From ocean-view patios to dimly lit gastropubs, Santa Cruz County’s burger scene runs as deep as the redwoods and as wide as the coastline. Santa Cruz County knows how to do burgers. They’re as much a part of our local culture as sunset surf sessions and weekend farmers’ markets. We’re talking burgers with bacon jam dripping down the side, buns baked to golden perfection, patties that burst with savory juices, and toppings that range from classic to wildly inventive. This is a county where burgers are more than a meal, they’re a work of edible art.
Whether you’re here for a weekend getaway or you’ve called Santa Cruz home for years, these eight spots prove that the county’s burger game is every bit as legendary as its surf breaks. This list isn’t just about good burgers, it’s about the ones that stick with you, the ones you find yourself thinking about days later, the ones you’d drive across town for in traffic. Here’s where you’ll find the standouts.
1) Emerald Mallard
Emerald Mallard in Felton serves one of the best burgers in Santa Cruz County, a true indulgence that belongs on every burger lover’s list. Their OG Smash Burger proves that perfection does not require overcomplication. It is built with two sizzling beef patties pressed thin on the griddle until the edges turn lacy and crisp, topped with raw yellow onion for bite, melting American cheese for nostalgic comfort, pickle for tang, and a creamy house-made burger sauce that ties every bite together. It is rich, savory, and deeply satisfying, the kind of burger that makes you pause mid-bite just to appreciate it. If you can time your visit for happy hour Wednesday through Friday, order the Cheese Skirt Smash Burger. This single patty is crowned with a golden, crunchy halo of cheddar that spills over the bun in crispy perfection. Pair your burger with a cold pint from Humble Sea and finish with one of their house-made cannoli for the ultimate Felton feast, perfect for refueling after a day hiking through the nearby redwoods. Address: 6256 CA-9, Felton
2) The Grille at DeLaveaga
The Grille at DeLaveaga might sit in the middle of a golf course, but it feels more like a local secret than a clubhouse. Tucked into the rolling green hills, it serves up elevated California cuisine with a comforting twist that’s worth seeking out. Their brunch is phenomenal, but don’t sleep on their lunch offerings, where the burgers are the real prize. The seasonal specials keep regulars coming back, from a smoky BBQ burger loaded with tangy sauce to a smash burger stacked with grass-fed beef, caramelized onions, garlic aioli, house pickles, and white cheddar on a brioche bun. The classic DeLa Burger is always a safe bet, simple and satisfying in that way only a well-made burger can be. Add a side of their crisp, golden onion rings and wash it down with a cold pint or a crisp cocktail, and you’ve got yourself a little pocket of burger heaven in the middle of the fairway. Address: 401 Upper Park Rd, Santa Cruz
3) Oswald Restaurant
Oswald has been a downtown Santa Cruz mainstay since 1995, serving California comfort food and craft cocktails that keep people coming back year after year. Their burger has reached near-cult status among locals, the kind of menu item that regulars order without even glancing at anything else. It is a lesson in how simple ingredients, when done perfectly, can be unforgettable. A juicy, flavorful patty comes topped with sweet, slow-cooked caramelized onions, a generous crumble of tangy blue cheese, and a smooth layer of aioli. The sharp funk of the cheese melts into the beef, meeting the deep sweetness of the onions in a combination that feels indulgent yet perfectly balanced. Paired with crisp fries and a craft cocktail, it is a Santa Cruz classic that has earned every bit of its devoted following. Address: 121 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz
4) Belly Goat Craft Burgers
Belly Goat Craft Burgers in Abbott Square Market takes handcrafted burgers to a whole new level. This is not a one-or-two-options kind of place. The menu is packed with creative, flavor-packed combinations that make you want to work your way through every single one. Start with the Cowboy Burger, a classic in their lineup, stacked with crisp iceberg, tomato, smoked Rogue blue, sweet bacon jam, masa onion hay, and chipotle ranch. Or go bold with the Seoul Surfer, a burst of Korean-inspired flavor featuring kimchi, toasted sesame, BBQ’d smoked pork belly, a fried egg, and gochujang mayo. Specials keep things fresh, like the indulgent Ahi Tuna Burger, and vegetarians are far from left out thanks to The Forager, a masterpiece of avocado mash, chimichurri-marinated tomatoes, sunflower sprouts, blackened sous-vide portobello, and sriracha-pimento olive aioli. Grab a table in Abbott Square on a Friday night, let the live music set the mood, and dig into a burger feast that proves downtown Santa Cruz knows how to do dinner right. Address: 725 Front St, Santa Cruz (Abbott Square)
