Best Burgers in Los Angeles

[shaygo]

Looking for the best "cafe" burgers in L.A. and the two suggestions that seem to keep coming up are Father's Office and The Counter. . .Any further suggestions or preferences between these two?

Thanks!

[hrhboo]

I too am desperately seeking a good burger. Father's Office is great when I want a gourmet one, but sometimes I crave a good old-fashioned patty that doesn't need any fancying up. I find the Counter's burgers bland and disappointing.

[wilafur]

the hellman burger at pete's cafe in downtown LA. corner of 4th and main.

get it with the bleu cheese fries and you'll be in heaven.

[ipsedixit]

Ditto.

[calabasas_trafalgar]

I work very close by, I'll have to check it out.

[chowmominLA]

If you work near 1st and Main, the cafeteria at the Caltrans Building (100 N. Main) has a pretty good basic hamburger lunch special (hamburger or cheeseburger, fries or fruit and a 12 oz drink for about $4.) I mention it only if you work right around there; it's nothing fancy or worth going out of your way for. But I think it's the best thing they serve!

[mitchrc]

The Counter in Santa Monica or the Farm in either Beverly Hills or the Grove.

[blevine99]

Um...I think the question was "other than The Counter." But I second The Farm. Surprisingly awesome.

[estone888]

I'm only lukewarm about their BBQ, but I think Zeke's has a pretty good burger.

[JimN]

I agree, Zeke's has a very good burger. I've only been to the Montrose location, though.

Couple more good choices: Billy's Grill in Van Nuys and 26 Beach in Venice.

I can't recommend The Counter. Tried it twice and didn't enjoy it either time.

[wizardx]

I have to agree with Billy's Grill also.. their exotic burgers are very good but their regular cheesburger is great!

[blevine99]

Problem with Zeke's is: overly smoky. Works for ribs but not in my burger thanks.

[Wes]

Get the hamburger at George Petrelli's Steak House in Culver City. Some have not liked the Steaks here (I do) but the hamburger has not yet been dissed.

A very large patty of real beefy tasting meat with all the condiments. Since they grind their own fresh each day they will cook it any way you like. Comes with fries.

==WARNING== The sodas are from the bar with bar size and price and NO refills. Get the Iced tea instead. Free refills.

George Petrelli's Steak House
5615 Sepulveda Blvd, Culver City, CA

Really great burger!

[Dommy]

Thanks Wes! I've been craving a burger all week and was FINALLY going to have one today. George's it is! :)

--Dommy!

[MarlaPR]

I couldn't agree with you more!! Absolutely the BEST!

[David Kahn]

It seems to me that there's an important distinction to be made here. There are, really, two different classes of burger, which are very different animals.

First, there's the high-end steak house type burger. This is typically made with very good beef, is thick, can be cooked to order, and usually costs more than $10. In this class, my favorite is the $13 prime sirloin burger on the lunch menu (only) at Arnie Morton's -- http://www.mortons.com/website/index.... . (I've only had the one at the downtown branch, but maybe, hopefully, they're as good at the other locations). Served with your choice of cheese (I go with cheddar) and grilled onions and/or sauteed mushrooms (I get the later), with fries (although they'll sub sauteed spinach, etc., if you ask them). This burger is excellent. Thick, perfectly cooked and seasoned, massively juicy, with a nice char on the outside. Really excellent.

Of course, the other important category here is the fast food type burger. These, of course, have thinner patties of which there are often more than one, are generally not cooked to order (i.e., medium rare, etc.), and are usually under $10. In this class, In-N-Out, Apple Pan, and Pie and Burger are the perennial favorites, but I also really like the burger at the Beverly Hills Diner (474 N. Beverly Dr., at Little Santa Monica, [phone]). Since it stopped being a Johnny Rockets, I think the food here has turned around. Stuff is made to order, served piping hot and fresh, and the quality of the ingredients seems to have improved markedly. I get the standard double cheese burger with grilled onions and a side of onion rings. Very delicious. Excellent turkey burgers as well. Plus, you can get a diet cherry Coke. (Why, you may ask, would one bother with a diet Coke when one is pounding down a double cheese burger with onion rings? Well, I always say, it's our little idiosyncrasies that make us special.)

[hrhboo]

The first kind you mentioned is the kind I'm after. I am usually prejudiced against sirloin since it is too lean to pack a decent flavor punch. The best burgers I have eaten (including Father's Office) are made with a proportion of ground chuck which usually contains about 15-20% fat. Kobe and ribeye burgers are full of flavor for the same reason - the higher fat content. Does anyone at all do a ground ribeye burger?

[ipsedixit]

Dunno if this counts as a "cafe" but the Sirloin Burger at MORTON'S is fabulous.

[Michelle]

Hi,

My current favorite restaurant burger is at Wild Thyme in Pasadena. You can actually get a rare burger there, yum! On grilled sourdough, with jack cheese and avocado, it is really good!

[calabasas_trafalgar]

Cassell's
Fatburger
Farmer Boys
Tommy's
Apple Pan

I won't go near Father's Office(no ketchup)

[foodseeker]

Barneys in Brentwood on San Vicente (close to Barrington), and also on 26th and San Vicente.

