Best Burgers

Matt
Best Burgers

Best Burgers

In the healthy city of LA, cheat days are burger focused. Thrillist and Eater align with my top picks and you can find them here.
The same minds that brought you Sugarfish and Uovo (which is right next door) are in charge of HiHo, which serves double-decker cheeseburgers made with wagyu beef from one specific (and delicious) New Zealand farm. The burgers are stacked with lettuce, pickles, ketchup, and onion jam on a white bun -- a traditional kick to a leveled-up burger.
10 locals recommend
HiHo Cheeseburger
1320 2nd St
10 locals recommend
The same minds that brought you Sugarfish and Uovo (which is right next door) are in charge of HiHo, which serves double-decker cheeseburgers made with wagyu beef from one specific (and delicious) New Zealand farm. The burgers are stacked with lettuce, pickles, ketchup, and onion jam on a white bun -- a traditional kick to a leveled-up burger.
An Italian spot that's putting Bolognese sauce on a burger The fancy-ish Italian restaurant Rossoblu may be best-known for their pastas, but the Bolo Burger -- now available at brunch -- could turn that around. Chef Steve Samson’s dishing out a thick-patty ground on a milk bun with slaw and ragu sauce -- a sort of sloppy joe-meets-burger masterpiece that’s an excellent way to start a weekend day.
10 locals recommend
Rossoblu
1124 San Julian St
10 locals recommend
An Italian spot that's putting Bolognese sauce on a burger The fancy-ish Italian restaurant Rossoblu may be best-known for their pastas, but the Bolo Burger -- now available at brunch -- could turn that around. Chef Steve Samson’s dishing out a thick-patty ground on a milk bun with slaw and ragu sauce -- a sort of sloppy joe-meets-burger masterpiece that’s an excellent way to start a weekend day.
A pop-up burger that’s outgrown its reputation So here’s the thing about Burgers Never Say Die: it doesn’t really exist as a restaurant at all. Instead, it started as an Instagram phenomenon -- a killer, classic burger, made in front of some dude’s house, leading to long lines, tons of hype, and a takedown from the cops. But from the ashes has come one of LA’s most sought-after pop-ups, appearing at Smorgasburg and Animal with smashed patties and oozy cheese.
15 locals recommend
Burgers Never Say Die
2388 Glendale Blvd
15 locals recommend
A pop-up burger that’s outgrown its reputation So here’s the thing about Burgers Never Say Die: it doesn’t really exist as a restaurant at all. Instead, it started as an Instagram phenomenon -- a killer, classic burger, made in front of some dude’s house, leading to long lines, tons of hype, and a takedown from the cops. But from the ashes has come one of LA’s most sought-after pop-ups, appearing at Smorgasburg and Animal with smashed patties and oozy cheese.
Providence chef Michael Cimarusti’s umami-forward new burger Michael Cimarusti may be most famous for the seafood he serves at Providence and Connie and Ted's, but that’s what makes his burger -- at Best Girl, the restaurant in the Ace Downtown -- so exciting. Not only does he eschew brioche in favor of a potato bun, but it’s topped with a sauce made from umeboshi, a salty plum that knocks your taste buds away into umamified bliss.
Best Girl
927 S Broadway
Providence chef Michael Cimarusti’s umami-forward new burger Michael Cimarusti may be most famous for the seafood he serves at Providence and Connie and Ted's, but that’s what makes his burger -- at Best Girl, the restaurant in the Ace Downtown -- so exciting. Not only does he eschew brioche in favor of a potato bun, but it’s topped with a sauce made from umeboshi, a salty plum that knocks your taste buds away into umamified bliss.
Rock 'n' roll burgers with all the toppings you can imagine Here’s what’s sad about Grill ‘Em All: the metal-influenced burger shop hasn’t expanded from its one storefront in Alhambra, which means hungry heshers have to choose between concoctions like the Jump in the Fire (an unholy concoction that sees a burger topped with fried chicken, bacon, Sriracha, and maple between two waffles -- yes, waffles) and the killer Chinese food around it. Hey guys: it’s time for another store. Please?
