The best burgers in Los Angeles

Why we love it: In the last decade and counting, Ludo Lefebvre’s fanciful bordelaise-soaked take on a Big Mac has become one of L.A.’s most iconic burgers. Even as other heavyweights like Camphor, Amboy and Bar 109 have entered the ring, it’s still the gourmet burger to beat. The pinnacle of beefy, cheesy decadence, the Big Mec begins with a pair of prime beef patties prepared in the style of bifteck haché, a.k.a. the French equivalent of Japanese hamburg. Gooey, ultra-processed American cheese melts atop the twin stacks, which are nestled between two halves of brioche. What truly sets the Big Mec apart, however, is the housemade bordelaise that overflows onto the plate, which you can also mop up using the plate of frites that accompanies each order. Factor in the caramelized onions and garlic aioli and you have one of the city’s absolute finest—and messiest—burgers, bar none.

Does it come with fries? Yes

Time Out tip: I recommend eating with a fork and knife, though you can also just get messy with it and ask for napkins afterwards.

Address: Hollywood: 718 N Highland Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038; Sherman Oaks: 13705 Ventura Boulevard, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423

Opening hours: Hollywood: Mon–Fri noon–10pm; Sat, Sun 10am–10pm; Sherman Oaks: Mon–Fri noon–10pm; Sat, Sun 8am–10pm

Why we love it: “Quality forever” is the slogan at this West L.A. institution that’s been around for decades (since 1947, to be exact) and somehow managed to escape time. The restaurant’s longtime grillmasters churn out classic burgers, grilled cheeses and a standout off-menu tuna melt, but it’s the Hickory Burger that stands out in L.A.’s ever-shrinking old-school burger landscape. Each paper-wrapped creation ($10.25) comes slathered in secret house sauce (think: sugary, smoky tomato), and the addition of Tillamook cheddar for a dollar extra is all but mandatory. They don’t make restaurants like the Apple Pan anymore, and they certainly don’t make burgers like these in 2025—so soak up one of the last remaining vestiges of the 20th century with this timeless classic.

Does it come with fries? No, and unless you like slightly soggy steak-cut fries, you can skip them.

Time Out tip: Save room for a slice of house-made apple (á la mode, all the way) or banana cream pie.

Address: 10801 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90064

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 11am–11pm; Fri, Sat 11am–midnight; Sun 11am–11pm

Why we love it: Inspired by the Big Mec, the burger at Camphor in the Arts District mixes dry-aged beef and duck meat for a juicy, luxurious patty that plays well against sweet caramelized onions, beef tallow remoulade and a plush brioche bun brushed with duck fat. Despite the eye-watering price, Le Burger’s overall decadence makes for the city's most memorable handheld dining experiences—and comes with the type of white-glove service expected of a Michelin-starred restaurant (Camphor first earned the recognition in 2022). The almost over-the-top addition of duck to both patty and bun imparts a slightly gamey flavor to the burger, and each order comes with a pile of excellent housemade fries and a trio of housemade dipping sauces—details that make a $38 plate of burger and fries feel well worth it.

Does it come with fries? Yes

Time Out tip: Note that the restaurant is typically closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays (which is slightly atypical), and it only takes online bookings 14 days out. 

Address: 923 E 3rd St, Suite 109, Los Angeles, CA 90013

Opening hours: Mon, Thu 5–10pm; Fri, Sat 5–10:30pm; Sun 5–10pm

Why we love it: Bill Elwell may no longer walk among us, but the late legend’s iconic burger joint in Sherman Oaks continues to churn out backyard-style burgers that will transport you to the 1960s, when Elwell first fired up the same flat top. “You can’t have it your way, this is not Burger King” is the slogan at the top of the menu—but when the house preparation is this good, you don’t need much in the way of mods and customization. What you see is what you get, and the bacon cheeseburger is exactly that: griddled patty, American cheese, crispy bacon. There’s also iceberg lettuce, sliced tomato and a few pickles. You can (and probably should) add grilled onion, but don’t get too crazy; the idea here is simplicity.

