633230 Wed Jul 01 14:32:28 -0700 2009 76 2 Los Angeles Area 0 4822342 I know the burger debates in this city have been hot, but with 4th of July right around the corner, I thought this might be the time to re-poke the fire... My search for this subject yielded a few posts under different topics, but nothing specifically devoted to this one. Still I apologize if I overlooked it.. A recent NY Times article on burgers immediately mentions Comme Ca as a destination burger. So where do you think the best upscale restaurant burgers are? My working definition of "upscale" will mean burgers that are over $15 and served at a place that is not Only a burger joint. Therefore, I'll exclude places like Unami and 25 Degrees. So, what do you think? Mortons, Comme Ca, Boa? Let me know! Wed Jul 01 14:32:28 -0700 2009 90988 hyacinthgirl 1 4822366 This is easy for me. Spago. Lunch only. Go. Now. Wed Jul 01 14:40:58 -0700 2009 4822342 11583 ipsedixit 2 4825195 Will go immediately! And by immediately, I mean... this weekend, I hope! Thu Jul 02 13:20:17 -0700 2009 4822366 90988 hyacinthgirl 1 4822380 $15-$18 is what a really good midrange-restaurant burger is likely to cost you, and the Redwood on Second has my favorite of those so far, with Second City Bistro in El Segundo a close second. The most expensive of that lot that I've had was the one at Julienne's in San Marino, at $18, but as much as I love that place I do not recommend the burger. Two burgers a block apart in Pasadena, at La Grande Orange and Central Park, are worth eating, though LGO's bun dissolved halfway through the process and the patty, while huge and perfectly cooked, was a bit short on flavor. Central Park's is a bit smaller, but delicious, and under $10 (or was a year ago). Wed Jul 01 14:45:22 -0700 2009 4822342 11478 Will Owen 2 4823325 Related but with a tangential anecdote: I loved, loved the Redwood burger when I was a regular customer in the 80's and 90's. I am glad to hear that it is as self indulgent as ever. Do you know that there was (maybe still is) a red phone under the bar that directly connected to the editors' desks (publisher, too?) at the LA Times for delivery of food and libation? Wed Jul 01 20:57:17 -0700 2009 4822380 13369 Gypsy Jan 3 4824254 I'm pretty sure that went away with the change of ownership both at the Times and the Redwood. Thu Jul 02 08:29:05 -0700 2009 4823325 10180 martyR 2 4827332 I agree with Second City Bistro. Fabulous carmelized onions on that burger. Fri Jul 03 09:27:58 -0700 2009 4822380 277447 jeffandnat 3 4828570 One of the things I love most is that it's flat-grilled, a process I much prefer to flame grilling when it comes to burgers. First one I got I was on a high stool next to the kitchen area, so I got to watch my own personal burger get grilled and stacked. The accompanying salad with candied walnuts is pretty damn special, too. I think if we didn't live in Pasadena, El Segundo would be a seriously good choice. What a sweet little burg. Fri Jul 03 21:59:39 -0700 2009 4827332 11478 Will Owen 2 4841106 Will, Based on my burger experience (1 time & similar to yours) at La Grande Orange Pasadena I think you're being far to easy on them in giving a recommendation. My burger was a slimy mess w/ tasteless meat. Besides the flavorless meat the other problem was the bun. The bun was moist throughout from the time it was served (even the crust was slimy) each 1/2 was shmooshed down to about a 1/4 " (served open face). It didn't fall apart but it was a slippery mess. The bottom 1/2 of the bun I wasn't holding onto flopped down like a bloodhound's tongue on a summer's day. Not a deal breaker in itself, but indicative of how the bun just couldn't hold up to the burger. I gave up about halfway thru. A big pet peeve of mine is buns that just don't