[FKA Andrew]

Count me out on Barney's. I went to the one at the Brentwood Country Mart (26th and San Vicente) and was extremely disappointed. The burger had very little flavor and came with deep-fried bacon and dried out blue cheese. Bacon should never be deep fried unless you are making it into a bacon bit and even then I would question the cooking method. The onion rings were also over cooked and over priced for what I got. The experience was so disappointing that I don't think it deserves a second chance.

[blackbookali]

Go to 25 degrees in the Roosevelt Hotel in Hollywood. They have a large selection of cheeses and other various toppings for a buck and a bunch for free too. You can get it all done up and try and imitate the FO burger or the Pug burger at Hungry Cat. Or you can do a strip down burger, similar to the "classic" style of Pie N Burger and Apple Pan. The buns are terrific and they are not afraid to cook it to order. It is by far the juiciest burger in town and with all the options you can fit your burger to any kind of mood you are in.

[blevine99]

I was ver disappointed here. Dry and flavorless for a place that specializes.

[JPomer]

It doesn't get much respect, but I happen to really like the chili cheeseburgers at Pinks.

[blacksab67]

Jack's Classic Hamburgers on Riverside (on the western edge of Toluca Lake, sort of). Amazing.

Cassell's.
Pie N Burger.
Rick's makes a decent burger...

And there's nothing wrong with In 'n Out.

[mark sferas]

Being from Chicago and also a meat lover. I tried a place in Hollywood called 25 Degrees. I was pleasantly surprised at the quality of the meat and it juiciness also the texture of the buns. The fries are very good, they have a hint of tyme. The dipping sauces were excellent. You must try the milk shakes, they are a meal in themselves. I think in general the food in LA sucks especially when IN & Out is one of your only options but it's getting better thanks to 25 Degrees.

[jackattack]

I like the burgers on the appetizer menu at Cheesecake Factory.

(O.k., line me up in front of the firing squad! )

[dinami]

I personally like the bacon cheeseburger at Houstons with a side of fries with ranch. Mmmmm.

[lil mikey]

The straight hamburger at Houston's is pretty good, too.

[runyonesque]

Bowery Bar on sunset/Vine- "the works" burger makes me happy as heck. But for you purists I warn that it is served on an english muffin. I don't usually go for this kind of transgression, but dang, that thing is good.

[riceflour]

Agreed on the burger at Bowery. Especially when enjoyed with a (shared) bottle of Malbec and some sweet potato fries.

[SauceSupreme]

Malbec? I usually have my Bowery burger with single malt!

Bowery is a great burger, but IMO it's not even the best burger in a 50 yard radius, given that Hungry Cat is, um, catty corner to Bowery. But I do like Bowery's burger better than Father's Office, in terms of gourmet burgers.

[justanotherpenguin]

does "shared" mean two straws instead of one?

[riceflour]

My usual lunch partner is a friend of mine who found this place when working at a studio nearby. She and I frequently split the Malbec, regardless of a burger or not. It's a pretty consistent wine, IMO. At least, the one at Bowery is. Can't speak for others...

And I agree, SauceSupreme, that the Bowery burger isn't the best out there. However, I have a thing for English muffins and St. Andre, which is why I'd rather go to Bowery than Hungry Cat. HC makes a good Dark 'n' Stormy, though. Maybe I'll try that with their burger next time I'm there.

[justanotherpenguin]

btw: i think that malbecs are great. discovered them several years ago from a califonia winery called "imagery", which is owned by a member of the berringer family. have been buying regularly since then. hope that you understand that i'm kidding about the straws... sometimes, anyway;)

[riceflour]

I'll definitely hunt down the Imagery Malbec on my next wine-buying day. Which could be tomorrow, now that you've got me thinking about it. Thanks for sharing :)

And yeah, the straw thing amused me!

[slowcooker]

Way too few people are recommending Houstons. Get the California burger or the Cheeseburger. Beef ground to order. A long line, so plan accordingly, and slightly pricey, but you can keep that in check by sticking to a burger, fries and coke. No booze, no appetizers, no desert. Unbelieveable.

[russkar]

We love Houston's but Morton's is just so much better!

[smonkey]

Which Houstons are you talking about? The only Houstons I know is the BBQ place on Cahuenga, but I can't imagine that's what you're refering to here...

[wilafur]

i believe russkar is refering to the houston's restaurant chain.

[Marianna215]

I myself am a huge fan of Lucky Devils -- I dunno if that's too upscale for your prompt, but in my opinion their kobe beef burger, medium-rare, is fantastic. Grab a chocolate cake shake, and enjoy.

[gregg1]

Mortons, Houstons for high end...in and out for patty.

I'll tell though, when I kick and scream loud enough and get them to cook it med rare, the Maui Burger at Islands (guac and swiss add bacon) is one of my favorites. Juicy and seasoned perfectly plus, with respect to Skoobys, still my fav fries in LA. Freshly cut and again seasoned just right.

[SauceSupreme]

I've never had a problem with my local Islands making my burger medium rare. All in all, pretty good for semi-fastfood.