Does it come with fries? No, but you can order a bag of chips on the side.

Time Out tip: Remember to bring some bills—Bill’s Burgers is cash-only.

Address: 14742 Oxnard St, Sherman Oaks, CA 91411

Opening hours: Tue–Fri 8:30am–4pm

Why we love it: Venice’s most famous dive bar has been slinging burgers since 1962, and the chargrilled “world famous” cheeseburgers here are cooked to perfection. Served with your choice of American or Swiss cheese, plus a little bag of chips on the side, Hinano’s cheeseburger is the pinnacle of backyard-style burgers. The sesame seed bun is just the right amount of toasted, and it’s piled with all the usual suspects: lettuce, tomato, onion, mayo, mustard and relish. Whether scarfed down at the bar or eaten at one of the patio tables outside, it’s clear that Hinano’s cheeseburger is greater than the sum of its parts.

Does it come with fries? No, but it comes with your choice of a bag of chips.

Time Out tip: Note that Hinano only serves beer and wine—there’s no hard liquor here.

Address: 15 Washington Blvd, Venice, CA 90292

Opening hours: Daily 8am–midnight

Why we love it: I am the last person on Earth who wants to promote an extremely limited-time offering, but the off-menu bistro-style burger at this snazzy new East Hollywood cocktail bar is just that good. Fewer than a dozen burgers are available each late Tuesday evening, with the exact number fluctuating depending on just how much Australian Wagyu the chef-owner Brian Baik wants to order that week. The eight-ounce patty laughs in the face of smashburgers and is cooked to medium rare, then proudly topped with melted Kraft. Further augmentations include caramelized onions and a “house mac sauce,” thick with chopped pickles, that manages to transcend the cloying sweetness of relish. On the side, Baik also includes a large pickle spear, its briny snap a refreshing respite between bites of meat and cheese.  

Time Out tip: For best results, drop by Bar 109 around 9:30pm to grab a seat and a cocktail while you wait. Your burger will be out before you know it.

Does it come with fries? No, but you can order a side of gourmet potato chips. 

Address: 641 N Western Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90004

Opening hours: Tue–Sat 6pm–midnight

Why we love it: To call this burger iconic almost feels like an understatement. Chef-owner Sang Yoon was one of the first to give L.A. burgers a gourmet spin, and he did it with a now-famous but still-polarizing rule: No substitutions. No matter how much you might love ketchup, just order this burger and do it his way—you’ll be glad you did once you sink your teeth into dry-aged beef topped with caramelized onions more akin to French onion soup than the simply sautéed variety. Of course, there’s also arugula and blue cheese, and that garlic-butter-toasted bun. Wash it down with one of this gastropub’s 30-plus beers and call it a night.

Does it come with fries? No, but you can order a side of regular ones with garlic aioli or sweet potato fries with blue cheese aioli.

Time Out tip: Don’t let the crowd discourage you; just grab a beer from the list that’s almost three times the length of the food menu, and mingle with friends while you wait for a table.

Address: Santa Monica: 1018 Montana Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90403; Culver City: 3229 Helms Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90034

Opening hours: Santa Monica: Mon–Thu 5–10pm; Fri, Sat noon–11pm; Sun noon–10pm; Culver City: Mon–Thu 5–10pm; Fri, Sat noon–midnight; Sun noon–10pm

Why we love it: In 2020, Eggslut founder Alvin Cailan reopened Amboy in Far East Plaza, pivoting his onetime Filipino lunch plate concept into a gourmet burger joint. Reborn as Amboy Quality Meats & Delicious Burgers, it is now one of the city’s premier burger counters and maintains a second outpost in West Covina. (The business no longer claims association with the location within Westfield's Topanga Social.) The made-to-order burgers are available in more straightforward varieties, including a classic double with caramelized onions and American cheese, but if you’re in search of true cheeseburger greatness, it‘s the DH Burger you’re after. Each one stacks a 10-ounce dry-aged beef patty with provolone, garlic aioli, pickles, and caramelized onions. It’s massive, takes about 20 minutes of prep time and makes a solid case for burger maximalism.