hold up. Pie 'n Burgers' burgers' fall apart somewhere past the 1/2way point but I'm willing to put up w/ that occasionally (that feature helps me ration my PnB' s burger intake to once or twice a year). The difference is the beef (PnB excellent,LGO tasteless) and PnB isn't a slimy mess from the get go. The interior and location (a block away) of LGO suit me fine, but to me it's not a good value (the food is not good enough compared to the prices, though not expensive). You gotta ask yourself, why does Houston's 1/2 block away do such boomin' business and LGO's resto not so much by a long shot? I think I've just, partially, answered that. Wed Jul 08 15:53:52 -0700 2009 4822380 16666 ilikefood 1 4822411 Houstons bacon cheeseburger. Mmmmm. Wed Jul 01 14:56:23 -0700 2009 4822342 10713 dinami 1 4822424 Definitely not Comme Ca. That one is nothing to write home about even though J Gold did. Maybe the burger is better at Boa than their steak. I don't have a favorite yet. Wed Jul 01 15:01:58 -0700 2009 4822342 15114 epop 2 4822480 I felt the same way--the Comme Ca burger was nothing special. Morton's was much better than Comme Ca, but it didn't floor me. Still looking for that perfect upscale burger myself, I guess. :) Wed Jul 01 15:25:09 -0700 2009 4822424 13875 Nicole 3 4822498 I am not sure I have found the perfect burger either, but the thing I like about the Morton's burger is that they always seem to cook it to order correctly: if I order it medium, I get it medium. (I find this true at a number of the other high end steakhouse chains as well.) Does not sound like rocket science, but I am amazed at the number of other places that seem unable to accomplish this basic task. Wed Jul 01 15:32:56 -0700 2009 4822480 78406 scrappydog 1 4822429 The best I've had in a long time was from an unlikely place: Clancy's Crab Broiler in Glendale. Cooked to order (medium for me), with iceberg lettuce and a cold tomato slice. I don't know why, but I like my tomato slice cold. It tastes fresher and the different temperature sensations really highlight each other. Wed Jul 01 15:03:21 -0700 2009 4822342 13464 lil mikey 1 4822574 Not sure on the price - I think under $15, but I love the Southwest Burger @ Granville (Burbank and Glendale). Angus Beef, Roasted Poblano Peppers, Cheddar Cheese, Applewood Smoked Bacon, Red Onion, Organic Arugula and Chipotle Aoli. Wow, it's tasty. Add in their homemade Sweet Potato Fries and you're in for some serious good comfort food. Wed Jul 01 16:02:41 -0700 2009 4822342 231111 mrsantora 1 4822689 Try the Surf & Turf burger at 26 Beach I had it over the weekend. A scoop of crab salad on one of ther juicy burgers with melted cheese. Yummy and so tasty too! Wed Jul 01 16:48:10 -0700 2009 4822342 11279 Burger Boy 1 4822782 MAX in studio city/sherman oaks is the best i've had Wed Jul 01 17:22:33 -0700 2009 4822342 26863 radman123 2 4822999 Love the Max burger and its sister burgers at BoHo and the Oinkster all created by Andre Guerrero. That man sure does know his burgers. All three different enough to have their own personalities. Also agree with the Comme Ca comments. Don't get all the hype. It's sort of bland to me. I think their fries eclipses the burger. Wed Jul 01 18:44:44 -0700 2009 4822782 155500 ExtraCheesePlease 3 4823240 It's somewhat ironic that you give the Comme Ca burger the big meh at the same time this post is up over on the Food Media News board: http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/633079 Wed Jul 01 20:22:31 -0700 2009 4822999 108169 Servorg 4 4823308 Must have a great publicist. Wed Jul 01 20:52:10 -0700 2009 4823240 15114 epop 1 4823351 On the occassions I indulge: Nook - good burger in WLA Houston's i recall had a good burger Father's Office gets its raves... Wed Jul 01 21:08:08 -0700 