When you’re doing a cheeseburger crawl of Disneyland and California Journey, you is likely to be upset. Regardless of the basic all-beef entree being a staple of counter service menus, solely a handful are literally good-to-great. This record covers that challenge, highlighting the most effective & worst burgers in Disneyland Resort’s parks, inns, Downtown Disney, and past. (Up to date July 26, 2024.)
Burgers are my ardour; cheeseburgers are my calling–spreading the great phrase is maybe my life’s mission. If it weren’t for my physician being a complete buzzkill, I’d eat burgers for 4 meals per day. I take pleasure in consuming adventurously and attempting new delicacies, however nothing hits the spot like a superb burger. It’s the good meals and is sort of irresistible to me once I spot an intriguing one on a restaurant menu. To that time, I’ve loads of expertise with burgers at Disneyland Resort, and taste-tested all of it: good, dangerous, and ugly.
The truth is, this publish has been “in progress” for ages now. The unique draft really predates the pandemic, and a part of the explanation I’ve been holding off on publishing the previous few years was as a result of a number of one-time favorites have but to return. At this level, it’s appears more and more unlikely that they may. So right here we’re, with a sadly brief and restricted record.
On a optimistic notice, I’ll proceed to taste-test burgers at Disneyland, revisiting acquainted favorites to verify their excellence and evaluating newcomers to find out whether or not they’re worthy, all for the sake of crucial analysis. As Walt Disney famously mentioned, this record of the most effective burgers at “Disneyland won’t ever be accomplished. It would proceed to develop so long as there may be creativeness left on the earth.”
With that in thoughts, I do need to begin with an essential caveat. This record isn’t almost as lengthy or helpful as its counterpart for Walt Disney World. It’s not as lengthy as a result of, fairly merely, there aren’t as many standout burgers at Disneyland. It’s not as helpful as a result of the eating places with the most effective burgers at Disneyland additionally typically produce other menu gadgets which might be incredible. Against this, the highest burgers at Walt Disney World are very often among the many prime few menu gadgets.
Simply value conserving that in thoughts as we dig into this record of the most effective burgers at Disneyland, Disney California Journey, Downtown Disney, and the Accommodations of Disneyland Resort, beginning with the latest additions for late Summer season 2024…
Centrico – The brand new lounge within the middle of Downtown Disney (therefore the title) serves what we contemplate to be the brand new #1 burger in all of Disneyland Resort. Don’t let the unassuming location or title idiot you, the Céntrico Hamburger is prime notch–a Wagyu Beef Burger on a Brioche Bun, topped with Gruyère Cheese, Pickled Yellow Beets, Oven-Roasted Tomato, Truffle Aïoli, and Black Truffle Sauce.
The standard of the burger is phenomenal–a juicy patty that melts in your mouth. It’s the toppings, although, that elevate it to the subsequent stage, with wealthy cheese, juicy oven roasted tomatoes, and savory sauces (beets are additionally current and don’t get in the way in which however do add texture, in order that’s a win). It comes with Garlic Butter French Fries, that are additionally wonderful.
As an entire, Centrico is an incredibly sturdy addition to the culinary panorama of Downtown Disney. It’s the identical basic concept as what it changed, however we ended up far preferring this iteration on the thought. It’ll nearly definitely make our Listing of the 24 Finest Eating places at Disneyland in 2024 after we get round to updating that. (Actually, we’ll most likely be again to Centrico earlier than Din Tai Fung!)
Jazz Kitchen Coastal Grill & Patio – Previously referred to as Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen, this refreshed restaurant has a breezy look and vibe, with a lighter look and cleaner design together with a extra refreshing menu of coastal delicacies. Nicely, coastal delicacies and the Home Grind Bacon Burger, which is something however mild and refreshing. This burger is topped with housemade Pimento Cheese, Butter Lettuce, Tomato, Crimson Onion, toasted Brioche Bun, French Fries.
The patty right here is nice–like one thing you’d make your self and grill and the identical may very well be mentioned of the opposite toppings (apart from the pedestrian thin-cut bacon). The entire purpose to like this, in my view, is the heaping serving to of gooey house-made pimento cheese. It’s addictively scrumptious, elevating what would in any other case be an strange burger into one thing higher. Most likely wouldn’t be my first alternative at Ralph Brennan’s, however burger lovers can’t go improper.