Does it come with fries? No, but you should absolutely get them on the side.

Time Out tip: You can also get three other variations on the DH: the Steakhouse DH ($21), which swaps the garlic aioli for steak sauce; the self-explanatory Chili Cheese DH ($25); and the Truffle DH ($25), which subs in Parmigiano Reggiano and truffle aioli.

Address: Chinatown: 727 N Broadway No. 117, Los Angeles, CA 90012; West Covina: 91790 California, S Glendora Ave, West Covina, CA 91790

Opening hours: Daily noon–9pm

Why we love it: If you can get past Moo's nitpicky house rules (no saving seats while in line), this ultra-popular Lincoln Heights barbecue joint serves one of the most unique, gut-busting burgers in the entire city. Served on a Martin's potato bun, the thick patty made from Moo's famous smoked brisket comes loaded with American cheese and signature aioli, plus dill pickles and razor-thin raw onions to cut through all the fat. The peppery, smoky quality of the meat infuses every bite—and is definitely delicious enough to sway diners away from the rest of the menu. A newer addition, called the Rampart Burger ($20), adds chili cheese.

Does it come with fries? No, but you can order them as a side. I haven’t tried them, so I can’t attest to their quality.

Time Out tip: You can pre-order the rest of the menu for pick-up, but you can’t pre-order the Thicc Burger. 

Address: 2118 N Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90031

Opening hours: Thu–Sun noon–7pm

Why we love it: This Northeast L.A.-based local chain gives fans the best of both worlds: a still-juicy center but ample crust on the patties, which are always stacked double; the meat is more pressed around the edges than some of the city’s other smashburgers, providing plenty of texture in every bite. The namesake Goldburger comes standard with American cheese, a garlic-mustard aioli, pickles and perfectly charred grilled onions, but everything here is worth a try—especially the Bar Burger, which swaps the usual smash for a six-ounce thick cut patty with raw white onions, pickled red onions and “great” mustard-y sauce. The mixed alliums add texture and contrast to every bite, and while Goldburger still makes one of the city’s best smashburgers, I’d recommend the Bar Burger over any of the other menu items any day of the week.

Does it come with fries? No, but they’re available as a side. I recommend ordering the curly fries (a rarity in this city) instead.

Time Out tip: The Bar Burger isn’t available at Goldburger’s newest location in Granada Hills. 

Address: Highland Park: 5623 York Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90042; Los Feliz: 1820 North Vermont Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90027; Granada Hills: 17603 Chatsworth St, Granada Hills, CA 91344

Opening hours: Highland Park: Daily noon–9pm; Los Feliz: Daily 11:30am–9pm; Granada Hills: Mon–Thu 11:30am–9pm; Fri, Sat 11:30am–10pm; Sun 11:30am–9pm

Why we love it: Come on, how could we not? The not-so-secret menu at In-N-Out is rife with burger combinations, and fans of this  quintessential Southern California fast-food chain will defend to the death their own go-to order. Here’s our call: the Double-Double (Animal Style, obviously), boasting two mustard-griddled all-beef patties with lettuce, tomato, cheese and an extra helping of In-N-Out’s blessed Thousand Island dressing, along with wavy pickle slices and grilled onions. Argue with this classic, we dare you.

Does it come with fries? No, but you should still get them on the side (just make sure to ask for them well-done).

Time Out tip: Flying in from elsewhere? The In-N-Out right by the airport is normally busy most hours of the day, but there’s another location slightly further south in El Segundo that’s usually less crowded.

Address: Multiple, including LAX, Hollywood and Palms

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 10:30am–1am; Fri, Sat 10:30am–1:30am; Sun 10:30am–1am

Why we love it: This is a burger purist’s platonic ideal. Unassuming but beloved by all, E.R.B.’s Single Burger is proof that less is more. Nearly impossible to savor slowly, this burger disappears in seconds, probably due to the perfect balance of salty, juicy medium-rare beef to squishy bun to dairy. No visit to one of the best bars in the city is complete without ordering at least one for the table, but good luck leaving without ordering another. E.R.B.’s single is simplicity at its finest: a solitary ground-chuck patty made from prime beef that gets covered in stringy, melty Tillamook cheddar. That’s it. That’s the whole shebang. Well, we guess there’s also the dill pickle, a special house sauce and an eggy brioche bun, but OK, now that’s it. It’s the simple things in life.

