Sit-down burgers in the Valley

[October]

Hello--We have some guests from abroad, and I'd like to take them out for burgers. My ideal would be The Counter, but we're in Sherman Oaks and would like to stay fairly close by. Is there a nice sit-down place around here that has great burgers? Or should I not be ashamed to bring them to In n Out?

[luckyinla]

My husband's favorite burger in L.A. is at La Frite, which just happens to be in Sherman Oaks. They use really good chopped steak, grilled to perfection, and their fries are fantastic.

[Jwsel]

I love La Frite's chopped steaks, but they are not exactly "burgers" in the sense that they are served open faced (do they even come with a top bun?). However, luckyinla is right that they use very good meat, are cooked well, and the fries are great. My favorite is the "Provencale," which is covered with sauteed garlic and tomatoes. My mom loves the "La Frite," which is topped with spinach, bacon, and mushrooms. They also make a very good turkey burger.

[ReelMike84]

I've heard good things about the lunch burger at the recently re-opened MAX. Not only that, but they'd have a great menu of other options to choose from.

Meanwhile I've personally had a good burger at Kate Mantilini's in Woodland Hills, and If you aren't "chainphobic," I've had a pretty decent hickory and frisco burger at the Claim Jumper's in Northridge.

It's too bad Gorikee in Woodland Hills shuttered late last year, otherwise I'd send you there.

[brandygirl]

Regarding chains in Northridge, I love Wood Ranch's burgers.

[ReelMike84]

I forgot about that one! I can second this.

[brandygirl]

The best burger, however, was at Houston's in Woodland Hills (I rarely am in Century City or Santa Monica, where the other locations are). I haven't been to Kate Mantilini since they took over, but I'll give it a try.

[October]

Thanks, all. I think Boneyard, Hamlet, Larsens and Mistral--as different as they are--may be on the right track!

[rednyellow]

I don't know if it is a lunch only item, but Mistral in Sherman Oaks has a fantastic burger. Their fries are great too. It is a very nice, lovely restaurant as well, not at all a burger joint.

[Citron58]

I've said this before, but the sliders at Larsen's in Encino are fantastic and extremely well-priced. You might have to sit in the bar, but it's a fairly big area.

[laeditormatthew]

hamburger hamlet?
http://www.yelp.com/biz/hamburger-ham...

[selfportrait93]

I bring all my out of town/ out of the country guests to In n Out at least once while in L A. since it is unique to the West Coast. ( Van Nuys has sit down area) All of them have liked it so far.
The "secret menu" is also an interesting topic of conversation while there.

[brandygirl]

Okay, what is the "secret menu" at In & Out?

[Peripatetic]

Abridged official version:

http://www.in-n-out.com/secretmenu.asp

Long enthusiast version (warning -- has over 700 comments):

http://www.badmouth.net/in-n-outs-sec...

[brandygirl]

Thank you!

[silence9]

Boneyard Bistro (on Ventura Blvd) has a few high-end kobe-beef burger variations on their menu. Just about everyone but yours truly seems thrilled about 'em. I think this is your best bet at present (now that Gorikee has closed)...

[a213b]

I second Boneyard.

[kevin]

ah, and gorikee was dirt cheap too, 7.90 for a wimpy burger that was actually quite large.

[Servorg]

For casual you might give Mel's a try.

http://www.melsdrive-in.com/hoursandl...

[Servorg]

A couple of other thoughts. If you aren't turned off by the "chain" word you might give Islands a try just west a mile or so of Sherman Oaks on Ventura Blvd. in Encino. There have been a few good reports on the board about the burgers at Pineapple Hill Saloon & Grill - in Sherman Oaks.

-----
Pineapple Hill Saloon & Grill
4454 Van Nuys Blvd N, Sherman Oaks, CA

[Hughlipton]

Pineapple Hill serves a really great burger at a price that will not require yo to take a bank loan. Beer or booze is the drink of choice because their wine is jug quality if that good. Fries are excellent. If money is no problem I most likely would go to Max's for his Angus burger. In between the two would be Stanley's in Sherman Oaks.

[goodhealthgourmet]

if you're willing to at least hop over the hill to Hollywood, you could take them to Lucky Devils or 25 Degrees at the Roosevelt.