If you're looking for the absolute pinnacle of the "smash burger" movement, look no further than Tanner's Prime Burgers in South Oceanside. This isn't just another burger joint; it's a masterclass in culinary collaboration, bringing together the expertise of Michelin-starred Chef Brandon Rodgers and the legendary quality of Brandt Beef.  From the moment you walk into the Freeman Collective, the vibe is electric--clean, modern, and perfectly North County. But the food is the real star. Here is why Tanner's is a must-visit: The Main Event: The Burgers The meat is 100% USDA Prime Brandt Beef, and you can truly taste the difference. The Tanner's Prime Double is a work of art. The patties have those signature crispy, lacy edges that only a perfect smash can achieve, yet they remain incredibly juicy.  * The Toppings: They use "New School" American cheese (which melts like a dream), caramelized onions, and their signature "Cowboy Beef Bacon."  * The Kick: Each burger comes with a Cascabella pepper on the side, providing that perfect vinegary snap to cut through the richness of the prime beef.  The Sides & Sweets You cannot leave without ordering the Tallow Fries. While most places use seed oils, Tanner's stays true to the craft by double-frying their potatoes in beef tallow. They are exceptionally crisp, savory, and arguably the best fries in San Diego County.  If you're feeling adventurous, the Dirty Tallow Fries take it to another level--smothered in prime beef, more of that cowboy bacon, and a drizzle of garlic aioli. And for dessert? The Fatty Patty ice cream sandwich (made with beef tallow ice cream!) is a genius, silky-smooth finish that sounds unusual but tastes like pure luxury.  Why It Stands Out * Vertical Integration: Because they are owned by the beef supplier, you're getting elite, steakhouse-quality meat at a fraction of the price you'd pay elsewhere.  * Chef-Driven Details: From the fermented house-made hot sauce to the custom Brioche buns, nothing here is an afterthought. * The Experience: Whether you're grabbing a Tanner's Prime IPA to enjoy on the dog-friendly patio or watching the team work the grill with surgical precision, it's a top-tier experience. Verdict: Tanner's Prime Burgers has officially set the new gold standard for Oceanside. It's rich, it's messy, and it's worth every single calorie. Do yourself a favor and get there early--the secret is definitely out! read more

TLDR: Tanner's Prime Burgers in Oceanside delivers upscale smash burgers with premium ingredients and thoughtful execution. Fries are a standout, and the overall experience justifies the slightly higher price point. Overview: Tanner's Prime Burgers is a fast-casual eatery founded by Michelin-starred chef Brandon Rodgers. The restaurant emphasizes quality, using 100% USDA Prime beef sourced from Brandt Beef. The ambiance is modern and inviting, featuring both indoor and outdoor seating options. The branding is cohesive, extending from the decor to the packaging. Notably, Tanner's has been recognized by the Michelin Guide as a recommended restaurant in California. Food: - Tanner's Burger: The standard burger features a well-executed smash patty with a pronounced Maillard crust, topped with caramelized onions and American cheese, all nestled in a toasted brioche bun. While the burger is solid, the house-made sauce could be more prominent to enhance the flavor profile. Nonetheless, I enjoyed this burger. - Fries: The fries are thin-cut, reminiscent of McDonald's style, but elevated. Fried in beef tallow and double-cooked, they achieve a crispy exterior and fluffy interior. Seasoned moderately, they cater to various salt preferences. Overall, they were the highlight of the meal for me. - Chocolate Milkshake: The milkshake stands out with its thick consistency and deep cocoa flavor. While not the best I have ever had, it easily surpasses a typical chocolate shake. - Sweet Tea and Lemonade: These beverage options are refreshing and well-balanced, making them a recommended choice for those who enjoy classic Southern drinks. In particular, they taste amazing if you combine them to make an Arnold Palmer. Final Thoughts: Tanner's Prime Burgers offers a refined take on classic American fare, emphasizing quality ingredients and meticulous preparation. While prices are on the higher side ($6 for fries, $15 for a double burger, and $7 for a milkshake) the value is evident in the taste and experience. The restaurant's inclusion in the Michelin Guide underscores its commitment to excellence. For those seeking a slightly elevated burger experience in a casual setting, Tanner's is a solid choice. read more

