[Photographs: Damon Gambuto] Zeke's 7100 Santa Monica Boulevard, West Hollywood CA 90046 (map); 323-850-9353; zekessmokehouse.com Cooking Method: Grilled Short Order: A simple and beautifully charred burger that is reminiscent of your dreams of a backyard barbecue. Want Fries with...
[Photographs: Damon Gambuto] Marked5 Location varies; check their Twitter feed or website for the latest updates. Cooking Method: Griddled Want Fries with That? Shrimp chips are all that's on offer, and while pretty and pastel-colored they aren't anything special....
Just a few of the burgers eaten over the past year. [Photographs: Damon Gambuto] Perhaps it's my irrepressible narcissism, but I feel as though we're living though a burger boom. It could just be the medium-rare-rose colored glasses of...
[Photographs: Damon Gambuto] Of the many tastes and behaviors I developed in childhood that persist in this manchild, a taste for fast food isn't one of them. I rarely find myself struggling to simply drive by a late night...
[Photographs: Matthew Silverman] Ford's Filling Station 9531 Culver Boulevard, Culver City CA 90232-2618 (map); 310-202-1470; fordsfillingstation.net Cooking Method: Griddled. Short Order: A well-regarded chef fails to bring his talents to bear on his burger. Want Fries with That? Sure....
[Photographs: Damon Gambuto] Comme Ça 8479 Melrose Avenue, West Hollywood CA 90069 (map); 323-782-1104; commecarestaurant.com Cooking Method: Griddled Short Order: This heralded burger lives up to the hype. A truly beautiful rendition. Want Fries with That? Yes! Expert execution...
[Photographs: Damon Gambuto] Rustic Canyon 1119 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90401 (map); 310-393-7050; rusticcanyonwinebar.com Cooking Method: Griddled Short Order: An obsessive, young chef puts together one of the best burgers in town. Want Fries with That? Yes! Fresh...
[Photographs: Damon Gambuto] Tavern 11648 San Vicente Blvd, Los Angeles CA 90049 (map); 310-470-1539; tavernla.com Cooking Method: Grilled Short Order: One of LA's best chefs makes good on her reputation with a very good burger. Want Fries with That?...
[Photographs: Damon Gambuto] Westside Tavern 10850 W Pico Boulevard, Los Angeles CA 90064 (map); 310-470-1539; westsidetavernla.com Cooking Method: Grilled Short Order: Another upscale-casual spot falls victim to the fancy-pants impulses. Want Fries with That? No thanks! Surprisingly mushy and...
[Photographs: Damon Gambuto] Dish 3939 Cross Creek Rd., Malibu, CA, 90265 (map) Cooking Method: Grilled Short Order: A backyard barbecue burger gets a professional touch. Want Fries with That? No fries to be had. Prices: Sirloin burger, $6.50 Notes:...