2009 4822342 1083314 travelingmansoul 1 4823400 Father's Office is an upscale and delicious burger. I don't recall what the price was. Well, I've never been to the Buffalo Fire Department but if you put out the 15 dollar price minimum, they serve a CHEF’S BURGER that has FOIE GRAS, CARAMELIZED ONIONS AND A FRIED EGG for 18 bucks, I'm not a big foie person (don't hate... maybe I just haven't met the right foie yet), so I wouldn't order that burger. Of course, this place is mainly a burger joint but they like to think of themselves as more than that. Too bad you don't include burger joints because the I'm fairly certain an 18x18 at In and Out would cost you at least $100,018.00. 18 for the burger and the other 100K for the quintuple cardiac bypass. Wed Jul 01 21:30:25 -0700 2009 4822342 89472 DrBruin 2 4823502 Office Burger $12 Wed Jul 01 22:37:24 -0700 2009 4823400 10864 sel 2 4823554 hwere' the buffalo fire dept burger? foie gras burger and i'm so there. and when is animal going to open up for lunch and serve up a foie gras burger??? Wed Jul 01 23:26:02 -0700 2009 4823400 10866 kevin 3 4823980 It's in Torrance www.buffalofiredepartment.com/findus.html Thu Jul 02 06:55:10 -0700 2009 4823554 89472 DrBruin 2 4823580 Father's Office is a burger joint. OP was looking for an upscale burger from a place that wasn't just a burger joint. Wed Jul 01 23:59:27 -0700 2009 4823400 11583 ipsedixit 3 4824401 I respectfully disagree about FO being a burger joint. It's a pub that also serves a great burger, among other items. Burger joints will offer a million options for burgers; FO offers one. Thu Jul 02 09:13:41 -0700 2009 4823580 62188 Ogawak 4 4824454 I agree 100%. Oh, but I am pretty sure the burger is $12 (or close), so it wouldn't fit the OPs price criteria (even though I find that criteria strange - why do you want to pay more for a buger?). Thu Jul 02 09:28:46 -0700 2009 4824401 67980 mdpilam 5 4824554 I think the intention of the $15 price point was not drawn from a desire to pay more, but an attempt to steer this thread away from a discussion of all the more obvious burger oriented establishments (including Father's Office, which is not a Burger Joint but a Gastropub) and toward traditional higher end restaurants (i.e. Comme Ca) where a server comes to your table and takes your order, and where a (usually expensive) burger is just one item on an otherwise upscale dining menu. With the huge spectrum of burger styles available in Los Angeles, it's always a bit overwhelming to try and discuss which is best on a single thread. So I commend the Original Poster for attempting to narrow the discussion to one subset, but, unfortunately, Chowhounds have proven time and again that they are unable to stick to the parameters of a given thread. So I'm sure the mis-recommendations will soon spiral past Father's Office and on down to the Counter and 25 Degrees, et. al. Alas. Thu Jul 02 09:54:08 -0700 2009 4824454 127538 wutzizname 6 4825184 Thank you Wutz! That is it exactly. Not the desire to spend a lot on a burger, per se, but just an interest in focusing the burger discussion on one aspect of it. Thu Jul 02 13:15:24 -0700 2009 4824554 90988 hyacinthgirl 3 4825178 I do agree. Though it is a pub that does, ostensibly serve more than burgers, I do think of it as a "burger joint" and meant to list it in places to exclude. But I suppose that's a matter of opinion. Thu Jul 02 13:13:59 -0700 2009 4823580 90988 hyacinthgirl 1 4823574 If you factor in the price, Comme ca has one of the worst burgers ever. I love the burger at La Boheme in weho and at happy hour, its half price. Wed Jul 01 23:45:33 -0700 2009 4822342 60617 rednyellow 1 4824079 I much prefer Taylor's burger to Morton's. But it's only available at lunch. And unfortunately, it's under $15. Thu Jul 