Bay Area Burgers: 9 New Spots to Try Now
The Bay Area smashburger scene is exploding! Discover the best new burger joints across the region,from San Jose to Foster City,serving up mouthwatering smashburgers. This article uncovers the hottest spots, including Sixth Street Burger’s wagyu-blend creations and Local Kitchens’ take on the Oklahoma Onion burger. You’ll also explore Zentrl kitchen’s Wagyu burger with a gourmet twist and Toast in Town’s smoky dill burger. We break down the must-try locations for your next burger adventure. Find out what’s sizzling in the Bay Area’s culinary landscape, brought to you by News Directory 3. Discover what’s next for Bay Area burger lovers.
Bay Area Smashburger Scene Heats Up With New Burger Joints
Updated May 28, 2025
Move over, fried chicken. The Bay Area is experiencing a resurgence of the smashburger, with several new restaurants and revamped menus spotlighting this classic American staple. From downtown San Jose to Foster City, here’s a look at some of the hottest spots to grab a smashburger.
In San Jose, Sixth Street Burger is making waves with its wagyu-blend smashburgers. Entrepreneur Abram Chandler aimed to create a distinctive burger experience without breaking the bank. A popular choice is the quarter-pound Wagyu Single Smash Cheeseburger for $10.96. Partner Ricky Hobson recommends the half-pound Jalapeño double Smash, priced at $13.96. Chandler, who grew up near the restaurant’s location on Sixth Street, wanted to give back to his community by opening the restaurant.
Local Kitchens offers a taste of history with Sweet Onion Burger, featuring Oklahoma Onion Burgers. According to legend, these burgers originated in Reno, Oklahoma, during the Depression era. Chef Alvin Cailan, founder of Eggslut and host of “The Burger Show,” helms the restaurant. The signature SOB features a quarter-pound of Angus beef with caramelized onions, pickles, American cheese, and SOB Sauce on a potato bun for $10.50.
Zentrl Kitchen in San Ramon is also making a splash with its zentrl Burger. The restaurant replaced The Lot Restaurant in February and quickly gained popularity. Their Wagyu burger features a half-pound patty topped with fried shallots,brie cheese,and sauteed maitake mushrooms on a brioche bun. For an extra touch of indulgence, truffle butter can be added.
Toast in Town in Foster City offers a unique brunch experience with its smoky dill burger. This hearty burger features an 8-ounce patty, caramelized and fresh onions, Swiss cheese, butter lettuce, tomatoes, and smoked dill mayonnaise on a brioche bun. According to Honey Pipatpollakai,business partner,the dill mayo adds a refreshing lightness that complements the Swiss cheese and caramelized onions.
Chandler, who grew up on Sixth Street, remembers going to the Top Video shop located on this corner back in the day. When he spotted a “for lease” sign on the building, he couldn’t resist getting into the restaurant business, especially for his relatives and friends who still live nearby. What’s his mother’s go-to? That would be the smash with jalapeños and a strawberry shake.
What’s next
As the Bay Area’s culinary scene continues to evolve, expect to see even more innovative takes on the classic smashburger, with chefs experimenting with unique ingredients and flavour combinations to capture the hearts (and stomachs) of burger enthusiasts.