As someone who doesn't usually love burgers, I wasn't sure what to expect, but wow! The food was amazing. I had the Wild West burger with fries, and let me tell you... even on a slightly overcast day, that burger transported me straight to a sunny summer afternoon at the park. The atmosphere is just as wonderful as the food. Comfy chairs, board games, books--it's such a cozy and delightful spot to relax. The service was incredibly friendly, too. Highly recommend! read more

American Burger - Wild West burger, fries, Arnold Palmer - Burgers Near Me - Monterey, California

First time here. Ambiance a bit off for my liking but my wife liked it. The classic cheeseburger was really good with all the fixings. The fry's could have been cooked a little longer but still worth finishing. The chocolate and banana milkshake was amazing and will be for sure returning for that. Service was fast and friendly. Overall I would return. read more

American Burger - Cheeseburger - Burgers Near Me - Monterey, California

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Great family friendly place with board games and lending library. Solid burgers, great milkshakes. Will be back.

The burgers here were good not mind-blowing, but definitely satisfying. Starting with the California Burger (7.8/10): it gave me "elevated Whopper with avocado" vibes. The sesame seed bun was soft, produce was fresh, cheese perfectly melted, and the patty was well-seasoned and decently juicy. That said, it needed more sauce and overall juiciness to really push it over the top. A little extra flavor punch would've made a big difference. The Elvis Burger (7.5/10) was similar: solid but not exceptional. It lacked the seasoning and moisture I was hoping for, and once again, more sauce would have helped bring everything together. Nothing bad, just left me wanting a bit more oomph. Now the good stuff, service and ambiance were excellent. Our server was friendly, upbeat, and genuinely seemed happy to be there, which made the whole experience better. The vibe of the place is awesome: retro '80s burger joint feel with fun music, books, games, and lots of greenery (major shoutout to the plants). It's a cool hangout spot with character.Only downside our table was oddly sticky. Come for the chill vibes, solid service, and a good burger. Just don't expect the best burger of your life. Worth checking out if you're in the area! read more

American Burger - California Burger / Elvis Burger (+Mushroom) - Burgers Near Me - Monterey, California

We come to Montery at least three times a year, I was craving just a regular burger, found this place on Yelp, nothing fancy, cool decor, very relaxing atmosphere, burgers were great!' Prices very reasonable and it's not in a touristy area, the guy at the counter wearing a cool hat was very polite. We will definitely be back. read more

This place is amazing! Drove in for the aquarium walked 4 minutes from there to here My siblings and I got the carnitas burger, western burger, and messiest burger (chili burger) all 10 out of 10. The peanut butter vanilla shake was delicious and came in a very cool Deadpool cup! The ambiance is beautiful! It's very homey, food is served on dishes you'd find in any welcoming home, and every wall has multiple pieces of fun American culture. The cashier/ cook is very nice and brought our food to us very quickly! Our only complaint is that we live 4 hours from this delicious place and will need to be back soon! Definitely worth the time and money! Thank you American burger! read more

American Burger - Wild West burger with upgraded chili cheese fries! - Burgers Near Me - Monterey, California

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Got take out food when my family came to Monterey. Place was decent but fries were cold. Decent price for decent food. I did like that the burgers did come with fries. Even got a side of ranch! read more

American Burger - Classic cheeseburger - Burgers Near Me - Monterey, California

Amazing atmosphere! Has games, books, and music to interact with while you are dining. Food was also very very good. The owners were very kind. Would recommend to anyone. read more

Amazing. I came here with my family for my birthday lunch. We ordered at the counter and found a table that fit our family perfectly. I ordered a cheeseburger with avocado, a choco-banana milkshake, and a water. The burger was very juicy. The avocado added was the perfect amount and the fries were good. Milkshake was amazing! I loved the cup it came in. Overall the service was very speedy. Amazing option for a nice, calm meal. The atmosphere was very family friendly, I enjoyed the music in the background. I will definitely be back next time I am in town! read more

