For The Win

The smash burger was delicious along with the sweet potato fries. Service was great, little bit of a wait because they were short staffed. The only thing I would change would be location, small spot, not a lot of sitting room (only two outdoor tables). But food was great!

Solid burger and possibly best loaded fries I've had. Completely worth the stop

Sorry, but they've got work to do. These are the sorriest looking smash burgers and are nothing like the FTW in LA. Compare my picture to their stock picture! Wife wasn't impressed with grilled cheese either. Loaded fries were the best thing, but barely had any sauce. I'll be going down the street to Irv's until this place changes.

Incredible smash burgers! The place itself has no exterior branding, it’s just an order window. The burgers were delicious with a great amount of char on the paddies. The buns were soft, and the cheese/special sauce combined so well. They have a limited menu, but there’s no need for more when they’re doing burgers and fries so well. I don’t understand the bad reviews…don’t be deterred and give this place a try!

Double cheeseburger with jalepeno + sweet potato fries is the perfect combo. Very impressed with this place, been here twice since it opened. If anything, it’s a little pricey compared to other smash burgers I’ve had in SD. I will also say, the location is small and could definitely have more seating. Overall, this place is legit & I recommend giving it a try.

Have to admit they were absolutely delicious, a little room for improvement yeah but I scarfed down both like a monster…

Really solid burger spot. The food was fresh, the burger was cooked just right, and everything had good flavor. The staff was chill and friendly, and the place had a relaxed vibe. Definitely worth stopping by if you’re in the area.

This is not only the best burger in SD but also the best GF burger in SD. Would probably be my death row meal if I’m being honest. You have to try it.

Reggie and Chris they were a great help , very fast with getting the food out . Very flavorful food ! Nice vibes

Super fire restaurant, they apologized for a 10 minute wait and said they usually come out in 5 minutes, and they gave me 2 things of free fries and sauce!!! Super cool of Joey to do that and make sure I had a great experience!!! Will definitely come here again

Joey was truly the best! Such great customer service truly made us feel like family! The burgers were so good! We will definitely be back!

For The Win is a new smash burger spot in Pacific Beach. Tucked in between two tattoo shops, you might miss it if you're not careful. I got a single cheeseburger (without the onions or pickles) and added bacon. It was delicious; the 'fry sauce' they have is excellent. Joey, who took our order and served us, was very friendly. I really want to try a shake next time I visit but they're very pricey. Tip: If you're hungry, don't bother with a single patty; get a double or triple.

Visited For the Win since it was voted LA's #1 smashburger and recently made its way down to San Diego. Honestly, I didn't find anything too amazing here. The food was good but definitely mid and not worth all the hype, so it did not justify the high prices. They even charge $0.50 just to add lettuce, and if you want lettuce and tomato it's $1 extra. I don't remember what the other add ons cost. I will say the bacon was cooked perfectly, and the meat patties were smashed & cooked well so you get crispy edges Food did come out in decent time, 10 mins after placing order, but the seating situation is rough. There are only 4 small tables, two are pushed together to fit four people. But there's no space between tables so if you end up sharing with strangers it gets pretty uncomfortable trying not to bump elbows. The tables are low and the seats are only enough for legroom, making it an awkward eating position overall. Overall, quick service but overpriced for what you get and not a comfortable spot to dine in.

Was in San Diego so we got try this legit LA burger legend. Hole in the wall- very little seating, no sign and best of all no lines. Seems not too many people knew who they were yet. Food was great- tasty, and yummy and single cheeseburger ( added tomato) was snack size and the sweet potatoes were fire. So addictive. Nice touch was the option of a gf bun for the hubby. Good value for the money $$

Tasty burgers, high price (around $12 I think for a double cheeseburger). The smashed patties and average size bun mean this isn't a burger that will fill you up on its own. The flavor was delicious and soft bun was enjoyable. The fries were good but nothing special. It's unfortunate that sauces (other than ketchup) cost extra as those would elevate the fries. We ordered the burgers & fries to go and they forgot our second burger. Luckily. We noticed before we left the business, but this would have been a tragic error! The small location in PB is best for takeout. There is limited outdoor seating and a tiny indoor space that isn't suitable for groups waiting. I'd love to have these yummy burgers again, but the restaurant environment and price aren't competitive in San Diego's burger scene.