Does it come with fries? No, but you can order them on the side.

Time Out tip: A slightly beefier, with-fries version of E.R.B.’s Single Burger is also offered at Cannonball in South Pasadena.    

Address: 1936 E 7th St, Los Angeles, CA 90021

Opening hours: Tue–Thu 4–10pm: Fri, Sat 4pm–2am

Why we love it: Of all the gourmet smashburger concepts born in L.A. during the early pandemic, this one is my absolute favorite. Now with three locations across Los Angeles, Heavy Handed uses high-quality, well-marbled beef to form two lacy, crispy-edged patties; a signature Thousand Island sauce that’s a cut above the rest; and a blanket of gooey American cheese. Housemade potato rolls and deep, rich caramelized onions add up to a satisfying gourmet fast food burger, especially with a side of beef tallow fries (no breaks for vegetarians here). For $6 more, you can turn your meal into a combo with fries, a side of sauce and a fountain drink. Moreover, all Heavy Handed locations serve beer and wine, if you’re looking to chase your burger with a craft beer or two.

Does it come with fries? No, but you can and should make it a combo.

Time Out tip: If you’re still hungry, the dipped cones ($7.50) are another bright spot here, with Straus Organic Creamery soft-serve and four flavors: chocolate, butterscotch, strawberry and cookies-and-cream.

Address: Santa Monica: 2912 Main Street, Santa Monica, CA 90405; Studio City: 11838 Ventura Blvd, Studio City, CA 91604; Silver Lake: 3200 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026

Opening hours: Daily 11:30am–10pm

Why we love it: Charles Namba takes his burgers seriously, which is why the chef behind the Ode to Mos Burger at OTOTO (also on this list at No. 16) created this impeccable bistro-style creation at his newest restaurant, Camélia. The Japanese-French restaurant in the Arts District piles melted provolone cheese, grilled onions and pickled jalapenos onto a thick dry-aged beef patty for maximal deliciousness and a twinge of heat. While I'm actually a tad more partial to the Ode to Mos burger at OTOTO, the dry-aged burger at Camélia is just a little more decadent, causing it to slightly outrank its older chili-covered cousin. Plus, each entrée also comes with the restaurant’s phenomenal French fries, which hover between steak-cut and shoestring in thickness. 

Does it come with fries? Yes

Time Out tip: Stop by during Golden Hour (5–6pm) to pair your burger with a $12 martini or glass of bubbles, as well as discounted oysters.

Address: 1850 Industrial St, Los Angeles, CA 90021

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 5–10pm; Fri, Sat 5–10:30pm; Sun 5–10pm

Why we love it: Since 2011, this no-frills counter has served some of L.A.'s juiciest, best-tasting burgers from inside an unassuming liquor store in Redondo Beach. (There's also a newer location in Torrance.) The Napoleon—a mix of hand-packed patties topped with bacon, caramelized onion, three kinds of cheese, fried egg, short rib AND a tangle of Parmesan fries—might win points with the over-the-top burger crowd, but I honestly prefer the Cash, which still gilds the lily with bacon, shishito peppers, “only” two kinds of cheese, gochujang aioli, hoisin barbecue sauce and a crispy peppered onion ring. Not only is it easier to eat, but the flavors gel together better. Then again, you can't go wrong with a classic burger here or the Chance (jalapeño, sautéed chili onion and habanero cream coleslaw).

Does it come with fries? No, but they’re available if you want them.

Time Out tip: Despite being located in the back of a liquor store, the Redondo Beach original still offers bar seating plus a few outdoor tables. If you have time to spare, I recommend eating the Cash on-site to experience the burger in its best possible state. 

