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Burgers made from grass-fed beef (or bison, elk & veggies) in a bright cafe with counter service.
Hours
| Friday | 11 AM–10:30 PM |
| Saturday | 11 AM–10:30 PM |
| Sunday | 11 AM–9:30 PM |
| Monday | 11 AM–9:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 11 AM–9:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 11 AM–9:30 PM |
| Thursday | 11 AM–9:30 PM |
Address and Contact Information
Address: 1290 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92103
Phone: (619) 692-9999
Website: https://calioburgers.com/
Menu Photos
Order and Reservations
Reservations: spotapps.co
Order: Order online
Photo Gallery
Reviews
ABetC Design
I would definitely return to the restaurant. The food options were great. My family and I (8 of us in total) needed a bite to eat after seeing the Nutcracker at the Balboa Park Theatre. My father has type 1 diabetes. My Father and I eat a vegan diet. My sister and her children and grandchild like to eat burgers. I was pleasantly surprised to see options for all of us. The food was fresh and prepared as we ordered it. Luz was outstanding, her customer service was above and beyond. I wanted to know the nutritional information, particularly the carb count for my father’s meal. She offered to call the manager. Unfortunately they didn’t have the info but I really appreciated her extra time and effort. The whole dining experience was great. Thank you! My family and I appreciate it!
… moreMike Rodriguez
The Calli-O burgers is a good place to get a burger. The burgers are delicious, but they are a little pricey.
For anything over $18, I would expect that it would come with a side of fries but it does not. Everything is a La carte.
That being said the burgers are delicious and the sidewinder fries very good.I would recommend those.
They have a variety of burgers to select from and they do not skimp on size. If the price is no object. This is definitely a place you need to go.
… moreFor anything over $18, I would expect that it would come with a side of fries but it does not. Everything is a La carte.
That being said the burgers are delicious and the sidewinder fries very good.I would recommend those.
They have a variety of burgers to select from and they do not skimp on size. If the price is no object. This is definitely a place you need to go.
B T
Quality burger locally made to order that really hit the spot.
I ordered the San Franciscan:
Applewood Smoked Bacon, blue cheese, grilled onions, green leaf lettuce. Added fries and drink into a combo meal.
Everything was spot on and served hot.
Had Indoor and outdoor south facing seating.
… moreI ordered the San Franciscan:
Applewood Smoked Bacon, blue cheese, grilled onions, green leaf lettuce. Added fries and drink into a combo meal.
Everything was spot on and served hot.
Had Indoor and outdoor south facing seating.
Michael Franz
I really wanted to like Cali O Burger, but unfortunately this was one of the most disappointing burger experiences I’ve had in a long time–especially for the price.
Let’s start with the burger itself. The patty was clearly a thin, frozen, mass-produced patty, the kind you’d recognize instantly if you’ve ever shopped at Costco. There was nothing fresh, juicy, or crafted about it. It was dry, overcooked, and flavorless, and whatever seasoning they use didn’t help. For a place branding itself around burgers, this was a huge letdown.
The bun-to-burger ratio was completely off. Way too much bread and not nearly enough meat. Every bite felt like chewing through a sponge just to find a sliver of beef hiding inside. A good burger should be about balance–this one felt like a bun sandwich with an afterthought of meat.
Now the price: $16 for a single burger ($40 for 2 w/taters)like this is honestly hard to justify. At that price point, I expect fresh patties, proper thickness, and at least some attention to quality. What I got felt more like fast-food quality at sit-down restaurant prices.
The tater tots were the final straw. They were so aggressively salty they were basically inedible. Not “seasoned,” not “savory”–just overwhelmingly salty to the point where we couldn’t finish them.
Overall, Cali O Burger is overpriced and underwhelming. If you’re charging premium prices, the food needs to back it up. Sadly, this place doesn’t come close. I won’t be returning.
… moreLet’s start with the burger itself. The patty was clearly a thin, frozen, mass-produced patty, the kind you’d recognize instantly if you’ve ever shopped at Costco. There was nothing fresh, juicy, or crafted about it. It was dry, overcooked, and flavorless, and whatever seasoning they use didn’t help. For a place branding itself around burgers, this was a huge letdown.
The bun-to-burger ratio was completely off. Way too much bread and not nearly enough meat. Every bite felt like chewing through a sponge just to find a sliver of beef hiding inside. A good burger should be about balance–this one felt like a bun sandwich with an afterthought of meat.
Now the price: $16 for a single burger ($40 for 2 w/taters)like this is honestly hard to justify. At that price point, I expect fresh patties, proper thickness, and at least some attention to quality. What I got felt more like fast-food quality at sit-down restaurant prices.
The tater tots were the final straw. They were so aggressively salty they were basically inedible. Not “seasoned,” not “savory”–just overwhelmingly salty to the point where we couldn’t finish them.
Overall, Cali O Burger is overpriced and underwhelming. If you’re charging premium prices, the food needs to back it up. Sadly, this place doesn’t come close. I won’t be returning.
Candelaria Jimenez Garcia
The food here is always delicious and definitely worth the price, but the customer service today was terrible. The cashier had an attitude the entire time, spoke very rudely, and when I asked simple questions about the food, she responded in a negative, unhelpful way. I usually go on Sundays in the afternoon, and the cashier during that shift is always welcoming, friendly, and nothing like the one who served me today. It really makes a difference. To anyone planning on eating here, just be aware you might lose your appetite dealing with that kind of attitude. I’m only giving this place two stars because the food truly is good, but today’s service was extremely disappointing.
… moreAlyssa Sinquimani
Went in yesterday just for fries, took over 20 mins. Wanted to give a second chance so took my daughter today. Customer service wasnt the best again. Cashier seemed baked more than my burger with super red low eyes and seemed more interested in behind the counter. $10 garlic fries barely have garlic today. Told her the coke was out and needed to be refilled, she just said thanks. Wont be going back. Such a shame since its so close to me. Paid about $45 for a kids meal and a burger with fries, soda not included which i didnt get to drink since they didnt switch out the coke syrup. Meat under cooked. So upset and they dont answer their phone. I paid for extra chz and only got one piece. DO NOT EAT HERE
… moreErin Moore
Always great food and service. It’s pricey for a burger joint, but it is good quality organic grass-fed beef and other fresh, delicious, good-for-you ingredients… So, you get what you pay for. And it has this really nice family run vibe in Hillcrest. Another cool thing for the celiacs out there… They have gf buns for $2 extra (they do kinda fall apart, it might be better if it was toasted more, idk, but still tastes delish, albeit messy 😉 )
… morelesly sanchez
If you happen to be at Hillcrest you have to try Cali O burgers. So juicy and flavorful. The meat cooked to the perfect timing not burnt not raw. Excellent client service from cashier and cook. Such flavor I did not expect. Will definitely devour it again.
… moreBobby Ayub
Wow. What an amazing burger.
I ordered the home classic Cali Burger. Medium done.
It was juicy and delicious.
Their sauce is tasty.
It was not busy.
Place is clean and seating inside and outside.
The staff who helped me was very friendly.
Adding a photo of the delicious burger.
… moreI ordered the home classic Cali Burger. Medium done.
It was juicy and delicious.
Their sauce is tasty.
It was not busy.
Place is clean and seating inside and outside.
The staff who helped me was very friendly.
Adding a photo of the delicious burger.
Darnell Neely (Nutritional Alchemist)
Hands down the best grass-fed burgers in Hillcrest. I have always seen this location for many years I’m glad I tried it and I will be back. The best onion rings
… more