Finding that perfect burger in Concord can feel overwhelming—so many patties, so little time. To save you from decision paralysis, we’ve done the delicious legwork. These 13 spots will have you chasing food trucks for secret sauces and debating cheese melts long after the last bite.
The Corner Kitchen
$ | (925) 822-3303 | WEBSITE
Don’t let the unassuming diner-style interior fool you—The Corner Kitchen is vibrant and welcoming, even if the restaurant’s straightforward name might suggest otherwise. The slider creations are more impressive than the casual family-friendly atmosphere might imply.
In addition to the reliably delicious classics—the beef with brie, pulled pork, and chicken bacon sliders are all essential orders—they also have inventive options like falafel and beyond mushroom sliders that you’ll be craving days later. The garlic fries, crispy and addictive, are a standout you shouldn’t miss. Bring some family, grab a booth or counter seat, and try as many sliders as you can—with prices ranging from $4 to $7 each, it’s easy to sample the variety.
Fuddruckers
$ | (925) 825-1443 | WEBSITE
Just off the main drag in Concord, this burger joint serves the legendary Legend Burger for lunch, customizable creations for dinner, and incredible cookies and Blue Bunny ice cream for dessert. The atmosphere is nostalgic–there’s an arcade for the kids and the space has that 50s soda shop feel with clean, well-stocked toppings and dip stations.
Since they’re open with friendly staff like cashier Jesse, you can get in a couple rounds of burgers and shakes before heading out and consider making it your go-to spot for birthday celebrations and relaxed family time.
Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar
$$ | (925) 849-1221 | WEBSITE
Some things we’ll always remember: lazy Sunday afternoons with the family, that first crisp autumn evening, and the initial taste of the Green Almond Chicken and sweet potato tots from Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar. With tender chicken, crunchy almonds, and fresh greens layered throughout the dish, the chicken is juicy, flavorful, and perfectly satisfying.
A side of sweet potato tots accompanies each plate—they’ve been fried to golden perfection, making them crispy enough to complement the meal without overwhelming the palate. It’s American comfort food at its finest.
Best Burger
$ | (925) 798-1212 | WEBSITE
Best Burger is a spacious, clean restaurant in Concord, and it’s one of our go-tos for great hamburgers and even better sides. Everything here is made with fresh ingredients—from the wonderful flavors in their burgers, to the fries cooked to perfection and onion rings that come with a side of ranch dressing. And while you might order a classic burger on lots of menus, Best Burger also serves tougher-to-find stuff like their signature pastrami burger that adds a unique twist.
The friendly, welcoming staff ensures customers get what they want, and though some may find it a bit pricey at around $15-20 for a burger with sides, the quality of food and attentive service make it worthwhile.
Next Level Burger Concord
$$ | (925) 515-2900 | WEBSITE
Next Level Burger Concord is a vegan-friendly fast food spot attached to Whole Foods. It’s a bright, eco-conscious space perfect for grabbing a quick lunch at the counter or sharing burgers and shakes on the patio with friends. The whole menu is worth trying, but the real stars here are the plant-based burgers. I can’t stop thinking about the classic burger, which comes stacked with meaty, cheesy vegan patties, crisp toppings, and special sauce, all on soft, fresh buns.
Next Level’s commitment to healthier alternatives shows in every detail, so you know those creations are good.
Barney’s Hickory Pit
$ | (925) 680-9761 | WEBSITE
People love to drench things. A lot of people order a rack of ribs just to douse it in sauce, and we love to drown our fries, coleslaw, and mac and cheese in that rich brown gravy. Barney’s Hickory Pit takes the drenching game to the next level–they pack tender ribs and sliced meats onto plates, and then smother it all in a tangy red BBQ sauce or that savory brown sauce that’s more like gravy.
Come to this BBQ joint after you’ve had a long day and need a night of flavorful ribs hanging onto the bone, beef sandwiches on toasted buns, and chicken plates dripping with sauce. It’s easy to get a table at the last minute as well, so the only thing standing between you and rounds of fries and coleslaw is deciding if you want the red sauce or the brown.