02 07:34:21 -0700 2009 4822342 127538 wutzizname 2 4824290 i saw it on the dinner menu too. Thu Jul 02 08:40:14 -0700 2009 4824079 10866 kevin 2 4830000 I got the Taylor's burger at their place in La Cañada, following a glowing review published in the Times. I was not at all impressed with the meat, which lacked flavor, and it was apparent it had not been salted before cooking as St. Nancy sayeth it must. Furthermore, it was a good deal more expensive than the Times article had said. The manager said that the article had simply been wrong about the price, and in answer to my second question said that OF COURSE they didn't pre-salt the meat, as no right-thinking cook would ever do such a thing. I immediately crossed off any chance of a re-match... Sat Jul 04 16:43:57 -0700 2009 4824079 11478 Will Owen 3 4830890 When you say pre salt, do you mean just before going on the grill or 30 minutes to an hour or more? In a restaurant like Taylor's they might sell 10-15 hamburgers in a day or none. If you pre salted them and no one bought them you would have to throw them out. That is my logic. If you are cooking at home, you know how many people, how many burgers and if you want to follow St.. Nancy's advice, salt away. I assume you mean Nancy Silverton. Sun Jul 05 09:49:56 -0700 2009 4830000 11279 Burger Boy 4 4830931 I've not been to the La Cañada Taylor's, but I have had the burger at the K-Town one several times (including just a couple weeks ago) and have found it to be one of the best (most flavorful) burgers in town. Not sure what the exact price is these days, but the LA lunch menu on their website says $9.75. Sun Jul 05 10:11:46 -0700 2009 4830890 127538 wutzizname 4 4830993 I take it as pre-salt before cooking. The ideal to me is grind, loosely form the patty, a bit (pinch) of NaCl and also a twist of the wrist with my Magnum Plus Pepper Mill (not too much) and cook on really hot cast iron. In a restaurant setting, grind some good stuff, a bit of seasoning, loosley form the patty and cook with beaucoup BTU's! Sun Jul 05 11:09:47 -0700 2009 4830890 10864 sel 1 4824410 The burger at Rustic Canyon Wine Bar is excellent. I think it's $15-$16. Thu Jul 02 09:15:26 -0700 2009 4822342 74451 vinosnob 2 4824428 vino, have you tried their Monday night "Burgers and Artisinal Beer" specialty menu? Thu Jul 02 09:20:28 -0700 2009 4824410 108169 Servorg 3 4824431 No, but that sounds incredible!! Thu Jul 02 09:22:16 -0700 2009 4824428 74451 vinosnob 4 4824436 Maybe I'll give it a go next week. If I do I'll be sure to post and I know you'll do the same if you get over there for it first. Thu Jul 02 09:24:13 -0700 2009 4824431 108169 Servorg 1 4824576 One of L.A.'s most underrated burgers can be found at The Farm of Beverly Hills (both on Beverly Dr. & at The Grove.) Just a surprisingly damn good burger. I wouldn't put the restaurant in the actual "upscale" category, but I believe the burger goes for $14.75, so with tax, I think we're in business. Thu Jul 02 10:01:57 -0700 2009 4822342 127538 wutzizname 2 4825627 IT IS a very good burger Thu Jul 02 15:41:55 -0700 2009 4824576 60617 rednyellow 2 4825649 The sweet potato fries aint bad either. Thu Jul 02 15:56:42 -0700 2009 4824576 97644 ReelMike84 1 4824653 I live so close to Grace and have been meaning to try Burger Night (Sundays, I believe) forever. How are they? Do they change burgers each week? Thu Jul 02 10:20:49 -0700 2009 4822342 220091 outshined 1 4824694 Here are a few more options: Anisette = $17 (lunch only) Fig = $15 (lunch only) Fraiche = $13 but $2 more for bacon or avocado (lunch only) Grace (Sunday nights ony) Tavern = $17 Thu Jul 02 10:31:04 -0700 2009 4822342 10728 New Trial 2 4825221 Thanks! Have you tried any of them? Have any favorites? Thu Jul 02 13:29:24 -0700 2009 4824694 90988 