Address: Redondo Beach: 144 N Catalina Ave, Redondo Beach, CA 90277; Torrance: 3556 Torrance Blvd, Torrance, CA 90503

Opening hours: Redondo Beach: Mon 11–8pm, Tue–Sun 11am–9:30pm; Torrance: Mon, Tue 9am–8pm; Wed–Sat 9am–8:30pm; Sun 9am–8pm

Why we love it: Echo Park’s James Beard award-winning sake bar is home to this flawlessly constructed chili cheeseburger, only available from 5 to 7pm each evening. While billed as an homage to a Japanese fast food chain, this burger (available with cheese for $1 extra) easily goes head-to-head with SoCal chili burger icon Original Tommy’s, which actually inspired the founder of Mos Burger back in the 1960s. The housemade chili is rich and comforting, a thick slice of tomato adds textural contrast and the cheese adds an additional note of creaminess to each bite. Served with a knife, but best eaten with your hands, it’s a messy, comforting meal that’ll probably require wet wipes afterwards—which the staff is more than happy to provide.

Does it come with fries? No, and they’re not available.

Time Out tip: Ask the staff for a sake pairing to accompany your burger. 

Address: 1360 Allison Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90026

Opening hours: Mon–Sat 5–10pm; Sun 5–9pm

Why we love it: The burger at Darling in West Hollywood is the platonic ideal of a fancy bistro-style burger. It’s also the one menu item that Sean Brock—the seasonal restaurant’s award-winning chef—never plans to change. Devoid of any obvious frills and flawlessly constructed, the thick dry-aged beef patty is first sprayed with a fine mist of Dijon mustard, miso and sake. The restaurant’s custom-made wood-fired grill confers just the right amount of smoke, while a melted slice of Monterey Jack adds creaminess and just a hint of tang. What truly sets this burger apart, however, is largely invisible to the naked eye. After topping the patty with cheese, the restaurant paints each one with “liquid cheeseburger,” which consists of beef tallow infused with tomato concentrate and the pan drippings from previous burgers. The mix of smoky, layered flavors that results is several cuts above most other upscale burgers in L.A.

Time Out tip: Arrive early. The limited-quantity burger (only 24 are available each night) sells out most nights by 7:30pm. 

Does it come with fries? No, and they’re not available.

Address: 631 N Robertson Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069

Opening hours: Wed–Sun 5:30–10pm

Why we love it: Often imitated but never duplicated, former backyard pop-up Burgers Never Say Die can largely be credited with sparking L.A.’s smashburger frenzy back in 2017. These stacks caused so much commotion that they’ve wrapped three-hour lines around the block and even caused a fan to hire someone to wait in line for them. That success probably has something to do with founder Shawn Nee’s quest for perfection, and it’s paid off. Now, fans line up at this walk-up spot in Silver Lake for buttery, paper-thin patties pressed so hard, the crisp edges almost resemble lace. Topped with pickles, raw white onions and a drizzle of ketchup and mustard, the Regular (a double patty) is like the best fast-food burger you’ve ever tried. Supplement with some CVT soft serve and a styrofoam cup brimming with beef-tallow fries, and it’s hard to imagine a more quintessential smashburger meal in L.A.

Does it come with fries? No, but you can order them on the side.

Time Out tip: Come early on the weekends or you’re going to be waiting a long while.

Address: 2388 Glendale Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90039

Opening hours: Mon, Tue noon–10pm; Wed–Sun noon–11:30pm

Why we love it: Made with steakhouse trimmings from Niku X—Chubby Curry’s all-you-can-eat buffet sibling in DTLA—the Wagyu burger makes a strong argument for deviating from this Beverly Hills restaurant’s namesake comfort food. The subtly Japanese flavors come through in the form of curry aioli and a milk bread-inspired brioche bun recipe. Caramelized onions add sweetness; the eight-ounce patty is made of ultra-juicy, high-quality beef; and the cheese, as always, adds an additional dose of creamy mouthfeel. Every bite is bookended by chef Shin Thompson’s housemade bun. Paired with Chubby Curry’s delicious waffle fries, it’s one of the tastiest and most (relatively) affordable indulgences in the 90210.

