Sometimes even a self-proclaimed “vegetarian” just wants a good old-fashioned burger. The best part about being in Orange County is that you can find places all over the place that make really good burgers, and they’re NOT necessarily made from beef, unless you order them that way.

Let’s say hamburgers and their fries are as popular as America’s favorite baseball pastime. To cover that base (pun intended) is Edison Field and Los Angeles.

For the food part, here are some of the best burger joints in the county, believe it or not, the top three are owned and operated chain locations!

-Ruby’s Diner. The only real sitdown restaurant mentioned. Light, bright and each has the basic theme of being a 1940’s diner. Great for families. The menu has a lot to choose from, if someone in your crowd doesn’t want what we’re talking about here. Burgers can be beef, but they also have turkey, veggie, and even chicken. All served with lettuce, tomato, and a slice of onion. What makes this a bit different is that each unit has an additional theme of some kind of transportation that flies on a track over the restaurant. Depending on where you are, this means: boats, bicycles, trains, or cars.

-Out. Another chain that loves the food scene. There aren’t many options here except how many burgers you want and if you want cheese with that. But there’s a reason this chain is so popular – they make the menu items correct.

-Fatburger. Burgers and diners seem to go hand in hand. This one fast forward a decade. Fatburger is actually “Phat”, like fresh, delicious, and perfect. Here you have a choice of beef or turkey. Many coverage. They are big, juicy, messy, and are worth the calories.

-Knowlwoods. There are only three in the county, but like Ruby, her menu is huge. They give you a choice of beef, turkey, and vegetarian. Sometimes they have specials that include salmon burgers, but it’s hit or miss. As a fatburger, they are big, juicy, and messy.

-Ted’s Burgers. Okay, there is only one, in Laguna Niguel. The menu here is really huge and despite the name, Ted’s is known locally for having the best breakfasts in the area. But you have beef, turkey, veggie and salmon burgers on the agenda. There really is a Ted, and if he’s there, he’ll come and sit at your table with you!

The latter is usually the best, ask most of the people who live in the extreme south of the county where to get a really good burger, this is the most likely answer!

-Fuddruckers. Again, only one in El Toro. Luxury fast food. Besides the normal, they also have buffalo and ostriches. If you prefer an angus steak sandwich or a fish fillet, it’s there. Also, they have a salad bar and condiments. Oh and the scones and other baked goods are homemade right there on the premises. If you love your food, take some home with you. They will wrap the raw patties for you and all the baked goodies (brownies, cookies, cakes, and scones!) Are available at the bakery counter.

There you have it – if you’re in Orange County and you’re in the mood for something delicious and comforting, now you know where to go!