What better way to budget your bucks than by indulging in one of America’s culinary pastimes: the tried-and-true burger? Whether you’re looking old-school or upscale, we’ve got you covered.
Navigating: burger joints
Red meat a la mode
Compiled by Krista Simmons
Special to MetromixFebruary 24, 2009
8 oz. Burger Bar
7661 Melrose Ave. - Los Angeles323-852-0008
Despite anxious rumor-mongering, local chef-hottie Govind Armstrong has not decamped to South Beach or Manhattan—not completely, at least. All sorts of patties are to be had here—turkey, fish, even grass-fed happy beef—with an additional roster of fancy extras for your customizing pleasure. Lucky for us, Table 8’s celebrated short-rib grilled cheese has stuck around for this successor.
25 Degrees
7000 Hollywood Blvd. - Los Angeles323-785-7244
This burger bar with a bordello vibe is nestled within one of the coolest hotels in Hollywood, so don't be surprised if you see a celebrity or two. Rich fuchsia wallpaper, oxblood leather booths and glass chandeliers adorn up the interior, where noshing on a greasy burger seems almost illicit. A long list of gourmet cheeses and other fancy add-ons lets you customize your burger to your unique taste.
Astro Burger
5601 Melrose Ave. - Los Angeles323-469-1924
Founded in 1974 with a standard fast-food menu, this ode to chrome and plastic has evolved into a curious hybrid of a fast-food joint and a veggie haven, with a smattering of Greek and Mexican standards thrown in. This is a place where you can order a garden dog with veggie chili, a cheeseburger with pastrami and a side of dolmades, or a glass of fresh-squeezed carrot juice—all at 3 a.m.
Father's Office II
3229 Helms Ave. - Los Angeles310-815-9820
Version 2.0 of the shoebox-sized Santa Monica landmark is a significant upgrade—nearly doubling the capacity of the original and housing twice as many beer taps. Wine by the glass also comes from a tap, and there’s an artisanal spirits menu that includes 25-year Armagnac and organic tequila from Jalisco, Mexico, but nary a drop of vodka. The food menu, however, and its strict no-modifications mantra, hasn’t changed—so, no, you can’t have the burger your way
Marty's Hamburger Stand
10558 W. Pico Blvd. - Los Angeles310-836-6944
Hamburgers and wieners share the same bun at this joint, where the grub is cooked right in front of you. Marty’s specialty is the combo burger, a grilled hamburger and a sliced hot dog on one bun accompanied by a side of seasoned fries. Devotees drive for miles to devour this delight.
Hole in the Wall Burger Joint
11058 Santa Monica Blvd. - Los Angeles310-312-7013
If you're looking for an old-fashioned burger joint with new-age efficiency and gourmet twists, Hole in the Wall fits the (meal) ticket. Keeping all of its burgers at a reasonable rate and adding simple innovations (such as a nifty pretzel bun and house-made zucchini pickles), HITW fulfills its motto as "the working man's gourmet burger." Try the house-made sweet-potato fries or the applewood-smoked bacon. You won’t regret it.
In-N-Out Burger
7009 Sunset Blvd. - Los Angeles800-786-1000
This beloved staple of the Southern California eating scene offers only life's basic necessities: burgers, fries and shakes. Frequented by Angelenos of all statuses, from celebs to blue-collar workers, the place gets packed the later the hour with everyone trying to decide which secret menu item to order.
The Counter
4786 Admiralty Way - Marina del Rey310-827-8600
If heaven were a burger place, it would probably resemble the Counter. This place will put almost anything anyone could ever want on a beef, turkey, chicken or vegetarian burger. Top it off with a heaping basket of sweet-potato fries and a shake if you feel like testing your stomach capacity. Be ready to wait in line, as this place is anything but a well-kept secret.
Apple Pan
10801 W. Pico Blvd. - Los Angeles310-475-3585
The kind of L.A. institution that boasts its own Wikipedia entry, Apple Pan has been serving up mouthwatering hickory burgers at its simple horseshoe counter since 1947. Its shack-like wood-and-brick exterior looks like the victim of a time warp—and perhaps a shrinking ray—as it sits next to the behemoth Westside Pavilion. For dessert, the apple pie is as de rigueur, as the name suggests.
What other people are saying...
boscodynamite from Beverly/3rd - March 23, 2009 at 2:43 PM
The Bucket near Eagle Rock is one of the best burgers and best kept secrets in the city.
Report This Commentlucindamichele from canoga park - February 28, 2009 at 2:21 PM
How can you guys leave out Pasadena Pie 'n Burger?! The horror!
Report This Commentpickypalate21 from Los Angeles, CA - February 27, 2009 at 12:11 AM
Agreed there are limited options at FO, but to me, a burger joint is a spot that focuses specifically on making a damn good burger. Father's Office...
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Report This Commentkrispietreats from Santa Monica - February 26, 2009 at 7:54 PM
Fathers Office isn't a "burger joint," they offer 1 type of burger. It is real good but I would not call this place a "burger joint."
Report This Commentpickypalate21 from Los Angeles, CA - February 26, 2009 at 6:00 PM
Quite an ambitious venture...best of luck to you papa pone! :-) If you haven't ever been to Father's Office, I'd say that's the first one you shoul...
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