The burgers at Tanner's are, without a doubt, exceptionally juicy and delightfully crispy--a true masterpiece of flavor. Every bite is a symphony of perfectly cooked meat, fresh toppings, and a bun that ties it all together wonderfully. Honestly, the burger itself is one of the best I've ever had, and it deserves all the accolades. However, I regret to say that my dining experience was marred by terrible service, which left me feeling incredibly disappointed. My party ordered three burgers: one with no tomato, one with everything, and one with no bacon. While the food arrived promptly, the issues began when we asked our server to clarify which burger had no bacon. To our surprise, she seemed unsure and had to return to the kitchen, only to come back with a fork and start inspecting our burgers in front of us. It felt unprofessional and uncomfortable. At one point, my friend and the server identified the burger without tomato, but the rest remained a mystery. She then took two of the burgers back to the kitchen, leaving one on the table, which I assumed was mine. As I was about to take a bite, the server came rushing back, grabbed the burger out of my mouth (yes, out of my mouth) and said she needed to check it. This was beyond shocking. After another trip to the kitchen, she returned, finally having sorted the burgers. When I politely mentioned that grabbing food out of a customer's mouth was unacceptable, her response was, "Oh HONEY, I just don't want anyone to have an allergic reaction." While I appreciate her concern, the way this situation was handled was appalling, and it overshadowed what should have been a wonderful meal. This incident occurred on March 30, 2025, around 9:30-10 PM, and the server in question had long black hair. In short, the burgers are absolutely phenomenal, but the service left a lot to be desired. Tanner's might be worth revisiting for the food alone, but I sincerely hope their staff receives better training in handling customer orders moving forward. read more

Okay OMG... Tanner's Prime Burgers might honestly be the BEST burger place we have ever been to! This place is so much more than just a burger joint. There are tables inside, comfortable bar seating, and outdoor seating, so you can enjoy it however you like. It's a restaurant, a bar, and even a great spot to watch a game with a good burger and a drink. And their menu goes way beyond burgers! Unlike most burger places, Tanner's has coffee, their own beer, homemade lemonade, cocktails, house-made sauces, and even beef tallow that you can actually buy to take home! I mean... how cool is that? Of course, the burgers are the star of the show. Their Prime beef smash burgers have those amazing crispy, caramelized edges while staying juicy and incredibly flavorful inside. You can really taste the quality of the beef, and every ingredient comes together perfectly. It's the kind of burger where you take that first bite and immediately look at each other like, "OMG, this is GOOD!" And we couldn't leave without trying the chocolate milkshakes. They were thick, creamy, rich, and absolutely delicious--an old-fashioned milkshake exactly the way it should be. Seriously, every sip brought back that classic milkshake feeling. The atmosphere is fun, relaxed, and welcoming, and the whole experience just feels like Tanner's really knows what they're doing. From the food and drinks to the atmosphere and service, everything comes together beautifully. Tanner's Prime Burgers is definitely one of our new favorite spots in Oceanside. If you're anywhere in the area and love a great burger, do yourself a favor and stop here. Come hungry, because you're going to want to try more than just the burger! read more

Review of Tanner's Burgers at Front Wave Arena I recently had the misfortune of dining at Tanner's Burgers during an event at Front Wave Arena, and I can confidently say it was one of the worst dining experiences I've ever had. To start, the wait time was absurd. After standing in line for a staggering 10 minutes, I finally reached the front, only to be met with the unfortunate news that they had run out of fries, burgers, and hot dogs. Seriously? This was a major event, and they were completely unprepared for the crowd. After an additional 5-minute wait, I was finally able to order some burgers. What I received was less than appetizing. The patties looked as if they were falling apart, and I'm not even sure I received a full patty on my bun. It was disheartening to see such a lack of care in the food preparation, especially when I had already invested my time in line. When I instead inquired about hot dogs, I was told they would be ready in 5-10 minutes. Given my previous experience, I had little faith in that timeline. We ended up opting for the chicken tenders and fries instead, which were overpriced at $13.99 for just three tenders and a handful of fries. To make matters worse, the tenders were dry, and one of them was only half a tender. How does that even happen? Overall, my experience at Tanner's Burgers was absolutely unacceptable. The long wait, lack of food options, and poor quality of what we did receive left me feeling frustrated and disappointed. I would not recommend dining here, especially during an event when you're expecting a quick meal. Save your money and look for better options elsewhere. read more

