Sonoma County's burger scene runs deeper than tourist traps and vineyard cafes. From coastal shacks to downtown institutions, our local patty passion burns bright.
These eight spots earned their stripes through consistent execution and devoted followings. Whether you're craving grass-fed perfection or old-school diner comfort, wine country delivers.
📍 All 8 Locations
⚡ Quick List
- Superburger — Santa Rosa Institution
- Ozzie's Grill — No-Frills Excellence
- Paradise Burger And Kitchen — Windsor's Hidden Winner
- Original Buffalo Wings Restaurant — Wings and Patties
- The Dog House — Coastal Comfort Classic
- Carmen's Burger Bar — Disappointing Downtown
- Iggy’s Organic Burger — Organic Healdsburg Haven
- D’s Diner — Diner Done Right
1. Superburger
✨ Best for: Santa Rosa Institution
Tripadvisor📍 Santa Rosa · ⭐ 4.0 · 712 reviews · $$
This Santa Rosa stalwart has been slinging satisfying burgers since before food trucks became trendy. The double cheeseburger arrives with perfectly melted American cheese cascading over twin beef patties, while their hand-cut fries maintain that coveted crispy-outside, fluffy-inside balance. Local families and construction crews pack the simple dining room during lunch rushes, testament to Superburger's reliable execution. The milkshakes are thick enough to stand a spoon in, and the onion rings deliver serious crunch without excess grease.
Must-Order:
Double CheeseburgerHand-Cut FriesVanilla Milkshake
Insider Tip: Visit during off-peak hours to avoid the lunch rush crowds that pack this popular local institution.
2. Ozzie's Grill
✨ Best for: No-Frills Excellence
📍 Santa Rosa · ⭐ 4.1 · 324 reviews · $
Ozzie's operates with admirable simplicity: quality beef, fresh buns, fair prices. Their classic burger showcases a well-seasoned patty with crisp lettuce and ripe tomatoes, while the bacon cheeseburger adds smoky strips without overwhelming the meat. The atmosphere feels authentically neighborhood, where regulars chat with staff and everyone knows the drill. Sweet potato fries offer a healthier alternative, and their chicken sandwich rivals the beef options. This isn't Instagram-worthy food, but it's honest cooking that satisfies without breaking budgets.
Must-Order:
Classic BurgerSweet Potato FriesChicken Sandwich
Insider Tip: The sweet potato fries are made fresh daily, so they're worth the slightly longer wait time.
3. Paradise Burger And Kitchen
✨ Best for: Windsor's Hidden Winner
📍 Windsor · ⭐ 4.1 · 247 reviews · $$
Paradise Burger proves Windsor deserves recognition beyond its proximity to Russian River breweries. Their signature Paradise Burger stacks avocado, bacon, and pepper jack on a brioche bun that holds together admirably. The kitchen hand-forms patties daily, resulting in irregular edges that char beautifully on the flattop. Craft beer selection complements the hearty portions, and their sweet potato fries arrive seasoned with just enough spice. Young families appreciate the relaxed vibe, while beer enthusiasts enjoy rotating local taps.
Must-Order:
Paradise BurgerSweet Potato FriesLocal IPA
Insider Tip: Pair your burger with one of their rotating local craft beer selections from nearby Russian River breweries.
View Paradise Burger And Kitchen →
4. Original Buffalo Wings Restaurant
✨ Best for: Wings and Patties
📍 Petaluma · ⭐ 4.1 · 176 reviews · $
Despite the wings-focused name, Original Buffalo Wings crafts surprisingly solid burgers that hold their own against Petaluma's established competition. Their BBQ bacon burger combines tangy sauce with crispy bacon, while the mushroom Swiss delivers earthy flavors that pair well with their seasoned fries. The sports bar atmosphere attracts game-watching crowds, but the kitchen maintains consistency even during rush periods. Their buffalo chicken sandwich showcases the restaurant's wing expertise in burger form, and the blue cheese dressing actually enhances rather than masks the chicken.
Must-Order:
BBQ Bacon BurgerBuffalo Chicken SandwichSeasoned Fries
Insider Tip: Come for lunch when the kitchen is at its peak performance, before the evening sports crowd arrives.