Ballast Level Brewing Co. – One other entry from Downtown Disney, that is most likely the weakest of the bunch. What you see right here is the BP Burger with American Cheese, Shredded Lettuce, Tomato, Ballast Level particular Sauce, Toasted Brioche Bun, and a Pickled Spear (plus the improve to garlic fries). For some purpose, this changed the BP Smashburger, which was really fairly scrumptious and distinctive.
The BP Burger is like one thing you’d grill at residence, by way of and thru. There’s nothing to essentially distinguish it from one thing you can make for your self, for higher or worse. I nonetheless like Ballast Level–it’s a spot we take pleasure in for the higher stage out of doors patio, which affords open first-come, first-served seating and cellular ordering. That is one thing we choose, however to every their very own on that. Tables overlooking Downtown Disney are additionally good.
Palm Breeze Bar – One other new restaurant at Disneyland Resort is Palm Breeze Bar, discovered within the pool space of the Villas at Disneyland Resort. Regardless of some preliminary confusion, this isn’t simply open to DVC members or company of the lodge–anybody can dine right here. Nonetheless, I’m not fully positive why you’d need to, as our meals right here have been spotty…at greatest.
Though it’s “solely” a pool bar, Palm Breeze has a extremely deep menu because it’s additionally primarily the one regular sit-down restaurant at Disneyland Resort proper now–so it fills two roles. The Palm Breeze Burger is likely one of the greatest and highest high quality gadgets right here, with a worth to match. That includes sun-dried tomato & basil pesto, burrata, and arugula, the Palm Breeze Burger is a hearty merchandise however with refreshing and light-weight taste, befitting the Palm Springs-inspired setting.
Black Faucet Craft Burgers & Shakes – Maybe the most well-liked restaurant in Downtown Disney, there’s an nearly perpetual line to order at Black Faucet Craft Burgers & Shakes. Actually, I believe it’s a bit overrated, however Black Faucet continues to be excellent.
Black Faucet’s declare to fame is the award-winning Greg Norman, which consists of a 1/2 lb Wagyu Beef Burger, Home Buttermilk-Dill, Blue Cheese, and Arugula. That and the Wagyu Steakhouse Burger and Truffle Burger are the most well-liked choices, they usually’re all good. However truthfully, I believe the Pizza Burger or Mexico Metropolis is likely to be the most effective burgers on the menu at Black Faucet.
Be aware that as Downtown Disney emerges from its reimagining in 2024, we’ll regularly be taste-testing the brand new and returning menu gadgets. Burgers at older eating places in Downtown Disney don’t make this record for a purpose.
Carnation Cafe – This iconic spot on Essential Avenue in Disneyland is residence to two iconic burgers (or burger-adjacent meals merchandise), the Parmesan Toasted Patty Soften and the Carnation Café Cheeseburger. Each characteristic the identical mouth-watering Angus Chuck Patty, and are worthy of inclusion on this record.
If I might solely order one, it’s gotta be the Parmesan Toasted Patty Soften. It’s pure perfection, the quintessential greasy spoon entree. The patties, grilled onions, cheese, and home sauce come collectively to type a juicy and scrumptious burger, and one which assessments the boundaries of the Toasted Parmesan Sourdough Bread.
It passes with flying colours, holding up beneath the load of all that whereas including its personal flavors and textures. The Carnation Café Cheeseburger is extra easy–a basic diner burger, however lacks the addictively scrumptious and distinctive flavors of the Patty Soften.
Lamplight Lounge – The favored desk service spot overlooking Pixar Pier is residence to a wide range of beloved gadgets, and it’s tough to deviate from the long-lasting Lobster Nachos throughout a traditional meal. Happily(?), these aren’t out there on Lamplight Lounge’s brunch menu. There are nonetheless a wide range of nice choices that may make selecting tough, however a minimum of the Brunch Burger has a preventing probability right here.
The Brunch Burger consists of a Grilled Customized Burger Mix with American Cheese, One Egg-up, Hash Brown Patty, Roasted Inexperienced Chile, Lettuce, Caramelized Onions and Paprika Aïoli on a toasted Amish Bun with Contemporary Fruit. Now that’s what I name a brunch burger!