This place is one of the best neighborhood burger joints I've been to. I got their Gilroy Burger (sautéed onion garlic shrimp topping) and really enjoyed it, the burger was good and the sauté was perfectly cooked. My mother got their Chicken Cali Sandwich and said it was one of the best grilled chicken sandwiches she's had and that it was very flavorful and juicy, and that her side of sweet potato fries was far above the norm for sweet potato fries. The fact that the chicken sandwich and one of the more niche burger options were so good makes me think that their whole, eclectic range of menu options are pretty good. The staff were extremely friendly and seemed truly proud of the food they were cooking (talking about the ingredients in the chicken marinade, for instance, just a level of involvement above and beyond the type of restaurant), which along with a fun kitschy 50s and 60s theme led to a great overall atmosphere. The prices are also noteworthy; in a town where restaurant prices go pretty high, you get a sitdown quality burger and fries at prices competitive with fast food in a great location two blocks up from the heart of Cannery Row. It's hard to overstate how well this place fills its niche. read more

This place is like a time machine. The decor, the music, and the movies they play transports you back decades. The clear vinyl table covering has just the amount of stickiness that gives you that real throwback vibe. This place is a short walk from the main drag. The prices are affordable. The quality is good and the kids age up the cheeseburgers. read more

Pretty expensive burger but dry-ish noticed other places have a flavor or better taste though. Good amount of fries. Place was hot no heater but fans? Owner seemed kinda chill though. read more

Food was really good, literally a nice homemade burger made with love, the customer service was great! The ambiance was nostalgic, took me back to the early 90s, it has an old school vibe. Place was nice & clean read more

Good, unique milkshake flavors great theme. But service is slow and was waiting for awhile until I got my order taken.

Just three blocks from Cannery Row you can find a really great, friendly, and affordable burger joint. Sandwiches are prepared with care and perfectly cooked. Don't miss this gem! read more

My daughter and I stopped in recently and were treated to a fun environment, friendly employee, and really tasty food. I had the fish and chips and my daughter had the bacon cheeseburger with fries. My fish was fried perfectly, but not at all greasy and the fries had a nice crisp outside and soft inside. My daughter said her burger was cooked perfectly and she also enjoyed the fries. The decor is fun - music based in an Americana style. Prices were very reasonable - portion size was perfect. If we're ever out that way again, we will stop back by! read more

Amazing food! The service was quick and nice! The ambiance was very laid back & old timey. Love this food!!! read more

American Burger - Burgers Near Me - Monterey, California

Food was Great! I ordered the Uncle Sam Cheddar Bacon Burger which was cooked to order. Also surprisingly they sell Pupusas which were delightfully delicious! I've had them before and love em I just wish I knew how to order them where the cheese is coming out and caramelize read more

Delicious hamburgers, great atmosphere delicious pupusa's so much amazing music, memorabilia, and postcards to look at. We enjoyed this little gem. read more

Came from Orange County and tried this place. Delicious. Will return next time I return to pacific grove.

For how much it was it wasn't worth it, burger was super dry, no sauces, you have to put the pickles, lettuce, and tomatoes on yourself. The fries has no seasoning. read more

This place may have once been fun and great, but we would have been better off going to Jack in the Box or some fast food place. I was shocked at the prices. Three burgers with fries and one shake was $60! The patties were not hearty for the price being charged. The restaurant itself didn't smell like food. It smelled like an old musty, antique shop. I guess years ago they gave drinks in cool cups, not now. I guess they also gave milkshakes, not now. The server seems depressed and not happy to be there. I saw him shake his head after my husband paid the bill. I guess he was expecting a big tip?! I won't say the food tasted bad. It was fine, but save your money and just hit up a fast food joint. It was not worth $60. Dairy Queen has a better deal with just of good quality, if not better. To conclude, they used styrofoam which I found disappointing considering how awful it is for the environment. I would not go back. read more

American Burger - All In Burger with curly fries. $17! - Burgers Near Me - Monterey, California

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Everything was tasty! Price is good too. The gentleman running the register was very kind & friendly. I loved the music that they play, very calming! Nothing too overwhelming. I ordered the BLT with avocado, along with curly fries. Very tasty, especially with the house sauce! We also got the western burger, which was also perfectly cooked. Next time I'm here, I'll definitely be back. Such a good find! read more