Tanner's Prime Burgers absolutely lived up to the hype. These are smash burgers... but somehow they also smashed straight into my soul. The quality of the beef is what really sets this place apart. Every bite tasted fresh, juicy, and like someone actually cared about making a great burger instead of just another fast-food burger. Now let's talk about the beef tallow fries... these might honestly be some of the best fries I've ever had. Crispy, rich, and packed with flavor. You can absolutely taste the difference. Pro tip: Grab the yellow peppers. Don't think about it. Just do it. They add the perfect kick and somehow make the whole burger experience even better. The vibe with the world Cup games was the cherry on top for sure! The staff was super friendly and attentive, which made the experience even better. I also tried the sweet tea, and it was surprisingly excellent. The Fatty Patty (their ice cream dessert) was decent, but I'd probably skip it next time... mainly because I'd rather save room for another burger. Parking is generally fine, although if you show up during a busy time, you might have to park a little farther away. Trust me..it's worth the extra steps. I'll 100% be back. Come hungry... and maybe emotionally prepared, because these burgers might just change your standards forever. read more

Yelp Review for Tanner's: Tanner's has definitely lived up to the hype! We've been hearing a lot about smash burgers lately, and we've been dying to try this place--and it did not disappoint. SERVICE The ordering process is simple and laid-back--just order at the counter and then find a seat. Everyone behind the counter was super friendly and welcoming, which definitely set the tone for a great experience. FOOD The menu is refreshingly simple, which I really appreciate. It's clear they focus on quality over quantity. No overwhelming choices here, just solid, delicious options. Burgers - The smash burgers are fresh and cooked perfectly. You get that crispy, caramelized exterior on the burger that's just the right amount of crunch, while keeping the inside juicy and tender. Simple, but so good. Fries - The fries are on point--crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside. Definitely a highlight and a perfect pairing with the burger. Overall, everything we had was spot on. We've been craving it ever since and can't wait to go back! If you're a burger fan, this place is a must-try. Highly recommend! read more

I'm completely disgusted by this place. I was here last night and I spent $160 when I went into the car. I realized I was missing four sets of fries, a hotdog and a dirty fry. I came back inside at 10:05pm Keke was assisting me and going with me through my order And making sure everything was correct. She went and let the cooks know that I was missing items from my order and the cooks started cussing at her. I let Keke know it was okay I'll just take what I have don't worry about it because of what was being said by the cooks to her. I will not be back because of the behavior of the cooks and how they talk/treated her. She was trying to help me and even went out of her way to talk to another manager to let him know that my entire order was wrong and if he could help. He did help her but I could see it in her face she was ready to cry! I will NOT be recommending this place to anyone especially after I watched the behavior happen and not one person stood up for her. It's disgusting and had nothing to do with her she was just trying to help me. I hope she reports what was said to her! read more

The line at Tanner's on a Saturday night was totally worth the wait. It usually wraps around the outside of the building, and after trying the food, it's easy to see why people stick around. The menu is straightforward, which made ordering a breeze. We went with the 1/3 lb and 2/3 lb prime burgers, and let me tell you, if I'd known the burger was going to be that good, I'd have gone for the 2/3 myself. The exterior had that perfect smash burger crisp--exactly what you'd hope for. It was crunchy but not burnt, packed with flavor, and truly delivered that classic smash burger look and taste. If you're thinking about skipping the fries, don't! This was my first time trying beef tallow fries, and they set the bar high. They were crispy, light, and not heavy at all, paired with a garlic aioli sauce that was downright addictive. I found myself wishing I'd ordered my own serving of fries! Service was quick and easy--perfect for grabbing a bite and getting back to your night. I'll definitely be back for more. read more

Tanner's Prime Burgers delivers on every level. I got the Tanner's Prime Burger and it was incredible juicy, perfectly smashed, and loaded with flavor from the hot sauce and their signature Tanner's Sauce. You can genuinely taste the quality in every bite. The beef is 100% USDA Prime, which is the highest grade available, and the difference is absolutely noticeable compared to your average burger spot. The star of the show for me were the Dirty Tallow Fries hands down my favorite fries I've ever had. They're cooked in all natural beef tallow, which gives them an unreal depth of flavor. Everything tastes so natural and fresh. The spot has both indoor and outdoor seating, so there's plenty of room once you're in. Expect a line it's popular for good reason, but it moves fast. Highly recommend to anyone who appreciates quality food made the right way. Worth every minute of the wait! read more

Tanner's Prime Burgers absolutely lived up to the hype. My sister recommended this spot after hearing great things, and my boyfriend and I finally checked it out... so glad we did. Yes, the line was long, but it was 100% worth the wait. The burgers were juicy, flavorful, and clearly made with quality ingredients. You can tell this is one of those places that takes pride in doing burgers right. And let's talk about the ice-cold beer, the perfect touch while waiting and an even better pairing with the food. Nothing beats a great burger and a cold beer, especially near the coast. If you're in Oceanside and craving a solid burger with great flavor and a laid-back vibe, Tanner's Prime Burgers is a must. We'll definitely be back. read more