Does it taste the same as LA? Hmm... not quite. I thought the food was a bit too salty, but maybe that's just a new cook or the spot still getting into the groove. Service was good though, and while there isn't a ton of seating, it's more of a grab-and-go type of place anyway. Overall, still solid and worth checking out.

For The Win has entered the SD smashburger market by taking over a narrow suite comprised of a service window and kitchen in the heart of PB. The space has been the home of a BBQ joint and multiple taco spots over the past decade, all of whom could not sustain consistent business. This LA-based vendor has lots of competition on Garnet Ave as several burger places have opened over the past couple of years. The hamburgers and cheeseburgers were available as single, double, or triple patties. Each patty was less than 0.2 lb so we're talking a thin layer of beef that was smashed with grilled onions and served on a toasted Martin's potato bun. Pickles and fry sauce were the toppings. At a surcharge, add-ons could be selected to modify the burger. The five choices were bacon, pickled jalapeños, lettuce wrap, lettuce & tomato, and a gluten-free bun. The listed sides were regular fries, sweet potato fries, brussels sprouts, and loaded fries. Soft drinks and shakes rounded out the menu. I picked a Regular (single) Cheeseburger for my to-go order. After paying the cashier, I sat on a stool and waited about 15 minutes for my burger. There was a small countertop and two tables on the sidewalk for on-site dining, but this was definitely a takeout business. The cheeseburger was slightly larger than a slider. The meat was cooked well with crispy edges, but nine dollars was pricey for the serving size. You can get twice the amount of beef for $0.50 more at a well-known local corner pub in the southern part of this neighborhood. I could not award more than three stars for my experience at For The Win.

For The Win finally made it to San Diego, in the Pacific Beach area, perfect spot among all the action for beach vibes. The smash burger is their claim of fame. Street parking might be a challenge. It's a micro restaurant, basically a stand between another competitor burger shop and a tattoo parlor.No indoor, only limited outdoor seating. After ordering I can see the kitchen and the staffers at work. The staffers wore gloves while preparing food. Didn't like seeing the floor full of food and trash debris both in the kitchen and around the seating areas, which should have been maintained more frequently to attract potential customers and not deter current ones. Order, pay and pick up at the counter...service staff were nice, friendly and helpful. First time I tried it was at the Venice Beach location. I liked it but since the burger Patties were so flat, I would suggest getting 3 patties with all the toppings to enjoy the full splurge effect. I ordered three Patties one slice of cheese, grilled onions and extra pickles. The final product looked kinda gnarly with its crispy edges which runneth over the buns...but it did taste good, even my pup liked it, sans onions of course. Turns out beef tallow fat fries are good for you, so get that and don't forget to get the sweet treat of the soft serve/milkshake yummy. Indulge and just go For The Win! Recommend.