[byrd L.A.]

On the Westside, for a "gourmet" burger:

Father's Office is amazing. Ground sirloin not too overcooked, bleu cheese, carmelized onions, fresh arugula, toasted roll... and it comes with the most amazing shoestring fries and their house aioli. For the whole package, it's a to-die-for burger. The downside is you're going to have to throw blows to get a table or barstool as it's strictly first-come-first-serve and quite packed all the time, unless you come on an off night or early (they open at 4pm I think). Bonus: tons of great beer on tap.

Another option: Beechwood on Washington Blvd at Abbot Kinney in Venice/Marina del Rey. Same type of burger like at Father's Office. Really good, gives Father's Office a run for its money. Your choice of 3 different kinds of fries: shoestring, regular, or sweet potato. Also they have 3 great dipping sauces (including ketchup). Bonus: cool scene, great music, nice "modern" lounge feel. Eat in the bar, not the restaurant. Much easier to get a table here.

[chowchow12345678]

My favorite burger is at Green Street Restaurant in Pasadena called the San Rafael Burger. Don't know why it's not on the menu anymore, but thank goodness they'll still make it if you request it. The beef is nice and thick and is served on sliced grilled baguette so it's crunchy and flavorful, and there are some green chiles added to the burger which gives it a mild kick. I usually ask for fresh fruit for the side which they give generously -- I usually can't finish the the burger and all the fruit. It's particularly enjoyable to eat out on their lovely patio on warmer days, whether it's daytime or nighttime.

[jtartar]

High End: 25 degrees and the Hungry Cat makes a ridiculouly good burger.
Fast food type: Irv's on SM next to the Coast Playhouse makes a mean burger. Great when the Apple Pan is too far.

[2chez mike]

I like the ground steak at Musso Frank. They don't have buns so I get it on white toast.

[lapchern]

in n out, double double w/ grilled onions

[hungryhyena]

I don't know if any of you have ventured over to Opus on Wilshire between Oxford & Western. It has a phenomenal (IMHO) basic cheeseburger. No sauces to cover up for anything, just lettuce tomato & onion on this great egg bun.

For diner style burgers that are consistent, I like pie & burger in Pasadena. I agree that father's office has a great gourmet burger, but there are some good places further east.

[ktm]

Moonshadows on the PCH in Malibu has a great Kobe Beef burger served with carmelized onions, asian slaw and homemade taro chips. And you get to eat it basking in the sun with the ocean below you.

[swisscharred]

The BEST TASTING burger is a little known stand on the northwest corner of Broadway and 20th in Santa Monica. I don't know the name of it -- Big Joe's or something. They're not the biggest burgers, but I've never had a burger with so much flavor!

They're char-grilled, the only kind of burger I'll eat. Give yourself time... there are lines out the door around lunchtime. They're only open till 3pm.

For the best fancy burger, 25 Degrees in the Roosevelt definitely -- green chile with drunken goat cheese -- the best.

[Will Owen]

I will eat a char-grilled burger if I must, but very much prefer them done on a surface grill. I have yet to try Pete's, but my two favorite high-end burgers to date are at Second City Bistro in El Segundo and Ford's Filling Station in Culver City - $12 and $14 respectively. Excellent beefy flavor, bun both tender to the bite and able to hold up at least MOST of the way through. Julienne in San Marino has exactly the same basic concept - big patty, cheese, onion, tomato and lettuce - but the flavor is lacking and the bun starts dissolving almost immediately. It's also the most expensive, I believe around $17.

Next on my agenda is Central Park Cafe here in Pasadena. Soon!

[cvc]

Although, I like many of those mentioned here on this perrenial topic, especially Pie 'n Burger and Father's Office, the Oinkster in Eagle Rock does a great old fashioned 1000 Island dressed version for $4.50 while Billingsley's in W.L.A. prepares a terrific half pounder for $8.95.

[ellewoods]

I saw BBQ King's burger featured on the Food Network (I think). They grill them in the smoke barrels underneath the ribs, etc., so that the burgers soak up all the rib juices that drip down onto them. Sounds like a heart attack waiting to happen, but if you do try it, and live to tell the tale, let us know how it is.

[Burger Boy]

they used to, years ago they made a greak smoked burger, now it is just a BIG Burger.

[malibumike]

I used to work down there(sunset/ceasar chavez and figuora) and a couple of years ago I had one of their burgers. Usually a long wait, the burger was the size of a dinner plate, but it was dry and tastless. Unless they cook them different now I wouldn't bother. If the above mentioned process of cooking is new it sounds tempting for me to try again.

[broncosaurus]

Yep, BBQ King's burger is huge, but it's fairly average-tasting. Don't recall anything about rib juices the two times I've ordered one of these.

I thought that place was going to be torn down.

[snooze button]

Today I had the King burger and some fries... huge patty (well it better be if it's a 1 pounder). The meat was okay but definitely not juicy. The fries were seasoned but only in certain spots, and kinda soggy. I still enjoyed the meal since I wanted to pig out, and it was on my way home. I also like their outdoor patio and the people there were nice.