hyacinthgirl 3 4825519 Of these, the only burgers I haven't tried yet are Fig (not usually in that area at lunchtime) and Tavern (got sidetracked by the triple pork burger, which was outstanding). The others are all very good burgers but no clear favorite among them, particularly now that Anisette changed the cheese it topped its burger with. I also had a surprisingly good 1/2 lb burger at Gyenari recently--the Korean BBQ place in Culver City. ($10). Thu Jul 02 15:02:19 -0700 2009 4825221 10728 New Trial 2 4827764 Scrolling down and reading, I was wondering when someone would list Tavern and Anisette, my two favorite burgers!!! I would add R+D Kitchen, they have a great burger. Fri Jul 03 13:33:49 -0700 2009 4824694 42095 yogachik 3 4828274 But (unless you are sharing) you might want to ask them not to cut it in half, their default presentation. Fri Jul 03 18:36:33 -0700 2009 4827764 10728 New Trial 3 4831984 I wasn't impressed with my burger at the R&D in Fashion Island. It was dominated by the bun which was dry. Sun Jul 05 19:42:07 -0700 2009 4827764 10883 JAB 2 4829108 Huge second to Tavern Burger. I was not thrilled by my burger at Comme Ca. Sat Jul 04 08:14:13 -0700 2009 4824694 13235 lotta_cox 1 4825274 The Westside Tavern in the Westside Pavillion has a spectacular burger. About $15 and I think they are about to start serving lunch. Thu Jul 02 13:45:11 -0700 2009 4822342 45368 bigredd 2 4825501 It is $13 and lunch starts July 7th. I think it is a good burger but can't hold a candle to the lamb dip sandwich there. Thu Jul 02 14:53:00 -0700 2009 4825274 10728 New Trial 2 4825640 although every time i stopped by in the vicinity of the tavern at westside pavillion it smelled like a pet store. that is quite off-putting to me, and i additionally don't know why it smells like that. Thu Jul 02 15:53:07 -0700 2009 4825274 10866 kevin 3 4826584 It smelled like fish/seafood to me when I went by to check it out after a movie last week. That sealed the deal for me, I hate fish/seafood and put it on my ignore list... Thu Jul 02 23:51:56 -0700 2009 4825640 67980 mdpilam 2 4829101 Correct I believe that it was scheduled to start on July 7th. Sat Jul 04 08:12:04 -0700 2009 4825274 1090683 ricomandel 1 4825403 Jar, $18, available at the bar only, comes with the best fries in LA too. Thu Jul 02 14:25:15 -0700 2009 4822342 27955 AngelaCh1 1 4825771 2 recs on the East side: The York in Highland Park (a gastropub, but really fun and GREAT burger) and reservoir in Silver Lake-- very nice, upscalish neighborhood bistro that serves a great burger as well, and mixes sweet potato and regular fries as a side. Thu Jul 02 16:43:26 -0700 2009 4822342 16019 jotoll 1 4826637 I was at the Boneyard Bistro last night and had the California Burger - 8oz of delicious Kobe Style Wagyu Beef on a brioche roll with lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions, bacon, cheese, and 1000 Island. Served with fries all for $19.00. The Patty Melt is also pretty fantastic. There are several burgers on the menu, along with a great beer and wine list. Boneyard Bistro 13539 Ventura Blvd. Sherman Oaks Fri Jul 03 02:11:06 -0700 2009 4822342 135030 omakase 1 4828350 Bar/Chateau Marmont has the greatest burgers, not goopy like Father's Office, just very flavorful beer. Fri Jul 03 19:36:54 -0700 2009 4822342 1087220 badvlad 1 4828353 I meant "beef", must be thinking of all the drafts at FO. Fri Jul 03 19:38:01 -0700 2009 4822342 1087220 badvlad 1 4829096 Saddle Peak Lodge brunch - Buffalo burger is the best upscale burger I've had so far. Of course If you can find a Kobe beef or Wagyu burger then I'd give that a try as well Sat Jul 04 08:10:43 -0700 2009 4822342 1090683 ricomandel 2 4829156 I think good burger has to have good beef flavor without "doctoring up" with likes