Whiz Biz: OC Burger Co.

Whiz Biz: OC Burger Co.

Address: 22205 El Paseo, Ste. A, Rancho Santa Margarita

Phone: 949-207-7046

Website: www.ocburgerco.com

Owner: Chris Watanabe

Employees: 12

What’s Nearby: , , Edwards Cinemas,

What Makes it So Awesome: When it comes to beef between a bun, OC Burger Co. knows how to do it right. From the Chili Cheddar to the Buffalo Bleu Cheese to the Guacamole Bacon Burger, this casual restaurant offers a wide variety of  gourmet selections at a great price.

What’s the Scoop: The goal was simple: Bring a quality burger to south Orange County at a price folks could afford. The result was OC Burger Co., which opened in July, 2010 in the heart of Rancho Santa Margarita's shopping district. A year and a half later, business folks, families and students alike have walked through the doors to see what all the fuss is about. And they haven’t been disappointed.

A step inside the restaurant and one will see several flat-screen TVs on the wall, as well as a large Darth Vader poster near the register. Several simple but comfortable wooden tables and chairs are arranged around the dining area, and the smell of juicy grilled burgers rises from the back. This could easily be the backdrop for a lunch meeting, a family get-together, guys’ night out or even a date.

“The atmosphere is pretty casual, so we attract all sorts of crowds,” said manager Omar Yakar. “On early release days, the middle school students walk over for lunch, and in the evenings, people bring their families in. On the weekends, we put the football game on for sports fans.” He added that the customers are the favorite part about his job: “I enjoy seeing all the regulars and being able to make their day with a smile.”

What’s Unique: With 15 unique burgers on the menu, one is sure to please the palate. There’s the Aloha Burger, complete with grilled pineapple and teriyaki sauce, the Peppercorn Burger, with cheese and crispy shoestring onions, and the ever popular Fire Burger, comprised of crispy jalapeno slices, pepper jack cheese and chipotle ketchup. For those who aren’t in the mood for dinner, the Breakfast Burger—complete with fried egg, bacon and American cheese—is sure to do the trick. And for health conscious folks, the Veggie Delight, comprised of sautéed mushrooms, grilled onions, avocado and barbecue sauce, is a tasty alternative. All burgers are made with 1/3 pound quality Angus Beef and grilled to “backyard barbecue” perfection; most range in price from $5.50 to $6.00.

Of course, there’s the infamous BYOB, or Build your Own Burger, starting at just $4.95. Customers can add on unique toppings such as pineapple, avocado, homemade chili, mushrooms, grilled bell peppers and bleu cheese for between 50 cents and $1. And for extra hungry folks, an extra patty can be added for $1.95.

“We can pretty much make a burger any way someone wants it,” said Yakar.

Crispy zucchini sticks, chili cheese fries and sweet potato fries are just a few of the delicious sides, and if there’s room for dessert, mini cup cakes, chocolate chip cookies and ice cream are on the menu. OC Burger Co. also offers Kids Meals for just $4.95.

Bargain lovers can enjoy Happy Hour on Monday through Thursday from 7 p.m. to close, where pitchers of beer are half-off and tasty sliders are just 95 cents apiece. On tap beer includes Coors Light, Newcastle and Blue Moon. Customers can also find printable coupons online.

Its casual but fun atmosphere, unique burgers and friendly staff have all helped OC Burger Co. find its niche and maintain a growing reputation around town. With a wide variety of customers and regulars who keep coming back for more,  this burger place is cookin'.