We recently tried Key & Cleaver and had a pretty good experience overall. We ordered the Greek burger, BBQ bacon burger, and two kids' basic cheeseburgers. The BBQ bacon burger was good, but the bacon wasn't crispy--it was very thick and more like a slice of ham. It was okay, but I would have preferred traditional crispy bacon. The Greek burger was also good, but not quite great. However, the boys' basic cheeseburgers were amazing! We would definitely come back just for a basic burger. The fries were also amazing--definitely a highlight of the meal. They have a great selection of beer and alcohol, and I tried the watermelon drink, which had a spicy kick and was absolutely delicious. Overall, a solid spot with great fries, drinks, and burgers. We'll definitely be back for those basic cheeseburgers! read more

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Key & Cleaver -- Top‑Tier Burgers in City Heights A nice bar serving up genuinely top‑tier burgers. A dear friend recommended this spot, and as the burger enthusiast I am, I had to try it. Key & Cleaver sits on a busy corner in City Heights, and parking nearby was tough -- I ordered pickup, but honestly wouldn't do that again because driving around hunting for a spot took forever. The burgers were great and the fries were solid. The ranch was creamy and delicious. One annoying thing: the online menu doesn't specify that burgers come with fries, and since a lot of good burger places do them à la carte, we ordered two extra sides unnecessarily. It made the meal pricier than it needed to be, and I wish the online menu clarified that since you can't ask anyone when ordering to‑go. They also offer a great burger‑drink‑fries lunch special, but it's only for indoor dining -- bummer for takeout. I wouldn't order to‑go again, but I would come back for that lunch special. read more

Key & Cleaver - Burgers Near Me - San Diego, California

We visited on a Tuesday Night for Family Dinner. Since we all worked late on this date, the decision was made to get burgers. Upon entering, they were so busy that no one greeted us, but we know the drill and we selected a sit down dining table vs the bar top. Tuesdays are "Kids Eat Free" under 12, with the purchase of an adult meal per child. This is such a great deal for families. There were a lot of families dining, about 5-6, on this Tuesday Night at 6p. Our server (a young man with dark hair) came to take our beverage orders and ask if we wanted apps. We passed on the apps but ordered: 1 tangerine soda, and the rest waters. He came back in about 5-7 mins with our drinks. At that time, we ordered: 2 BBQ Bacon Burgers Medium Well, and 1 Grilled Chicken Sandwich. Our food was ready in a longer amount of time than usual. We waited for about 26-28 mins for it after we placed our order. We figured that with the busy family orders, this could have been the delay. Also, there seemed to be 1 person (our server) manning the serving and the bar customers for quite some time alone. He was doing both jobs the majority of the time we were there. He was working hard. Finally, after we got our food, another person appeared at the bar and was helping in. We noticed that the chalkboard updated us and said that they have a new Oceanside location. This is wonderful news! We are happy to see this business grow. We have been customers since they were first starting up and it's great to see them thrive. Our food was good and we especially appreciate that the rosemary fries are prepared so well. It was a pleasure to dine here again. read more

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I had this place bookmarked for a very long time. I originally found out about it because a local rancher I buy meat from occasionally told me they used their beef for the burger patties. It's located in City Heights, which isn't an area I drive through very often, but I was craving a good burger and finally decided it was time to check this place out. I stopped by for a late lunch on Saturday, and there were only a few people inside. The place has plenty of seating at the bar along with a few tables and a very casual, laid-back vibe. I ordered the Salute without bacon. I had read that they cook their fries in 100% beef tallow, and after seeing so many reviews rave about the rosemary fries, I definitely had to try them. They did not disappoint! They were super crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy inside, and the combination of sea salt and rosemary was absolutely delicious. Honestly, the fries alone are worth coming back for. The burger was also cooked perfectly medium, just as I ordered, and was incredibly juicy. I did ask about the beef since I originally came here because of the ranch I knew they had sourced from. They told me they now use meat from a different ranch, but it's still pasture-raised, grass-fed beef. You could definitely taste the quality. The portion was generous, and I thought the price was very reasonable for the quality and amount of food you get. They also feature different burger specials/flavors each month, which gives me another reason to come back. If I'm craving a really good burger and crispy fries, I would definitely make the trip over here again. read more

