Hodad's

Hodad's is a burger institution at 5010 Newport Avenue in Ocean Beach, San Diego, California, long associated with the neighbourhood's surf and beach culture. The menu is centred on hamburgers, with the bacon cheeseburger and double bacon cheeseburger serving as the emblematic orders, and thick milkshakes as the usual accompaniment. Burgers are served in a simple, generous diner style, and portions are large, so many visitors share fries or onion rings. The dining room is famously covered in memorabilia, including licence plates, surf and beach-themed decor and decades of accumulated knick-knacks, and the atmosphere is loud, crowded and informal, with shared tables and a steady line during busy periods. There is no dress code; beachwear is entirely normal. The drinks side is simple, with shakes, soft drinks and beer. Prices are low for the area, about $12 to $22 per person. Hodad's does not take reservations, so all dining is walk-in, and lines can form at lunch, on weekends and during summer, when Ocean Beach is crowded with beachgoers. Hours run from late morning into the evening daily, though visitors should confirm current times on the website. Arriving shortly after opening or during off-peak mid-afternoon usually shortens the wait. The restaurant is a short walk from the Ocean Beach Pier, the beach and the shops and bars along Newport Avenue, so it fits naturally into a day at the shore. Street parking nearby is competitive on weekends, and arriving early or using side streets and ride-share can help. Families, groups and solo travellers all use the restaurant, and the large portions suit hungry surfers and sightseers alike. Visitors seeking a quiet, refined meal will find the setting energetic rather than calm.