And holy cow does the Brunch Burger ship on its description and title. The meat mix is tender and juicy, and never the form of patty that “wants” to be hid by egg or sauces. On the contrary, these issues right here solely add to and improve the flavour, offering good texture, a gentle kick–and an enormous mess–to this merchandise.
Don’t order the Brunch Burger if you wish to eat a tidy and correct meal; do order it in order for you one thing incredible and don’t thoughts working to the restroom if you’re completed to clean your arms. The one draw back is that it’s paired with fruit–as if to function a reminder that you just don’t want the rest unhealthy–as a substitute of extra breakfast-y deliciousness. (That’s straightforward sufficient to “overcome” by ordering the Indulgent French Toast for “dessert.”)
Hearthstone Lounge – The “downside” with every of the subsequent two entries is that they’re discovered on two of the deepest menus in all of Disneyland Resort, making it tough to suggest them over the opposite alternate options. Nonetheless, that’s not an indictment of the burgers themselves. On the contrary, these are two true standouts.
Let’s begin with the Seasonal Burger at Hearthstone Lounge, the Grand Californian Resort’s foyer bar. This Seasonal Burger at present consists of American Wagyu Patty, Sonoma Sharp White Cheddar, Avocado, Lettuce, Tomato, Bacon-Shallot Jam on a Herb Focaccia Bun.
The Hearthstone Burger is seasonal as a result of the toppings differ based mostly on which greens are in season, and what the cooks deem applicable for the season. It’s most likely additionally a matter of what they need to make, after having enjoyable with testing within the kitchen. The commonality amongst all of the variations we’ve had is the patty, which is per the subsequent entry on this record, too.
Regardless, the Seasonal Burger at Hearthstone Lounge is completely incredible. The patty is tender, thick, and juicy with simply the correct quantity of fattiness and a deeply wealthy taste. Every thing else is simply good, with the veritable vegetable backyard of toppings on a thick basis of avocado offers this in any other case indulgent burger a quasi-healthy high quality. The bun additionally works very well, managing to comprise all of these components with relative ease.
GCH Craftsman Grill & Bar – A stone’s throw from Hearthstone Lounge, you’ll discover the GCH Craftsman Bar (out of doors desk service lounge by the pool) and GCH Craftsman Grill (indoor/out of doors counter service restaurant past the bar). These sister areas are residence to essentially the most stacked menu of any mid-tier restaurant at Disneyland Resort.
One of many many highlights right here is the Wagyu Burger. The variation of this adjustments now and again as a result of toppings (we’ve not too long ago had each the “Gouda” and “Mediterranean” varieties), but it surely’s all the time scrumptious. This illustrates how one can take the identical basis–an American Wagyu Beef Patty–and switch it into one thing completely completely different.
Even the animating concept is analogous right here to Hearthstone–heavy burger with a deep umami taste, with lighter toppings to offset that. As is the case there, the Mediterranean Wagyu Burger delivers its contrasting ideas. The tzatziki sauce and feta cheese supplies a tangy and refreshing high quality that, together with the bun and seasoning, nearly supplies an earthy high quality.
Of the 2, that is the extra distinctive burger, but it surely’s additionally the extra taste-specific one. Against this, the Hearthstone providing is a crowd-pleaser that everybody is bound to like. (Nicely, I suppose it’s doable some individuals don’t like avocado.) Personally, I like them each. With that mentioned, the Mediterranean Wagyu Burger continues to be solely my 4th favourite merchandise on the GCH Craftsman menus. (I’ve had it many, many occasions–we eat at GCH Craftsman Grill greater than anyplace at Disneyland Resort.)
Tangaroa Terrace Tropical Bar & Grill – The Angus 1/2 lb Hawaiian Cheeseburger has been on the menu at Tangaroa Terrace for so long as I can keep in mind, surviving a number of menu overhauls. Disney has additionally highlighted the ‘recipe’ for the burger on a number of events, so I can solely assume this has a cult following amongst Disneyland followers.
To be fully sincere, I’m solely together with it as a result of the record is in any other case manner too mild on choices. The contemporary grilled pineapple, candy & spicy sauce, and havarti cheese assist it stand out from a traditional counter service burger, however that’s not likely saying a lot. Virtually the entire counter service burgers at Disneyland both beneath or overwhelm thanks to ordinary patties and too many or too few different toppings. This burger is simply superb. The patty is larger high quality than the in-park areas, and these flavors of the toppings complement each other properly, but it surely’s nothing really particular.