TLDR: For the Win offers a tasty smashburger and solid sides in a small, takeaway-focused space. While the food is well-executed, the burger portions are small, and prices are high for what you get. Good, but not a standout for the cost. Overview: For the Win, a micro burger chain based out of Los Angeles, is a compact burger shop in Pacific Beach serving up classic smashburgers, fries, and a few sides. The menu is tight and focused, and the burger is clearly the centerpiece. Execution is solid overall, and the food held up well even after a ten-minute walk, which matters since the setup is primarily geared toward takeaway. The interior is minimal, with just a handful of stools and no self-serve condiments or drink stations. It functions more like a walk-up counter than a traditional dine-in restaurant, so if you're expecting a full-service experience, it's worth adjusting your expectations. Food: The burger is the standout. The thin 2.8 oz smash patties (I asked the woman working the counter) have a well-developed Maillard crust and stay juicy. The toasted potato bun is fluffy and holds everything together without getting soggy. The house sauce adds a subtle spicy kick that complements the meat without overwhelming it. While the flavor and texture are satisfying, the portion size is where it falls short. A double burger doesn't even amount to half a pound of meat, and at $12.50, it feels a bit underwhelming for the price, especially considering the limited dine-in experience. The fries were good as well. They're thin-cut, well-seasoned, and served in a generous portion. They have a slight crispiness but don't reach the level of texture and contrast found at more standout burger spots. Still, they hold up well and pair nicely with the house fry sauce. The crispy Brussels sprouts were another solid side. They're not too oily, have a nice crunch, and are dressed with a tangy balsamic vinegar. The sauce could be distributed more evenly, but overall, the flavor was satisfying. The portion size on the sprouts was also reasonable, especially when compared to the burger. As for the sauces, the fry sauce adds a bit of heat and complements both the fries and burger, though it's not particularly unique and resembles a standard burger sauce. The ranch was the least impressive: bland and lacking depth. Given that you must purchase portions of these sauces, I was expecting more. Final Thoughts: For the Win serves a well-made burger with attention to detail and a couple of solid sides. If you're nearby and looking for a quick smashburger, it gets the job done. However, when you consider the price, small burger portions, limited seating, and the added 4 percent surcharge, it starts to feel a bit expensive for what is ultimately a takeaway-focused experience. It's also worth noting that San Diego Eater described this place as having a "low price point," which doesn't really reflect the experience. While the fries and Brussels sprouts offer decent value, the burger itself feels undersized, and the lack of dine-in comforts makes the pricing harder to justify. Overall, this is a solid spot that covers the basics well, but it doesn't do quite enough to set itself apart. If you're nearby, you might consider giving it a try, but with Rocky's just a few minutes away offering a better value and a sit-down experience, that might be the better call if you're in the mood for a great burger.

It's in the name!! My hubby's exact words once we were done eating. Burgers are deeeeeelicious!! Not greasy or heavy and fry sauce is fire!! Service was amazing as well! The spot is super small with 2 tables for "dine-in". Also, no sign yet so we almost missed it (it's next door to the cheesesteak place). Not a fan of the location but it's definitely worth driving in circles for parking! .

Service was really good and food was pretty fireee. Joey the cashier/food runner was incredibly helpful and very sweet. We will definitely be back. Thank you Joey!

Man, what a depressing place. Walked in, the three workers there just walking through the motions looking depressed as can be. I never got acknowledged, stood for 5 minutes. Randomly and without reason one of them walks up to me and says phone order and hands me a bag, never asked for my name. I paid and left. Food was just barely decent and forgettable. They need an owner-operator or a well paid manager ASAP before it's too late and they close their doors.

We went yesterday (7/16/25) and this place is great! They will officially open on Saturday (7/19/25) and they are doing a soft opening right now to get all of the kinks out. LOCATION: This place is located in the same location as the closed Lucha Libre Taco Shop, right next to Steak N Fries on Garnet. They have not placed a sign up yet, so if you blink, you might miss it. You can order your food from a touchscreen or from the cashier up front. They have 2-3 outside tables to sit at. FOOD: The menu is small and simple, but the food is really good. They specialize in smash burgers and you will not be let down with them. Definitely try the fried Brussel Sprouts. SERVICE - The employees are great and get the food out quick. Pro Tip: One of the employees told us that the brussel sprouts can be ordered "ultimate style" (imagine animal-style.

3.5 stars....for the win? Not even 2nd place! Good smash burger but nothing special! They can go back to LA and it wouldn't be missed imo.

If you are in PB and want a good burger and loaded fries...look no more. Double Smash with onions and pickles was on point. Also got the loaded fries with bacon, I'm not sure if it was because I was hungry but those were delicious. For sure a stop that won't disappoint. Super small though. Not a lot of seating.

