Hodad's Burgers in Ocean Beach, California
A Truly Amazing San Diego Burger-Eating Experience
Oct 18, 2009
This burger spot is well-known throughout the city for its food as well as its atmosphere and attitude. The walls in this eatery are lined with old license plates, a fact which makes for amusing conversations as diners choose the most outrageous or the most interesting to comment on. Aside from the license plates, another highlight of the venue is the front section of an old VW bus that has been turned into seating arrangements. Only the truly lucky get the opportunity to dine in the bus!
What Is a “Hodad”?
The restaurant takes its name from the slang word “hodad” which, according to the restaurant’s website, is a term that refers to “a non-surfer who spends time at beaches masquerading as a surfer.” Although the most closely-related synonym appears to be “poser,” thankfully there is no surfing litmus test administered at the door to segregate the surfers from the “hodads.” And, just as there is no litmus test, neither is there a dress code. In fact, the restaurant’s come one, come all attitude has resulted in its “No Shirt – No Shoes – No Problem” slogan.
The World’s Best Burger
Claiming to have the “world’s best burger,” a supposition that was recently investigated in an article on CNN, the menu does offer quite a selection. There are mini burgers as well as singles and doubles. Veggies patties are also available and all burgers come with the option to “SAC” it, which means adding Swiss, American, and Cheddar cheese.
In addition to the burgers are the sides and shakes. The french fries and onion rings are to die for, and the restaurant offers the ever-popular “fring” combination basket of half rings and half fries. But, don’t forget about the shakes! Though they are relatively expensive, the shakes are quite large and full of ice cream, making them the perfect treat after a hot day at the beach.
Location, Hours, and Directions
Hodad’s is located at 5010 Newport Avenue in the busy, surfer suburb of Ocean Beach. The restaurant is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, but be sure to plan ahead and be ready to stand in line because the diner doesn’t have a waiting list and doesn’t take reservations. Servers occasionally man the line, providing onion rings to those who wait, though, and it’s not unusual to find musicians who position themselves on the street corner to entertain patrons in the hope of earning a few bucks.
If you're in a real hurry, take-out orders can be placed by calling (619) 224-4623. All in all, though, a dine-in experience is well worth the wait, and a trip to Hodad’s is certainly a highlight of the San Diego experience!
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