pizzas, there is something to cater to everyone's taste buds. The Market Bar serves affordable, generously poured drinks to compliment the food offerings. Live music fills the air on different days, adding to the vibrant atmosphere, making it perfect for date nights, gatherings with friends or coworkers, and a fun evening out. One of the highly recommended items from the vast menu is their amazing hamburgers, which have earned their place among the top hamburgers in the area. The indoor and outdoor seating options provide a pleasant dining experience, and don't worry, the place is also dog-friendly, so feel free to bring your furry friend along.

Grub Burger Bar is a delightful spot to gather with friends and family for mouthwatering burgers, situated in Santa Clara, the atmosphere is casual and relaxed with a spacious layout featuring both indoor and outdoor seating options. One of their most popular items, the Guacawaka burger, boasts an impressive combination of flavors, all piled high with generous amounts of guacamole. Alongside the tasty burgers, patrons can't seem to get enough of their crispy cheese fries, loaded with bacon and jalapenos, providing an extra kick of flavor. In addition to the fabulous food, Grub Burger Bar offers a great selection of beers and during weekdays from 11am to 7pm, their happy hour makes for an incredible deal, where a burger and fries can be snagged for a reasonable price, considering otherwise high price points nearby. All in all, this spot promises a fun and enjoyable time with tasty food, great drinks and a fantastic ambiance.

Hukilau boasts a charming, Hawaiian-themed atmosphere with a tiki bar and extensive menu of mouthwatering Hawaiian dishes. The space features a warm and inviting bar area at the front, and a spacious Tiki Room for large groups. Food portions are generously sized, aiming to leave every guest feeling satisfied with their dining experience. The loco moco is a standout favorite, loaded with flavor and served in a hearty portion, while the beef teriyaki also surprises diners with its tender and well-seasoned meat. For a refreshing beverage to accompany such delectable cuisine, one would do well to try their Ginger Martini, which is not too sweet and boasts an enjoyable punch of ginger. This popular restaurant is a must-visit for anyone looking to indulge in the tasty, comforting flavors of Hawaii.

Sliders Burger is a hidden gem with incredible hamburgers and outstanding service. As you step into this laid-back establishment, you're welcomed by their friendly staff ready to guide you through their extensive menu. Their 8oz cheeseburger with a fried egg and avocado is certainly a crowd-pleaser, while the unique options like bison and ostrich burgers set the place apart, giving customers a chance to customize their toppings at the complimentary DIY toppings bar. The fries, oh the fries are to die for, crispy on the outside, soft on the inside and perfectly cooked, pair exceptionally well with any burger choice. In San Jose, the Chili cheese dog, and chili cheese fries are also worth noting, will leave you wanting more. Undeniably, the high-quality ingredients and delicious flavors make Sliders Burger a must-visit destination for any burger enthusiast.