Service was so incredible right of the bat! The manager was helping us order and was so kind and helpful. Food was INSANE! The loaded fries and milkshakes were the star of the show. Definitely will be back!!

The food was amazing, can't go wrong with the double smashburger and make sure to add Jalapeño. Also can't say enough about the customer service, Sarah is exceptional at the counter and Joe made sure we were taken care of once we sat down. Keep up the good work guys! Epic stuff!

My biggest callout is the fact this place is pretty much a to-go eatery, yet, the packaging is not setup for that. We ordered fries and Brussel sprouts and both were in open boat style paper containers with no coverings. We only live 5ish min away and by the time we got home those items were cold. I would strongly recommend some better to-go packaging. Originally planning to eat there, I didn't realize it's pretty much grab n go. Don't plan on eating there if you have more than two people in your party. There's two tiny tables with two stools each outside. Burgers were overall good, sauce is super good but I felt nickel and dimed with the add-on cost for lettuce and tomato. I completely understand bacon being a true add-on but $1.50 for lettuce and tomato seems a bit steep. For our party of 4, the total bill was $84 and that was with no drinks. Overall food was pretty good, but for the pricing and packaging, I'm giving a rating of 3.

I don't know where to start... the appearance? Sexy. The bacon? Literally could not be crispier. The burger to bun ratio? Perfection. The service? Quick. I'm a big smash burger fan and I've tried MANY. Today I did a PB burger tour and this HANDS DOWN blew every other smash burger out of the water. No contest. 10/10. If I were to craft my personal PERFECT smash burger this would be it. For The Win, literally won my mini tasting contest. And my heart. And my loins.

Hands down the best burger in Pacific Beach as far as I'm concerned.... Burger fresh and meaty flavor

Good product but overpriced + overrated. All you need to know. Yelp wants me to add more characters to this review to make it legit so voila

Legit smash burger with a nice crispy ring on the outside and some pretty good sauce on it. The patty itself is smashed pretty thin so the double I got wasn't that big. I'll probably get a triple next time. Brussels sprouts were also good and the outer leaves were nice and crunchy. Looking forward to coming back here.

Great food. Nice service and friendly atmosphere. Highly recommend milk shakes. Their hamburger sauce is special and great for dipping fries.

Good burgers but price point is a bit high. Seating is extremely limited and parking is even worse. Big shoes to fill in the San Diego market when it comes to smash burgers. I wish them the best of luck, I'll stick to my tried and true burger joint.

Meter street parking, accosted twice by homeless people. Uncomfortable seating outside with bugs and wind challenges. Extremely dirty customer area! TV blaring cartoons making it very hard for the cashier and I to communicate and hear each other. Limited menu, no cheese fries listed. Double cheese burger under $13 maybe had a couple onions and a pickle, the bun is ok, the burger smashed but pretty big and good. the cheese was melted and with the fry sauce both very good. Service fast. Pepsi zero can flat. Roughly $18 without fries. Lots of traffic to get here. A different bigger location would be better.

Decent smash burger for a decent price. The meat had a good taste and the bun was soft and buttery. The edges were just a little too burnt for my liking. I ordered loaded fries with pickles and paid an extra $3 to have a patty added on top. There was a kiosk to order which made it easy and the food came out quickly. I took my order to go as they have 5 seats and most were taken. When I opened my fries at home, there was no patty or pickles on top and the little cheese there was was mostly burnt. The fries themselves were good but pretty disappointed about paying $13 for not loaded fries. Would give 4 stars if it wasn't for that a

The burger was okay but very small , more like a slider which for the price is expensive . The brussel sprouts were a generous portion but tasted bitter .

We visited today for the first time and they did not disappoint. Ordering was easy, at a kiosk. Joey who was working, happily answered my questions and provided excellent customer service. The Burger was juicy and flavorful. To top it off they use Tallow for their fries, so no guilt trip for me when dining at For The Win! We will definitely be back. Thank you for a great experience Joey!