Key & Cleaver - Burgers Near Me - San Diego, California

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Really enjoyed the Double Smash Burger, veggies on the side (additional $1.50). Loved their super hot fries, although wish they were a little more well done. Their chicken wings with the garlic Serrano was doused in minced garlic and very much welcome. Their house-made ranch was so good that we ordered extra (additional $1 each mini cup). Also enjoyed their HH Espresso Martini and they had Harland Japanese Lager and Harland Hazy on draft. Food took a long time to come but service was friendly overall. Cute little burger joint in City Heights. read more

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Great service and a really good, quality burger. No lettuce or tomato as to block out the taste. Two great patties, cheese and grilled onions. Slightly peppery, but well seasoned. The fries may be the best I've had. Crispy but soft inside. $15 for a soft drink, fries and a burger. Great deal. We'll be back. Josh, our waiter, was great. Helpful and informative. read more

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This is a rough one. Something's were phenomenal and some were okay. First... we were greeted enthusiastically and warmly. Felt great just walking in. The vibe was amazing and the place was packed. Our servers were slaps amazing. Friendly, offered good tips and seems to really enjoy being there. We ordered the black and blue burger and the mush /swiss grilled chicken Breast sandwich. The fires were some of the best we've ever had. Really. The food was good but the burger had way to much buffalo sauce and that overwhelmed the meat. The. Chicken was tasty and juicy. The diet soda was so good. Not a major Brand. Their house brand. All in all a really good meal. We would be more careful ordering next tile to make sure we don't get over sauced but we will be back. read more

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I love this place. I went here for the first time. Seat yourself, laid back vibe with great cocktails. Quality ingredients and the owners are great. I've had the buffalo wings with blue cheese crumbles, the American Burger, the Smash Burger, and the BBQ Burger. All of them were great. The fries are to die for, they normal ones are some rosemary seasoning, but they also have them fried in a beef tallow. Just brought the kids to dine and they enjoyed their food. Street parking only but totally worth it. Oh...they have a happy hour everyday from 3 to 6pm...I believe. read more

Key & Cleaver - Can't remember the name of this cocktail...but it was yummy! - Burgers Near Me - San Diego, California

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Lovely, homey nook with great fries and friendly service. Food: 4.5/5 Key and Cleaver has a solid burger selection - the Colonel and the Salute were both hearty. The rosemary fries served with the burgers were crunchy on the outside and perfectly fluffy on the inside. I would go back just for the fries. Their house-made dips: garlic aioli and chipotle, were lovely. Drinks: 5/5 Both the classic daiquiri and spicy margarita were vibrant and packed a punch. The spicy margarita came with a black salt rim. Both drinks were strong and not too sweet. Ambiance: 4/5 The general vibe is chill! Definitely a more laidback spot. With many screens for sports games. Service: 5/5 Our server and bartender, Chris, was wonderful. He was clearly knowledgeable and kept service prompt but friendly. Parking: Street parking only. There's a few neighborhoods lining the street so it wasn't too difficult for us. Overall: A great place to dine if you're looking for casual spot to watch sports, grab a drink, and have some amazing fries. read more

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What a great find! The drinks were spot on--the spicy margarita, in particular, was an especially fiery batch and it rocked! I love a good kick, so I had two. My friend, on the other hand, isn't quite as spice-loving as me and could barely take a sip--LOL. The food was excellent overall. The burger was top-notch--juicy, flavorful, and cooked perfectly. The wings could use a bit more seasoning and time on the grill, but the fries made up for it--not your usual cut, but crispy and delicious. The service was outstanding. The bartender was super friendly, attentive, and really helpful with recommendations. All around, this is a fantastic bar--great vibes, plenty of TVs, friendly people, and solid food and drinks. Definitely a spot worth coming back to! read more

