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    Burger Bench

    4.5 (2.3k reviews)
    Open 11:30 am - 9:00 pm
    Updated over 3 months ago

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    BURGER BENCH ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Good for groups
    Good for kids

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    Recommended Reviews - Burger Bench

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    Burger, sliders, onion rings, fries
    Sharon T.

    I liked the option to try different burgers/sandwiches with the sliders option! I enjoyed all of the sliders, but note that they are pretty small! My favorite ended up being the grilled chicken one! We also tried the regular burger and the half fries and half onion rings and all were pretty good with a variety of dipping sauces! It was an open environment that was nice to chill either on the patio or indoors. Service was quick and friendly! Would love to come back to try the happy hour option!

    Chicken Wings (5)
    Jay B.

    The baby momma wanted to celebrate Mother's Day lunch here because her and my daughter love the sunrise burger. The cashier was nice. The restaurant was almost full with only one table available. My wife and daughter believe it's the best burger they have ever had. The strawberry milkshake came out pretty quickly and then the fries, tots and sweet potato fries. Then the delicious burgers.

    Classic, mushroom Swiss, fig jam. Ordered favorite to least. (But they were all good.) Red Trolley beer pairs well with beef.
    Zen X.

    Move over In-n-Out. These are the best burgers in San Diego. Honestly when I think about a double-double, it's just a sloppy, greasy, mushy burger with horrible fries. Burger Bench is more like a restaurant than a fast food chain and it shows. Much higher quality all around and they still have variety. I got three sliders of all different kinds: Classic, mushroom Swiss, and the fig jam. "It might be called Burger Bench, but this is your starting lineup." Feel free to use (a modified version of) that quote in one of your ads.

    Nice thick hair in my burger
    Dakota P.

    Food usually good but the thick hair in my burger ruined the meal couldn't finish it.

    Handmade Black Bean Burger
    Thea M.

    Great local burger joint in downtown Escondido that has indoor and outdoor seating, so you can bring your fur baby. I tried the handmade black bean burger and it was delicious we also got a side of half tots and half fries. Great selection of beers on tap friendly service and a relaxed vibe. Pretty large menu or various burgers and grilled cheese melts to try.

    3 mini burgers. I chose Smokehouse, Swiss Mushroom & Fig Jam with a side of Truffle Parmesan Tots.
    Jennifer B.

    Awesome food and service! This time I had the Patty Melt and Sweet Potato Fries! Too hungry for a photo! They always have a good hard cider on tap for those of us not into beer. Today was Pineapple!

    Jiant Hard Tea Pineapple Passion
    Kristin M.

    Was seeing a local show at the community theater and stopped here to get a bite to eat before the show. There was a special event and this place was packed, indicating just how good their food and fan base is. Upon walk in, you order at the counter and then get a number and seat yourself. The staff are friendly and extremely helpful, and You can choose between patio seating and inside seating. Seating was ample enough where there would probably be enough seating on a normal day, but a bit difficult with the crowd on this day. I do like they ask you not to take tables up until your order, leaving it fair for everyone. We ordered and sat at a long bar type table and waited till a more comfortable table could open, we waited about 5 or so minutes for that. The food came out fresh and hot, full of flavor. The fries and tots had a perfect crunch, and were paired with your choice of an accompanying dip. We got chipotle, garlic aoli, and ranch. The burgers perfectly cooked with just a little pink. The soda machine serves Stubborn soda and my son instantly loved the root beer as it reminded him of sarsaparilla he loved at Knotts berry farm. The only suggestion I would have for this place is better ventilation, or cooling system, especially in the summer as Escondido gets toasty hot and with how packed it was, it added to the temperature. After being in the sun and eating hot food, it was really toasty and uncomfortable. Overall it was a great visit and my family has already picked their menu items for next time, so we will definitely be back!

    Golden Rooster, Fig Jam, Smokehouse
    Katie M.

    Definitely a place I would recommend and come back to when I am in the area. Everything seemed very clean and the staff were all super friendly. I order the slider trio. It was nice that you could pick whatever 3 sliders you want. I chose the smokehouse, golden rooster, and the fig jam. All very delicious. My favorite was the golden rooster. However they are cooking the chicken and seasoning it, super good! Flavors were some of the best I've ever had.

