Santa Ana’s food scene is vibrant and diverse, and its burger game reflects that—think everything from no‑frills griddle burgers to chef‑driven patties in Arts District hangouts. These five get a lot of local love.
1. Chapter One: The Modern Local
Right on Broadway in downtown Santa Ana, Chapter One feels like a gastropub that takes both cocktails and burgers seriously.
Their burgers tend to be thick, juicy, and stacked with chef‑y toppings like bacon jam, sharp cheddar, blue cheese, caramelized onions, and house aioli on brioche‑style buns. You’ll often find seasonal or special burgers on the menu too. Pair one with truffle fries or duck fat fries and a craft cocktail or local beer, and it feels very “downtown Santa Ana night out.”
2. Wursthaus
Technically a sausage and beer hall, but the burger here has a serious local following.
The patty is rich and well‑seasoned, cooked medium or medium‑rare, topped with cheese, house pickles, and creative sauces. The real draw is the German‑pub vibe: long communal tables, big beer list, and sides like fries with house dips. It’s where locals go when they want a burger with a proper pint and a lively atmosphere…