I wouldn’t suggest making a particular journey to Tangaroa Terrace to order it, but it surely’s a worthwhile possibility if you happen to’re already there and don’t know what to order. (The lunch and dinner menu isn’t almost pretty much as good as breakfast at Tangaroa Terrace.) On the very least, it’s an formidable burger that’s a lower above counter service requirements. Nonetheless, this burger completely wouldn’t make the record at Walt Disney World.
Honorable Point out: In-N-Out Burger – No record of mine regarding the most effective burgers at Disneyland could be full with out doing a little completely pointless free promoting for In-N-Out Burger. In case you’ve missed my numerous plugs up to now, take a look at my Consummate Carnivore’s Information to In-N-Out Burger for why I like the place a lot.
Like Disneyland, In-N-Out Burger is a California establishment that may be a must-do on any Disneyland trip. That’s true whether or not you’re venturing past the parks or staying on-site within the Grand Californian Resort and attempting to keep up the “Disney Bubble” to the best extent doable. It’s value bursting the bubble for In-N-Out. The truth is, I’ve a sneaking suspicion that one purpose Disneyland doesn’t have a aggressive burger recreation is largely as a result of they know there’s no competing with the quick meals of alternative for many Californians.
In-N-Out is cheap and scrumptious, with a particular style that you just’ll be yearning for months afterwards. My commonplace order right here is 2 Double-Doubles Animal Fashion with uncooked onions along with grilled. All of that may set you again lower than the price of a normal burger at Galactic Grill, which is downright hilarious if you happen to’ve ever eaten something in Tomorrowland. The closest In-N-Out Burger to Disneyland is at 1168 State Faculty Blvd. in Anaheim. It isn’t inside strolling distance, but it surely’s completely value the price of an Uber or Lyft to get there and again.
Worst Burgers at Disneyland – On that notice, we’ll conclude with a fast run-through of the lower than stellar burgers we’ve had at Disneyland not too long ago. These embrace the next:
- Galactic Grill – Carry again the Oktoberfest Burger. Now that was good. The present choices…not a lot!
- Smokejumpers Grill – This counter service burger spot serves up three completely different double cheeseburgers, none of that are even remotely pretty much as good as they appear within the Cellular Order inventory photographs.
- Flo’s V8 Cafe – Nothing right here is pretty much as good because it was. The Spicy Guacamole Bacon Cheeseburger isn’t terrible relative to the remainder of the menu or different burgers, but it surely’s not so good as something at Flo’s V8 Cafe again within the day.
Past this, there’s the Basic Angus 1/3 lb Cheeseburger that may be discovered on plenty of menus all through Disneyland. There are some variations amongst these, corresponding to a home sauce, completely different bun, or toppings.
Regardless of that, they beautiful a lot all style the identical, with dry and overcooked patties and fundamental buns. These principally should be drowning in dressing and toppings to overwhelm the meat and style satisfactory. Few accomplish that feat.
That wraps up our record of the most effective and worst burgers at Disneyland Resort…for now. Once more, keep in mind Walt Disney’s well-known phrases about burger testing. I’ll report again as soon as I’ve the prospect to strive extra burgers as they’re added to menus, and because the Downtown Disney eating places begin to open/change/no matter. Keep tuned!
Planning a Southern California trip? For park admission offers, learn Ideas for Saving Cash on Disneyland Tickets. Find out about on-site and off-site inns in our Anaheim Resort Critiques & Rankings. For the place to eat, take a look at our Disneyland Restaurant Critiques. For distinctive concepts of issues that’ll enhance your journey, take a look at What to Pack for Disney. For complete recommendation, seek the advice of our Disneyland Trip Planning Information. Lastly, for guides past Disney, take a look at our Southern California Itineraries for day journeys to Los Angeles, Laguna Seashore, and plenty of different SoCal cities!
Your Ideas
Have you ever an superior or terrible burger at Disneyland Resort? What’s your favourite burger within the parks, inns, or Downtown Disney? Any burgers you suggest avoiding? Do you agree or disagree with my greatest burger picks? Any questions? Listening to your suggestions—even if you disagree with us—is each attention-grabbing to us and useful to different readers, so please share your ideas beneath within the feedback!