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We were invited by our friends to try this place for their burgers. We got there right when they opened and quickly greeted by the server asking if we would like water and drinks. I ordered a beer and the rest - there were 4 of us - ordered sodas and water. The drinks came out shortly after we ordered. We then ordered the burgers. I had the smashed burger with fries and the others order the bbq bacon cheese burgers with fries. The orders came out and the burgers had this pillowy bun and my burger was nicely smashed and carmelized. I throughly enjoyed the burger. The fries were just ok. I like mine crispy on the outside and soft on imthe inside. The were...just ok. Overall service was great, the burgers were delicious and fairly priced. As we were finishing the restaurant started to fill up so get there early if you want seats and not to wait. Parking is a little tricky. We were lucky to get parking right in front across the street. If you are looking for great burgers that are fairly priced and great service, stop on by. read more

I would definitely have no problem jumping on board if Key & Cleaver was the engineer of the best burger of all time train. The Swiss Mushroom hit every note with umami from the mushrooms, funkiness from the Swiss cheese, brightness from the garlic aioli, and some sweetness from the fluffy bun all complimenting the perfectly seasoned and juicy beef patty. I took my time with this one to savor every bite. Don't forget the crispy outer/fluffy inner rosemary salted fries. Then how about you wash it down with a citrusy, piney West Coast IPA from Burgeon called Treevana. All around flavor overload in a good way. I came in with my wife and 6 year old son just after 9 on a Saturday night and we were welcomed warmly by Chris, who gave us outstanding service through our entire meal guiding us through the menu and assuring we had everything we needed including crayons and puzzles for my son. He even comped my beer because he felt I waited too long for it. Total before tip was a very respectable $37 for two burgers. I almost nixed our lunch plans the next day so I could come back for another burger and local brew. read more

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Why did I wait so long to check out Key & Cleaver?!! Mind = BLOWN. So delicious. Had a fun time chatting with Jordan. Highly recommend! Such rad vibes, amazing food, and excellent beer and cocktail selection. GET OVER THERE ASAP! read more

Key & Cleaver - Swiss Mushroom - Burgers Near Me - San Diego, California

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Love this spot, a perfect local gem. Every single one of the bartenders are fantastic, skillful, and creative. Couldn't ask for a better local burger joint and watering hole. read more

I got the smash burger. It was fabulous. One of the best burgers I have had in San Diego. Service was great. And the spicy margarita was also on point! read more

Their burgers are phenomenal I highly recommend a stop in! We also had lovely service and the vibe is nice.

got the burger! it was as fantastic as I had heard it would be. busy on a friday night, but service was friendly and fast. greeted as soon as we walked in. can't wait to go back! glad it's in my neighborhood. read more

Key & Cleaver - BBQ Bacon Cheese Burger - Burgers Near Me - San Diego, California

Okay, I've been wanting to try this place for a while. We finally got there and oh my goodness. After getting consistently great service and amazingly good food two different visits, my spouse declared this will be the ONLY place we go when we are hankering for a burger and fries. We love the backstory of how the place was opened, the locally sourced food, the variety of beer on tap, the fresh lemonade, the friendly greetings when you walk in, the invitation to come again, the interesting cast of characters seated at the bar (people minding their own business but looking relaxed and friendly), the choice of bar or table seating, the choice of TV screens to watch but not overwhelmingly noisy. Here's my favorite part though: the thick cut fries come to you piping hot! See you there?! read more

Key & Cleaver - BBQ Bacon Cheese Burger - Burgers Near Me - San Diego, California

Super unsuspecting spot on the edge of city heights heading towards college area. You almost wouldn't even notice this joint is here til you walk in and it feels like your almost transported to another neighborhood. Inside it feels like a cozy sports bar. There's a number of tvs positioning in front of one long bar. We were greeted by Chris who was super friendly and told us about where their meat is sourced using only grass fed grass finished beef. You could tell there is a lot of care going into their ingredients and what they make. They've got a number of sauces made in house like a homemade ranch and Chris brought us a spread of the different sauces to try out. I went for the smashburger which is always a good mark for comparison of top burgers. This burger has no frills, just cheese and grilled onions, and just the way I like that. Burger was cooked well, juicy but not greasy like smashburgers can be. Grilled onions were grilled down perfectly. Just the right amount of cheese to not drown out the meat. The meat was flavorful, with a clean beefy taste. The bun was a nice fluffy brioche, my favorite. The fries were also bomb, very unique, kinda like a cross between a chip and a fry but still crisped up well. Can't say I noticed the rosemary, but they were still solid nonetheless. There was a cool selection of beers on draft and it looked like they had some clever cocktails on the menu. I wasn't looking to drink when I was there, but I definitely wouldn't mind coming back for another burger and a beer. It seems like a homey place to come where they know your name, and you can catch the game with the other locals. Can't say it was my favorite burger of all time or my favorite part of town, but you can tell there is a lot of care being poured into this place. Burger is definitely still top notch and a heck of a deal. Will be back! read more

