12 California Roadside Burger Chains That Still Feel Classic
California’s highways are dotted with burger joints that take us back to simpler times. These roadside classics have been serving up delicious burgers, fries, and shakes for decades, becoming landmarks in their own right.
From small family operations to regional favorites, these spots preserve the magic of grabbing a juicy burger on a California road trip.
1. In-N-Out Burger
Founded in 1948 in Baldwin Park, In-N-Out remains the gold standard of California burger chains. The unchanged menu, fresh ingredients, and crossed palm trees have become symbols of West Coast burger culture.
Lines form around the drive-thru at all hours, with locals and tourists alike craving those fresh-cut fries and legendary Double-Doubles. The secret menu (not so secret anymore) adds to the charm.
Family-owned since day one, In-N-Out has resisted franchising or going public, maintaining quality over expansion. Each location still feels like a throwback to the golden age of roadside dining.
2. The Original Tommy’s
Late-night burger cravings in Los Angeles have led generations to Tommy’s original shack at Beverly and Rampart since 1946. Famous for mountains of chili piled on burgers, fries, and hot dogs, Tommy’s isn’t for the faint of heart (or those wearing white shirts).
The original location remains charmingly no-frills – a simple stand where you order, then eat at outdoor counters. Loyal fans swear nothing hits the spot like a Tommy’s chili burger after midnight. W
hat started as a tiny corner stand has grown to multiple locations. But that original spot maintains its gritty, authentic appeal.
3. The Habit Burger Grill
Born in 1969 near Santa Barbara’s beaches, The Habit started as a simple burger shack serving chargrilled goodness to locals. The signature Charburger, cooked over an open flame, delivers that backyard BBQ taste that keeps customers coming back.
While now expanded beyond California, the original locations maintain their beach-town vibe. The menu has grown too, but those in-the-know stick with the classics – a Charburger with cheese, crispy fries, and maybe a creamy malt.
What sets The Habit apart? That distinctive chargrilled flavor and the fresh, California-inspired toppings that elevate a simple burger to something special.
4. Bob’s Big Boy
Nothing says classic Americana quite like the chubby checkered-overall boy holding a burger aloft. The Burbank location, built in 1949, remains the oldest standing Bob’s Big Boy, recognized as a California Point of Historical Interest.
Friday nights still bring classic car shows to the parking lot, where hot rods and vintage vehicles gather alongside families enjoying those famous double-decker burgers. The carhop service might be gone, but the red booths and neon signs remain frozen in time.
Legend has it The Beatles once dined at the Burbank Bob’s, sitting in what’s now known as “The Beatles Booth”. Just one piece of the rich history baked into this burger institution.
5. Farmer Boys
It all started by five burger-loving brothers in Perris in 1981. Farmer Boys built its reputation on farm-fresh ingredients long before farm-to-table became fashionable.
Their massive breakfast burritos and hearty burgers have fueled hungry travelers along Southern California highways for decades. The restaurant’s distinctive barn-like appearance makes it easy to spot from the road.
Inside, the down-home atmosphere feels like a country kitchen rather than a fast-food joint. Signature touches like the hand-breaded zucchini sticks and made-from-scratch burgers have earned Farmer Boys a dedicated following.
6. Original Mels Drive-In
Forever immortalized in George Lucas’s “American Graffiti,” Mel’s Drive-In represents California car culture at its finest. Though the original San Francisco location closed in 1972, the revived chain maintains the authentic 1950s diner experience that made it famous.
Jukeboxes at every booth play oldies while servers in classic uniforms deliver thick milkshakes and juicy burgers. The walls lined with vintage photos and memorabilia create a museum-like quality to the dining experience.
Mel’s remains a favorite for both tourists seeking that classic American diner experience and locals who appreciate the consistent quality and nostalgic atmosphere. The late-night hours make it perfect for after-concert munchies or midnight cravings.
7. Nation’s Giant Hamburgers
Since 1952, Nation’s has been serving burger patties the size of small frisbees to hungry East Bay residents. The simple red, white, and blue buildings house an operation dedicated to massive portions and no-frills quality.
Regulars know to save room for a slice of Nation’s legendary cream pies, displayed temptingly in rotating cases. The breakfast menu, served all day, makes Nation’s a favorite for late-night diners seeking hangover-preventing meals.
What makes Nation’s special is its steadfast refusal to change with the times. The menu, decor, and cooking methods remain largely unchanged since the Eisenhower administration – and loyal customers wouldn’t have it any other way.
8. Jim’s Original Hamburger Stand
Tucked away on a bustling corner in Garden Grove, Jim’s has been serving no-nonsense burgers since 1960. The tiny walk-up window hasn’t changed much in 60+ years – just a simple menu board, a few outdoor tables, and some of the best burgers in Orange County.
Locals swear by the pastrami burger, a mountain of thinly-sliced meat piled atop a perfectly grilled patty. Cash-only and proud of it, Jim’s represents a dying breed of independent burger stands that once dominated California roadsides.
During lunch hour, the line often stretches around the block – a mix of blue-collar workers, surfers, and longtime residents who’ve been coming here since childhood. No frills, no gimmicks, just great burgers.
9. Fatburger
Founded by Lovie Yancey in 1947, Fatburger began as a three-stool hamburger stand in South LA. Its original name – “Mr. Fatburger” – lost the “Mr.” when Yancey split with her partner, but kept the commitment to hefty, satisfying burgers.
Famous for letting customers customize everything from patty count to toppings, Fatburger pioneered the “have it your way” approach decades before bigger chains. The open kitchen concept lets diners watch their burgers being grilled to order.
Though now international, the original California locations maintain their old-school charm. Late-night hours have made Fatburger a favorite among musicians and entertainers – with many locations featuring walls of celebrity photos.
10. Hamburger Habit
Not to be confused with The Habit, this tiny burger shack in Ventura has been serving locals since 1969. The modest exterior hides a burger operation that’s achieved cult status among those in the know.
Famous for its secret sauce and perfectly grilled onions, Hamburger Habit keeps things simple – burgers, fries, and shakes, all made with recipes unchanged for decades.
Surfers fresh from catching waves at nearby beaches mix with business folks on lunch breaks, all drawn by the consistently excellent burgers and reasonable prices. Cash-only and proudly independent, it’s a throwback to simpler times.
11. Taylor’s Drive-In
For over 70 years, Taylor’s neon sign has beckoned hungry travelers along Highway 99 in Roseville. The family-owned operation started as a simple root beer stand before expanding into the full-service drive-in that locals adore today.
Carhops still bring trays that attach to your car window – a rarity in modern times. The menu features classics like the Hubcap Burger (named for its impressive size) and house-made onion rings that draw people from miles around.
Summer evenings bring classic car enthusiasts who gather in the parking lot, creating impromptu car shows that complement the 1950s atmosphere. Taylor’s resistance to modernization is exactly what keeps generations of families coming back.
12. Apollo Burgers
Apollo Burgers in Bellflower has been a staple of classic California roadside dining since 1959. This no-frills walk-up stand serves juicy burgers, loaded chili fries, and creamy shakes that have kept generations of locals coming back.
The neon sign and simple outdoor seating capture the timeless vibe of mid-century burger culture. Regulars love the pastrami burger, a hearty Southern California specialty piled high with flavor.
Despite decades of change around it, Apollo has held onto its old-school charm, staying true to its roots. It remains a living reminder of when burger stands were the heartbeat of California’s roadside dining scene.
