"This Encinitas outpost along Pacific Coast Highway isn’t just a burger joint — it’s a gathering spot for trivia night (every Tuesday), whiskey Wednesdays (for discounted whiskey drinks like the Leucadian Old Fashioned with walnut bitters and cinnamon), and a happy hour hotspot (every day from 2:30 pm to 4:30 p.m.). While the interior dining area is decked out in disco lights, the outdoor patio has a fire pit and live music on Friday and Saturday. Go for the classic smash burger, the Single Hut, made with Brandt beef, bundled with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and Thousand Island dressing in a Hawaiian bun. Chicken and fish burgers are also on the menu, adding to its variety. Must-try side: The Jabba fries with two Brandt beef patties, grilled onions, cheese, and Thousand Island dressing." - Roxana Becerril
"Hamburger Hut’s burgers are what you’d get if In-N-Out went upmarket and served booze-filled slushies on a covered patio. The burgers are made from a wagyu blend, and come on sweet King's Hawaiian's buns slathered with their tangy, housemade 10,000 Island spread. With fire pits and oversized versions of games like Connect Four, it's a perfect spot to bring kids (or a group of adults) for a lowkey meal. Its location on the 101 also makes it an ideal stop before or after a visit to Moonlight Beach." - ligaya malones, candice woo
"Hamburger Hut’s burgers are what you’d get if In-N-Out went upmarket and served booze-filled slushies on a covered patio. The burgers are made from a wagyu blend, and come on sweet King's Hawaiian's buns slathered with their tangy, housemade 10,000 Island spread. With fire pits and oversized versions of games like Connect Four, it's a perfect spot to bring kids (or a group of adults) for a lowkey meal. Its location on the 101 also makes it an ideal stop before or after a visit to Moonlight Beach. photo credit: Deanna Sandoval" - Ligaya Malones
"This casual Encinitas establishment makes mighty fine burgers with charred wagyu beef patties on Hawaiian buns. In between arcade games, kids might also opt for the chicken nug standby or Jabba fries loaded with two beef patties, grilled onions, and housemade 10,000 Island dressing, finishing off with a classic soft-serve ice cream." - Helen I. Hwang
"This Encinitas institution on Pacific Coast Highway isn’t just a burger joint. While the interior dining area is decked out in disco lights, the outdoor patio has a fire pit and live music on select nights. Go for the classic smash burger, made with Brandt beef, bundled with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and thousand island dressing in a Hawaiian buns." - Candice Woo, Helen I. Hwang