PrintLos Angeles Area Burger Roundup
Although I live in New York City I spend quite a bit of time in Los Angeles, which gives me the chance to explore all that the City of Angels has to offer in the way of hamburgers. And that is an awful lot. As a friend who lives in L.A. stated, "NYC has pizza; we have burgers." Indeed, the proliferation of burger spots across the L.A. landscape is heartening for any lover of America's favorite sandwich. I have recently reported on the Apple Pan, Pie N Burger and Fred 62, so here is a quick roundup of some other burgers that I have tried in L.A.
In-N-Out Burger
There is surely no burger more synonymous with the Southern California style than the venerable and ubiquitous In-N-Out Burger chain. If I fly into Burbank, the Sunset Boulevard location is usually my first stop from the airport. While most people go for doubles, I prefer the simplicity of the single. I have also recently discovered Animal Style fries (topped with cheese, spread, and grilled onions), which make for an interesting diversion from the standard. If you have never eaten at In-N-Out, it should be your first stop in L.A.; if you have been there, it probably already is. 7009 Sunset Boulevard, Hollywood CA 90028 (map; numerous other locations); 800-786-1000; in-n-out.com
Pann's Restaurant
If I end up flying to Los Angeles instead of Berkeley, I usually stop off at the world famous Pann's Restaurant on La Tiejera as my first stop from the airport. You are probably familiar with Pann's even if you have never dined there as its classic and authentic 1950s look makes it a popular shooting location for films (for example, it was the location of the the opening scene in Pulp Fiction). While Pann's offers some wonderful fare such as chicken and waffles, chicken fried steak, and amazing pancakes, I often go for their burger. Inspired by the famous Bobcat Bite in Santa Fe, New Mexico, this fresh ground USDA Choice burger comes piled high with lettuce, tomato, onion, and Ortega green chilies on a homemade bun. It may not be the best burger around—the patty is perhaps a little on the svelte size—but it is far from the worst, and the unique and delicious green chilie topping make it worth the visit. 6710 La Tijera Boulevard, Los Angeles CA 90045 (map); 323-776-3770; panns.com
Rick's Drive In-N-Out
In many ways the burger at Rick's fulfills the Burger King ideal of offering flame grilled burgers your way. Fresh, never frozen beef is charbroiled and served on a sesame seed bun with the standard accoutrement. Rick's might not be the most glamorous joint—in fact the decor looks like it has not been updated since they opened in Silverlake back in the early 1980s—but they offer decent burgers at a very decent price. A quarter-pound combo with fries and a soda clocks in at $5.49. 2400 Fletcher Drive, Los Angeles CA 90039 (map); 323-660-5988
Fatburger
Although Fatburger is a chain with numerous locations, it maintains it ideals of offering "fresh lean beef, not frozen patties—cooked-to-order"—the same way they've been doing it since 1952. A friend recommended Fatburger but warned me that one needed to pile on the toppings. Indeed, when I ordered a plain burger I was thoroughly disappointed—the overseasoned patty was dry and leathery and got lost in the bun. It wasn't until I tried a standard burger that comes loaded with lettuce, onions, tomato, cheese, green relish, mayo, and mustard that I began to understand why this burger might be appealing. The synthesis of all the ingredients was certainly an improvement over the plain burger. I may not be a fan, but Fatburger does offer a unique expression of the hamburger. 1611 North Vermont Avenue, Hollywood CA 90027 (map; numerous other locations); 323-663-3100; fatburger.com
Related
In Videos: 'Burgertown' Explores L.A. Drive-In Burger Scene
Pie 'N Burger a Purely Californian Experience
Apple Pan: 'Quality Forever' in Los Angeles
In Los Angeles, Fred 62's Jucy Lucy Is Like In-N-Out on Steroids
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19 Comments:
No Tommy Burgers? :(
tricia_m at 10:40AM on 09/09/08
Good call Tricia, I was going to include Tommy's but I thought it warranted a full review, which will be forth coming...
Nick Solares at 10:53AM on 09/09/08
to the contrary...i find
ricks burgers thorougly dissapoiting and not worth noting- the fries actually had an acrid smell (although i'll forigve hte fries) The burger on the other hand has a less than satisfactory gummy bun like carls junior, with sesame seeds (i reallly believe sesame seeds destroy the texture top texture of buns) I don't like shredded lettuce ( i prefer to have a crunch) as the lettuce becomes soggy from the heat, and the burger was overall sloppy and too big.
Fat burger is also rather sloppy.
I do agree with in n out though...i prefer the single, (in terms of fast food burgers, the less meat the better) its compact, neat, everything is in the right proportion. And i love how the onions stay compact, and that they toast their buns on the flatop so that its crispedon the edges.
Tommy burger isn't overrated- it is what it is. But again, it doesn't warrant a "full review." If you don't like their thick goopy chili, you won't like the burger. My only complaint is that the patty is too thick, and dry hamuburger meat is never a good thing. Their pickles and i believe mustard are overdone too. "Tomato is good.
In the end, these "fastf'ood" burgers are all essentially compromised of the same ingredients. Its how those ingredients are put together that makes all the differnce. Of the above, i'd say in n out comes out top.
acomment at 11:25AM on 09/09/08
Most people I know say Tommy's has kind of gone down hill, granted still needed of a review on account that it's pretty huge.