[dkent]

This is a burger no one would ever know about, but I believe it's one of the best out there. Would be on my same list as Father's Office, The Counter, Houstons, and SF Saloon...

AMER'S FALAFEL in ENCINO. Trust me. A truly unique and awesome burger along with amazing seasoned fries.

[kiwi]

dkent said:
"A truly unique and awesome burger"

ooh, please elaborate...

[miffy]

second SF Saloon-

[girlflorida]

gotta go with The Counter in Santa Monica!

[Get my grub on]

If you like, read my recent post titled "Bleu Chesse Bacon-y Lovliness" it's all about a great burger at Islands in Burbank CA :)

[BrookeN]

A burger and a malt says "California" to me... A few of my 'fast food' favorites all vary (in no particular order):

+ The Bucket, Eagle Rock Blvd (fries are good and seriously greasy! Rumor is they use mink oil - just kidding)
+ Pie N Burger, Pasadena (one has to have a malt or be drummed out of Burgerdom)
+ Apple Pan, Westside (one has to have pie a la mode or be committed to Atascadero)
+ Petes, Downtown (fries come in a metal cup)
+ In N Out, Everywhere (try em animal style - protein style is pour moi)
+ BBQ King, Fig and Sunset downtown (mmmm, greasy and smoke all over your clothes)
+ Cassels, 6th St! (with apologies to Randy Newmann) mid Wilshire
+ The Boat (is temporarily gone due to construction of a Kohls - Huntington and Rosemead) The burgers are just okay but the place is a trip - take a kid with you
+ The White Spot (oops that's in Vancouver - try a triple O cheeseburger, eh? - Still a actual car hop drive in)
+ The Pantry Annex (hickory burger's okay but one comes here for the coleslaw, period)
+ Bob's Big Boy, Toluca Lake, on the weekends when they have car hop service - burgers are not that special but it's car hop service, man.
+ Wolf Burger - Colorado + Lake, Pasadena - good in a pinch

To the fellow from Chicago somewhere on this page who said food sucks in L.A., huh? Sure, there are lots of sucky fast food and crappy places, as there are all over "Anywhere USA". I think the rest of the country is becoming Van Nuy Blvd. I have been finding that in smaller cities it is hard to find places that are not chain restaurants. But in this city (meaning not just L.A. but So Cal) has lots of unique, locally run and owned "one-off" restaurants - all over -- in my area - Hollywood/We Ho/Bev Hills, in the "new" Chinatown (Valley Blvd in the SG Valley) - I could go on and on!

Ciao, hounds!

Brooke

[pamm5959]

I love 26 Beach Cafe burgers, great beef just enough fat tto make it good

[Burger Boy]

THANK YOU PAM! 26 Beach has been making great gourmet burgers for 25+ years, they make their own buns, their secret sauce. Check out some of the burgers on their website, a very eclectic mix, long before Father's Orafice and all these others were making exotics, 26 Beach wrote the book and is still writing it! www.26beach.com

[beachcats]

The Counter in Santa Monica
In 'n Out
Brentwood Inn on Barrington (don't know if the menu has changed, but if it still offers a burger, go for it, expensive but excellent)
Houston's

I prefer the Counter over FO simply because of the customization. I can be as traditional as I want with cheese, onions, pickles, tomatoes or get really creative with garlic aioli and avocado. Either extreme is excellent.

[iknowfood64]

Double Double from In N Out with extra spread, extra cheese, and grilled onions.(So. California)
The Hat has a delicious double cheese burger.(Alhambra, Upland, Monterey Park)
Chronies also has a excellent doudle cheese burger. (East L.A)

[somenoise]

You can also order it as "Double Double Animal Style" if you want to simplify things

[manku]

Animal Style has mustard on it, which IMO, should never be on a burger...others may disagree, but I just don't like the combo.

[maxzook]

Here's a more recent thread on the same subject:

http://www.chowhound.com/topics/429948

[ripken00]

ERCOLES in Manhattan Beach 1101 Manhattan Beach Blvd AN ABSOLUTELY AWESOME burger, price for the cheeseburger and a soda about 8.95,so good and LARGE one can easily feed 2 adults. Beware cash only and stop serving food at whatever hour they feel like , usually only serve food until happy hour times, when it apparently becomes a total dive, even more so than during the day, and have great drink prices as well, good stiff drinks and low prices, the epitome of a DIVE BAR

[Jeryy]

I live on the Westside so I don't really know a lot of the previously mentioned Pasadena vicinity spots but my three favorites are, oddly, all on Pico Blvd. In ascending order of price, Rae's, near 26th Street, SF Saloon near Gateway, and Whist in The Viceroy Hotel near Ocean. Rae's is a classic inexpensive diner burger, SF Saloon is a heartier and much discussed her pub-burger, and Whist serves a Kobe beef burger that's simply celestial (I think it was 15 bucks) And all three offer charming, characteristic experiences. Maybe Pico Blvd is the Main Drag of Burgers??? Go ahead, somebody start a "Best Food Street in LA" thread.

[humbop]

Molly's on Vine at Selma in Hollywood. Burgers the way they were meant to be: cheap, charbroiled, and delicious. Nothing hoity-toity, just a good old-fashioned, no-nonsense American burger. Cheeseburger Combo: burger, fries and drink for under six bucks!