Does it come with fries? No, but you can order waffle fries on the side.

Time Out tip: There are several public parking lots near the restaurant that offer two hours free parking until 6pm, with an affordable flat rate thereafter. 

Address: 225 S Beverly Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90212

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 11am–8:30pm; Fri, Sat 11am–9:30pm; Sun 11am–8:30pm

Why we love it: For whatever reason, the cheeseburger inspired by The Menu (2022) is the most popular pick at this old-school Route 66 burger stand, which was revived in 2022 and turned into a slickly branded mini-chain by local food entrepreneur Lawrence Longo (Prince Street Pizza, Bar Next Door and Off the Menu). Nevertheless, I’m still loyal to Irv’s Original Roadside, which consists of two pressed-to-order patties, American cheese, housemade sauce, iceberg lettuce, tomato, raw onion and pickles on a brioche bun. The no-frills burgers here still deliver, especially with a side of fries and a milkshake or float. If you don’t like lettuce or tomato, the Best Burger on “The Menu” nixes these vegetable add-ins, swaps raw onions for grilled and utilizes a sesame bun for yet another leanly built L.A. cheeseburger. Can’t decide? You can customize with the Just For You, the standard version of which comes simply dressed with pickles and housemade sauce on a sesame bun.

Does it come with fries? No, but you can order them on the side.

Time Out tip: I also like the pastrami sandwich, tuna melt and BLT here. 

Address: Multiple, incl. West Hollywood, Malibu and Mid-Wilshire

Opening hours: Varies by location

Why we love it: Double-stacked and oozing with Comté, the namesake burger at this newer Japanese-inspired restaurant in Silver Lake is memorable enough to tear you away from the restaurant’s delightful sashimi bowl and tempura-fried fish tacos. Caramelized onions and a pickle aioli add an extra layer of indulgence to each bite. The same could be said of many fancy burgers in this city, but the refined version at Doto manages to create a sense of balance amid all the decadence. Will it probably put you to sleep after lunch? In all likelihood, yes. But I still think it’s worth it, and you can always split it with a friend if you need to be productive afterwards.

Time Out tip: Doto has a handful of customer parking spots behind the restaurant—a rarity for Silver Lake and nearby Virgil Village.

Does it come with fries? No, but you can ask for them on the side. Fries and curry sauce are available during happy hour (3–5:30pm) and late-night (after 9:30pm).

Address: 654 N Hoover St, Los Angeles, CA 90004

Opening hours: Tue–Thu 9am–10pm; Fri, Sat 9am–11pm; Sun 9am–8pm

Why we love it: American Beauty’s casual burger walk-up in Venice has become so popular it’s spurred standalone locations in Silver Lake, Hollywood and Long Beach, and there’s good reason for it—it serves one of the best, most affordable smashburgers in town. For only $4.35, you can snag a straightforward, wholly satisfying single patty with American cheese, house sauce and grilled onions on a potato bun from any Win-dow location. Really hungry? The double will only set you back $7.50. Compared to other smashburger spots, the quality here is much more consistent and you can’t beat the convenience. If you’re not in the mood for a burger, there are also other tasty menu items, including an excellent kale salad and a solid fried chicken sandwich. 

Does it come with fries? No, but you can (and should) order them on the side.

Time Out tip: At the Silver Lake, Long Beach and Beverly Grove locations, you can also pick up milkshakes and dipped soft-serve cones in flavors like mint chip and salted caramel.

