Hodad's Burgers in Ocean Beach California

Are you looking for the biggest cheeseburgers you have ever seen? Hoedad's in Ocean Beach California is the place you will find them!

Just what exactly is a Hodad anyway? A Hodad is a person who acts like a surfer but really doesn’t know how to surf. You know, the one who dresses the part but doesn’t really know how to play the game.

Well, when it comes to Hodad’s in Ocean Beach, California, this definition certainly does not apply. This restaurant not only looks like a cool spot to eat, but can deliver in the food department too!

I first heard of Hodad’s while watching an episode of Diner’s, Drive-In’s, and Dives. Guy Fieri described this dining experience as “off the hook” and he certainly was right. Later, on the Food Network show, “The Best Thing I Ever Ate”, in the episode called, “With Bacon”, Guy Fieri featured the Hodad’s Bacon Burger once again. This burger is so great it made Guy come back for more!

Once you visit Hodad’s you will come back for more too.

Located on the corner of Newport Ave and Bacon Street, just one block away from the beach in Ocean Beach, California, Hodad’s  is the ultimate in casual dining.  Their motto, “no shirt, no shoes, no problem” is apparent as you see lines of hungry beach goers in flip flops and bathing suits waiting to experience the best hamburger in San Diego.  The line of patrons is evidence that Hodad’s is “the real deal”. 

Mike Hardin is the man behind the greatest burgers in Ocean Beach.  Growing up in the burger business, Mike was 10 years old when his parents, Bryon and Virginia, opened up their first burger joint in El Cajon, California.  It was called, “Hardin’s Barrel”. That was in 1969, and almost forty years later Mike is still flippin’ burgers in a big way. 

Hodad’s is famous for its BIG food. They not only have big burgers but they have big mouthwatering onion rings and big handmade malts and shakes too. If you are really hungry order a DOUBLE bacon cheeseburger, but be prepared to get one of the biggest burgers you have ever seen. It includes two good –size hamburger patties, piled inside a toasted sesame seed bun with lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle, mayonnaise, mustard and ketchup. AND a special bacon patty, cooked a special way exclusive to Hodad’s.

Hodad’s unique décor adds to the ambiance of the experience.  The place is a combination of funky and eclectic, with old license plates covering the walls, along with the front of a VW Bus made into a booth to eat in.  Mike claims no lessons in interior design and explains that the place “just happened.”

Rumor has it that Mike Hardin is opening another restaurant in Carlsbad, California, called, “Hodad’s Too”, but we have yet to see that happen.

Until that happens, hop in a plane, take the bus, or hop in your car and cruise down to Ocean Beach, California, for a total cheeseburger experience.  I promise you will be glad you did!  Don't just listen to me... Guy Fieri recommended it too!