View Original Buffalo Wings Restaurant →
5. The Dog House
✨ Best for: Coastal Comfort Classic
Tripadvisor📍 Bodega Bay · ⭐ 3.9 · 215 reviews · $$
Perched near Bodega Bay's rugged coastline, The Dog House serves comfort food that warms salt-air-chilled visitors. Their Classic Cheeseburger features a thick patty topped with melted cheddar, while the Gourmet Hot Dogs steal attention with creative toppings. The Chili Cheese Fries arrive as a shareable mountain of crispy potatoes smothered in hearty chili and melted cheese. Seating fills quickly during summer weekends, but the casual atmosphere and generous portions make waits worthwhile. Vegetarian options ensure mixed groups find satisfaction.
Must-Order:
Classic CheeseburgerChili Cheese FriesGourmet Hot Dog
Insider Tip: Arrive early during peak tourist season as seating inside is limited, and consider calling ahead for larger groups.
6. Carmen's Burger Bar
✨ Best for: Disappointing Downtown
📍 Santa Rosa · ⭐ 3.5 · 240 reviews · $$
Carmen's occupies prime Santa Rosa real estate but fails to capitalize on its potential. The burgers arrive lukewarm with soggy buns that can't support their ambitious toppings, while service moves at frustratingly slow speeds. Their attempt at gourmet preparation falls flat when basic execution suffers, and the higher prices don't reflect improved quality. The dining room feels dated without being charmingly retro, and even their fries lack proper seasoning. Wine Country visitors deserve better options for their burger cravings.
Must-Order:
Basic BurgerRegular FriesSoft Drink
Insider Tip: Skip the premium burger options and stick to basics if you must visit this underwhelming spot.
7. Iggy’s Organic Burger
✨ Best for: Organic Healdsburg Haven
📍 Healdsburg · ⭐ 4.1 · 81 reviews · $$
Iggy's brings conscience to Healdsburg's burger scene with grass-fed beef and organic ingredients that actually taste better. Their Grass-Fed Classic Burger showcases clean flavors without sacrificing juiciness, while the Plant-Based Power Burger converts even dedicated carnivores. The Organic Turkey Avocado Burger offers lighter satisfaction with perfectly ripe avocado slices. Located near the Plaza, it attracts wine tasters seeking substantial fuel between vineyard visits. The commitment to sustainable sourcing resonates with environmentally conscious diners who refuse to compromise on flavor.
Must-Order:
Grass-Fed Classic BurgerOrganic Turkey Avocado BurgerPlant-Based Power Burger
Insider Tip: Visit during weekday lunch hours to avoid the weekend crowds when Wine Country visitors flock to the Plaza district.
8. D’s Diner
✨ Best for: Diner Done Right
Tripadvisor📍 Santa Rosa · ⭐ 4.7 · 35 reviews
This unassuming Santa Rosa diner proves that sometimes the best burgers come from the most unexpected places. The Ortega Burger delivers a perfect balance of mild heat and beef richness, while their Classic Patty Melt transforms simple ingredients into comfort food magic. The Garlic Fries arrive generously seasoned with fresh garlic and parsley, creating an addictive side that locals crave. Despite limited seating, D's maintains consistently high quality that has wine country insiders returning weekly. The staff's genuine warmth makes every visit feel like coming home.
Must-Order:
Ortega BurgerClassic Patty MeltGarlic Fries
Insider Tip: Note that breakfast isn't served all day, so plan accordingly if visiting later in the evening for traditional diner fare.
Tips for Finding Great Burgers in Wine Country
Skip Tourist Zones: The best burgers hide in residential neighborhoods and local strips, not downtown tourist areas. Follow the work trucks and families.
Time It Right: Visit during lunch hours when burger joints operate at peak efficiency. Evening crowds can slow service and compromise quality.
Coast Timing Matters: Coastal burger spots get slammed during summer weekends. Weekday visits offer better service and shorter waits.
Ask About Specials: Local burger joints often feature daily specials or off-menu items that regulars know about. Don't be afraid to ask your server.
Frequently Asked Questions
How We Picked These Spots
We ranked these burger joints based on consistent quality, local popularity, and overall value, weighing both online reviews and word-of-mouth recommendations from longtime Sonoma County residents.
Every restaurant on this list has a full profile on our site with photos, hours, reviews, and insider tips.
Last updated: February 2026