The best is still Apollo Burgers and Bob's Burgers.
Rozillla at 11:37AM on 09/09/08
This Connecticut by way of Kentucky boy got his first taste of In-N-Out in March of this year and I've been hit with cravings ever since. Ridiculously good.
TastyNewEngland at 11:47AM on 09/09/08
That Fatburger looks uncommonly good, Nick. We should hit up the one in Jersey City. See how they compare.
Adam Kuban at 12:01PM on 09/09/08
When I arrive in CA I always look forward to The Habit Burger Grill. Burgers aren't exactly large; however, everything is nice and fresh - hits the spot. I like their fries and shakes too. Quick service and never been disappointed. I think I now prefer them to In-Out. Tried Tommy's twice and can't recommend them. Tried to buy a coupon book from Tommy's for a family member and that was a total disaster. Corporate office was incompetent at best.
judi0044 at 12:42PM on 09/09/08
I don't get it. My boyfriend went to college in CA and is in LOVE with in n out, so he took me when we were out there recently. Sure the bun is tasty, and the sauce is good, but..... that's not why i eat burgers, is it? The flimsy tiny patty is a joke, especially since i like my burgers medium-rare. You can't get a med-rare tiny patty, and so you always get a hockey-puck patty. And i think most of us can agree that over cooked meat is the WRONG way to eat meat. On that principal alone, i don't understand how a serious eater can endorse a southern california style burger.
mh330 at 1:32PM on 09/09/08
http://www.eatdrinkordie.com/blog/posts/2789
Here's my Top 11 burgers in LA list from May -- plus Honorable Mentions because there's so many great burgers in LA right now.
cheeseburger at 1:39PM on 09/09/08
And I'm totally with your take on Fatburger. I didn't even consider it for my best of list but I had one about a week ago(!) at 2 AM (now open 24 hours, at least in Sherman Oaks) and it hit the spot, good combo of ingredients.
cheeseburger at 1:44PM on 09/09/08
"If I end up flying to Los Angeles instead of Berkeley"? You mean if you fly into LAX instead of BUR?
kathryn at 1:55PM on 09/09/08
lets not forget though....in terms of overall burger....regardless of stytle...the best burger in CA is supposed to be FATHERS OFFICE.
I've never been....how is fathers office burger?
acomment at 5:59PM on 09/09/08
Dino's Burger is awesome!! The place is kinda sketchy looking but the cheeseburgers are pure magic. Just go eat one.
Dino's Burgers
2817 N Main St
Los Angeles, CA 90031
(323) 223-1843
CLCNYC at 6:41PM on 09/09/08
Surprised BBB (bob's big boy) didn't make the list. They were one of the pioneers and are still popular with locals. I hear Jay Leno is a regular. In-n-out is good, but they have a hard time living up to their hype. It's still fast food, afterall. What I'd like a tip on is where to find good sliders.
pattyplus at 7:06PM on 09/09/08
Bob's Big Boy is definitely worth a trip, especially to the Burbank one that still has the classic look and feel. I find their burgers to be a bit greasy, but in a way that tastes really good while I'm eating it (if I try hard not to think about my arteries closing up).
Father's Office is a must-try. The new one in Culver CIty seems to be a bit easier to manage than the original in Santa Monica. It's an eccentric take a on a burger that I find tasty but, to me, doesn't really match the flavor profile I associate with "burger."
If I'm in the mood for a sweet-and-salty caramelized onion/blue cheese/ground beef sandwich on a french roll with a great draft beer, Father's Office is the place. But if I'm looking for pickles, ketchup or any other kind of cheese - which is more often the case - I head elsewhere.
shred at 3:19PM on 09/10/08
I used to be in socal every 2 or 3 weeks, but haven't been out there in 4 years now, but I always bounced between In N Out , and Farmer boys, that farmer burger with all the bacon, cheese, and fresh avocado is KILLER!, would also always try to hit tommy's, love there chili!
jword2001 at 8:57PM on 09/10/08
The grilled cheese at In-n-Out Burger is a favorite of mine. I get it "animal style" which is everything the cheeseburger has but without the meat. Very tasty! Check out the In-n-Out Burger website to find their "secret" menu.
catadams at 12:32AM on 09/15/08
We used to say that if you wanted to enjoy a serious case of indigestion, go to Tommy's. A must before or after any home Dodger game. But beware the after effects. When I visit now from the Northeast anywhere in California now it seems, I hit In n' Out. I have always found their ingredients fresh, the hamburgers cooked to a slightly crispy outer layer and tender inside, second the vote on the toasted buns, and real vegetables unlike other places cited in this review. The shakes are excellent and the fries so-so. I think the fries have a good, honest beginning in the potato but not a good finish in the frying.
kybrdplyr at 12:33PM on 09/15/08
The Grill on the Alley in Beverly Hills has one of the best if not the best burger in LA. Yes I know it is pricey and the shoe string fries are extra but if you are looking for a burger that is made to be eaten rare (black and blue) then this is the place.
restomax at 11:29PM on 09/15/08