    I had a bit of a frustrating experience. The business advertises that orders can be placed by phone and online, so I tried calling ahead multiple times but wasn't able to get through to anyone. When I arrived in person, I was told they don't take phone orders because sometimes customers don't pick them up. I understand the concern, but it was confusing since their advertising still says otherwise. As a result, I had to wait longer than expected to place and receive my order. I think it would really help to update their ordering options or clearly communicate the policy so customers know what to expect. Other than that, the staff was [friendly / okay / insert your experience], and I hope this feedback helps improve the process."

    Menu
    Daniela A.

    I love coming here, and u can't believe I didn't review it before! Made a stop in for dinner before I left town for a few months, and let me tell you, if you're craving a good quality burger with fries that you can dip in a delicious house-made ranch, this is the place for you! When you walk in, the restaurant is very open and inviting with the menu posted and the wall and over the register, and the beer selection open for everyone to see. And the server is always patient when taking our order. We ordered a Sunrise Burger and the Golden Rooster Chicken Sandwich with a side of fries and ranch. The Sunrise Burger had a fried egg on it that was so good with the bacon inside. Every bite had so much flavor, and it was good quality meat. The patty was smaller than I thought it'd be, but nonetheless it was still so good. The fires were fresh and hot when we got them, and sipping them in the house made the ranch was a great combo. The Golden Rooster Chicken Sandwich had a sliced green apple and a bit of cinnamon in it, which sounds weird, but honestly, paired with the fried chicken pickles, it was so good. Ranch Dip Score 9/10 Overall, I enjoy Burger Bench and think it's a great place for family, friends, or even a date!

    Michael B.

    For the area, this is a good spot to stop and get your tummy stuffed. But don't expect it to be mind blowing. I think this is a middle of the road place. It is locally owned so that gets some points. Came here on a chilly May weekday evening. There weren't too many people here but with the music playing and the hum of the street and staff, it provided a decent atmosphere for a meal. As soon as you walk in, you order. I would say that their menu looks creative. We had to pause and take a moment to decide what I wanted to order. I ended up ordering the chorizo burger because I thought it would give a little kick in terms of spice but the bite was pretty mild. As well as the onion rings, tater tots with Parmesan and truffle and the Inferno Fried Chicken which had their homemade slaw on it. The inferno was super flavorful and it would be my suggestion if you go. The truffle and Parmesan tots needs to be made with truffle oil rather than truffle salt. It wasn't super strong. It didn't really taste. They do have veggie and GF options if needed. We opted to sit on the patio high rise chairs because I had my dog. The outdoor part is spacious and open air. It's in the front of the building. There are plenty of seats inside. They also sell beer about 20 different beers and seltzers.

    Tots, and the Slider Trio
    Justin W.

    This place was amazing. Had a pretty solid root beer float. Tots were fantastic! But the best part, the sliders. They have a brilliant menu item that allows you to choose 3 different slider flavors. And all three I got were fantastic. Bun was great, sauce was great, and the burger itself was outstanding. Highly recommend this place!

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    2 months ago

    Best burgers ever! Juicy, dripping and cooked right! Quick service and love the gluten free options.

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    Page 1 of 57

    Burger Bench Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Burger Bench

    Drive thru? Available

    Nope

    Any vegan food items?

    Yes, they can make vegan burgers and there are vegan sides.

    Do you offer halal food items, and which items are halal?

    Hello there, our grass-fed beef is certified halal. We have a separate grill and utensils for preparing halal patties. This patty can be substituted on any hamburger for an upgrade. Our register staff will happily walk you through your options.… Read more

    Are there gluten free bun options?

    Yes, we do have gluten free buns from Deanna's Gluten Free, a local bakery in Escondido. They are the best-tasting GF buns we have found and they are made very close by. Our register staff members are trained to walk you through our menu to find… Read more

    Do you have breakfast today?

    Hello there, thank you for reaching out. We have breakfast on Saturday and Sunday from 8AM-11AM. Thank you!

    Is lettuce wrapped an option?

    Yes

    Does their bathroom have a baby changer?

    Yes, they do have one👍

    What are the peak busy hours each day of the week you are open for your property?

    When we have been there it seems like between 6-730p

    Are there tv's to watch football games?

    Yes. There is one TV behind the bar that is typically tuned to one of the games. You can see the location in some of the pictures.