Address: Multiple, incl. Venice, Silver Lake and Beverly Grove

Opening hours: Varies by location

Why we love it: This metal-themed, meat-slinging burger shop in Long Beach doesn’t serve a single patty that’s not decadently dressed to the point of obscenity, and the Napalm Death tops them all. A medium-rare, half-pound patty gets drenched in gooey pepperjack, pickled jalapeños and cream cheese, then it's all topped off with fried jalapeño poppers and habanero aioli. It’s what we’ll dine on when the valkyries carry us over the rainbow bridge to Valhalla (which may be because it kills us as we’re eating it). Other interesting menu items include the Dee Snider (peanut butter, strawberry jam, bacon, Sriracha) and the jet-black Ozzy Osborne (chimichurri, garlic aioli, blue cheese, onion frizzle, field greens). The new location—Grill ’Em All used to be located in Alhambra—is also located just steps from the beach, making it the perfect place to take a day trip and unwind with an over-the-top burger. 

Does it come with fries? No, but you can order them on the side.

Time Out tip: If you want to switch things up, Grill ’Em All also offers a rotating burger of the month.

Address: 5411 E Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90803

Opening hours: Tue–Sun 11am–8pm

Why we love it: The backyard-style burgers at Yuca’s are small and unassuming, just like the nearly 50-year-old taco hut itself. Ultra-affordable at $9, Yuca’s double cheeseburger comes with two thin, juicy beef patties cooked on a well-seasoned grill that’s handled thousands of orders of carnitas, carne asada, cochinita pibil and chili verde over the years. Depending on your preference, you can add or subtract cheese or chili, or make it a single if you’re not super hungry. Creamy American cheese, crispy lettuce, tomato, onion, ketchup, mustard and mayo combine for one of the city’s best no-frills daytime-only burgers. Even in Pasadena, where the cheeseburger was supposedly first invented in 1924, Yuca’s time-tested version stands out as one of the best in the area—a statement I’d hang my hat on any day of the week.

Does it come with fries? No, but you can order them on the side.

Time Out tip: The burritos here are also legendary among neighborhood locals.

Address: Los Feliz: 2056 Hillhurst Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027; Pasadena: 1075 S Fair Oaks Ave, Pasadena, CA 91105

Opening hours: Los Feliz: Mon–Sat 11am–5:30pm; Pasadena: Mon–Sat 11am–6:30pm

Why we love it: Founded by first-time restaurant owners Sam Hong and Josh Kim, this Oklahoma-style smashburger pop-up that debuted at Smorgasburg back in 2022 has finally graduated to the permanent location. While I wouldn’t necessarily pick Softies' classic smashburger (the Cali) out of a lineup in a blind taste test, Hong and Kim truly distinguish themselves with their must-try Aji. This unique smashburger pairs griddled onions and pickled jalapeños with a punchy, bright green cilantro mayo full of two of my favorite things: garlic and lime juice. In L.A.’s competitive burger scene, the Aji is worth going out of the way for. Plus, Softies’ airy new location right next to Yobesoyo Superette inside USC Village includes two hours’ free parking, plus newer menu items like a chopped cheese sandwich, a dairy-free Orange Bang made with oat milk and a Caesar salad topped with fried chicken.

Does it come with fries? No, but you can order them on the side. However, I prefer Softies’ tater tots.

Time Out tip: For your meatless friends, Softies offers a vegetarian-friendly Crispy Shroom, which can swap the patty in for a whole enoki fried mushroom.

Address: 835 W Jefferson Blvd Unit 1710, Los Angeles, CA 90089

Opening hours: Daily 9am–9pm

Why we love it: You cannot eat the Whipper Burger at Hawkins House of Burgers without a fork and knife. Given the limitations of the human jawbone, it’s just not possible. And while some behemoth burgers aim more for quantity than quality, the Whipper manages to encompass both. Two well-seasoned, tender patties are topped with a pile of expertly fried pastrami, along with sausage links that delightfully snap when you bite into them. It’s a mess. It’s kind of ridiculous. But it’s worth the half-hour wait and the curious looks that go along with ordering it—and the additional curious looks from fellow diners when it lands on your table.

Time Out tip: If you’re looking for something more manageable for your mandibles, opt for the Colossal ($13.50), which nixes the sausage links and pairs it down to a single patty.

