Hole in the Wall Burger — Restaurant in Lake Forest

Hole in the Wall Burger: Lake Forest's Hidden Culinary Treasure

Sometimes the most remarkable dining discoveries happen by pure chance. Hole in the Wall Burger in Lake Forest caught our attention through its intriguingly honest name, and what we found exceeded every expectation imaginable.

True to its name, this establishment is literally a hole in the wall, but don't let the modest exterior fool you. The moment we met Ricky, the enthusiastic owner, we knew we'd stumbled upon something special. His infectious energy and genuine warmth immediately set the tone for an unforgettable experience. Learning that his mother handles all the cooking adds a beautiful family authenticity to the operation.

The menu cleverly combines American and Mexican cuisines, offering both burger classics and authentic Mexican dishes. I ordered the spicy burger and asked Ricky to surprise me - a decision that led to culinary bliss. The carne asada taco plate he selected was exceptional, featuring perfectly seasoned meat and fresh accompaniments. The spicy burger delivered exactly the right balance of heat and flavor, while the crispy fries provided the perfect complement.

So impressed by our first visit, I returned the following day with half the visiting waterpolo team. Ricky's cheerful demeanor never wavered, even as we commandeered every table in the tiny space. His surprise selection this time was a carne asada quesadilla - admittedly greasy but absolutely divine. The entire group, adults and children alike, left completely satisfied.

As our Irvine visit concluded, Hole in the Wall Burger remained the unanimous highlight of our culinary adventures.

Thank you, Ricky, for proving that the best food often comes from the most unexpected places, served with genuine heart and...

Posting this during covid 19 so if you’re reading this years from now keep that in mind (also, hey look we made it through! Yess!). I ordered and waited outside for less than ten minutes for my burger and AMAZING waffle fries.

I woke up today craving a burger and thought of in and out right away but my wife wanted pupusas from the El Salvadorian restaurant in the same plaza so I decided to finally give this place a try.

I work right up the street so I’d always see these guys on google maps when looking up restaurants in the area. I have been wanting to try this place out for a while and after I tried it today I feel dumb for waiting so long. I ordered the California burger combo and it was so... freaking... GOOD y’all. Every part of this burger was perfect. The buns were toasted, the lettuce was crisp and fresh, the avocado and fried egg complimented each other perfectly and the patty... holy cow the patty was juicy, thick, flavorful, I dunno I can only say that this has to be what a krabby patty or a burger from bob’s burgers tastes like. If I knew how good this place was I would’ve been there on day one.

I.... will... be.... back. So......

This place is literally it's name and it puts the fast food joints to shame. I'm saying. I'm glad I noticed this spot and gave it a shot. I'll end up going here a lot. The burger is nuanced and might not be appreciated as much if you can't taste the difference of fresh never frozen, and chuck patty meat vs regular but it was spectacular. Perfectly cooked not under or over, but all the way through. Served at a great temperature with so much melting cheese sliding off I was able to dip my fries. The ingredients all taste very fresh, and are at just the right ratios that I like. I couldn't do onions on my lunch break but the tomatoes were nice thick and juicy. This burger reminds me of when you go to a bonfire or a party and you got a friend who is a professional chef. Truly classic. The criscut fries were the best I've had and I am that guy who only orders sides when they are exceptional. I don't need the added food otherwise. These are absolutely worth every bite and the additional calories.

Let me add Any place that has both coke and Pepsi is a plus to me.

Staff was very friendly helpful and has a...