[wutzizname]

Always wondered about Molly's 'cause it looks like a place you want to love, but I assumed, since it's right in the middle of everything but I've never heard a single person recommend (or even mention) it, that there was no reason to give it a try.

I don't need hoity-toity in the least, but wondering if the burger itself, the meat, is actually any good? Or if it's just a frozen mass-produced thing that passes 'cause that's all you're looking for?

Appreciate any other details on this joint/burger stand.

[JeMange]

Cafe Stella in Silver Lake - the burger is fantastic. It's served on a great artisan roll and has blue cheese mixed in with the meet. Comes with small mounds of caramelized onions and roasted tomatoes for topping. The fries can be drizzled with white truffle oil on request. Not on the menu, but it's an open secret. You can only order it if you're sitting in the bar area. It's pricey though, close to $20, I think.

On the flip side, there's The Bucket, which has already been mentioned. More down and dirty but maybe just a shade less delicious.

[nrique]

Cafe burgers you say?

I recommend the Montebello Country Club. They got a VERY GOOD burger, Fresh patty, cooked to order and toppings by request.

They remodeled the place so it's more restaurant now. But the food is still good!

5 minutes east of Downtown L.A. by the 60 freeway. Look for the big MCC sign and exit. Turn right at the Mobile station and then another right at the MCC entrance. Head to the top of the hill and park and walk past the golf cart rentals.

[goldenpoppy]

awww montebello! I come from montebello/whittier. And i've been to the counrty club for numerous events throughtout the years, but never tried the burger there. Gonna have to try it since its so close.
And i don't know maybe know one likes it here, but how come Tommy's isn't on this list at all? I love the chili cheeseburger with everything

[Servorg]

calabasas_trafalgar had Tommy's on his/her list above.

[Jolly]

I just tried some organice grass fed beef cheese burgers in West Hollywood. It was pretty good. I liked the bun which some people say fall apart too easily but not for me. I thought they put too much thousand island sauce on there but otherwise very good. I used to go to organic burgers in San Francisco near the castro but have been surprised not to find any in this area. Now, I can go and get one if I crave healthy unhealthy food. It is a bit pricey, 7.99 for a burger. But everything is organic including the ketchap. It is a small tidy place and a bit claustrophobic but oh well, can't have everything. There is more comfortable outdoor seating as well.

[sel]

O! Burger on Santa Monica Blvd. across from L.A. Fitness? Went a few days ago and got the combo that added fries and a drink for 3 bucks more. I substituted a green salad for the fries and enjoyed everything. Good tasting healthier burger plus sides and very friendly service. They didn't flinch when I requested rare and that is what I got. Tomorrow I'll probably take my GF there!

http://www.oburger.net/index.html

[Jolly]

Yeah, that's the one. I forgot to mention the name. They're pretty friendly and I enjoyed their food. Have fun w/GF.

[schrutefarms]

I heart burgers. Here's some of my faves...
25 Degrees, at the Roosevelt. Really great toppings, super juicy, high quality meat, great bun (if a little greasy), dipping sauces are awesome, also, you can get a half fries, half onion rings if you can't decide.

Applepans, only had it once, but I remember it fondly.

Irv's Burgers, on Santa Monica and Sweetzer. Good burgers, crappy fries, and the friendliest service in town.

The Village Cafe, Beachwood Canyon, had a burger there the other day, and I gotta say, it was great!! Really tasted like a backyard barbeque burger.

And lastly, when I'm hungover, McDonalds.

[cdmedici]

For all of you living in Orange County such as myself, word has it that they are going open a 25 Degrees in Newport Beach very soon. I love those burgers!!

[pamm5959]

I prefer the Counter over Father's Office just because they don't let kids in at their CC location. At the Counter get the 1/2 & 1/2 it's half sweet potato fries and half fried onion strings! There's also Barney's Gourmet Burgers. I am predispositioned to places that serve sweet potato fries! Skip the onion rings at Barney's, you only get four rings. What ever you do do not go to the Apple Pan! Don't listen to what they say, the burgers are slathered with ketchup to overcompensate for the lack of taste and quality.

[JeMange]

I love the idea of a burger place that doesn't allow children. That's just so... wrong!

I'm looking for investors in a new food venture - a frozen yogurt/play space that doesn't allow children. Who's with me?

[sel]

True, kids are not allowed in either location of Father's Office which is a BAR that serves some great food including the famous Office Burger, part of a menu designed to go along with their wonderful selection of BEER. The Counter is a burger restaurant, not a bar. Some like it and some don't. I went two or three times shortly after they opened and while the options on the check list menu looked interesting, the end result both times was not cooked as I had ordered it and tasted just ok but not really great. I tried Barney's in Brentwood shortly after they opened there and they refused to cook my burger as requested, never returned. Now folks may or may not like The Apple Pan, I have enjoyed them for years but it is not true that their burgers are "...slathered with ketchup..." as you state. Their Steak Burger has a red relish and their Hickory Burger has a hickory sauce that while it may look like ketchup and does have a similar consistency; tastes NOTHING like ketchup! While you and some others may not like the taste, style or price of their product, their meat is very high quality. I knew their former meat supplier, who did go out of business but that was after supplying not only The Apple Pan but many of the finest restaurants in the L.A. area with very high quality meats for decades.