    View All 11 Questions

    Upper East on Grand - Elote Style Brussels

    Upper East on Grand

    4.7(161 reviews)
    0.1 mi
    $$

    Very good service great food awesome drinks super nice people would totally recommendread more

    This has quickly become my brother and I'm go-to spot! We're both pretty upset that our first…read moreexperience was take out, but let me tell you..we fixed that VERY quickly. I can proudly say I have tried quite a few things on the menu already and have not been disappointed. I'd say at this point my brother and I have been here over 5 times. We even brought our parents here twice already. Once for dinner and once for breakfast. My brother and I have done breakfast, lunch and dinner at this point. The first item I tried was the Sun-Dried Tomato Rigatoni. This was so creamy and delicious (later found out you cam add another meat). Which my mom tried her first time around with Salmon. She said it was crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. From that first pasta, I tried the March Month Special, I got the chopped cheese with no cheese (lactose intolerant) but man did I devour it so fast!! There tater tots never miss btw ALWAYS crispy. The Grilled Chicken Sando, mannn was thay superr good too. Chicken was juicy and always love me some avocado. I told my brother I am going to make it a priority to try everything I cam here. Also, the presentation on the plates ESPECIALLY the Fresno 1/2 Chicken *chefs kiss* The service is NEVER misses. Soo attentive no matter the time of day. Tony's drinks are UH-MAY-ZING. We had Mckellen as our server and he was great. The biggest shoutout to James (the owner) seems like he knows how to create a phenomenal work environment and keeps his people happy. We've seen him walk around often and checking in. You can definitely see thay he cares. I HIGHLY recommend coming here if you have the chance. Also, try the Espresso Martini my brother who is far from a coffee drinker even loves it!!

    Photos
    Upper East on Grand - Great for small parties 10-25

    Great for small parties 10-25

    Upper East on Grand - Fish & Chips

    Fish & Chips

    Upper East on Grand - This part of grand is looking so good. I was skeptical of the work they did but I am now a convert.

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    This part of grand is looking so good. I was skeptical of the work they did but I am now a convert.

    Firangi - The naan was perfectly cooked and very flavorful.

    Firangi

    4.7(124 reviews)
    0.0 mi
    $$

    FIRANGI Authentic Indian Gastropub -- What a Place!…read more Wow. I honestly walked in expecting a good Indian restaurant... but what I found was something completely different. This place isn't just a restaurant -- it's a full-blown lounge with style. First thing you notice is the vibe. Beautiful Tiffany-colored interior, elegant lighting, and a stunning marble bar that looks like it belongs in some high-end lounge in London or Dubai. Very classy, very comfortable, very cool. But wait... it gets better. POOL TABLES! And not just decoration -- actual playable tables. $1 a game! I nearly fell off my chair. I haven't played in ages. When I was younger I used to be pretty serious about pool, so naturally I had to grab a cue and see if I still had the magic. Let's just say... the spirit is still there, even if the aim needs a little polishing. They even run pool tournaments on Saturdays, which is amazing. So now suddenly dinner can turn into a little friendly competition. I'm already planning my comeback tour. Now about the food -- absolutely authentic and delicious. Real Indian flavors, beautifully presented, rich spices, and clearly prepared with care. Everything we tried was excellent and I'm already planning my next visit because I have to try the lamb. I've heard it's fantastic. A special thank-you to Sky, the lady boss of this place. She is super friendly, incredibly polite, and very professional. You can immediately tell she knows the cuisine inside and out. She explained dishes, made recommendations, and made us feel genuinely welcome. Hospitality like that makes a huge difference. So what do we have here? * Beautiful lounge atmosphere * Marble bar and stylish interior * Authentic Indian cuisine * Pool tables for $1 (yes, really) * Saturday tournaments * Fantastic hospitality Honestly, this place is a hidden gem. A perfect spot for dinner, drinks, and maybe a little pool if you're feeling competitive. Let's just say this: I will definitely be coming back... probably way too often. If you see a guy practicing pool shots while waiting for his lamb curry -- that's probably me. Highly recommended. woww

    Located on Grand Avenue in the former 'Vinz' unit next to the Patio Playhouse Theater, it's nice to…read morehave an option for Indian food in Escondido. The restaurant is fairly spacious with indoor and outdoor dining, a long bar, and a couple of pool tables in a connected room/area. I found the decor/atmosphere slightly stark and more 'café' than 'gastropub'. Maybe that changes on busy evenings. The food was great, although we noticed they didn't ask about a 'spice level' -- it was a mild one-size-fits-all spice. A nice touch was a metal water vessel that was provided on the table with metal cups. The owner was friendly. The waitress was slightly odd. Wait time for food was a tiny bit slow. There's a single unisex restroom off the back patio, accessed by code. Ample parking on the surrounding streets and in free public lots. Watch out for 2-hour limit signs. If you're an Indian food lover, check out Firangi!