Key & Cleaver - Smashburger - Burgers Near Me - San Diego, California

Must try! Food was delicious. Service was quick and the owners were fun to talk to. Great for date night, or pick up on the way home

Great food and service. Laid back vibe and good people behind the bar. Will definitely try the rooftop next time. read more

Key & Cleaver - One of the best burger and fries combos in SD. Will be back. - Burgers Near Me - San Diego, California

Stopped by this highly rated spot and love their friendly vibes and hidden inside decor! The fries are my fave with cute drinks! read more

Key & Cleaver - Cheers - Burgers Near Me - San Diego, California

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Great place for burgers, wings and local beer! The owner is awesome! Spends time talking to you. Love the food and they have a play going on today in their upstairs area. Place used to be a Chinese restaurant. Definitely worth a check out. Happy hour every day from 3-6. read more

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I was super excited to hear we were getting a bar and burger spot here in City Heights. Was really looking forward to having a really good burger. It was very busy the night we came in so service was super slow. Regardless, we were willing to wait and see what the best burgers in San Diego tasted like. Burgers were actually not that great and their wings were incredibly salty. read more

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The burgers was one of the best I have tasted. The smash burger was delicious and the fries. The raspberry lemonade drink was good. Great service too read more

Key & Cleaver - Raspberry lemonade - Burgers Near Me - San Diego, California

Small spot with a big bar and about five tables, all full when we arrived. Great decor and strong AC. The menu features various burgers, including seasonal specials. My husband got the Black & Blue Burger, and I had the Swiss Mushroom Burger. The guy taking our order was confident, highlighting their local ingredients - beef from Julian, buns from La Jolla, and homemade sauces. I ordered my burger well-done, expecting it to be dry, but it was surprisingly juicy! The wait was about 20 minutes, but totally worth it. The portions were big, and my burger had mushrooms and garlic cream sauce--so delicious, I finished every bite. My husband loved his too, saying it's one of the best burgers in San Diego. Even the fries were unique, somewhere between fries and wedges. Highly recommend! read more

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Insane burgers made with high quality meat and ingredients. The mushroom burger is my favorite (so far). Fries are bangin and they make all their sauces in house - I'm a biiiig sauce gal. They have an impressive selection of tequila and mezcal for all the agave lovers out there. read more

Killer burger and great beer selection. Jordan is the man. Plenty of TVs for games. read more

Key and Cleaver is amazing! Whether you're here for a first date or want to bring the family in for a birthday celebration, this is the ideal location in City Heights. The burgers are insane (the rotating burgers of the month are always fun), the wings are exactly what you desire and the service is extremely friendly. Grab a BOTM with a side of chipotle aioli for the best fries ever and enjoy a various array of locally crafted brews. Lots of TVs as well for your daily sports craving. Come check them out! read more

I don't say this lightly: this place delivered the best burger and fries I've ever tasted in my life. From the first bite, I knew it was on a whole different level. The cranberry and Brie burger was perfectly cooked -- juicy, flavorful, and seasoned just right -- with toppings that actually complemented the meat instead of drowning it out. The bun held everything together without getting soggy, which is a small miracle in itself. And the fries? Absolute perfection. Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, with the kind of fresh-from-the-fryer taste that lets you know they actually care about what they're serving. I could've eaten another whole order by myself. The quality, the flavors, and the attention to detail made the whole meal feel like something special. If you're looking for a place that gets the basics right but also delivers that unforgettable, crave-it-the-next-day experience -- this is it. I'll definitely be coming back. Honestly, I'm already thinking about my next order. read more

