# I May Have Found World's Best Bacon Cheeseburger at Hodad's Ocean Beach San Diego *By James Hills — Updated February 2025* Since 1969, when Byron and Virginia Hardin opened their first location in Ocean Beach, Hodad's has been a legendary burger joint in San Diego. With an atmosphere that borders on kitschy tourist trap but somehow manages to stay authentic, this is a must-visit location for anyone visiting the city. However, what makes it even more awesome is that it is more than just a "cool place" to grab a bite, it is serving up some of the most amazing burgers in the whole world.  For those of you who have never been to Ocean Beach, it is a beach town located just north of the city and is full of hippies / surfer culture, so it is also great for people watching. Before we get into things too deeply, I'll answer a question that I had during my first time here. What on earth is a "hodad"? The answer is a Hodad is a non-surfer that hangs out at the beach masquerading as a surfer. While there are plenty of non surfers that dine here, if you want to get a taste of San Diego's "surf culture" this is a great spot to start. ### 8 Things Great Steakhouses Do That Even Master Grillers Can't Match at Home ManTripping: Men's Travel and Lifestyle Blog for busy men who love to travel. ManTripping [Read More](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/pjuwEXJPn5Xw4MGk5zJ-rA.41) ### Master Your Grill: A Progressive Guide to Outdoor Cooking Master backyard grilling through systematic progression: equipment selection, core techniques, menu expansion, and advanced entertaining skills that transform any gathering into memorable culinary exp ManTripping [Read More](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/pjuwEXJPn5Xw4MGk5zJ-rA.45) ### Gastro Grilling: Fired-up Recipes To Grill Great Everyday Meals Gastro Grilling offers fired-up recipes for grilling great everyday meals. A cookbook for home cooks who love outdoor cooking. Amazon (affiliate)Penguin Canada [Check Price on Amazon](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/pjuwEXJPn5Xw4MGk5zJ-rA.75) Promoted by FlowAds In the afternoons and evenings, there is always a line to get in, but if you go for lunch you will only have to wait a few minutes for a table. However, for the ultimate experience you may want to wait a bit longer and eat inside the VW surf van booth! As mentioned above, the Hodad's atmosphere is legendary, with walls covered in license plates from around the world as well as other "beach" and surfing signs that decorate pretty much every square inch of the restaurant.  ## Man Gear Pick of the Month September's Pick Amazon (affiliate) ### Kenyon City Grill Portable Stainless Steel Electric Grill Why we picked it: a grill you can actually carry to the campsite, the tailgate or the cabin without borrowing a truck. Stainless, no propane tank to wrestle, and hot enough to cook for four guys rather than reheat for one. 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Here's where I admit my limits! I HEARTILY recommend the bacon burger and I am never one to say no to a double. However, the double bacon cheeseburger (above) here is simply insane. Instead, I suggest that you go with a single with extra bacon instead. Though, really, the single is pretty massive by itself.  Plus, it's not just the meat, cheese, and bacon, but it is loaded with lettuce, onion, and pickles too. Of course, no burger experience is complete without a milkshake and Hodad's doesn't disappoint here either! While it would probably be sufficient to simply serve the shake in a single cup, these are meant for sharing and are made from real ice cream that literally overflows the mixing cup ready for you to share (or finish yourself!).  If you want something special though, skip the shake and order a malt instead - it is plenty malty and they even sprinkle some extra malt on top to make it extra malty! Good restaurants serve good food, but great ones manage to somehow combine great service, great food, and an awesome atmosphere to deliver a total experience that it's customers dream of returning to again and again. That's what Hodad's somehow manages to deliver in a way that is surprisingly authentic.  For instance, you could create this "concept" and put it in any city in America, but here it is real and not some Disney approximation of what "surf culture" might be like - it's the real thing. This isn't an act and that's what makes it special. While I enjoy this place as a local, if you are looking for an authentic San Diego beach experience, you need to head down to Ocean Beach and grab a bacon burger from Hodad's! [Hodad's](https://hodadies.com/) has three locations - Ocean Beach, downtown San Diego, and Petco Park. Top Picks Flow Voyages ### Book your next cruise with Heather at Flow Voyages Flow Voyages is a travel advisor specializing in cruises and resorts. [Contact Flow Voyages](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/E-e388vDijXzKqVhX5ywGQ.617) Promoted by FlowAds Details Written by: James Hills Published: 19 December 2014 Last Updated: 26 February 2025 ### 🚢Ready To Book A Vacation? Let us help you plan a cruise, all-inclusive resort, or tour for your next guys trip, family vacation, or romantic getaway. Click here to [**Book Your Next Vacation**](https://www.mantripping.com/vacation-planning.html). #### Which Style Of Amazon Cruise Should You Pick To Explore World's Largest River? 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