Address: 11603 Slater St, Los Angeles, CA 90059

Opening hours: Daily 8am–6:30pm

Why we love it: At first glance, the namesake burger at this sustainable raw bar along the Venice Boardwalk might not seem like much, but take one bite and you’ll quickly realize why this is one of the best gourmet burgers in town. The patty is made of Wagyu beef (Dudley also offers a Beyond option for vegetarians, too), there’s a sweet, jammy mixture of bacon and caramelized onions, and the dill aioli adds just a touch of creaminess to the overall experience. Fresh arugula—usually not my favorite burger green of choice, but it works here—cuts through the richness of all the beef and cheddar cheese, and the brioche bun always comes to the table plush and warm. For one person, the Dudley Burger is more than enough—you probably won’t even need a side of fries to feel satisfied.

Does it come with fries? No, but you can order them on the side. They’re a tad pricey at $9, however, and a bit large for a single person.

Time Out tip: Don’t come from out of the way for anything else on the menu at Dudley Market.

Address: 9 Dudley Ave, Venice, CA 90291

Opening hours: Wed–Fri 8am–1pm, 5–11pm; Sat, Sun 8am–1pm, 2–11pm

Why we love it: The smashburger trend has likely hit its peak, but you wouldn’t know it at Hermosa Beach’s Proudly Serving, home to one of the burgers in the South Bay. Chef-owner Matt McIvor offers a few customizations: “special” (Thousand Island) sauce and griddled onions (the PS Burger); a weekend brunch version that uses egg yolk and bacon jam; a Texas-style chili variant; pastrami and Swiss; and plain old bacon. For all the options, I still prefer the Founder (ketchup, mustard and raw onions) over the others. The burger's elements of crisp, sweet and tang complement the double beef patties and melted American cheese. You simply don’t need anything else. Throw in the fries cooked in rendered duck fat and you’ve got yourself a helluva beachside meal.

Does it come with fries? No, but you can (and should) order them on the side. 

Time Out tip: Proudly Serving also serves a tasty black bean burger for vegetarians. 

Address: 110 2nd St, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254; Redondo Beach: 1617 S Pacific Coast Hwy, Redondo Beach, CA 90277

Opening hours: Hermosa Beach: Daily 11am–9pm; Redondo Beach: 11am–10pm

Why we love it: Stepping into this ornate Downtown cocktail bar is like a trip to the early 20th century: Antique lamps, sconces and art dot the space, while an old train station’s stained glass arches make up the awe-inspiring ceiling. While the striking interiors and specialty cocktails serve as the bar’s major draws, culinary lead Laurent Quenioux’s seriously great bistro burger is another compelling reason to pay the Wolves a visit. A touch pricey at $25, the thick patty comes topped with lemony parsley butter, sherry-caramelized onions, sauce bercy, comté cheese and pickles. It’s also served with a side of housemade aioli and beef jus. You’d think this all would send the decadence quotient over the top, but the result is a surprisingly balanced burger you won’t be able to put down until the very last bite. Plus, the whole thing comes with a pile of golden-hued, perfectly crispy pommes frites.

Does it come with fries? Yes

Time Out tip: Order one of the experimental produce-driven cocktails—I like the Tigers Milk and the Skin Deep.

Address: 519 S Spring St, Los Angeles, CA 90013

Opening hours: Mon 7pm–1am; Thu 5pm–midnight; Fri, Sat 5pm–2am; Sun 5pm–midnight

Why we love it: Tommy's has earned cult status in L.A. thanks in part to its famed double chili cheeseburger. Two well-seasoned beef patties, cheese, pickles, a glop of hearty chili and a thick slice of tomato have kept this chain going since its first store opened on Beverly Boulevard in 1946, and still draw crowds at the chain’s 32 locations across California and Nevada. The Historic Filipinotown original is still 24/7, making the double chili cheeseburger the best meal deal in town, at least if it’s 4am. 

Does it come with fries? No, but you can order them on the side. 

Time Out tip: Not into chili? They're open early for breakfast burritos and hash browns as well.

Address: Multiple, incl. Historic Filipinotown, Hollywood and Eagle Rock

Opening hours: Varies by location