American Burger - Wester Burger & Curly fries - Burgers Near Me - Monterey, California

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Our group was warmly received by the owners, who took our orders at the counter. Made it easy for us each to pay for our own meal. But the best parts were the retro decor and the amazing burgers. All of them were delicious (even the veggie ones!) and all our ordered came with fries. Wonderful meal and experience. So good. read more

American Burger - California burger (cheese, bacon, avocado and the works)! - Burgers Near Me - Monterey, California

Stumbled upon this place after spending the day by the water. I was taken back by all of the memorabilia. I took my time to take in all of the effort put into literally every table. This is a place where you can spend your time walking around taking pictures and being in awe of all of the hidden gems you stumble upon while the owner takes his time cooking your food on the spot. The owner came up and delivered our food and even played an old school cassette for us on his vintage stereo. One of the coolest places and best ambience I've ever ate at. And the food..fresh and delish for sure!! read more

American Burger - Burgers Near Me - Monterey, California

It's car week on the Monterey Peninsula and getting around can be a little challenging so when I made my way to American Burger after checking reviews and hours and found it closed until 4 without notice i decided to write the longest run on sentence possible to express my feelings bah humbug. read more

New to PG and wanted to try a local spot. Service was great & fast! Burger and fries were tasty! Overall we had a great time and would definitely go again ! read more

We were aiming for Gianni's Pizza on Lighthouse Ave when we walked from downtown Monterey to Cannery Row, and were surprised to discover that Gianni's is no longer open for lunch. Must be a Covid Casualty, because I'm sure we have had lunch there before in pre-pandemic times. I'm sure the kiddo wanted to eat at Gianni's due to her ulterior motive of getting gelato from their gelato counter afterward. Since Gianni's was closed, we looked across the street and saw American Burger. We had never eaten there before so we crossed Lighthouse to check it out. They had a menu posted on their window so we could easily tell what they offered before walking inside. I was also surprised to see they offered pupusas. Many of their burger names are American-themed. The kiddo & I ordered the California Burger, while DH ordered the Uncle Sam Burger. Uncle Sam Burger Crispy bacon & cheddar cheese. DH thought his burger was yummy. California Burger Crispy bacon, avocado & cheddar cheese. The kiddo & I also enjoyed our California burgers. What's not to like from a burger with bacon and avocado? The fries were pretty decent, crispy on the outside and lightly salted. We sat outside on the picnic benches to eat our lunch. It was comfortable sitting outside in the sun even though it was a cold day. There is a dinky parking lot in front of the restaurant which is shared by a few other businesses. I can imagine it being difficult to get parking during the busy lunch rush in pre-pandemic days. Their restrooms were open to customers; it's located in the back/left side of the restaurant. It's nice to be able to wash your hands before and after eating a burger. After lunch, we walked back toward downtown Monterey where we picked up ice cream from Revival on Alvarado St so the kiddo didn't feel gypped. Overall this was a decent burger joint. Would not mind stopping by here again during future visits to Monterey. read more

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If I could, I'd give 0 stars for the food. I walked in and ordered which was pretty straightforward, but, I should have taken the clue that since the restaurant was completely empty save two people who I assume were family. The gentleman who took my order was very nice, but, that's where the positive ends. When I got home, my fries weren't just cold, it's as if they'd been sitting out for some time....they tasted old. The burger had zero flavor. You definitely get what you pay for. I get this is diner food, but the burger was $13. I didn't expect it to blow my mind but I expected more than a tasteless bun. I love calamari and tend to order it whenever I can. From the first bite, you can tell it's frozen and while it had a nice golden brown color, besides the frozen taste, zero flavor here as well. Hate to say it, but I won't be back. read more

