Sure, you could just go to McDonald’s, but why would you when there are so many incredible places to grab a burger in the Mendocino area?. With many local farms and ranches in that part of California, the meat quality is top-notch, and the freshness of the ingredients simply can’t be beat. Take a look at this quick guide and no matter which place you pick, you can’t go wrong.
Feature Photo: @eggheadsrestaurant on Facebook
Eggheads Restaurant
This family owned, American-style café is a great place to stop if you’re looking for a classic, old-school burger. Get their Wicked Witch burger, a marinated turkey burger served on an organic wholegrain bun, or their oppositely named “There’s no place like Home Burger” with applewood bacon and avocado on a Ft Bragg Bakery bun. You might not be in Kansas, but biting into one of these juicy burgers with a side of home-fried potatoes will make you feel like you are. Hours are 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. every day.
7901 N Highway 1, Little River
707.937.5942
With lovely ocean and garden views offered from Little River’s indoor dining room, and a welcoming garden patio (pet friendly!), this is the perfect place to relax after a long day and sink your teeth into a great burger. And you’re not getting generic ground chuck here — their Ole’s cheeseburger is made with their own house-blend ground beef, special burger sauce and served on a brioche bun. They also have a classic fried chicken sandwich with house-made buffalo sauce, along with other delicious options. Hours are 5 to 8 p.m. every day, and 8 to 11 a.m. additionally on Sundays.
444 N Main St, Fort Bragg
707.964.3400
The handsome, historical pub at North Coast Brewing Co. is serving up food designed to pair perfectly with their many award-winning beers. Get their Brew House burger, made with all-natural grass-fed beef from John Ford Ranch in Willits, along with onion-bacon jam and a pretzel bun. Or go for their Never Say Die BBQ burger with their house-made Old Rasputin BBQ sauce, thick crispy bacon and beer battered onion rings. Hours are 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day except Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
190 E Elm St, Fort Bragg
707.962.3040
With small batch ales and classic pub fare, you can’t go wrong at Overtime Brewing. Hungry? Get their Doubletime, a hearty burger with two local, grass-fed beef patties, served with hand-cut fries. Choose between six different types of cheese, including Havarti and blue, and toss any extra toppings you want on top, like thick-cut bacon, avocado or sauteed onions. For those with dietary restrictions, they also allow Beyond burger and gluten-free bun substitutions. Hours are 2 to 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2 to 6 p.m. on Saturdays and 2 to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday. They are closed on Mondays.