    Photos
    Firangi - Pool table

    Pool table

    Firangi - Naan bruschetta

    Naan bruschetta

    Firangi - Softshell

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    Softshell

    Farm To Smash

    Farm To Smash

    4.3(238 reviews)
    1.4 mi
    $$

    I literally just walked out so happy I had to Yelp before the food coma hit! Window sign says it…read moreall: Fresh ground beef, fresh baked buns, fresh cut fries cooked in beef tallow, house made sauces, and no seed oils. If you're going to burger and fry it, this is the way! Price is a little up there, but your taste buds will understand why. The beef tallow fries were sooooo good. Crispy edges, fluffy center, ACTUAL potato. The garlic fries had bold fresh garlic and are cooked in avocado oil, but leaned a little soggy. Shockingly, I preferred the classic tallow fries. Husband and I split two doubles. The Garlic Mushroom Burger was juicy, savory, and loaded with mushrooms, pickles, American cheese, and garlic spread. The Flamin Smash had jalapeño, pickles, American cheese, and chipotle spread. Big flavor, gentle kick, & hella satisfying. Washed it all down with the Cucumber Lemonade that's sweetened with agave syrup. Not too sweet! I didn't catch the cashier's name, but he was super friendly and helpful. Cozy, clean spot with a patio on the side for extra seating. Service was crazy fast. This place is a bit far from me and I am already planning the drive back! That's how you know it smash-ed!

    We were in Escondido after a long morning of thrifting and were pretty hungry when we stumbled…read moreacross this little hole-in-the-wall spot, and it turned out to be one seriously good find. Farm to Smash specializes in smash burgers and fries, and everything is made with a focus on quality. They cook in beef tallow instead of seed oils, use avocado-based mayo and spreads, serve fresh ground beef (we literally saw them grinding it), and even bake their buns fresh. It is definitely on the pricier side, but you can honestly taste the difference in quality. It is a small storefront with a few barstools inside, plus a patio area in the parking lot that is sectioned off with benches, so there is some seating available but it is still very casual. Now to the best part, the food! We started with drinks and got organic agave lemonade, one plain and one strawberry. Both were super refreshing and really good, though we probably should have asked for ice. For food, we ordered two double smash burgers: the Flamin Smash with fresh jalapeños, all-natural American cheese, pickles, and chipotle spread, and the Rodeo with bacon, all-natural American cheese, pickles, and original spread. Both were incredible. The burgers were perfectly cooked smash burgers with that great crispy edge, and the meat tasted extremely fresh with everything cooked just right. The lady at the front was also extremely friendly and kind, and she recommended the double patties as the way to go. Honestly we would have still been very happy and satisfied with a single patty. We also got a small fry and a small loaded fry. The fries are made from fresh potatoes, cut in house daily, and fried in beef tallow, which made them crispy and flavorful. The loaded fries came topped with all-natural American cheese, bacon, grilled onions, and we chose the original spread, and they were just as good as the burgers. The pickles were also amazing, super crisp and flavorful, and we honestly went back to ask for more. I am assuming they are made in house because they stood out that much. The ranch is also housemade, just like their other spreads, and has a dill-forward flavor that makes it stand out from typical ranch. Even though I am not usually a ranch person, this one was next level. I would have absolutely bought a larger container to take home if we were not heading out to continue thrifting. Total came out to about $58 before tip for two lemonades, two double burgers, a small fry, a small loaded fry, and a side of ranch. Overall, this place is a gem. It is not an everyday stop because of the price, but for an occasional post-thrifting treat, it is absolutely worth it. We will definitely be back.

    Photos
    Farm To Smash
    Farm To Smash - Flamin Smash

    Flamin Smash

    Farm To Smash - The Original

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    The Original

    Burger Bench - tradamerican - Updated May 2026

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