American Burger - Monterey Burger - Burgers Near Me - Monterey, California

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We went after walking around the aquarium. I was dehydrated and very thirsty, and a little hungry. We ordered our food and I asked for two waters. We didn't get our waters until after our food arrived which took a while to prepare. I think there was only one guy working as the cashier and cooking? He would disappear and then when I'd try to go ask for water, new people walked in and ordered, then he'd run to the back again. My bad for not bringing my water bottle that day. So if you're super hungry and thirsty, this might not be your first choice. Let me talk about the restaurant itself. There is so much to look at, I did enjoy that. Lots of nostalgic American decor. There are two bathrooms in the back. I think they have live music sometimes? Books scattered for you to read. Has a college vibe. I would go back, but as a prepared person. Oh they do have veggie burgers, I ordered a grilled cheese, since I wasn't that hungry. My husband had an avocado, bacon burger with fries. read more

If you like music and a really good burger and you haven't been to this sweet gem....GO!! Food was delicious (I got the classic cheeseburger, we also ordered a hot dog, grilled cheese, pulled pork, a banana shake and a peanut butter burger). Can I just say YUM!! So good' The owners were so nice. They clearly have great taste in music and books. Check out the books on the way to the bathroom. I want the picture of prince and jimmy hendrix but I thought it would be too obvious if I stole them off the wall. The albums on the table....and MJ behind the counter...yea my favorite in the 80's and still now. Go go go Monterey people. Show your love for a local business!!! read more

American Burger - Burgers Near Me - Monterey, California

I loved the food here. Definitely worth the stop and the ambience was phenomenal. I love supporting family run businesses. read more

Made a takeout order for two burgers, which were both very good. The interior design leans heavily on 50s music and car nostalgia but is in dire need of an update. The host/cashier was proficient but seemed terribly bored. I remember wishing it was busier for his sake. I recommend the chilli which I had on the burger and fries. read more

Our first time to try this joint. Reading the positive reviews lured us to this place for a quick to-go meal for dinner. Their parking lot had the area in front of the restaurant sealed off for outdoor dining. Unfortunately it was a chilly night and no one was there eating. We went in and a table was placed by the door to take/pick up orders. Since we didn't call ahead, we went ahead and placed our order and waited in the car for a few minutes until our meals were brought out. First of all, the burgers were a bit pricey at almost $35 for a cheeseburger with fries and a patty melt with fries, no drinks. When we got back to our room to eat, about a five minute drive, the fries were already soggy. The burger sandwich was a good size, but the taste wasn't so great. It tasted bland and the burger bun was a little burnt. We've had better. One positive thing I can say about the restaurant is the interior. It will keep you in awe looking at the vintage rock and roll memorabilia as well as vintage items from the '50s era. read more

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When I first walked in I definitely got a diner/family owned vibe and loved it, I felt so welcomed and over all decoration was very cute. FOOD WAS IMPECCABLE, sweat potato fries were 11/10, definetly recommend the pulled pork burger and the messiest burger both were 15/10. Loved it here and I will be coming back every time I come to Monterey. read more

Super delicious food! Guy there was very nice and handled my chaotic family well lol. We pretty much ordered everything on the menu and nothing was bad. The restaurant has a lot of personality. Not like these new modern restaurants. American Burger has retro styling and musical hits from multiple generations outside of the 2000's. I know you're trying to find a place to eat, so stop thinking, you've found it here at American Burger. read more

Service was great. People are very nice. However, food was lacking and overpriced. Burgers taste fatty, chicken tastes like... dumplings? Strawberry tasted like Nesquik. Conveniently located within walking distance from the aquarium and across the street from Starbucks. Ambiance is kitschy with 80s memorabilia. The tables each have a theme. read more

Service was decent! I ate with four others and the only thing we liked were the fries. My burger had barely any sauce on it and the bread was nothing special. I won't be going back. They were also playing a broadcast of some religious preacher which was at odds with the decor - Elvis please!! read more

When they brought out an off brand ketchup red flag went up for me. Salad had brown leaves. Dressing was not made fresh. Fries tasted like they were cooked in old oil. Shocking that this place could get 4 stars. Won't be back for us! read more

I had the best burger of my life here. I'm not from this area so I miss it every single day. I'll be back soon I LOVED this place. The ambiance was really nice and the employees were just the sweetest. I miss you American Burger. read more