After seeing the good reviews we decided to have dinner here. The food was decent - good variety of burgers. My two main complaints are the service and price. It was as basic as you could expect from a diner. Mediocre food and service at a much higher price - would not recommend. read more

Was looking for a good burger place to bring lunch to my husband. This one popped up on yelp so I decided to give it a try. I walked in around 11:30 and there were no customers inside. I was greeted immediately and offered a menu to look at. The inside is decorated with all kinds of fun stuff to look at and they advertised different events on different days that could be fun. I ordered the bacon and avocado burger, jose's burger (had jalapenos) and an oreo milkshake to go. I could have done the yelp check-in free milkshake (the guy said I could take it to go even though it is advertised as a dine-in only), but they only offer the milkshake in vanilla, chocolate and strawberry. Since my husband likes the oreo milkshakes, I opted to pay for that one (and in my stupidity completely forgot to get the free milkshake - but that's my fault, I didn't think to get the free one too since I don't usually drink milkshakes). The food was ready no more than 10 minutes later and the employee asked if I wanted ketchup and napkins, which I did. For the price, I definitely would come back again for a hamburger. It's almost rare these days to eat a hamburger that isn't dripping in grease and I found this one to be juicy, but not from oil. I like my hamburgers pretty basic and I thought it hit the right spot. They grilled or sauteed the onions so they weren't raw, which is fine with me. I thought it had good flavor. I tried the oreo milkshake and it was good. The french fries are super yummy. They season them and these also weren't greasy. They were almost perfect for me. Overall, if you're near cannery row and want to avoid the crowds, I recommend walking the couple of blocks to this restaurant and enjoying a great hamburger and looking at the decorations inside. read more

Dude. From the outside, this strip-mall-centered hole-in-the-wall joint looks seedy, at best. But lo, inside dwells our new go-to when we're in town (Sacramento natives). We came in at 330 on a Friday, and only one other patron was in sight. We sat down at the Michael Jackson table in the corner, and immediately ordered a coke (which came in a bottle de Mexico, praise be to baby Jesus) and an Anchor Steam (yum). We ordered burgers, which my husband immediately described as "backyard Fourth of July" quality. While we waited, we played a savage game of checkers with the provided bottle caps in the soda can on the table. The soccer match was on TV. Sweet jams played on the sound system. The corner was set up for an open mic situation. All in all, we were thrilled to find this place. We were tired of the Cannery Row options that boasted fish and chips for over $20 a plate (this place serves them for $11). We'll be back. read more

American Burger - Groovy - Burgers Near Me - Monterey, California

I went here with some friends for early dinner. It was empty and when we came in here it smelled bad. This place has good burgers but not too many choices for vegetarian. We all got milkshakes, and it taste good. I got double cheese burger. The prices was pretty good about $13 for burger and shakes. The severances all great. read more

its ok, but, since I couldn't go to In-N-Out Burger yet, I gave this place a try. I only went there because I saw the ad saying $6.99 burger and fries, which was false. I would say that RG burger is better, but even then I'd be lying. read more

American Burger - Michael Jackson memorabilia - Burgers Near Me - Monterey, California

Came here on Valentine's Day for dinner since it was last minute and got seated with no problem. Server informed me that there would be a 30 minute delay/wait which my girlfriend and I did not mind. Everyone else who was dining in appeared to have the same service as us with only one server working and one other person in the kitchen. After ordering our two burgers and onion rings as an appetizer, it took an entire hour for all our food to come out. Food wise, onion rings were not bad although the price to onion ratio was really small for $7. I ordered the burger with bacon and avocado and thought my meal was disappointing since the cheese appeared to be cold already by the time the food got to my mouth. Price wise, I understand it because of the area but definitely getting jipped for basic patties from Costco or Smart & Final. Overall, if I felt bad that there was only one person working the tables and one other in the kitchen but I am not optimistic about this restaurant if it is constantly run like this with poor wait times. read more

This place can get lost in the mix of the many establishments on Lighthouse but this is a unique burger joint that truly cares about their customers enjoying themselves. The music theme is initially inviting (even from the outside), but there are many more fun quirks, most noticeably that they sell PUPUSAS. Not many Salvadorian eateries in Monterey and I don't know if I'd consider this one but this pupusa is authentic and delicious. They have salsa every Friday and a DJ most Saturdays!! Great spot for the family too. read more

They legit warm up frozen burgers and fries. No seasoning. Overpriced for a frozen patty. Disgusting. Trust me, don't go here!

