Sometimes even a self-proclaimed “veggie-nut” just wants a good old-fashioned burger. The best part about being in Orange County is that you can find places in every nook and cranny that make really good burgers, and they are NOT necessarily made from beef, unless you order them that way.
Let’s face it, hamburgers and their natural accompaniment, fries, are just as popular as America’s favorite pastime, baseball. To cover that base (pun intended) are Edison Field and the Angels.
For the food part, here are some of the best burger joints in the county, believe it or not, the top three are owned and operated chain locations!
-Ruby’s Diner. The only real restaurant mentioned. Light, bright and each has the basic theme of being a 1940’s diner. Great for families. The menu has a lot to talk about, if someone in your party doesn’t want what we’re talking about here. The burgers can be beef, but they also have turkey, vegetarian, even chicken. All served with lettuce, tomato and a slice of onion. What makes this a bit different is that each unit has an additional theme of some kind of transport flying on a track above the restaurant. Depending on where you are, this means: boats, bikes, trains, or cars.
-Out. Another chain loving the restaurant scene. There aren’t many options here except how many empanadas you want and if you want cheese with it. But there’s a reason this chain is so popular: They get the menu items right.
– Fat burger. Burgers and diners seem to go hand in hand. This one jumps a decade. Fatburger is actually “Phat”, like fresh, delicious and perfect. Here you have the choice of beef or turkey. Lots of toppings. They’re big, juicy, messy, and worth the calories.
-Knowledge. There are only about three in the county, but like Ruby’s, their menu is huge. They give you a choice of beef, turkey and vegetarian. Sometimes they have specials that include salmon burgers, but it’s hit or miss. Like a fatburger, they’re big, juicy, and messy.
-Ted’s Burgers. Okay, there’s only one, in Laguna Niguel. The menu here is truly huge, and despite the name, Ted’s is known locally for having the best breakfasts. But he has beef, turkey, veggie and salmon burgers on the docket. There really is a Ted, and if he’s there, he’ll come and sit in his booth with you!
The latter is usually the best, ask most people who live in the southern end of the county where to get a really good burger, this is the most likely answer!
-Fuddruckers. Again, only one in El Toro. Luxury fast food. In addition to the normal ones, they also have buffalo and ostrich. If you prefer an angus steak sandwich or a fish fillet, there it is. Also, they have a condiment/salad bar. Oh, and the scones and other baked goods are homemade right there on the premises. If you love your food, take some home. They will wrap the raw empanadas for you and all the baked goodies (brownies, cookies, cakes and scones) are available at the bakery counter.
There you have it: if you find yourself in Orange County and fancy something delicious and comforting, now you know where to enter!