As the birthplace and mecca of the cheeseburger, LA boasts a rich history intertwined with this beloved culinary creation: the burger. From its humble origins to its evolution into gourmet masterpieces, the burger scene in LA is as diverse as the city itself. In this journey, we’ll guide you through our meticulously curated list of the 15 best burgers in LA, showcasing the quintessential spots where burger aficionados can savor only the most mouthwatering and unforgettable culinary delights the city has to offer.
1. Goldburger, burgers with the Midas touch
This spot stands out in LA’s bustling smashburger scene, with highlights including the signature Goldburger, adorned with American cheese, grilled onions, pickles, and their delectable garlic-mustard aioli. Another standout is the LA Special, generously loaded with thick cuts of pastrami. These flavorful creations promise to leave you fully satisfied well into the next day, especially if you also try their irresistible curly fries: the perfect complement to the main attraction.
📍 Locations:
– 1820 N Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027
– 5623 York Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90042
🍔 Known for: Great prices, delicious curly fries and Pomegranate soda.
💸 Price range: $10-$20
💳 Card payment: Yes
2. Heavy Handed, smashed burgers with a firm hand
Heavy Handed’s smashburgers attract crowds of hungry diners throughout the week. Crafted from premium, marbled beef, the Double’s crispy patties boast delicate, lacy edges that complement the restaurant’s distinctive sauce and a layer of melted American cheese. Accompanied by housemade potato rolls and deeply caramelized onions, these burgers offer a gratifying gourmet fast food experience, particularly when paired with beef tallow fries.
📍 Location: 2912 Main St, Santa Monica, CA 90405
🍔 Known for: Double burger, Double cheeseburger and Short rib burger.
💸 Price range: $10 – $20
💳 Card payment: Yes
3. Chi Spacca, one burger per favore
Chi Spacca is, quite obviously, a very well known Italian restaurant co-owned by the highly acclaimed chef, baker, Nancy Silvertone (who also co-owns Pizza Mozza). Still, this spot is not a one-trick pony and besides their Italian delights, it also earned a reputation thanks to its signature exclusive Spacca Burgers, only available on Monday and Tuesday nights, for guests dining at the Chef’s Counter.
📍 Location: 6610 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038
🍔 Known for: Classic Spacca burger, Melrose smash and Lamb burger
💸 Price range: +$100
💳 Card payment: Yes
4. Trophies Burger Club, award deserving burgers
Think fast food style, but way better. Picture thin, juicy patties stacked with American cheese and classic fixings like diced onions and pickles. They keep it simple with just three burger options, but the Spicy BBQ Bacon is where it’s at. Loaded with spicy barbecue sauce, chilies, grilled onions, and crispy bacon, it’s a flavor explosion you don’t want to miss. If you’re a student, swing by on weekdays for the “After School Special” – you’ll score a classic burger, fries, at a discount price.
📍 Location: 519 N Fairfax Ave, West Hollywood, CA 90048
🍔 Known for: Great prices, Spicy BBQ Bacon burger and curly fries.
💸 Price range: $10 – $20
💳 Card payment: Yes
5. Petit Trois, Oh la la!
A renowned French bistro, celebrated for its exquisite cuisine and inviting ambiance. This burger place in LA boasts what are considered, some of the best burgers in the city. While famed for their French fare, its mouthwatering burgers steal the show. Imagine a bistro burger/Big Mac fusion of sheer decadence, soaked in rich bordelaise and adorned with luxurious ingredients and classic American cheese… Petit Trois’ burgers are culinary artistry, promising an unforgettable dining experience for French cuisine lovers and burger enthusiasts alike.
📍 Locations:
– 718 N Highland Ave Los Angeles, CA 90038
– 13705 Ventura Boulevard Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
🍔 Known for: Big Mec burger with foie gras sauce
💸 Price range: $50 – $100
💳 Card payment: Yes
6. Hinano Cafe, burgers that light your fire
A Venice institution and Jim Morrison’s favorite spot to hang out. Since 1962, Venice’s most renowned dive bar has been serving up burgers, and the chargrilled “world famous” cheeseburgers here are cooked flawlessly. Hinano’s cheeseburger, is served with your choice of American or Swiss cheese and accompanied by a little bag of chips, embodying the essence of backyard-style burgers. The sesame seed bun is perfectly toasted and it’s loaded with all the classic toppings: lettuce, tomato, onion, mayo, mustard, and relish.
📍 Location: 15 Washington Blvd, Venice, CA 90292
🍔 Known for: Cheeseburger, breakfast burritos.
💸 Price range: $10 – $20
💳 Card payments: Yes.
7. Moo’s Craft Barbecue, where grills come true
It almost feels unfair for other joints that this top barbecue spot in LA also serves up some of the city’s best burgers. Moo’s iconic “Thicc Smoked Burger,” one of the best burgers in Los Angeles, is available every day and lives up to its name. An eight-ounce ground brisket patty, lightly smoked for flavor while keeping the medium-rare center, is served with pickles, aioli, and thinly sliced onions on a soft potato bun.
📍 Location: 2118 N Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90031
🍔 Known for: Thicc Smoked Burger, Rampart Thicc Burger and Texas BBQ
💸 Price range: $20 – $30
💳 Card payment: Yes
8. For The Win, a taste of success
This mini-chain, led by a former fine-dining chef, boasts four locations across the city and is renowned for serving some of the best burgers in LA, specializing in smashburgers made with beefy, freshly ground patties alongside a delectable fried chicken sandwich. For The Win stands out by achieving the perfect balance between a succulent, flavorful patty and crispy, lacy edges. For the ultimate taste experience, indulge in your order straight off the grill, making sure to secure a table for immediate enjoyment.
