Boll Weevil (Demolished)
Escondido, CA
Photo courtesy M.C. Morrissey

Ever thought a boll weevil might make a good lunch stop? The Boll Weevil in Escondido offered something more appetizing than its name suggested, serving big Steerburgers to hungry locals and passing travelers. A little insect, a pretty sizable meal. 07-03

The San Diego chain began in 1966 beside Fred and Lorraine Halleman’s Cotton Patch steakhouse. Beef trimmings from the steaks went into the original burgers, giving the casual restaurant a little steakhouse pedigree. The half-pound Steerburger and its table-side condiment tray became familiar favorites. Pile on the toppings and see whether the whole thing still fits in your mouth.

UPDATE: The Boll Weevil restaurant in Escondido,CA, is no longer there. It has been bulldozed and replaced by a laundromat. Many thanks to Janey for update. 04-08

UPDATE: The Escondido restaurant was bulldozed and replaced by a laundromat, trading burgers for washers and dryers. The parent company closed its company-owned restaurants in September 2008, although independent locations carried on. This old Valley Parkway stop is now another roadside memory. 10-26