[malibumike]

Sel, you are right, the Apple Pan Hickory burger is great even if a little pricey, I had my first one in about 1953 and they do not have ketchup on them and never did. The hickory sauce resembles nothing like the taste of ketchup, it makes me wonder if the above poster actually ever had one!

[maatkare]

Father's Office is still the best, but the seating irritates. I went to the Counter once, my burger was dry, never again. I do love Lucky Devils. I really love the bun they use. But I have to starve all day so I can finish an entire burger. I just went to a new place on Melrose just east of Fairfax, 8 Oz. Burger Bar. Great cocktails, plenty of unique beers, burgers start at $8, everything from ketchup to aoli to ice cream made in house, awesome desserts, and great service. In a lovely, calm, atmosphere with normal table service where you can hear yourself talk. Highly recommended! (and kids welcome)

[Servorg]

The new FO's in LA on Helms Ave. hard by the Culver City border has cured the "seating" irritation problems at the original on Montana in Santa Monica.

You are right on the money about the burger at the Counter (which on its best day doesn't hold a candle to the burger at FO's).

[wutzizname]

I've been to 8 Oz twice now, once on the front end of dinner when it was only half full, and once in the heart of it when there were no empty tables and 20-30 people in front of the bar. The noise level was fine for the former, but when the place is filled it is a complete conversation killer. The LOUDEST restaurant I've ever been in, including Comme Ca. So if you do want to "hear yourself talk" there, I recommend choosing your visit times wisely.

[tappleton2]

My favorite burger in LA has to be the Apple Pan. I've tried them all - my partner is a recent immigrant and huge American hamburger fan - and the burgers that stand out are the ones that are not overly garnished with gourmet filler. Father's Office, is of course, perhaps the best in the gourmet category. The Apple Pan's business is burgers. They are always consistent, inexpensive, and fresh. The waiters have been making burgers practically their whole lives! and are so focused on burger making they barely register your existence. I prefer the Steak burger; my partner prefers the Hickory burger. Both have their special apple relish, which is not as sweet as it sounds. They also have a great follow up of various freshly made pies. MMM!

[manku]

Hardly inexpensive...a burger, fries and drink will run close to $15 w/tax&tip!

I can have three in n out combos for the same price.

I like Apple Pan, but it's too pricey for what it is.

[drewnkatie]

Honestly, I admit that we haven't been to Father's Office (going today!), but we've found quite a few good burgers out in the Pasadena Area.

Hawkins House of Burgers, in Altadena, is actually one of the best I've had. The patties are incredibly thick and juicy, and the prices are fantastic ($5 for a burger, a giant coke, and fries). If you're feeling adventurous, try out the Hawkins Special, three 9 ounce patties, a sausage, bacon, pastrami, and two fried eggs. Definitely a stomach blaster. The place is a bit on the tough side to find, considering it's basically just a door in the non-descript "Hawkins Beauty Supplies" building. Also, service is a bit slow, so be prepared to wait for your burger.

Pie N Burger is good, but the lines can be fairly devastating and the prices aren't fantastic.

The Original Topps (the one on Colorado, not the one on Foothill) makes a good Kobe burger. They also have excellent zucchini fries.

Lucky Boy's patty melt, if you're into that kind of thing, is pretty great, but primarily a hang-over food style. And the guy who runs the place is incredibly grumpy.

But honestly, for my money, the best burger in Los Angeles is at Comme Ca, a high dining establishment in West LA (on Melrose). They only serve the burger at lunch, but it is well worth the fairly high price they charge. They don't do any of the fancy crap, no portabello mushrooms or foie gras or anything like that. It's just a perfect piece of aged beef on an excellent bun, with a strong cheddar on top. While you're there, try to get the cheese plate as well. Fantastic.

[bakedwiththemunchies]

I really love the Double Supercheese Burger at Snax Burgers in Torrance. (Corner of Sepulveda & Anza) A truly great tasting cheese burger... I like them with grilled onions.

[swojahn]

Father's office in Culver City is a home run. Counter-not near the best. Inventive and fun, but go for the sweet potato fries instead. No one has mentioned Josie on Pico/24th in Santa Monica. High dining but an incredible buffalo sirlion burger stuffed with gruyere and truffle fries to boot. Absolutely killer.

