Best Burgers in Santa Monica
Updated June 16, 2026 · Ranked by combined rating and review volume
Where to find the best burgers in Santa Monica
HiHo Cheeseburger elevates the classic American burger with its commitment to quality, featuring 100% grass-fed Wagyu beef patties that are consistently cooked to perfection. Diners rave about the HiHo double, often enhanced with delicious pastrami or unique spicy onions, creating a perfectly balanced and incredibly flavorful experience. Beyond the exceptional burgers, their fresh-cut fries are also highly praised, making for a standout meal in a clean, inviting setting.
Urban Skillet is a fantastic spot in Santa Monica for those seeking high-quality, juicy Halal burgers. Their Original Skillet Burger, often ordered as a double smash, is celebrated for its tender, flavorful beef and delicious melded cheese. Complementing the burgers are their highly-rated spicy fries and a range of amazing sauces, all served in a welcoming atmosphere with friendly service, despite the absence of alcohol.
The Win~Dow at American Beauty is a bustling, high-energy patio spot known for serving some of LA's best smash burgers at incredibly affordable prices. Their simple yet high-quality burgers feature perfectly cooked patties, American cheese, a tangy special sauce, and are served on the highly-regarded Martin's potato bun. It's a must-try for a quick, delicious, and budget-friendly burger experience, complete with White Castle-style onions and a lively outdoor vibe.
Habit Burger & Grill is a reliable chain favorite in Santa Monica, celebrated for its consistently tasty charbroiled burgers, including a popular Impossible Burger option. Customers frequently commend the friendly and efficient staff who ensure quick service, making it a convenient and satisfying choice for a casual meal. Beyond the burgers, their excellent fries and overall positive dining experience keep patrons returning.
George's Burgers is a beloved Santa Monica institution, offering a hearty menu that extends far beyond just burgers. Patrons consistently praise their generously-sized, grilled burgers, often featuring soft buns and a distinctive Thousand Island dressing with fresh fixings. While famous for its burgers and ample portions of fries, this diner-style spot also earns accolades for its stellar California burritos and amazing French toast, all delivered with friendly, attentive service.
Contenders
Places submitted by the community. The top contender with more points than #5 gets promoted.
How we ranked the best burgers in Santa Monica
Every place on this list is scored by a Bayesian weighted formula combined with a volume bonus. It rewards consistent positive feedback at scale, not just a high average rating — a 4.9-star place with 12 reviews ranks below a 4.6-star place with 800.
score = (v / (v + m)) × R + (m / (v + m)) × C + γ × log₁₀(v)
The prior m adapts to each neighborhood: it's the median review count among local candidates. So 200 reviews counts as “small sample” in dense markets like the West Village, but “solid” in quieter neighborhoods. Places with extreme review volume that clearly dominate their peers are promoted to #1. No paid placements — every spot earns its position via the public data.
Frequently asked about Santa Monica burgers
What is the highest-rated burger in Santa Monica?
Urban Skillet has the highest Google rating in our list of the best burgers in Santa Monica, with 4.6 stars across 663 reviews.
Which burger in Santa Monica has the most reviews?
HiHo Cheeseburger | Santa Monica has the most reviews of any burger on this list — 2,007 ratings averaging 4.5 stars on Google.
How are the best burgers in Santa Monica ranked?
Each place is scored using a Bayesian weighted formula that combines its average Google rating with its review count. This pulls small-sample places toward the local mean — so a 4.9-star spot with 12 reviews is ranked below a 4.6-star spot with 800 reviews. Volume and consistency matter, not just an inflated average.
When was this ranking last updated?
This ranking of the best burgers in Santa Monica was last refreshed in June 2026 using the latest Google ratings and review counts. Restaurants and bars change constantly — always verify hours and current status before visiting.
Why isn't my favorite burger on the list of best burgers in Santa Monica?
To be considered, a place needs enough Google reviews for the rating to be statistically meaningful (at least 5 reviews, ideally 25+). Newer or hyper-local spots can be excellent but score lower until enough people review them. Boundaries also matter — a spot just outside the Santa Monica area may show up on a neighboring ranking instead.