Tanner's Prime Burgers is a must-visit if you're looking for a high-quality, flavorful burger experience! From the moment I walked in, the service was fantastic--friendly, attentive, and genuinely welcoming. The burger was incredible--juicy, packed with bold flavors, and cooked to perfection. Just a heads-up: it's definitely on the messier side, so be prepared with extra napkins! But honestly, that just adds to the experience. The Tallow Fries were next-level--crispy on the outside, perfectly fluffy inside, and seasoned just right. Easily some of the best fries I've had in a while. If you're a burger lover, this place is absolutely worth checking out. I'll definitely be back! read more

The burger was, without question, the best we have ever had. The quality of the food was outstanding, especially considering the extremely fair pricing. Every bite was on point and reflected freshness and careful preparation. The service was equally impressive. The personnel were warm, welcoming, and genuinely personable. Our order was prepared promptly and arrived right on time, piping hot and exactly as requested. The atmosphere struck a perfect balance-modern yet family-friendly-creating a comfortable and inviting environment for all. I must reiterate that I have never had a better burger. We look forward to returning. With sincere admiration, Justin R. and Family read more

This burger spot is absolutely phenomenal. The burgers are packed with flavor, perfectly cooked, and crafted with fresh, high-quality ingredients that make every bite unforgettable. Each burger feels thoughtfully made--from the juicy patties to the toppings that balance just right without overpowering the taste. The atmosphere is welcoming, and the service makes the experience even better. You can tell the staff truly care about creating a great dining experience, and that adds so much to the meal. If you're craving a burger that feels like it was made just for you, this is the place to go. Every visit leaves you satisfied and already planning your next one. read more

"The Crispy, Perfectly Grilled Patty Makes This Hands Down the Best Burger Spot in San Diego" Food: The burgers are incredibly well-balanced, but the patty is the real star--crispy on the outside, tender and juicy inside. Generous portions of meat make it super filling. I've already gone twice recently! Service: The staff are quick, attentive, and friendly. They constantly check in at the tables to make sure you have everything you need. Ambiance: It's always bustling since it's such a popular spot, but the outdoor seating makes it easy to grab a table. The atmosphere is amazing--it honestly feels like being on vacation. Can't wait to come back! read more

Such a great experience at Tanner's! The smashburger was excellent--perfectly crispy edges, juicy center, and so flavorful. The tallow fries were absolutely delicious too... crispy, rich, and totally addictive. So yummy!!! But the real highlight was our Kristi. She was entertaining, uplifting, and incredibly attentive from start to finish. Her energy is contagious--so positive, so warm, and she made the whole meal feel fun and welcoming. It's rare to find someone who brings that much genuine enthusiasm to their job, and she truly made the experience memorable. Highly recommend stopping by Tanner's. Great food, amazing service! read more

As a local, I was really excited to try out this new burger spot. The menu is simple, and although the line was long, it moved quickly. The staff are friendly, and the place is clean. The fries paired with the garlic aioli sauce are a standout--crispy and flavorful. However, the burger patties are disappointingly over-salted. It's so intense that it actually burns my tongue. At first, I thought it was just my burger, but others in my group experienced the same issue. For a burger place where the patty is the main dish, this was really disappointing. It's a real letdown considering everything else was pretty solid. read more

Absolutely, here's a more detailed version: "As I reflect on my experience at Tanner's Prime, I can't help but linger on the memory of their incredible burger and fries. The moment I sunk my teeth into the perfectly cooked beef, accompanied by the freshness of the bun, I was transported to a place of culinary bliss. Each bite was a symphony of flavors, leaving me wanting to prolong the experience indefinitely. And let's not forget about the fries - crispy, golden, and utterly irresistible. I wholeheartedly recommend Tanner's Prime to anyone seeking an unforgettable dining experience." read more

I was thoroughly impressed. I opted for the 1/3 lb smash burger, and it was fantastic. The beefy flavor was spot-on, and the burger was incredibly satisfying--one was enough to leave me full. The beef tallow fries are nearly PERFECT and complement the meal well, adding to the enjoyment. The atmosphere at Tanner's is welcoming, and the service is friendly and efficient. Despite the line, the wait was reasonable, and the food was worth it. If you're craving a delicious burger in the area, Tanner's Prime Burgers is a must-try! read more