I really enjoyed this restaurant. The burgers were absolutely delicious and the fries were perfect! Definitely would go again. A good place to go when in Monterey. read more

Delicious old time burger.......Big burger!!!! Wait staff very friendly and helpful!!! read more

Good mom and pop place. Solid burgers and fries and nice alternative to fast food. Used yelp check-in for free milk shake. Coolest thing was the checkers at the table using bottle caps. Spent a fun few minutes playing against the kids. Time off the cell phone! read more

I had the all in Burger which was not too bad the only downside was the cold grilled onions. Reason being that had them together with the lettuce and tomatoes on the side no. Chocolate milkshake was good I do recommend it for a family outing with kids read more

American Burger - hanging with family - Burgers Near Me - Monterey, California

Best burger in monterey, you have to try one. I got the avocado bacon burger, 2 good and lightly toasted buns with grilled onions...hmmm....burger....I'm having a Homer Simpson moment while being completely stuffed...doh! Didn't even tell you the best part, free milkshake when you check in with yelp!!!! Hells to the yes....place is located next to 2 head shops, fluke? :) read more

American Burger - This was one of this burgers I had in a long time. A true all American grilled cheese burger. Do yourself a favor and try one. - Burgers Near Me - Monterey, California

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Run of the mill to say the best. We had chicken sandwiches, the kids had chicken nuggets and mini burgers. To put it best, it's like fast food for "Chili's" prices. We paid way too much for what we got in quality for our food. The service was good and the waiter was super helpful and friendly. The ambiance is interesting and would probably be good at night (we were there for lunch). Beer was cheap. I liked that!! +1 star, just for that!! read more

Food was good, decor a bit quirky, service awesome but we really got a kick walking into a live ukalayly practice. Its very family friendly and economically priced. read more

Plenty of open seating. Highly recommend the happy hour special simply because the portion is just big enough to enjoy fully without being overwhelming. Great selection of gourmet burgers as well including some super hot selections that will test your tolerance for spicy burgers. Come down for a quick bite, spend a minute and lounge... read more

I need to be honest. I parked my car across the street from American Burger and walked over. That's because I had my heart set on pizza. But the pizza place was mobbed. So I went to the burger joint. The ambiance was cool. little "50's diner vibe in a strip mall near the head shop. It was a funky little mixed bag, showing a great musical (Singin' in the Rain') on the television while playing the Bee Gees on a record player. As I stared at posters of John Lennon and Jimi alternately while playing a game on my phone and perusing the menu, this slightly disheveled guy in a dirty shirt comes over. Then the waiter/cook/DJ/probable owner took one of my party's orders, then excused himself mid order and turned the record over. God bless him. A man out to win over my heart. My burger- a jalapeno and pepper jack was tasty, but I wasn't sold on the fries. The soda- which is served in a can or a bottle- indicated a lack of a soda fountain. Kind of unusual considering the mash-up soda fountain vibe, but fine for me. A guy who prefers bottled pop. A nice little joint for a quick and tasty angus burger. It ain't pizza, but, thankfully, it ain't spinach either. read more

This place is pretty small but I think the food here is good as well. The whole decor is pretty nice and its also a great spot to bring your family. They also have a karaoke stage (a small one) I think people can sing if they want to. Also they have a TV that plays music videos too. The burger is pretty good but I mostly came here for the shake. If you check in on yelp they give you a free milkshake. I got the oreo milkshake and I thought that milkshake was pretty bomb. Overall I would come back here to try the other burgers. read more

Ate there for the first time yesterday as was very impressed. The salmon burger was the best I've ever had. I was very surprised given the unassuming location. Onion rings were great too. My daughter loves the chili cheese fries. Great spot for burgers of all kinds! read more

The ambiance seemed cool, and the burgers weren't terrible, but otherwise, this place doesn't have much going for it. It seemed that they only had one employee working there for the lunch rush on Saturday. Not that there was much of a lunch rush... just us and one other table. Still, the service was awful and took forever. I'm pretty sure that they use the same chicken nuggets that we buy at Costco. And to top it all off, it was awfully pricey - even after the Yelp coupon for the free milkshake. I'd find another- any other- place to try next time. read more

We weren't too impressed by the burgers and fries, which we thought tasted somewhat like fast food. The place, which is cute, was near empty when we arrived at 6pm, which aroused our suspicions. I can't say the service was bad even though we saw only one employee, who served as waiter, bus boy, and cashier. For the price we paid, the food needed to be better. (I'm stunned by all the rave reviews.) read more

Been here twice now, the kids were craving it. It was good again. :) The milkshakes are really good to! ! read more

Great burger , and the best price for one, service was great and with no doubt would go back to eat another soon. Try them out ! read more

This place was great, very nostalgic Burger Joint looks like they have an open mic setup for music. The food was really good the space is really clean and the server was very nice. read more

The burgers were the meh. The fries were meh. Service the same. Good chocolate shake. And the absolute worst turkey burger known to man. Tasted like a combination of corn syrup and mold. Never again. read more

Hit the spot! We were craving a good burger and found it (them). Good service. We also had live singing (Saturday evenings). Kids liked the "checkers." read more

