BURGERS

Gonzales

Burger Queen

800 5th Street, H, Gonzales

You may not get a crown at this local eatery, but you will get an amazing burger. The sign says, Old Fashion Burger Queen, and that’s exactly what you’ll get, a good ol’ fashioned cooked to order burger. Try the chili cheese, bacon bbq, double bacon or avocado, but don’t miss the sunny side up combination, great for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Sides include French, twister, chili cheese or sweet potato fries, plus onion rings, as well as cheese or zucchini sticks.

Luigi’s Italian Restaurant

346 Alta Street, Gonzales

Burgers aren’t generally an Italian delicacy, except here and only at lunch time. A local favorite is the El Gonzales Burger, with avocado, jalapeno jack chees and grilled green chiles. All reflect something of the Salinas Valley: swiss cheese on the Swiss Italian burger showcases some of the earliest immigrants. For a true taste of the Valley, though, try the Salinas Valley Iceberg Wedge Burger … no bun, just fresh iceberg lettuce grown in the nearby fields.

Burger Queen:
Portobello Mushroom Cheeseburger

Soledad

California Gourmet Pizza

235 West Street, Soledad

Ok, maybe a pizza joint is a traditional place to get a burger, but you can’t go wrong here. The 1/3 pound patties are the start of something delicious. Order one to your liking by adding cheese, bacon, ortega peppers, grilled onions, mushrooms or avocado. Add a side of French fries, potato wedges, mozzarella sticks and, hey, if you’re hungry a pizza!

Windmill Restaurant

1167 Front St, Soledad

This restaurant, serving dishes made from the freshest ingredients, is open every day of the year for breakfast, lunch, dinner or, even just a snack or some late-night dessert. If you’re hankering for a burger, there’s a good selection, from a classic cheeseburger to a blue ranch burger to their signature Windmilll burger, smothered in BBQ sauce and topped with avocado, bacon and swiss cheese.

Greenfield

NV Burger

16 El Camino Real B, Greenfield

You won’t find a better flat top burger than this in the area. Plus, there are a lot of options — get one with cheese, guacamole, ortega chiles, barbecue sauce, chile and cheese, jalapeños or smothered in mushrooms. The French fries are crunchy, crispy, but if you’re looking for a change up order the fried zucchini, onion rings or curly fries.

King City

Cork and Plough

200 Broadway St, King City

You’ll find locally-sourced and hand-crafted fare at this contemporary restaurant that serves farm-to-table fare. Two burgers on the menu showcase the chef’s take on this classic meal. The Farmhouse burger is stacked with bacon, arugula, provolone and house pickles. The Mushroom burger comes with caramelized onions, peppercorn sauce and, of course, fresh mushrooms. On order of Pommes Frites is the perfect accompaniment.

Lawrence’s Restaurant

611 Canal Street, King City

This restaurant, which has changed hands over the year, is a Highway 101 landmark just south of town. With 10 burgers on the menu, there’s a little something for everyone. All come with  a choice of French fries, onion rings, soup, salad or fruit. Don’t miss the homemade chili on the Chili Burgers. For a small bite, try the Sliders.

Wildhorse Cafe

50630 Mesa Verde Rd, King City

What is it with truck stops and food? It’s always so good. Maybe it’s being on the road and looking for something that’s out-of-the-ordinary. Don’t miss the lunch special, the Wild Burger. It’s a grilled hamburger patty smothered in caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, avocado slices, bacon and mozzarella cheese, served on a grilled bun.