Mona’s Burgers & Shakes
$ | (925) 849-6441 | WEBSITE
This cozy and lively burger joint has seating for nearly every mood—there’s counter seating for a solo shake and burger, a compact main dining room buzzing with regulars, and there’s even an area with fun Banksy prints, perfect for pretending you’re in a cool art gallery when the music hits. Stick to the classics, like the juicy Drunken Burger topped with lager beer honey sauce, melted blue cheese, and crispy onions, hot fries, or popular tri-tip.
If you want to go bigger, the truffle burger gets the savory job done. Toss in a friendly staff offering samples of dipping sauces and a selection of beer on tap, and you have a truly enjoyable experience (even when the occasional order inconsistency briefly interrupts your burger bliss).
The Red Onion
$ | (925) 676-1803 | WEBSITE
With a burger menu as classic as the vinyl booths, and service that stays friendly and quick during the lunch rush (unlike most places in the city), this Concord diner is a place we go to for rounds of cheeseburgers, chili cheese fries, and onion rings. Start simple with their amazing French fries–they’re crispy outside, fluffy inside, and perfectly salted–and then move on to their juicy burger, loaded with fresh toppings and cooked to perfection.
Eat it all at their snug but comfortable booths, which have that slightly old-fashioned diner feel, or grab a quick seat at the counter for a classic meal.
IHOP
$ | (925) 687-1124 | WEBSITE
Similar to its locations across the country, Concord’s IHOP serves solid, affordable American diner classics in a space that’s casual enough to pop into with the family after a long day. We love the fluffy buttermilk pancakes, crispy hash browns cooked just right, and all the breakfast combos, which are straightforward but deliver on comfort and value. It’s a reliable option for Ihoppy hours, especially since the deals run until 9pm on weekdays.
Come for good burgers, coffee that keeps coming, and an impressive variety of syrups for your pancakes. There’s probably going to be some easy-listening music playing in the background, and someone might even randomly start celebrating a birthday at the next booth. Either way, you’ll be soaking up every last bit of maple syrup on your plate.
Bay Leaf Cafe
$ | (925) 363-3983 | WEBSITE
Sometimes, we suspect the reason our family and friends come to visit us is just to eat at Bay Leaf Cafe (don’t worry, we get it). They make the best breakfast in the city—still. Choose from freshly made chicken fried steak, steak and eggs, pancakes, or the highly recommended Eggs Benedict, plus the San Francisco omelette with egg whites, country potatoes, and sourdough toast. It’s a popular spot with both locals and regulars, so show up before 9 AM if you don’t want to wait for a table.
North Park Deli
$ | (925) 687-3901 | WEBSITE
North Park Deli has quietly earned its reputation—after all, it’s been the go-to spot in Concord’s industrial area for seven years and counting. By morning, this hole-in-the-wall shines thanks to its fantastic breakfast offerings and quick service. But come lunchtime, the place hums with regulars who know to skip the fuss and opt for a simple sandwich: the one with jalapeño mayo is punchy, the other options are served with that same clean flavor, and you’ll fight over the last bite.
If you don’t have time for a full meal, at least grab one to go—the kind owners and courteous staff make it worth the stop.
Uncle Jay Burger House
$ | (925) 822-3313 | WEBSITE
Concord is known for many things–the mild Bay Area weather, suburban charm, and being the setting for some scenes from The Princess Diaries. But we think eating incredible burgers on Uncle Jay Burger House’s patio overlooking Todos Santos Park should be next on the list. The Fire Burger is perfectly juicy and each bite is topped with crispy onion strings.
And even though it’s as straightforward as a classic burger with garlic fries (it’s tucked next to the park in a clean, comfortable space), the diverse menu is perfect for a casual lunch or group dinner when you also want to watch the friendly staff prepare food in the open kitchen.
Five Guys
$ | (925) 672-6030 | WEBSITE
Fresh burgers, customizable fries, and peanut oil is the combination we always knew we needed. This family-friendly spot in Concord should be your go-to for juicy cheeseburgers with all the fixings, sweet potato fries piled high in generous portions, and $12 milkshakes. Whether you’re hungry for a fully loaded bacon burger, a classic hot dog with grilled onions, or just want to snack on those addictive fries, this is a quick and cheerful place to do it.
