Where to Find the Best Hamburgers in Sacramento
Visit the Squeeze Inn—California Locals' Favorite Dive
Oct 20, 2009
Just ask a Sacramento resident where to find the best burgers in town and the answer will almost always be the Squeeze Inn. Known for their signature burger, "Squeeze with Cheese", the Squeeze Inn has been feeding Northern California fans for over three decades.
History of the Squeeze Inn
During its 30 year history, the Squeeze Inn has undergone a few changes in ownership. It is currently owned by the Hausauer family who remain very active in the day-to-day operations of the business.
The restaurant name comes from the fact that it is so small, guests literally have to squeeze in to get their food. The building is small because it was originally an entrance to a waffle house. The Squeeze Inn now serves great burgers where patrons of the waffle house once hung their hats and coats. Although the building is rather small, with only 12 stools at the counter, they have added some extra seating outside behind the restaurant.
Do not be surprised by the long lines that fill the parking lot throughout the day. Try to visit during non-peak meal times or call ahead to save time and place an order for pickup. The atmosphere is likely to change soon as the owners search for a new location after a recent lawsuit, which claimed the building was not handicap accessible. The lawsuit has since been dropped, but the Hausauer family is still looking to move the Sacramento location, which has brought mixed reactions from their longtime loyal customers.
The Squeeze with Cheese and Other Menu Items
Their signature menu item is the Squeeze with Cheese burger ($5.80) which is a 1/3 lb. 100% beef burger with mayo, mustard, tomato, lettuce, pickles, cheese, and onions, served on a sesame seed bun. What makes this burger stand out from regular cheeseburgers is the intriguing "skirt" of bubbling cheese. The crispy skirt of cheese is created by a rather unique cooking method. After the burger is cooked on a flat top grill, it is covered with a plentiful mound of cheese and the bun top. The cook then throws a handful of ice chips on, covers, and the end result is a beautiful, crispy cheese skirt that extends about an inch over the burger itself. Although this is a large burger, be sure to save room for a side of their crispy French fries (small $2.00 / large $2.50).
Most die-hard fans order the signature Squeeze with Cheese, but the menu also offers a variety of other sandwich items including steak, turkey breast, and grilled cheese. For those looking for something a little lighter, try a BLT sandwich ($4.85) served on fresh sourdough. And vegetarians have not been forgotten as there is also a veggie burger ($3.75) on the menu. Although the menu is noted as being limited, they even offer hot dogs and tacos as well.
The Galt location has a few additional offerings since they open for breakfast. Their breakfast menu is bigger than the regular menu, featuring a wide selection of pancakes, omelettes and other egg dishes, as well as breakfast sandwiches and burritos. They even have a coffee and espresso bar to fulfill the morning java craving.
Awards and Accolades
Guy Fieri, restaurateur and host of the popular Food Network show, Diners, Drive-in's and Dives, paid a visit to the Squeeze Inn on the Burgers episode, DV0107. The popular dive is even featured in Guy Fieri's book about the show and some of the places he visited.
In addition to the extra notoriety received from the Food Network, they have been voted the Best Burger in 2007, 2008, and 2009 by viewers of the local television station KCRA. The popular Sacramento Magazine has also recognized the Squeeze Inn and voted them the "Best Dive" in Sacramento for 5 years running now.
Squeeze Inn Locations in Sacramento, Galt, and Napa
The Squeeze Inn now has two family owned locations, and a franchised branch in Napa, California. The original location is at 7916 Fruitridge Road in Sacramento, near Power Inn Road. Place an order ahead of time by calling (916) 386-8599. They are open Monday through Friday from 10am until 6pm, Saturday until 4pm, and they are closed on Sunday. Be sure to heed the posted parking warnings as parking is extremely limited around this location, and neighboring businesses will definitely call to have vehicles towed.
The new restaurant in Galt is only a 30 minute drive from Sacramento, making it a viable option for those wanting to avoid the lengthy lines at the original one. The Galt location is at 545 Industrial Drive, and their phone number is (209) 745-4313. Their operating hours are Tuesday through Thursday from 7am until 7pm, Friday until 8pm, and Saturday until 6pm. They are closed Sunday and Monday.
The franchised Squeeze Inn located in Napa is at 3383 Solano Avenue, (707) 257-6880. They are open Monday through Friday from 11am until 8pm, Saturday until 7pm, and closed on Sunday.
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