This week’s meat-tastic, buns-in-the-sun edition of OC Weekly featured some of the better burgers in Orange County. However, since we are also celebrating OC Burger Week through Saturday, it is our duty to offer a few more creations for your consideration. Now go make us proud (and tag @ocburgerweek for a repost on their Instagram).
The Country Club – Costa Mesa
Throwing down with five very different options (including a fried chicken and the Impossible Burger) that all cost $15, our hands-down favorite was a flavor-packed Bison Burger. Crispy pickled onions, Morbier cheese, bone marrow and shishito jam are reasons enough to swing by. 330 E. 17th St., (949) 281-2582; www.countryclubcm.com.
Angelina’s – Irvine
Take a gander at the Italian burger: Beefy with summer tomatoes, arugula, portobello mushrooms, and buffalo mozzarella on buns baked in-house. Now that’s amore! Available for $18. 8573 Irvine Center Dr., (949) 536-5200; www.angelinaspizzeria.com.
Orange Hill
Both are beef in a Parmesan crusted brioche bun, but the similarities end there. In the foreground, it’s the Euro Burger. Raclette cheese (yes, the super melty stuff), crispy Parma ham, and truffle aioli. Hiding in the back is their Short Rib Burger. They literally added short rib meat, smoked cheddar, and a honey mustard sauce. Choose a burger with a side of fries, rings or salad for $20; a specialty cocktail will run you $13 more. 6410 E. Chapman Ave., (714) 997-2910; www.theorangehillrestaurant.com.
Craft House – Dana Point
Takes someone crafty to feature three very different offerings. Their namesake is straightforward with lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, bacon and white cheddar. Chickpea style doesn’t miss the meat with zucchini, onion, garlic, carrot, peanut butter(?!), sriracha, cilantro and tzitziki sauce. Finally, Asian pork is all that and smoked brown sugar, ginger, jalapeno, garlic, coconut-peanut sauce (again with the pb?!) and kimchi pickles. They’re $15 a pop, with an optional $10 cocktail pairing. 34094 Pacific Coast Hwy. (949) 481-7734; www.eatatcrafthouse.com.
OLEA Cellar Craft Cook – Newport Beach
The American Wagyu Burger is OLEA’s super star. Topped with two-year aged cheddar, caramelized shallots, butter lettuce, heirloom tomato, and secret sauce sandwiched in a soft potato bun. It’s a mouthful at $25, but you also receive a glass of Martin Ray Synthesis Cabernet. We should note that the wine alone is normally $20 a glass. Talk about a steal. 2001 Westcliff Dr., (949) 287-6807; www.oleanewportbeach.com.
A contributing writer for OC Weekly, Anne Marie freelances for multiple online and print publications, and guest judges for culinary competitions. A Bay Area transplant, she graduated with a degree in Hospitality Management from Cal Poly Pomona. Find her on Instagram as brekkiefan.
Awesome! The Country Club Burger looks so good!
I am liking the look of the Angelina Burger, but Country Club Burger is looking great as well.
Thanks for sharing!
You should’ve included the Burger Monster food truck.