Food and service were definitely nice. The only reason why I gave them 3 stars is because I don't like the fact that they automatically add gratuity to their checks so I ended up giving them about 40% tip. I get it should have double checked my total but that is something that I truly hate, I feel like it's a sneaky way to cheat your customers and the fact that the young lady didn't even mention anything when I gave her the extra tip says a lot. The only reason I found out was because my friend mentioned the gratuity was added and when I went to check my receipt saw it was true. So enjoy your food but be cautious of how much $$$ you tip. read more

Perfect old fashioned burgers with excellent extra crispy fries (super YUM) Atmosphere is charming with its books, music posters and very comfy chairs and they play NEATO 50's & 60's music! read more

We walked up here to get away from the crowds at the aquarium. So glad we did because the food was very good and the atmosphere relaxing. Fish and chips very good, crispy onion rings, very good sweet potato fries and a free Oreo shake, delicious! Also sundaes for $2.75! read more

American Burger - Super cute high chair at this family run businesd. - Burgers Near Me - Monterey, California

I love this place. The burgers here are delicious and they have such a great vibe. I had the wild west burger and it was perfect. Next time I pass through here I will definitely be back. And our server was so awesome!! read more

We enjoyed the burger and visiting with staff. Get a free chocolate milk shake finding the restaurant here.

We've been there a few times now and the Food, Service and People are all Really Great. My wife and I had their Bacon Cheese Burgers and they where Very Good, also the Fries are very fresh and nice and crispy. My daughter had their Clam Chowder and she can be a little picky, but she said it was very creamy and thick enough to stand your spoon up in. She Loved It! I had a taste of it and she was right, it was Very Good. We have been back a few times now and have always had a Great Meal. There are a lot of places to eat here on the Monterey Peninsula, so when you find a good one, you want to tell people about it, and so we are. Great Food, Great Prices and Great service, what more could you ask for! read more

Loved this classic diner. Awesome milkshakes, delicious burgers, and great service. Definitely recommend if you're in the mood for all american diner food :) Also - if you win at checkers, you get a free scoop of ice cream! read more

We were a large party and they were able to accommodate us. Retro vibe parlor. Burgers tasted fresh and simple and it arrived fast. Live band, friendly and lets not forget their delicious ice cream shakes! All flavors were Devine! read more

We were in town and were looking for a family friendly place. Stumbled upon this jem, even got a free milkshake. The food was great, just lacked some salt. The ambiance was our favorite, the staff are super friendly and attentive. read more

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Good food. Reasonable prices. I'll keep this in mind for quick lunch.

The worst restaurant experience you could ever dream of. The only reason why we picked this place to eat is because I put too much trust in other morons out there giving this place a 4 star rating and also my gf's 4 year old son was hungry and I would imagine all other places in the area would be the same. The guy working there had the personality of a dead slug. After ordering our food he brings us a bunch of cheap crap food I could of made by going to a grocery store. He serves us food on paper plates, our drinks come in soda cans, not glasses or cups. I ask for a fork, he brings me a plastic fork. Take a look at their menu and see the prices these people are charging. If I wanted generic, overpriced food served in paper and plastic and the worst service on the planet, I could of just went through a McDonald's drive thru. No wonder why this place had nobody else in there when we showed up. I pray these people lose their business and starve in the streets. But it just goes with the theme of the rest of the world. Keep charging decent people 3 or 4 times as much for the worst service and crappy food or products. When you go to a real restaurant, you expect great quality food, atmosphere, and excellent customer service. I hope these people go out of business soon. The Yelp people need to provide an option of giving negative stars in certain cases. read more

Reading the positive comments based on the customer service has me feeling insulted by the not so friendly service we received from our waiter on 12/26/19. My brother and his wife brought in my nephew in his car seat, since the floor was cold my brother requested a high chair to place my nephew, the waiter stated that they did not have any. When I went to the restroom I found several baby chairs right outside the restroom door! What is this man's problem? Since my brother had to hold his son on his lap, my nephew spilled a cup of water on the table. He was so quick, neither of us were quick enough to prevent it. When the waiter came my brother and his wife were very apologetic, but the waiter in an unplayfully responded back to them that they shouldn't of blamed it on the baby. We just ignored it , afterwards when he came back to put the caution sign up, unprovoked, he couldn't help himself but to repeat what he said before, that my brother and his wife should of not blamed my nephew for the mess. Again, there was no playful or gentle manner in the way he said it. He seemed to be bothered by our presence. I am just baffled by this waiter's behavior towards us. Hope he shapes up soon. read more

Great food and atmosphere! We got to listen to music played by a group with a lot of string instruments. Very enjoyable time. Got to relax and enjoy the food and atmosphere. read more

We decided on this as there is no terrific places in monterey to eat, they don't allow this, don't allow that, so I've been in every crawl hole in Monterey. The bacon cheeseburger we ordered was ok, not very hot, and very few fries, so for $30 for two, not very overwhelmed for the pricing. read more