Whomp Burger & Brew in Ocean Beach is a place where you can feel free to come and just hang out.
So says Brenna Olsen who, along with business partner and old friend Brian Freye, co-owns and operates the eatery at 1774 Sunset Cliffs Blvd., which has been open since May and previously housed Sundara Indian restaurant.
Olsen described the menu of Whomp as “really minimal” but extremely good with its specialty: burgers. But, she added, their burgers are not of the “big-giant-huge-in-your-face” variety.
“Ours is more of a smash style,” she said. “It’s thinner than really big meaty burgers. You can have it for lunch and not feel stuffed afterward. It is just delicious.”
Whomp burgers come in quarter- and half-pound beef patties served with grilled onions and special “secret” Womp sauce that Olsen said has been “well received” while adding “the bun is really great too.”
A native San Diegan who has previously lived in OB, Olsen noted she has “worked in restaurants my whole life,” though this is her first venture co-owning one. She said she grew up with a dad who “favored cheeseburgers,” adding that inspired her to invest in her own burger place allowing her to “put her own twist on it.”
But there is a lot more at Whomp than just burgers. The simple but exciting menu includes chicken wings, sandwiches, and as well as baskets of fries or tots. There is even a root beer float for kids of all ages.
“It is awesome,” said Olsen of their signature dessert adding, “They have whipped cream, sprinkles, and little licorice sticks. The kids love them. We also have coloring books and tabletop games for the kids, as well as a back patio that you can rent out for an event.”
Olsen noted her restaurant also serves craft beer on tap and wine. Whomp also offers pickup and online ordering. There is a breakfast menu on Sundays that includes breakfast burgers and related items like sausage, bacon, eggs, hash browns, and cheese.
And what of the name? Olsen explained it comes from a boogie and body boarding term.
“My business partner was a bodyboarder growing up and he would say, ‘’I’m going to get whomped,’” Olsen said. “When we were playing around with names, we put it on the list as a joke. Then it kind of became everyone’s favorite name.”
Olsen added the business name also goes well with the ’90s theme they’re cultivating at Whomps, which includes boogie boards on the walls, ’90s movie quotes, and similar memorabilia from that era.
“It’s really fun,” concluded Olsen of Whomp Burger & Brew. “It’s just a fun space – and nostalgic. We have a friendly staff who welcomes you when you come in. It’s like hanging out with your friends. Come in for the high fives, good times, and great burgers.”
WHOMP BURGER & BREW
Where: 1774 Sunset Cliffs Blvd.
Hours: Closed Mondays and Tuesdays; 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays; 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sundays.
Contact: whompburger.com, 619-230-5313
