Technically, I started covering the San Diego burger beat for the A Hamburger Today blog on Serious Eats in August of 2010, so while there wasn’t a full 12 months of burger exploration, I did uncover some truly noteworthy spots, including a few burgers in San Francisco. Here are my 5 favorite burgers from 2010.

1. Bruschetta Burger at Nicky Rotten’s

This remarkably well constructed burger features a big, juicy patty, mixed greens, garlic, parmesan cheese, basil aioli, and a provolone cheese “envelope” filled with diced roma tomatoes. For $10, you get the burger with a giant portion of fries. It’s a solid value, especially for the Gaslamp Quarter, and one of my all-time-favorite burgers in San Diego.

2. Bacon Cheeseburger at Hodad’s

Punk rock, tattoos, and cheeseburgers. Hodad’s has three of my favorite things in one location. The burgers are stacked high with toppings, and are delicious in their simplicity. Battered, seasoned steak fries on the side are a must. Warning: this meal is highly habit-forming.

3. Grass-Fed Burgers at Roam

You really can’t beat grass-fed. Even the simplest cheeseburger at Roam radiates pure, beefy flavor…and even though the patties are thin, you can still get them with a healthy blush of pink. Paired with an order of sweet potato fries tossed in maple and chipotle seasoning, it’s a crazy good meal that’s worth shelling out a few extra bucks.

4. Cheeseburger at Tanguito

Fisherman’s Wharf is the epitome of a tourist trap, but the giant burger at Tanguito, an Argentinean food truck, is worth braving the crowds to try. The half pound of beef is mixed with chimichurri sauce and topped with sauteed mushrooms, red pepper, and cheese. Best of all, it’s only $6.

5. Angus Burger at Crazee Burger

Crazee Burger may be famous for offering wild game, gator, and blue crab burgers, but I found perfection with their basic angus cheeseburger. During happy hour, it’s only $2.99. The sweet potato fries, which are dusted with parmesan cheese, are also excellent. Under no circumstances should you attempt to split an order…you’re going to want each and every one of them for yourself.