Where to Grab a Great Burger in Lodi

Lodi is serving up burgers that go way beyond basic. Whether you're after a nostalgic classic at a local landmark, a craft smash burger at a downtown brewery, or a mile-high creation loaded with wild toppings, Lodi's burger scene has something for every craving. Here are the best burgers in Lodi, California.

A&W Restaurant

As the birthplace of A&W Root Beer, you can’t go wrong pairing a signature Papa Burger with a classic Root Beer Float. This burger staple is a must-try stop in Lodi, where you can pair your eats with a side of nostalgia. Inside Lodi’s A&W Restaurant, you can browse memorabilia from years past and step into the era of car-hops, roller skates, and old-fashioned fun!

Moo Moo’s Burger Barn

This local burger chain serves up a full menu of delicious burger combinations that will be sure to make your mouth water! Toppings at Moo Moo’s Burger Barn are part of the fun, where you will find burgers with all the fixings. Expect burger menu items with toppings like fried eggs, pineapple slices, blue cheese, sautéed bell peppers, battered jalapeno slices, and more.

SQZ Burger

Cheese lovers rejoice, SQZ Burger in Downtown Lodi specializes in the kind of cheeseburgers that dreams are made of, complete with a mouthwatering fried cheese skirt. What exactly is a cheese skirt? Think oozing cheddar cheese that is fried and caramelized around the patty and bun for a delicious take on everyone’s favorite classic.

Five Star Burger

Five Star Burger boasts fresh, never-frozen beef for the ultimate burger menu. Whether you want a classic with lettuce, cheese, tomato, and pickle or a quirkier choice like pastrami, jalapenos, and avocado, this burger spot will not disappoint. Don’t forget to add their special sauce for extra flavor!

Sno White Burgers

A Lodi gem located right across from Lodi Lake Park, Sno White Burgers makes the perfect stop to grab an old-fashioned burger, fries, and a shake after an afternoon on the water. Come hungry, as they have a full menu of hamburgers and cheeseburgers made fresh to order that will satisfy your craving.

Five Window Beer Co.

Not only does Five Window Beer Co. specialize in thirst-quenching beer, but this brewery also serves up an insanely delicious smash burger, with the perfect amount of crisp edges and oozing American cheese with caramelized onions and their signature wild sauce on a brioche bun. Wash it down with a brew and you’ve got yourself a delicious meal that can’t be beat!

California Al’s

If thick patties and juicy burgers are your idea of heaven, California Al’s is a must-try while in Lodi, vetted by locals and visitors alike. Choose from themed burgers that feature mushrooms, grilled onions, jalapenos, pineapple, and much more. Swap your bun for toasted sourdough and enjoy that golden, buttery crunch that defines California-style.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best burger restaurants in Lodi, CA?

Lodi has a strong and varied burger scene. Top picks include SQZ Burger in downtown Lodi for its signature fried cheese skirt cheeseburger, Five Window Beer Co. for a craft smash burger paired with a local brew, California Al's for thick patties on toasted sourdough, Sno White Burgers near Lodi Lake for an old-fashioned drive-in experience, Five Star Burger for fresh never-frozen beef, Moo Moo's Burger Barn for creative toppings, and A&W Restaurant for a classic Papa Burger with a root beer float at the historic birthplace of A&W.

Is Lodi the birthplace of A&W Root Beer?

Yes. Lodi, California is the birthplace of A&W Root Beer. Roy Allen opened the first A&W stand in Lodi in 1919, serving his signature root beer to returning World War I veterans. The Lodi A&W Restaurant celebrates that history with memorabilia and the classic menu that made the brand iconic.

Where can I get a smash burger in Lodi?

Five Window Beer Co. in downtown Lodi serves one of the best smash burgers in the area — crispy-edged patty, oozing American cheese, caramelized onions, and a signature wild sauce on a brioche bun. It pairs perfectly with one of their craft beers. Market Tavern in Downtown Lodi, also has a double smash burger on the menu which includes "billionaire’s bacon". SQZ Burger is another downtown option known for its fried cheese skirt cheeseburger.

Are there good burger spots near Lodi Lake?

Yes. Sno White Burgers is located right across from Lodi Lake Park, making it the perfect stop after a morning on the water or a walk along the nature trail. They serve classic burgers and cheeseburgers made fresh to order, along with fries and shakes.

What is the best burger in Lodi for cheese lovers?

SQZ Burger in downtown Lodi is the top pick for cheese lovers. Their signature fried cheese skirt — cheddar cheese caramelized around the patty and bun — is unlike anything else in the area and worth the trip on its own.

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Natalie Morlino

Author

Natalie Morlino

Community Engagement & Communications Manager

Natalie is a natural storyteller eager to make authentic connections with her community. An avid world traveler, she’s always ready to pull up a barstool at a cozy restaurant, meet new people, and spot a Lodi wine on the menu. Since trading city life for wine country, you’ll find her in Lodi shopping the farmers market, hunting for antiques, or exploring a new winery with her fiancé, son, and their pug — glass of Zin in hand, of course.

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