5) East End Gastropub
East End Gastropub in Capitola is the kind of spot that proves comfort food and a fine dining finish can live on the same plate. Their house-made pizza dough and fresh pasta are worth the trip, but ask any regular and they’ll tell you the real star of the menu is the burger. It’s a double-patty masterpiece cooked medium-well, layered with shredded iceberg for crunch, house sauce for tang, homemade pickles for bite, and a gooey blanket of American cheese. The whole thing comes with a heap of fries, but the fun really starts with the add-ons: caramelized onions that melt into sweetness, creamy avocado, sharp blue cheese, or crispy bacon. Stack it high, build it your way, and suddenly you understand why East End has earned its place among the best burgers in Santa Cruz County. Address: 1501 41st Ave, Suite 1, Capitola
6) Parish Publick House
Parish Publick House, with locations in both Aptos and Santa Cruz, has built a reputation for serving up some of the biggest and boldest burgers in the county. Their menu is packed with creative options, each one as oversized in flavor as it is in size. Take the Pfeiffer Burger, a local favorite stacked high with crispy onion rings, smoky bacon, and their house-made BBQ sauce; it is a towering comfort classic that always satisfies. But if you’re feeling truly adventurous, the infamous Belushi Burger is in a league of its own. This half-pound stuffer comes loaded with bacon, blue cheese, and two types of cheese before being battered, deep-fried, and served as one of the most outrageous burgers you’ll ever lay eyes on. It’s not for the faint of heart, but for those with a serious appetite, it’s a one-of-a-kind burger experience you’ll be talking about long after your plate is clean. Address: 8017 Soquel Dr, Aptos & 841 Almar Ave, Santa Cruz
7) Betty’s Burgers
Betty’s Burgers is a Santa Cruz staple serving up creative burgers in a family friendly and casual setting. With several locations around town, including Seabright, 41st Avenue, and Aptos, it is easy to get your fix no matter which side of the county you are on. Their menu is filled with classics, but the burger that really stands out is The Duke, a local favorite that brings a little island flair to the table. It comes stacked with grilled pineapple, smoky bacon, melted cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, red onion, pickles, and a drizzle of their sweet teriyaki sauce, which they cheekily refer to as lube. The combination of juicy beef, salty bacon, and that sweet tang of pineapple and teriyaki makes it unlike anything else you will find in town. Pair it with fries or one of their thick milkshakes, and you will see why Betty’s has become a go-to for locals and visitors craving a burger with personality. Address: 505 Seabright Ave, Santa Cruz; 1000 41st Ave, Santa Cruz; 415 Trout Gulch Rd, Aptos
8) Jack’s Hamburgers
Jack’s Hamburgers is a true Santa Cruz institution, the kind of spot locals point visitors to when they ask where to get a burger that’s both delicious and affordable. Right in the heart of Downtown Santa Cruz, Jack’s has been the go-to for generations of students, families, and anyone craving a classic burger without the fuss. Their charbroiled patties are packed with flavor, whether you stick with a simple cheeseburger, go for their well-loved Chipotle Burger, or branch out with one of their hearty tri-tip sandwiches. Vegetarians will also find satisfying options, so everyone in the group can dig in. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, with friendly staff and an outdoor seating area perfect for soaking in the Santa Cruz vibe, even if the small indoor space fills up fast. Whether you dine in, grab it to-go, or have it delivered, Jack’s proves that cheap eats can still deliver big flavor, making it a must-stop for anyone working their way through the county’s best burgers. Address: 202 Lincoln St, Santa Cruz