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Pier Burger
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Pier Burger
7.8
Boardwalk burger stand on the pier serving classic American fare with Wisconsin frozen custard since opening. The ocean views and carnival atmosphere make it perfect for families enjoying a day at Pacific Park.
Must-Try Dishes:
Last Burger On Land, Wisconsin Frozen Custard, Boardwalk Fries
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.2
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 7.6
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Authentic frozen custard on the iconic pier
Who should go: Families spending the day at the pier
When to visit: Weekday mornings to avoid tourist crowds
What to order: Burgers, frozen custard, hot dogs
Insider tip: Order custard separately to avoid melting
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Pier parking lots $8-25 depending on season, fills up by noon on weekends. Beach lots cheaper but 10-min walk
Dress code: Completely casual - beachwear and flip-flops standard
Noise level: Very loud - carnival rides and crowds, outdoor seating only
Weekend wait: 15-25 min typical, no reservations taken
Weekday lunch: 5-10 min line for counter service
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - veggie burger and grilled cheese available
Vegan options: No - veggie burger has dairy, no vegan bun option
Gluten-free options: Limited - lettuce wrap available for burgers
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if very casual - it's counter service with plastic tables, but the pier atmosphere and ocean sunset can be romantic
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations - it's walk-up counter service only. Seating is first-come on outdoor picnic tables
Is it kid-friendly? Perfect for kids - right next to Pacific Park rides, kid portions available, frozen custard is a hit
Best For
Better for: Ocean views while eating, Wisconsin-style frozen custard you can't find elsewhere on the pier, convenient when already at Pacific Park
Skip if: You want a proper dining experience, need indoor seating, or want gourmet burgers - try The Counter or Father's Office instead
Pier Burger
8.3
The last burger on land serves boardwalk-style classic fries with Nathan's hot dogs and hand-formed burgers at the end of Route 66. Their old-school fries capture the nostalgia of pier dining with consistent golden crispness.
Must-Try Dishes:
Classic Boardwalk Fries, Pier Burger Special, Frozen Custard Sundae
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 9.1
What makes it special: Iconic pier location with classic boardwalk-style fries
Who should go: Tourists and families visiting the pier
When to visit: Sunset for views with your fries
What to order: Boardwalk fries, pier burger, frozen custard
Insider tip: Grab fries to-go and eat on the pier
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Pier parking lots $8-25/day depending on season, fills up by noon on weekends. Beach lots on PCH slightly cheaper
Dress code: Beach casual - shorts, flip-flops, and sandy feet welcome
Noise level: Loud - pier crowds, seagulls, and arcade nearby. Outdoor seating even louder
Weekend wait: 15-25 min counter service line during summer
Weekday lunch: 5-10 min typically, longer during school holidays
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - veggie burger and grilled cheese available
Vegan options: Very limited - fries cooked in separate oil, can modify veggie burger without cheese
Gluten-free options: Limited - bunless burgers and fries only, no dedicated fryer
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual dates - it's counter service with plastic trays. Great if you want to walk the pier after, but not ideal for intimate conversation
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations taken - it's counter service only. Find your own seating on the patio or take it to-go
Is it kid-friendly? Extremely - kids menu, high chairs, and they're used to noisy families. Plus the pier arcade and aquarium are steps away
Best For
Better for: Authentic pier dining experience with ocean views - beats any mall food court fries for atmosphere and that salty beach air seasoning
Skip if: You want gourmet truffle fries or need table service. Hit Father's Office or The Counter instead for elevated burger experiences