9 locals recommend
Grill 'em All
5411 E Main St
9 locals recommend
Rock 'n' roll burgers with all the toppings you can imagine Here’s what’s sad about Grill ‘Em All: the metal-influenced burger shop hasn’t expanded from its one storefront in Alhambra, which means hungry heshers have to choose between concoctions like the Jump in the Fire (an unholy concoction that sees a burger topped with fried chicken, bacon, Sriracha, and maple between two waffles -- yes, waffles) and the killer Chinese food around it. Hey guys: it’s time for another store. Please?
An In-N-Out-style burger in an ‘80s arcade bar One of LA’s best burgers also comes from one of its most unlikely places: the Asian-leaning menu from the Starry Kitchen duo at the video-game-laden gastropub Button Mash. A year was spent researching other burgers to nail this one, which is double-decker a la In-N-Out and smashed to give it crunch; it bashes you with all-American flavor (and also goes great with dan dan noodles).
106 locals recommend
Button Mash
1391 Sunset Blvd
106 locals recommend
An In-N-Out-style burger in an ‘80s arcade bar One of LA’s best burgers also comes from one of its most unlikely places: the Asian-leaning menu from the Starry Kitchen duo at the video-game-laden gastropub Button Mash. A year was spent researching other burgers to nail this one, which is double-decker a la In-N-Out and smashed to give it crunch; it bashes you with all-American flavor (and also goes great with dan dan noodles).
A decadent burger at an LA institution The Fairfax institution’s Boner burger (so named because the blend includes bone marrow, so get your mind out of the gutter) started out an off-menu secret but has become a standing favorite, its declaration of decadence boldly stated by its short-rib-chuck-marrow blend, poblano chilies, a zangy sauce, gooey cheese, and grilled onions on toasted, buttered rye.
117 locals recommend
Animal
435 N Fairfax Ave
117 locals recommend
A decadent burger at an LA institution The Fairfax institution’s Boner burger (so named because the blend includes bone marrow, so get your mind out of the gutter) started out an off-menu secret but has become a standing favorite, its declaration of decadence boldly stated by its short-rib-chuck-marrow blend, poblano chilies, a zangy sauce, gooey cheese, and grilled onions on toasted, buttered rye.
No-frills, David Chang-approved beef This reopened and revitalized version of the long-closed LA classic nails its burgers, the classic version of which is made from grass-fed ground beef and topped with Thousand Island, tomatoes, onions, and pickles on a Parker House bun. Don’t sleep on the patty melt, though: David Chang has called it the best version he’s ever tasted.
40 locals recommend
Cassells Burgers
3600 W 6th St
40 locals recommend
No-frills, David Chang-approved beef This reopened and revitalized version of the long-closed LA classic nails its burgers, the classic version of which is made from grass-fed ground beef and topped with Thousand Island, tomatoes, onions, and pickles on a Parker House bun. Don’t sleep on the patty melt, though: David Chang has called it the best version he’s ever tasted.
An old-school shack, with an old-school burger, made by an old-school guy It seems that no one really knows the proper name of this blink-and-you’ll miss it, postcard-sized, Oxnard Street stand, but it doesn’t matter: what you do know is that Bill'll be there (like he has been for the past 50-something years) and, maybe more importantly, Bill’s grill’ll still be there too; the perfectly seasoned flat-top adds an extra something-something to griddled double cheeseburgers that simultaneously taste like childhood and the best thing you’ve had since then.
6 locals recommend
Bill's Burgers
14742 Oxnard St
6 locals recommend
An old-school shack, with an old-school burger, made by an old-school guy It seems that no one really knows the proper name of this blink-and-you’ll miss it, postcard-sized, Oxnard Street stand, but it doesn’t matter: what you do know is that Bill'll be there (like he has been for the past 50-something years) and, maybe more importantly, Bill’s grill’ll still be there too; the perfectly seasoned flat-top adds an extra something-something to griddled double cheeseburgers that simultaneously taste like childhood and the best thing you’ve had since then.
The South Bay’s long-standing burger champs The original Redondo Beach location is in the back of a liquor store, and is named because, well, that’s all there is. But the burgers here -- massive patties, with stacked toppings like braised short rib -- have made it a favorite not just for local beach-dwellers, but a destination for burger lovers as well.
32 locals recommend
The Standing Room Restaurant
144 N Catalina Ave
32 locals recommend
The South Bay’s long-standing burger champs The original Redondo Beach location is in the back of a liquor store, and is named because, well, that’s all there is. But the burgers here -- massive patties, with stacked toppings like braised short rib -- have made it a favorite not just for local beach-dwellers, but a destination for burger lovers as well.