Food was great and came out super fast. Troy and Joey were super nice and very accommodating

$15 double cheese burger w optional 10% tip included. No one at regi to take my order so i used the robot. It Was just a reggie ahh burger. Theirs a place up the st w a double cheeseburger for under $10 that always slaps. Iykyk ,Sorry guys i wasnt that impressed.

This is a hole in the wall with two crammed tables outside and five stools. The person at the counter asked me to order but then completely ignored me, so I ordered on the tablet. It's $13.5 for a double cheeseburger and $1 for jalapeños on the side, and they forgot the source on the side I ordered. Order came quickly and the burger was on the small side. The bun was soft but the taste was nothing special. Overall, bad service, limited seating, and high prices won't have me return here. Maybe the LA location is better.

Best burger in SD. I've had Hayes, The Balboa and Friendly's. This beats them all. So good.

Good food spot and they the best in the game Lfg.. great environment and great people working

Really solid burger spot. The food was fresh, the burger was cooked just right, and everything had good flavor. The staff was chill and friendly, and the place had a relaxed vibe. Definitely worth stopping by if you're in the area.

Top tier smash burger. Joe creates a great atmosphere to hang out watch football and enjoy some food. Would recommend

Excellent & prompt service by Reggie & especially Joey. 2 thumbs up for their awesome customer service! Will be back for sure! Good job guys!

I've never had a Smashburger, but I talked to someone while I was waiting in line (which was not very long) who was from LA. He said the For the Win in LA is amazing and he was so happy he found one here in San Diego. It's cool that you can see your food being cooked right there. The staff and restaurant take cleanliness seriously. When I got my food, I asked window guy Joey and cook Troy their names. Troy was the cook and I believe the order takers name was Joey. They were so friendly and had the biggest Smiles on their face. Like I said, I'd never had a Smashburger, and it was delicious. I ordered a strawberry shake and it had HUGE chunks of strawberry in there... it was so good! I got there just in time, because shortly after they had a long line of people. I guess they all know how good their burgers are too! Okay.

The sauce is easily the best part but even then it's not nearly as good as other options, they also barely give you any leaving alot or bites to be pretty bland and flavorless. The burger itself is pretty sad and forgettable. All the rave reviews on Instagram feel paid as there's no way this thing is actually award-winning. (Maybe the la location is better?) There are plenty of local spots that taste way better and offer more for your money. As for the loaded fries? Same story. Without the sauce in every bite, they're nothing special.

Joey is the best, the food is so bomb come here for the best food in pb and good vibes

Sarah was an absolute pleasure. She was super friendly and helpful for my friends who came here for the first time. And the burgers here are phenomenal. Would highly recommend to anyone!!

Sarah is the best freaking worker there! Always leaving with a smile , she really does go the extra mile , foood is AMAZING and made with love

Burger taste was great but the price was very high and the portion size was small. Almost double the price of the friendly can't be justified

Second time here and absolutely love it! Burger is amazing the sauce is chef kiss. Go check this place out! It's definitely for the win

Kitchen had a mix up with my order which made it come out later than other's who ordered after me but Joey was great and made things right. Really good customer service from him which i appreciated. In terms of food, the double cheeseburger I got had the perfect smash with the crispy edges

IT WAS AMAZING!!! Joey is so nice and the burgers are so delish 10/10 I will be coming back!

The double smash burger was perfect and can't wait to come back for more!! The hype is real, the staff is friendly and they're my new favorite burger joint in San Diego

Most delicious Smashburger I've ever had! SO happy they are in San Diego- location is tiny and only a few tables to sit at outside, but doesn't matter. They have great service, too! Joe was very nice and gave us some sweet potato fries to try, as well~Hope the San Diego expansion rumors are true!! You will end up ordering more... I promise!!