Best Quick Bites Burgers Restaurants in Santa Monica
6 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
HiHo Cheeseburger
Wagyu beef burgers paired with perfectly executed double-fried fries
Notable Picks
8.8
HiHo revolutionizes the classic burger joint with 100% grass-fed Wagyu beef and hand-cut fries cooked in heart-healthy rice bran oil. Their crispy-outside, fluffy-inside fries are double-fried for perfection and served piping hot with house-made sauces.
Must-Try Dishes:
Double HiHo Burger with Fries, Hand-Cut French Fries, Willie Mae Fried Chicken
What Makes it Special: Wagyu beef burgers paired with perfectly executed double-fried fries
#2
Heavy Handed
8.6
This walk-up smashburger spot uses ground short rib for patties with molten American cheese, house-made bread-and-butter pickles, and tangy Heavy sauce on potato rolls. Lines snake out the bright orange building onto Main Street for burgers that deliver both tender richness and crispy caramelized edges.
Must-Try Dishes:
Double Smashburger, Beef Tallow Fries, Triple Stack
What Makes it Special: Ground short rib patties create uniquely tender and beefy smashburgers
Worthy Picks
7.8
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Hidden Gems Heaven
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Serving fresh Mediterranean staples since 1958 from a bright yellow cottage across from Santa Monica College. The tiny counter-service spot maintains original recipes with generous portions and some of LA's crispiest falafel at budget-friendly prices.
Must-Try Dishes:
Falafel Sandwich, Gyro Plate, Shish Kabob
What Makes it Special: Over 60 years serving Santa Monica with unchanged recipes and $8 falafel sandwiches
7.6
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Late Night Legends
Instagram Worthy Wonders
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
This halal burger concept brings street-inspired flavors and 100% locally sourced halal meat to Main Street, combining beachside chill with bold LA energy. The growing chain's flagship location serves gourmet burgers, crispy wings, loaded fries, and hand-crafted shakes from its Ocean Park spot where it all began.
Must-Try Dishes:
Signature Halal Burger, Loaded Fries, Hand-Crafted Shakes
What Makes it Special: 100% halal burgers with street-style creativity and fresh ingredients
7.6
This California chain delivers consistent chargrilled burgers made to order with fresh ingredients. Known for their signature Charburger and tempura green beans, they offer reliable quality at family-friendly prices.
Must-Try Dishes:
Original Charburger, Santa Barbara Char, Tempura Green Beans
What Makes it Special: Chargrilled flavor at fast-casual prices
7.6
Since 1995, this no-frills burger joint has maintained the same quality and value that earned its local following, operating from a Lincoln Boulevard location just off the I-10. The straightforward menu focuses on classic burgers delivered without pretension, attracting both Santa Monica residents and travelers seeking reliable American comfort food.
Must-Try Dishes:
Classic Cheeseburger, Double Burger, French Fries
What Makes it Special: Nearly 30 years of consistent burger quality at unbeatable value