We’ve all heard the debate on who has the best burger in San Diego*. There’s the staunchly anti-substitution brigade at The Friendly. The OG San Diego burger from Rocky’s Crown Pub. A perfect minimalist menu at Hayes Burger. Double cheeseburger excellence at The Wise Ox. The always predictable, always heavenly options at The Balboa. The not-secret-for-long goodness at Wavy Burgers. The beef quality is incomparable at Tanner’s Prime Burgers. And, of course, the beloved sanctum of sliders, Rosemarie’s in Mission Beach, with sliders that prove once and for all skill beats size any day of the week.
But Rosemarie’s is getting a little bigger the second week in October when they open their second brick-and-mortar location at 1774 Sunset Cliffs Blvd. in Ocean Beach.
Chef and owner Nick Balsamo says this is the next step in what he hopes is strategic growth across San Diego. “I don’t want to franchise. I want a few Rosemarie’s in specific neighborhoods where they can truly belong,” he says, adding he also hopes to develop other concepts, like Strada, an Asian fusion fast food eatery, and Festa, a catering business.
Ocean Beach felt like the next natural step in Rosemarie’s growth. It’s where he had his first “a-ha” foodie moment that led him to relocate his family to San Diego and launch his pop-up dinner series, Festa Supper Club. “My wife and I started our journey here, and my son was born here,” he says. “We want Rosemarie’s to be a staple in this community, offering great food and a loving atmosphere where everyone feels like family.”
Rosemarie’s originally launched as a food truck before opening in Mission Beach in 2023. Inspired by his Sicilian grandmother, Balsamo’s menu is best known for its sliders—epic bites of carefully crafted flavors like the signature RosieMac made with a Wagyu beef patty, onion confit, American cheese, special sauce with Kewpie mayo (the undisputed champion of mayo), and a delicious little pickle harpooned atop the brioche bun. (He recommends getting two per person. I say, why stop there? I’m gonna need some spicy elote fries with that. And fried pickles. And the Captain Jack… you know what? I’ll just have one of everything.)
Taking over the former Whomp Burger & Brew space will take a few weeks, but Balsamo says he’s stoked for this next move. “We can’t wait to welcome everyone to our new location and celebrate this milestone with the community,” he says. “Ocean Beach has supported us from the start, and we’re excited to continue this journey together.”
*This is not an invitation to tell me what burger I missed that’s your favorite. Make your list!
San Diego Restaurant News & Food Events
More Burger News—Toolbox Burger Launching in October
Mobile burger joint Toolbox Burger is prepping to bring a South American spin to San Diego. Rafael Magalhães, co-founder of Toolbox, says Brazil’s gourmet burger scene inspired him and feels San Diego’s “vibrant food culture” will embrace their concept once they officially open. “We’re ready to cater to events and festivals, bringing our mobile setup to various occasions,” he says. “As a special thank you, [San Diego Magazine] readers who visit us and mention the magazine will receive exclusive perks.” Keep an eye on their Instagram for details on the grand opening and where they’ll be rolling around San Diego.
Whiskey & Wine Returns to Estancia La Jolla This Month
The 11th year of the Southern-inspired shindig returns Friday, September 27, from 6 pm to 9 pm. Expect bourbon, wine, whiskey, and hopefully some water after all that, as well as plenty of comfort food and fun. Don’t want to drive? Book the Whiskey & Wine room package, or grab some tickets here and reserve a rideshare afterward.
Beth’s Bites
- Press pause on that A.R. Valentien holiday dinner reservation for a bit—the signature restaurant at The Lodge at Torrey Pines is undergoing a major renovation starting October 13, 2024, through March 2025. The overhaul includes building a new pastry kitchen and butchery and expanding the existing kitchen. I’m sure they’ll find a few other things during the demo (because isn’t that the way construction always goes?) The Grill at Torrey Pines will remain open during this time, so fingers crossed everything stays on schedule.
- Happy 15th birthday, Station Tavern! Fun fact: I (very briefly) worked as a food runner there during their first two weeks open, and it does not seem like 15 years ago. Tater tots for Eva.
- I love watching listening bars proliferate across the city. My next stop? Tender Hooligan in Chula Vista for coffee, tunes, and vibes.
Have breaking news, exciting scoops, or great stories about new San Diego restaurants or the city’s food scene? Send your pitches to food@sdmag.com.