A locally beloved chain with massive burger patties and interesting toppings Originally based in Culver City, this mini-chain emerged during the same burger craze that gave us Umami Burger -- and then blasted past that now-ubiquitous chain quality-wise, with bigger, juicier patties that are consistently, gorgeously drippy. You can’t go wrong with any of their options, from their classic PCB (with the much-lauded “ketchup leather,” essentially a solid version of the condiment) to the just-dropped Chef’s New Favorite, topped with Swiss, bacon, chopped chilies, and avocado spread.
200 locals recommend
Plan Check
1800 Sawtelle Blvd
200 locals recommend
A locally beloved chain with massive burger patties and interesting toppings Originally based in Culver City, this mini-chain emerged during the same burger craze that gave us Umami Burger -- and then blasted past that now-ubiquitous chain quality-wise, with bigger, juicier patties that are consistently, gorgeously drippy. You can’t go wrong with any of their options, from their classic PCB (with the much-lauded “ketchup leather,” essentially a solid version of the condiment) to the just-dropped Chef’s New Favorite, topped with Swiss, bacon, chopped chilies, and avocado spread.
The fancy burger that changed fancy burgers forever “But,” you may argue, “the Father’s Office burger was the best burger in LA, like, 10 years ago, grandpa?” OK, that’s true. But knocking the FO burger is sort of like knocking Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band: without it, all the greatness that came afterwards would never be able to exist. And it still tastes (and sounds) pretty great.
344 locals recommend
Father's Office
1018 Montana Ave
344 locals recommend
The fancy burger that changed fancy burgers forever “But,” you may argue, “the Father’s Office burger was the best burger in LA, like, 10 years ago, grandpa?” OK, that’s true. But knocking the FO burger is sort of like knocking Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band: without it, all the greatness that came afterwards would never be able to exist. And it still tastes (and sounds) pretty great.
A massive burger that’s best at Happy Hour So this is smart: This steakhouse takes the leftover choppings from their wagyu steaks and grinds them together for this beast, and then abets that patty with dry-aged ragu, Camembert, Cheddar, tomato, red onion, and marrow mayo, all on a miso Dutch Crunch bun. Hit it at “social hour” from 5-6:30pm, when the price drops from an unreasonable $26 to a mostly-reasonable $16.
12 locals recommend
Alexander's Steakhouse
111 N Los Robles Ave
12 locals recommend
A massive burger that’s best at Happy Hour So this is smart: This steakhouse takes the leftover choppings from their wagyu steaks and grinds them together for this beast, and then abets that patty with dry-aged ragu, Camembert, Cheddar, tomato, red onion, and marrow mayo, all on a miso Dutch Crunch bun. Hit it at “social hour” from 5-6:30pm, when the price drops from an unreasonable $26 to a mostly-reasonable $16.
The best drinking-base burger on the Westside Can you imagine the outcry if we didn’t put this Westside staple on a list of the best burgers in town? This all-American, perfectly salted, freshly made patty is the best late-night option near the beach and tastes even better topped with a hot dog, especially if you’re a few drinks in when you get it.
318 locals recommend
Hinano Cafe
15 Washington Blvd
318 locals recommend
The best drinking-base burger on the Westside Can you imagine the outcry if we didn’t put this Westside staple on a list of the best burgers in town? This all-American, perfectly salted, freshly made patty is the best late-night option near the beach and tastes even better topped with a hot dog, especially if you’re a few drinks in when you get it.
A massive flavor-punch in a not-at-all-massive burger Nearly immediately after opening this Downtown gastropub started getting raves for its deceptively simple burger, which comes from a Mozza alum and is a smaller sandwich with Tillamook Cheddar, a fresh-chuck single patty, and mayo. And that’s about it -- but in one bite, you’ll realize you don’t need much more.
48 locals recommend
Everson Royce Bar
1936 E 7th St
48 locals recommend
A massive flavor-punch in a not-at-all-massive burger Nearly immediately after opening this Downtown gastropub started getting raves for its deceptively simple burger, which comes from a Mozza alum and is a smaller sandwich with Tillamook Cheddar, a fresh-chuck single patty, and mayo. And that’s about it -- but in one bite, you’ll realize you don’t need much more.
