Eat Crispy Burger: The Smash Burger Spot Taking Over San Diego

Overview

Eat Crispy Burger started in 2022 as one grill in Encinitas. Founders Angela Ablahad and Ramzy Rahib built it on a simple idea: smash burgers with crispy, lacy edges, made with better ingredients than you'd expect from a counter-service spot.

It has since grown into one of San Diego County's go-to burger stops, with locations in Encinitas, La Jolla, Kearny Mesa, National City and Oceanside, a spot near SDSU, and Temecula on the way.

We went to the La Jolla location to see what the hype is about. Short version: the crispy edges are real, and the ingredient list is the best surprise.

What You Actually Need to Know

• What: smash burgers, crispy chicken sandwiches, all-day breakfast sandwiches, fries, onion rings and real ice cream milkshakes
• The ingredients: fresh, never-frozen 100% Angus beef (grass-fed, no antibiotics or hormones), all-natural American cheese and a seed oil-free bun made with avocado oil
• The frying: fries are cooked in 100% beef tallow, and onion rings and chicken are fried in avocado oil
• Plant-based option: the Impossible Crispy Burger
• Ordering: walk in, or order online for pickup through each location's ordering page

The Experience

The La Jolla location sits in the Regents Plaza Marketplace at 4150 Regents Park Row, Suite 170, near UTC. It opened in January 2025 in the former Spitfire Tacos space. It's a quick, casual counter-service spot, and an easy stop if you're shopping, working or studying nearby.

We started with The Original OG' Crispy Burger: Angus beef smashed thin on the grill, American cheese, grilled onions and Thousand Island on that seed oil-free bun. The edges crunch the way a good smash burger should, and it doesn't leave you feeling weighed down.

For sides, get the Half Fries / Half Rings basket so you don't have to choose. If you want to go big, the Crispy Crazy Fries come topped with grilled onions, cheese and Thousand Island. We finished with a thick Oreo shake made with real ice cream.

What to Order

• The Original OG' Crispy Burger: the signature, and the right first order
• Cowboy Crispy Burger: double Angus beef, BBQ sauce, bacon, jalapeños, onion rings, mayo and American cheese
• Mushroom Swiss Crispy Burger: Swiss cheese, garlic mushrooms and garlic aioli
• The Cali Crispy Burger: bacon, avocado, lettuce and tomato
• Crispy Chicken Sandwich: white-meat chicken with your choice of spicy mayo, ranch, BBQ, buffalo or hot honey
• Monster Breakfast Sandwich: three meats, eggs and hash browns, served all day
• Crispy's Famous Burger Bowl: everything from the burger, no bun

Why It Works

1. The ingredients are a step up. Grass-fed Angus, tallow fries and a seed oil-free bun aren't standard at a quick-service burger counter.

2. The menu covers everyone. There are burgers, chicken, breakfast all day, an Impossible patty, salads, bowls and a kids' menu.

3. There's probably one near you. With locations from Oceanside to National City, it's easy to make Crispy your regular spot.

Every Eat Crispy Burger Location

• Encinitas (the original): 905 Orpheus Ave. · (760) 230-3535
• La Jolla: 4150 Regents Park Row, Suite 170 · (858) 379-1002
• Kearny Mesa (Convoy): 4898 Convoy St., across from Zion Market · (858) 379-1001
• National City: 327 Mile of Cars Way · (619) 981-7878
• Oceanside: 207 N. Coast Hwy. · (760) 406-4325
• SDSU area: 5120 College Ave., Suite 125, shared with sister concept Crispy Fish Tacos. It was slated to open in October 2026, so confirm it's open before you go.
• Temecula: coming soon

Who It's For

• Smash burger fans who care about the crust
• Ingredient-conscious eaters looking for seed oil-free and grass-fed options
• UTC and La Jolla workers and UCSD students who need a fast, filling lunch
• Families, thanks to the kids' menu and milkshakes
• Breakfast-sandwich people who want one at 3 p.m.

Good to Know

• Hours: the website lists Monday–Thursday 10 a.m.–10 p.m., Friday 10 a.m.–midnight, Saturday 11 a.m.–midnight and Sunday 11 a.m.–9 p.m. Hours may vary by location, so check before you go.
• Prices aren't published on the website. Check your location's online ordering page for current pricing.
• Go protein-style by ordering the burger bowl.
• Instagram and TikTok: @eatcrispyburger

For more spots worth knowing, browse our Local Picks.