Good food, clean place, amazing customer service. Will come back again for sure. All my friends enjoyed their meal as well read more

Key & Cleaver - Burgers Near Me - San Diego, California

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I have celiac disease and this place is incredibly knowledgeable! Their preparation practices made me feel safe that the gluten free options would be okay for me to eat. They have a phenomenal gluten free hamburger bun, and their fries are simply the best I've ever had! Look at the photo, I have no idea how they cut them to get the shape but it is so good at getting salted and delicious! read more

Key & Cleaver - Swiss Mushroom burger on gluten free bun with a fried egg. - Burgers Near Me - San Diego, California

Love their food, atmosphere and happy hour. Also, they have the BEST french fries EVER! Aust try. Hamburgers are so fresh and yummy, too!

They have a dedicated gluten free fryer...YAY! The husband and wife team really care and go the extra mile for their customers. Got the Salute burger and tallow fries-yum!Love this place! A new go-to. read more

When we walked into the place was crowded, which was a great indication of what we were about to get into. We were greeted by the bartender/owners and we took the first available table. The owners worked the room like professional dancers, staying out of each other's way, yet coming together when needed, a beautiful service rush dance, all while being upbeat and kind and making sure all the patrons were attended to. I took their recommendations and ordered a few drink selections. I will say the drinks are tasty. The names were also catchy. I did try the wings, but I wasn't too impressed by them, but my table was. I did go with a burger and fries. The fries were way too salty for my preference. The burger was cooked perfectly but lacked something. Overall great concept and vibrant addition to the area. read more

Key & Cleaver - Swiss Mushroom wrapped in lettuce with rosemary fries - Burgers Near Me - San Diego, California

Best burger we have ever had! Great service too! Great prices! Chris and Jenn were an absolute delight! We will definitely be back! We have found our new favorite place! read more

Stumble upon this place on yelp and thought we should give it a try (23 F & 25 M). When we walked in we were greeted with great customer service, found a seat at the bar, and got to chatting with the bartender. I have a gluten sensitivity and was informed that the staff takes allergies very seriously, has a gluten free bun, and batters their chicken in gf batter, although this was not advertised on the menu. The beef is super fresh and grass fed and you can taste it! Must visit place - we will definitely be coming back for more! read more

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Hidden gem in the mid city/city heights. My friend introduced me to this place. Once you walk in, you feel like you're in a different area; compared to the outside of this place LOL. I want to keep this place all to myself but I have to share. It's a small establishment with a bar, dining area and a rooftop lounge. I love that it is family friendly. Very nice, friendly and helpful crew Jasmine, Jennifer and Chris. We sat down and ordered a few drinks. My friend ordered some beer/IPA and I ordered Spicy Margarita (Serrano infused real del valle, triple sec, house made margarita mix, black charcoal salted rum). It was soooo delicious! I had to go for seconds , it is a spicy drink. I usually don't order spicy drink but this drink blew my mind; it was quite tasty. We also ordered some burgers. I ordered the black & blue burger: it was blackened seasoned beef patty, topped with blue cheese crumbles & buffalo sauce. On the side it had lettuce, tomatoes, onion and pickles. My friend ordered the burger of the month which was the "Pastramarami" which had beef patty, provolone cheese, sauerkraut and brown mustard. Both were cooked medium and burger meals came with a side of fries. We both liked our burgers. It was very fresh, the ingredients and fries were cooked perfectly. Burgers had lots of flavors. The Pattie's are from the Perennial Pastures ranch in North county and grass fed. The fries are insane, crispy, flavorful and compliments the burgers. Street parking is only available and very limited. I will definitely be back. read more

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Love LOVE this place! The drinks are AMAZING, especially if you stop by during happy hour. You can't beat the prices. The food was on point. We ordered wings and burgers and we were not disappointed. Everything was delicious. We came across Key and Clever randomly and thankfully. We are fans! We will be back. There's no way they aren't a 5 star rating. Customer service was on point! Friendly, efficient, and prompt. We'll be back because Jennifer was AWESOME!!!! read more

Key & Cleaver - Burgers Near Me - San Diego, California

Service was great! And the burger was really good! I had the salad instead of the fries but those fries/ chips looked looked delicious!