Tanner's Prime Burgers

The story

Tanner's Prime Burgers: Michelin-Recommended Smashed Burgers in Oceanside

Smashing the Standard in Oceanside

Tanner’s Prime Burgers does one thing and does it well: a smashed burger built from 100% USDA Prime beef. Less than 5% of beef in the United States earns that grade, and here it’s the only kind that touches the grill. The patties are pressed thin on a griddle seasoned with pure beef tallow, giving each burger a lacy, crisp edge and deep, beefy flavor. The same tallow fries the potatoes, seasons the griddle, and even makes an appearance in the housemade vanilla ice cream.

A Chef-Driven Approach

Chef Brandon Rodgers leads the kitchen, and his attention to detail shows in every component. The beef comes from Brandt Beef, an all-natural Southern California ranch. Buns are soft brioche. The cheese is New School American, chosen for its melt. And the signature Tanner’s Sauce adds a tangy, creamy finish. The menu keeps it tight: the Tanner’s Prime Single and Double, the Dirty Double with pickles, a hot dog, and a burger salad for those avoiding the bun. Each burger comes topped with Cowboy Beef Bacon, caramelized onions, crisp lettuce, sweet onion, tomato, and a cascabella pepper.

Fries, Shakes, and the Prime Treatment

The tallow fries are russet potatoes fried in all-natural beef fat, seasoned simply with sea salt and black pepper. You can get them cheesy with New School American cheese sauce, or dirty — smothered with beef, bacon, caramelized onions, cheese, and a drizzle of garlic aioli. For dessert, there’s the Tanner’s Fatty Patty: vanilla beef tallow ice cream sandwiched between chocolate chip cookies. Milkshakes are made with Dutch chocolate and organic dairy.

Michelin-Recommended and Community-Built

In 2026, Tanner’s Prime Burgers earned a Michelin Recommended distinction, a nod to the uncompromising quality packed into every smash. The restaurant was also nominated by its community for Best Burger Restaurant, Best Fries, and Chef of the Year. It’s the kind of place where the food speaks for itself — no gimmicks, just prime beef cooked right.

The patio is dog-friendly, with Prime Pal Patties (100% USDA Prime beef patties) and water bowls for four-legged guests. Takeout is available, and there’s parking on-site.