[mopeyboy]

Burgers, huh? OK, Apple Pan is still good BUT you need to add salt and you need to order your fries well done. And the pie? I laugh about some places mentioned for good pie. Skip the apple pie and get one of the cream pies at Apple Pan and you won't be thinking about hell-holes like Pie n Burger's pies, Marie Callendar, or House of Pies. FO has a great burger but it should be and maybe even better, for the price. J'n'J Burgers and BBQ, at 5754 W. Adams off Washington in E. Culver City, has a good "old-time" cheeseburger. I have tried The Counter maybe three times. Would rather go to Fatburger or even In 'n' Out. Someone wrote about Philly West - great Cheesesteak with mushrooms, no sauce, and a very good burger. Also have a good sub. Lucky Devils was OK. Best Burger on Western, South of Expostition, has a great chili-cheeseburger. Seriously. Hungry Cat has good meat but I don't like bleu cheese or avocado on my burgers. 5 Guys Burgers, fairly new to Carson, has great meat and excellent fries but the buns are terrible. Even though they grill the buns right in front of you, the quality is terrible and they are still soggy. Bandera, Sister of Houston's, has a serviceable burger but too expensive. Have their French Dip instead - Excellent, made from prime rib.

[sbritchky]

You need to add a lot more than salt to make the Apple Pan beef-type substance interesting. Try a completely plain corner of your next burger there to see what I mean. Far from the AP of my youth, or maybe I'm the one too far from my youth.

Ten years ago, I used to eat at 5 Guys in their original locale (Washington, DC, area), and they were great -- juicy, tasty burgers and outstanding fries. I've been to the new one in Carson only once, and the burger was merely decent -- better than Apple Pan, for example, but not as flavorful as at such fellow corporate entities as Fatburger and Houston's. By the way, anyone who thinks those cardboard sticks at In n' Out are good enough should stop by 5 Guys for fries.

I'm still hoping desperately I haven't found the best burger in Southern California. I may have to turn 17 again for that.

[foodiebiz]

The Pub Burger @ The Hungry Cat is always great. Comes with bacon, avocado, and blue cheese.

The French Burger, Bombay Burger, or the Patty Melt @ 26 Beach

[millions]

It's the PUG burger, not the PUB burger.

[ReelMike84]

To me the Pug Burger is a great burger but only for one or two bites. Then its lousy "Tower of Pisa" construction kicks in and the whole thing tips explodes out of the bun. Messy burgers are fine by me, I just don't want to sit there having to reconstruct my burger from the rubble.

[rednyellow]

I hate a burger with a bun that wont last for the duration.

[troublemaker]

Believe me, as a burger aficionado I have to say COMME CA is HANDS-DOWN the best burger I have ever had. Try it and argue to me otherwise. Then again, the burger is $16 so you're really getting what you pay for. But you know what, the day after we had gone and tried their burger, literally everyone in our party was still raving about the taste of their burger. The meat is something else, unreal.

[TonyC]

I have tried it. And I'll argue with you every time. At $16, I'd rather have 25 Deg and or Bar Marmont's Burger. The beef is fine, but the greens they use is just disgusting after it's heated by the patty. The brioche bun is also much too porous thus couldn't contain / control the juices coming out of the medium rare patty. Tres disgusting. And I ate it pretty darn fast.

[Servorg]

My brioche bun held up to my med. rare patty without any structural failure. This may have something to do with my rate of "burger inhalation" I will admit.

[tablefor1]

troublemaker, i agreed with this until i went to umami burger last week and the week before. comme ca still has THE BEST french fries in town, but umami's burger is otherworldly.

[peppermonkey]

umami burger is bleh, flavors too disparate..don't come together well

[rednyellow]

I think Umami's flavors blend/ balance beautifully and I'll take their fries over the hard dark things I was served at comme ca any day.

[peppermonkey]

the burger isn't bad...but if you're gonna compare to the likes of father's office, it's just not in the same league. The individual components are all good, but they don't help each other. Everything is too separate. The fries are even worse..they're cut too thick so you get that drying effect like when you eat a baked potato without any butter.

[rednyellow]

I guess thats why there's choices, I completely disagree with you.

[dfoldes]

it's been said before but for what you're describing:
father's office
lucky devil's
houston's
hungry cat
comme ca
bowery bar

[ohdaylay]

Carney's at 8351 W Sunset Blvd. is the best in town. I really like the simplicity. Also, Pie and Burger in Pasadena on California is pretty good, too.

[whatsfordinner]

Anisette: flavorful and juicy beef topped with brie, pancetta and avocado on a grilled brioche bun.

[us2sinrz]

I love this post! I'm new to the LA area (Santa Monica) so I'll have to start checking off some of the recommendations on this post. My favorite (after 3 months here) is the San Fransico Saloon on Pico in West LA. Good burgers cooked exactly how you order them. And stiff drinks.

[Poeticalmath]

does Fat burger still exist?

[maxzook]

Absolutely, they're still in the parking lot of the Jon's at Vermont and Hollywood Blvd., and elsewhere in the area:

http://www.fatburger.com/Location/Loc...

[jerseygirldawn]

Applepan - tradional and yummy.. Chez Nous in Toluca Lake has a "brie burger". It is a juicy patty served with thick slices of brie. I have never had brie on my burger before and it was delicious! The fries were also great. Hungry Cats burger and fries were very nice. Very flavorful but pricey. The burger w/fries costs $16!
Houstons is awesome too. Five Guys is a fast food chain that started in Virginia. They finally have made it to the west coast. You can find one in Long Beach. You have got to try these burgers if you are in the area.
I have not tried Fathers Office or Pie N Burger. I am definatly going to after reading all these posts!

