Dad’s Hamburger Sandwich

Burger-loving Northern Californians agree: Dad’s Luncheonette is a must-visit spot on any road trip through the Bay Area. Housed in an old train caboose on the side of the road in Half Moon Bay, it’s the vision of chef and co-owner Scott Clark, who opened the restaurant after the birth of his daughter inspired a shift away from a career in fine dining. Now he spends his time slinging nostalgia-driven food like these hamburger sandwiches, which are beloved by locals and visitors alike.

“I grew up in a family where we ate everything on white bread, so that part was very easy,” Clark says. When devising the dish that would anchor the menu at Dad’s, he thought, “We’re going to make a hamburger, and we’re going to slam it between two buttery, toasted pieces of white bread.” With a runny fried egg for richness and pickled red onions for brightness and acid, it’s about as well balanced as a burger can get. Also, because Clark “does not f*#% with ketchup,” he slathers the bread with Dad’s Sauce, a sweet and tangy tomato-free spread that he calls “the embodiment of what ketchup should be.” Use any leftovers as a dip or in place of mayo in potato salad. —Kendra Vaculin