Gooey cheese and a perfect ratio makes this staple pop It’s easy to forget this no-frills Fairfax institution, especially since its owners have gone on to open superlative restaurants in other categories (looking at you for BBQ, Bludso’s; and pizza, Prime; and breakfast burritos, Cofax!) But their burger still remains among the city’s best, mostly because it’s always cooked to perfect medium-rareness, and their ratio of patty-to-bun-to-cheese-to-bacon is impeccable.
47 locals recommend
The Golden State
1916 Lincoln Blvd
47 locals recommend
Gooey cheese and a perfect ratio makes this staple pop It’s easy to forget this no-frills Fairfax institution, especially since its owners have gone on to open superlative restaurants in other categories (looking at you for BBQ, Bludso’s; and pizza, Prime; and breakfast burritos, Cofax!) But their burger still remains among the city’s best, mostly because it’s always cooked to perfect medium-rareness, and their ratio of patty-to-bun-to-cheese-to-bacon is impeccable.
Top your burger with sushi and more at this beachside staple This brunch spot has been a quiet burger-game contender for years, since the restaurant’s sandwiches are often overshadowed by its (stellar) scrambles. Don’t sleep on these monstrous burgers, though, especially the weird ones -- spicy tuna may seem like an oddball topping for a burger, but it seriously works. Seriously.
90 locals recommend
26 Beach
3100 Washington Blvd
90 locals recommend
Top your burger with sushi and more at this beachside staple This brunch spot has been a quiet burger-game contender for years, since the restaurant’s sandwiches are often overshadowed by its (stellar) scrambles. Don’t sleep on these monstrous burgers, though, especially the weird ones -- spicy tuna may seem like an oddball topping for a burger, but it seriously works. Seriously.
Your grandma’s favorite burger -- and maybe yours, too Another LA classic that hasn’t changed in decades, and for good reason -- when you sit down at the bar here and order a Hickory burger (some people may tell you to get the Steakburger; those people are wrong), you’re hit with nostalgia for a time you probably never even experienced, when burger joints were called soda fountains, everyone behind the counter was a gruff old man, and the sweet, savory taste of smoky sauce and crisp iceberg was as heavenly as it could get.
82 locals recommend
The Apple Pan
10801 W Pico Blvd
82 locals recommend
Your grandma’s favorite burger -- and maybe yours, too Another LA classic that hasn’t changed in decades, and for good reason -- when you sit down at the bar here and order a Hickory burger (some people may tell you to get the Steakburger; those people are wrong), you’re hit with nostalgia for a time you probably never even experienced, when burger joints were called soda fountains, everyone behind the counter was a gruff old man, and the sweet, savory taste of smoky sauce and crisp iceberg was as heavenly as it could get.
It’s a stone-cold, simple classic, but once you eat it once, you have to eat it again. And again
14 locals recommend
Pie'n Burger
913 E California Blvd
14 locals recommend
It’s a stone-cold, simple classic, but once you eat it once, you have to eat it again. And again
A former off-menu favorite that’s now also available at lunch The Hinoki Okonomiyaki burger’s become a thing of legend, not just for its unique flavors (charred, with the premium-cut rib-eye deckle as part of its grind, topped with bonito flakes and seaweed mayo among pickled jalapeño and carrots, as well as other oddball-but-delicious ingredients) but for its former rarity: though it was once only available during happy hour, you can get it during lunch now too.
16 locals recommend
Hinoki & the Bird
10 W Century Dr
16 locals recommend
A former off-menu favorite that’s now also available at lunch The Hinoki Okonomiyaki burger’s become a thing of legend, not just for its unique flavors (charred, with the premium-cut rib-eye deckle as part of its grind, topped with bonito flakes and seaweed mayo among pickled jalapeño and carrots, as well as other oddball-but-delicious ingredients) but for its former rarity: though it was once only available during happy hour, you can get it during lunch now too.
A mini-chain with a salty burger that packs a punch Disciples of the Oinkster crow on and on about its classic Angus beef-pattied burgers, and they’re absolutely right to do so. The mini-chain’s essentially perfected the burger that Five Guys thinks it has, with a perfect salt-to-meat ratio that makes it a shame there aren’t even more locations where you can grab it.