[Harry Nile]

Five Guys is in Carson and Cerritos, not Long Beach. Even though local management seems very confident -- I met one of them right after the opening -- the burger is merely OK, not great. It's better than In N Out, e.g., and like nearly every restaurant in America has better fries than INO (actually, quite good fries). But the burgers are nowhere near Pie 'n Burger in juiciness or flavor. Fatburger (among many others) is also superior. 'Hounds looking for a quick, casual meal in Carson should head to Jay Bee's BBQ, which is a short drive from Five Guys up Avalon.

[wutzizname]

Tried the Five Guys in Cerritos recently. Nothing mind blowing, but within the In 'n Out universe, it's definitely worth a try. And yes, though their fries also looked somewhat similar to In 'n Out's, they were actually much better.

[lilbuddha]

Have to put a word in for Hole in the Wall Burger Joint. Really good burger. Don't know if they cook to order, but mine was juicy and tasty. You can fancy it up a little, but it doesn't need it.

http://www.holeinthewallburgerjoint.com/

[Servorg]

Because this thread started before Hole-in-the-Wall burgers got going it didn't get added here, but there have been several long and enthusiastic threads about it elsewhere on the board. And they do offer to cook your beef to order (and get it right).

[CraigChinoHills]

Clearman's Galley - "The Boat" is back! It was mentioned above as closed. Much of the menu is the same, a few added items. More space, more bar offerings, just south of Clearman's Northwoods Inn and the firestation on Rosemead.

Burgers made the same way as before. They aren't bad for fast burger, but I'm still a bigger fan of the salads and cheesebread.

[wutzizname]

Although comments on other posts have been surprisingly mixed, I believe the burger at the newish Golden State on Fairfax deserves a mention here. I've taken half a dozen people there to try it, and every one of them has ranked it among their favorites.

[rednyellow]

Golden State was a big disappointment. I didn't care for it at all.

[Cinemaverite1]

I love the burger at Nook- it's amazingly juicy and I love the red-wine onion jam they use

[emilyt]

Father's Office has a serious attitude problem. We boycott them even though their burgers are great. So I recommend The Counter, where the burgers are yummy, you don't get shouted at and you can put ketchup on if you want!

Otherwise the cheeseburger at R&D Kitchen on Montana in Santa Monica is supposed to be excellent and you just can't beat the burgers at Hinano's at the bottom of Washington in Venice. So cheap, and very yummy!

[jayspun]

Umami Burger both hands all the way down!!! If you're in the mood for the old-fashioned nostalgic burger experience of your childhood, order the So-Cal. If you're in the mood for a gourmet upgrade, try anything else. Umami seriously knows how to make a burger but they do not overdo it; striking a perfect balance of flavors and coarse ground meat cooked to perfection... and the bun, oh the bun... don't get me going. I've tried FO and The Counter and they make a decent burger but just lack that special something that Umami posses.

[Lady Marmalade]

I've got two suggestions... Rustic Inn - a divery-dive bar on Hillhurst in Los Feliz and The Bowery a little place decked out in floor to ceiling subway tile on Sunset just East of Vine. Fantastic burger if you can get in!

[Servorg]

Rustic Inn - home to the best buffalo wings in LA.

[Lady Marmalade]

Oh, my friend, I agree!

[rednyellow]

Gotta love the Mertle Burger

[Rho]

Just went to Umamiburger last night with friends -- amazing! The specials were the pot roast burger and the open-faced scallop burger. No worries, the more traditional burgers are on the menu too. They make their own condiments. It is a 'must' for any burger lover -- 850 S. La Brea Avenue (bet. Olympic and Fairfax). I think it is BYO (we brought wine).

Also, I think Tom Bergins on Fairfax near Olympic makes great burgers -- nice touch with the potato buns.

[ov1]

Blue Palms Brewhouse in Hollywood has a great burger. This place has quickly become a favorite of ours - they've got a lot of interesting beers on tap and they're constantly rotating them through (which can have downside if you find one you like and it's gone next time). Cool waitstaff - maybe a little shorthanded at times, but they're always helpful in giving tips on what to order.

But back to the burger - I had Burger # 2 - which was a Kobe Beef burger topped with braised short ribs, porcini mushrooms, caramelized onions and gruyere. It was one of my favorite things I've ever ordered from anywhere. I almost don't want to go back so I can preserve the memory of it - I'm worried somehow I caught them on a good night or I was starving or something - it's just too good in my mind.

[sel]

I've had both burgers at Blue Palms. Both always good with their often exemplary craft brew selection!

[Mel Gee]

You're very wise to worry about that, but you have to go back, don't you?

Incidentally, were those porcini the dried, reconstituted type or were they, by chance, fresh? Was the gruyere spear-caught or net-caught? ;-) Seriously, it's almost impossible to find fresh porcini around these parts -- unlike the Bay Area, where the Oregon variety made regular appearances at my grocery store -- so I'd be very interested if Blue Palms serves them.

[Crowley]

Laurel Tavern on Ventura Blvd just east of Laurel Canyon has amazing burgers. Meat's got just the right amount of fat and the buns are perfection. The awesome microbrews bring out the best in a tremendous burger.