of caramelized onion with balsamic vinegar or all the other crap. It also needs to be cooked correctly where the meat stays moist and juicy and the bun makes all the difference. My favorite so far is Comme Ca (I can take it or leave the slaw that is served on top) and La Boheme used to have great burger but not sure if they still have it. Sat Jul 04 08:41:42 -0700 2009 4829096 194299 Eastcoast foods nob 1 4830680 Don't really think it fits your criteria, but the Breakfast Burger at The Cabbage Patch on Beverly Dr. is pretty incredible. Sun Jul 05 07:46:06 -0700 2009 4822342 210890 sarcasmsk 2 4830691 Do they serve it with an egg on top (or what denotes its "breakfasty" aspects?). Sun Jul 05 07:54:06 -0700 2009 4830680 108169 Servorg 1 4830833 You should try the kobe burger at Petrossian cafe on robertson ....... just AMAZING !!!!!!!! Sun Jul 05 09:12:50 -0700 2009 4822342 1091002 bj1806 2 4831016 can you describe further and how much does it cost? is there an online menu for the petrossion cafe/ thanks. Sun Jul 05 11:23:50 -0700 2009 4830833 10866 kevin 1 4830842 Had a very good burger at Boho a few weeks ago. I don't remember too many of the particulars, because it was actually the SO's, and I decided to eat half, but it had Gruyere and carmelized onions, and a lovely bun. I have also heard that the turkey burger at Kitchen24 is great. Sun Jul 05 09:19:48 -0700 2009 4822342 212582 schrutefarms 1 4831875 I've had the Hungry Cat Pug Burger, I've eaten at the Counter and 28 Degrees, I have to say my favorite is the Father's Office Burger Sun Jul 05 18:53:58 -0700 2009 4822342 1091102 MikeLee 2 4832084 Out of those you just mentioned I'd probably go for the Father's Office as well. I enjoyed them all, but that one was the most memorable for me. Sun Jul 05 20:40:49 -0700 2009 4831875 97644 ReelMike84 1 4924434 Just did a burger hunt on Father's Day weekend. Only one of those burgers would fit these requirements. THE HUNGRY CAT - Pub burger, $16 Pretty good, and very original - a very "not a burger joint" take on the burger, and tasty. The other burgers we had that day were from FATHER'S OFFICE, THE GOLDEN STATE and BOWERY. My preferences were: 1. Bowery (definitely the winner for me, but they were all really good). 2. Father's Office 3. Hungry Cat 4. Golden State Was just in Vegas this past weekend and had the #06 burger at LBS at the Red Rock casino. It might have beaten all of these. So crazy good. Just a recommendation for your next weekend vacation. Thu Aug 06 18:15:19 -0700 2009 4822342 177594 seanemac007 2 4924496 Try the burger at Bradley Ogden next time you're in Vegas. It's mind blowing Thu Aug 06 18:35:35 -0700 2009 4924434 39262 ronnie_gaucho 1 4925039 Just got back from the Foundry's and their new Patio Burger is delish. It's only $12 but Foundry does fit the bill for an upscale restaurant. I'm not going to say it's better than Father's office, they're both my faves and they're very different burgers. Foundry's is more fun, you can play with the toppings. It's juicier. So far it's a tie for my #1 burger in LA. Thu Aug 06 23:37:51 -0700 2009 4822342 240509 SmokeyDoke 1 4931369 There are two. The burger at Rustic Canyon, which somebody already mentioned, and the the Chez Burger at Bouzy Gastropub at Chez Melange. It is worth a special trip to Redondo Beach just for the burger and their unbelievable truffle fries. I recently dragged a bunch of people from my office on the west side down there just for burgers, fries, and microbrews on tap, and the reaction was extraordinary. Sun Aug 09 15:48:51 -0700 2009 4822342 68093 wasabica 2 4932232 I have to concur on the Rustic Canyon burger. IMHO it is the best in town. The quality of the ingredients puts in far ahead of the others. Mon Aug 10 00:54:54 -0700 2009 4931369 1097752 Lambster