80 locals recommend
The Oinkster
2005 Colorado Blvd
80 locals recommend
A mini-chain with a salty burger that packs a punch Disciples of the Oinkster crow on and on about its classic Angus beef-pattied burgers, and they’re absolutely right to do so. The mini-chain’s essentially perfected the burger that Five Guys thinks it has, with a perfect salt-to-meat ratio that makes it a shame there aren’t even more locations where you can grab it.
The spiciest burger on this list This ultra-spicy burger was famously off-menu for years, but the colorful Owner/Chef Sarintip "Jazz" Singsanong has finally added her eponymous patty to the actual menu; the beef is marinated in palm sugar and garlic before being topped with Thai basil and chili, and is wrapped in lettuce instead of buns, for extra crunch (and no extra carbs) (which means you can also order the pad Thai).
67 locals recommend
Jitlada Restaurant
5233 Sunset Blvd
67 locals recommend
The spiciest burger on this list This ultra-spicy burger was famously off-menu for years, but the colorful Owner/Chef Sarintip "Jazz" Singsanong has finally added her eponymous patty to the actual menu; the beef is marinated in palm sugar and garlic before being topped with Thai basil and chili, and is wrapped in lettuce instead of buns, for extra crunch (and no extra carbs) (which means you can also order the pad Thai).
Hand ground burgers served in an old fashioned way.
152 locals recommend
R+D Kitchen
1323 Montana Ave
152 locals recommend
Hand ground burgers served in an old fashioned way.
I know you want to go here, but don't waste a meal here. If you must have an I-N-Out, go there on your way to the airport. The Double Double may very well be the city’s quintessential burger. It’s enduring deliciousness makes it one of the best and most important burgers on the planet.
336 locals recommend
In-N-Out Burger
13425 Washington Blvd
336 locals recommend
I know you want to go here, but don't waste a meal here. If you must have an I-N-Out, go there on your way to the airport. The Double Double may very well be the city’s quintessential burger. It’s enduring deliciousness makes it one of the best and most important burgers on the planet.
Chef Ludo Lefebvre’s Big Mec is the stuff of legends with its $18 price tag (sans fries) and shimmering photo-worthiness. Double-stacked patties drop with a foie gras-spiked Bordelaise sauce and melted cheddar, an ode to the famed burger at Chicago’s Au Cheval.
51 locals recommend
Petit Trois
718 N Highland Ave
51 locals recommend
Chef Ludo Lefebvre’s Big Mec is the stuff of legends with its $18 price tag (sans fries) and shimmering photo-worthiness. Double-stacked patties drop with a foie gras-spiked Bordelaise sauce and melted cheddar, an ode to the famed burger at Chicago’s Au Cheval.
Watts’s most beloved meal is at Hawkins, where the loosely-formed beef patties arrive thick and impressive from their time on the griddle. Service is perilously slow, but in the end that just builds the hunger — which is exactly what’s needed when tackling these behemoths.
Hawkins
11603 Slater St
Watts’s most beloved meal is at Hawkins, where the loosely-formed beef patties arrive thick and impressive from their time on the griddle. Service is perilously slow, but in the end that just builds the hunger — which is exactly what’s needed when tackling these behemoths.
This Arts District favorite continues its reign as one of the most talked-about beef-and-bun options anywhere in Los Angeles. Former Mozza lead Matt Molina has turned up the seemingly simple burger to 11, showing that it’s not always about stacking ingredients. A simple seared patty on a plush bun, for a kind of ideal take on the McDonald’s cheeseburger.
48 locals recommend
Everson Royce Bar
1936 E 7th St
48 locals recommend
This Arts District favorite continues its reign as one of the most talked-about beef-and-bun options anywhere in Los Angeles. Former Mozza lead Matt Molina has turned up the seemingly simple burger to 11, showing that it’s not always about stacking ingredients. A simple seared patty on a plush bun, for a kind of ideal take on the McDonald’s cheeseburger.
The fact that chili is offered as a hamburger topping at most burger stands in the Southland is a testament to the enduring influence of Tommy’s. The chain, now 70-plus years in marrying beef, bun, chili, and cheese, shows absolutely no signs of slowing down any time soon.
39 locals recommend
Original Tommy's Hamburgers
2575 Beverly Blvd
39 locals recommend
The fact that chili is offered as a hamburger topping at most burger stands in the Southland is a testament to the enduring influence of Tommy’s. The chain, now 70-plus years in marrying beef, bun, chili, and cheese, shows absolutely no signs of slowing down any time soon.