📍 Locations:
– 6221 Franklin Ave. CA 90028
– 12602 Hadley St. CA 90601
– 1200 S. Brand Blvd. Unit 3. CA 91204
– 317 S. Broadway CA 90013
🍔 Known for: Cheeseburger, Chicken Sandwich and Grilled onions.
💸 Price range: $10 – $20
💳 Card payments: Yes
9. Bill’s Burgers, with a side of time-travel
This burger joint has been live and well since 1965 and the key here is that they keep the menu simple and delicious, just like back in the day. Every bite at the bacon cheeseburger is a journey back to the 60s and exactly what you’d expect: a griddle burger with American cheese and crispy bacon. You’ll find lettuce and tomato, and if you want, you can add grilled onions.
📍 Location: 14742 Oxnard St, Van Nuys, CA 91411
🍔 Known for: Bacon cheeseburger, fried eggs and old-fashioned style
💸 Price range: $5 – $10
💳 Card payment: No, cash only.
10. Camphor, fancy and filling burgers
Camphor’s burger used to be a gem hidden in plain sight, only available off-menu at the bar or patio. But thanks to its deliciousness, nowadays it’s a celebrated fixture on the official menu of this Michellin starred restaurant. This burger a blend of duck and dry-aged beef, offers a unique sweet and slightly gamey flavor that harmonizes perfectly with the tangy caramelized onions. Elevated by a soft brioche bun and savory beef, this burger ventures into the realm of true decadence. Don’t forget to mix the ketchup with the spicy aioli for an extra kick!
📍 Location: 923 E 3rd St #109, Los Angeles, CA 90013
🍔 Known for: Camphor signature burger and Beef Tartar
💸 Price range: +$100
💳 Card payments: Yes
11. Pie ‘n Burger, the dynamic diner duo
Since 1963, this iconic L.A. burger joint has been dishing out the best burgers and (you guessed it!) pies in LA, crafted with the same methods and locally sourced ingredients for over 50 years. Be prepared when you lift these towering burgers to your mouth: they’re practically bursting with house-made thousand island dressing, while the lettuce, tomato, and onion are packed in tightly. Feeling particularly hungry? Go for the Big Ben, a towering double-patty creation.
📍 Location: 913 E California Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91106
🍔 Known for: Big Ben burger, Thousand Island dressing and Meringue Pie
💸 Price range: $20 – $30
💳 Card payments: Yes
12. Amboy, meet the meat specialists
In a world full of smashburgers, it’s cool to have Alvin Cailan back in LA, serving up hearty pub-style burgers. Nestled in the old Chego spot in Chinatown, this joint brings some serious meaty goodness. And if you’re not in the mood for something thick, no worries! They’re always switching it up with fresh specials daily, so you’re bound to find something tasty each time you swing by this burger place in LA.
📍 Location: 727 N Broadway No. 117, Los Angeles, CA 90012
🍔 Known for: Amboy DH, Cheeseburger and Truffle burger
💸 Price range: $10 – $20
💳 Card payment: Yes
13. Everson Royce Bar, ERB is TDF
At Everson Royce Bar in the Arts District, the single burger isn’t just a lesson in simplicity—it’s the epitome of burger perfection and one of the best burgers in LA. You won’t find overwhelming sauce, unnecessary fried egg, or limp vegetables here. ERB’s burger features prime beef chuck, cheddar, and pickles nestled between an egg brioche bun. It’s a flawless burger that we wouldn’t mind enjoying every week.
📍 Location: 1936 E 7th St, Los Angeles, CA 90021
🍔 Known for: Single Burger and Patty Melt
💸 Price range: $20 – $30
💳 Card payments: Yes
14. Love Hour, love at first bite
Love Hour is a standout in LA’s smashburger scene for a reason. Their patties boast crispy edges without being overly greasy, ensuring the bun stays intact. Toppings are kept simple with gooey cheese, raw onions, pickles, and a delicious smoky-sweet special sauce. Its order-at-the-counter bar is bustling, especially on weekends at their beer and wine spot, offering a lively atmosphere with great patio vibes, music, and a steady flow of people enjoying burgers, garlic-parm fries, and drinks until midnight.
📍 Location: 532 S Western Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90020
🍔 Known for: Great prices, tasty onion rings.
💸 Price range: $10 – $20
💳 Card payments: No, cash only
15. Hawkings House of Burgers, since 1939
Hawkins House of Burgers, in the Watts neighborhood of Los Angeles, is a cherished spot with a long history. The Hawkins family started with a small food stand that grew into a popular burger joint known for its tasty burgers. Cynthia Hawkins, the current owner, keeps the tradition alive by serving simple and delicious food, promising only the best to her customers.
Of all the burgers at this spot, the Whipper Burger is a must-try and one of the best burgers in LA. But be prepared to grab a fork and knife because this burger is a masterpiece of both quantity and quality. Featuring two seasoned patties topped with expertly fried pastrami and sausage links that add a delightful snap, it’s messy, it’s ridiculous, but it’s definitely worth the wait and the curious looks from fellow diners.
📍 Location: 11603 Slater St, Los Angeles, CA 90059
🍔 Known for: Whipper burger, Turkey burger and tacos
💸 Price range: $10 – $20
💳 Card payments: No, cash only