Founded in Santa Barbara in 1969, Habit Burger & Grill brings its open-flame charbroiler to La Mesa's Grossmont-area Parkway Drive under parent company Yum! Brands. The Charburger sears 100% fresh ground beef on a stainless-steel charbroiler with cast-iron grates, a live-fire technique that produces results comparable to sit-down kitchens like Brigantine Seafood & Oyster Bar near Lake Murray. Consumer Reports named the Charburger with Cheese the top-tasting burger in America in a 2014 national survey, a distinction earned by the open-flame sear and fresh California produce. The menu extends beyond burgers to include sushi-grade ahi tuna sandwiches, grilled chicken, and hand-crafted salads, all cooked to order over the same open flame. Tempura Green Beans — ranked the top green-bean side among chain restaurants by The Daily Meal in 2023 — add a battered vegetable option rarely found in the fast-casual burger segment, a menu breadth that places this Parkway Drive location among La Mesa's most varied quick-service stops alongside Himalayan Cuisine's multi-region plates. The Santa Barbara Char layers a double charburger with avocado and melted cheese on grilled sourdough in a premium build anchoring the top tier of the charbroiled lineup.