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The age-old question: what is the greatest-ever burger spot? Los Angeles is known for having some of the best food on the planet, and the burgers are no exception. If you ever visit Los Angeles (or are here already), here are the top 10 best burger spots you need to try:
10. Apple Pan
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This classic diner was originally built in the 40s by Allen and Ellen Baker, and to this day still today maintains the mid-20th-century decor. Drive over to Pico Boulevard in West LA, and take a seat at the U-shaped counter. Let us tell you: the burger here justifies the hype. They’re known for the Hickoryburger -— which consists of their own special sauce, mayonnaise, pickles, and lettuce. As the name might suggest, they are also well-known for their “Apple Pan Pies” — such as a traditional apple pie, pecan pie, or the classic chocolate cream pie.
9. Monty’s Good Burger
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We can’t make this list without giving a shout-out to our vegan friends. If you’re looking for an incredible vegan burger, this is the place to go! Monty’s Good Burger has locations in Echo Park, Koreatown, and Culver City. They are 100% vegan menu using impossible burgers and other dairy alternatives. Inside, it has the look of a retro diner. As an honorable mention, another fantastic vegan burger in town is Lowboy in Echo Park, which offers an Impossible vegan burger with their vegan “yum sauce” — a delicious burger.
8. HiHo Cheeseburger
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This spot was founded in 2016 in Santa Monica, and now has multiple locations in LA and is definitely a great option for burger enthusiasts. What makes their burgers different is the use of grass-fed wagyu beef from New Zealand. Their classic burger (the HiHo Double) includes cheese, ketchup, slow-cooked onions, lettuce, house-made pickles, and mustard grilled. Adding their hand-cut fries and a milkshake is a must.
7. Father’s Office
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Father’s Office has a strict no-ketchup policy, so ketchup lovers beware. They’ve said that their classic “Office Burger” (which is also the only burger on the menu) doesn’t need any as it would only disrupt the flavors. The Office Burger includes caramelized onions, bacon, gruyere, Maytag blue cheese, and arugula. They were even Michelin-rated in 2023. Although many might tell you this burger is overrated, we think it hits the spot each time.
6. Goldburger
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Smash burgers are the latest trend nowadays, and an incredible spot for them is Goldburger. They have two locations here — Los Feliz and Highland Park (which is the original). Their humble beginnings and a pop-up in 2018 quickly grew into a permanent location in Highland Park thanks to the overwhelming popularity. These smash burgers are all 100% grass-fed. Their signature burger is the Goldburger which is a double patty and includes cheese, grilled onions, pickles, and a house-made garlic-mustard aioli. This is definitely worth the hype!
5. Heavy Handed
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Heavy Handed originally started as a humble food truck in 2020 that would drive all over the city. Recently they have settled into two locations in Santa Monica and Studio City. They offer amazing smash burgers and their fries are made with beef tallow which gives them an extra crisp and flavor. They also have spectacular short rib burgers, but it’s hard to beat their combo (burger, fries, sauce, and drink) for only $15 if you get a single patty. For a post-meal treat, don’t look past their chocolate-dipped vanilla cones.
4. For The Win
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For The Win was founded by Jason Winters in 2018 as a pop-up, and now has multiple locations across Los Angeles. This is a must-try spot in LA. They offer smash burgers on a delicious potato bun. Everything on their menu is top-notch, and don’t sleep on their fried chicken sandwich and grilled cheese. If you happen to be gluten-free, they even offer some gluten-free desserts (flourless chocolate cake and banana bread). These locations always get busy, so plan accordingly!
3. The Win-Dow
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If you find yourself on the way to Dodger Stadium, be sure to stop by this Smashburger walk-up window (get it?) in Silver Lake. You’ll be glad you did, as they have some of the best smash burgers, fries, and shakes in all of Los Angeles. These smash burgers always include onions, American cheese, pickles, and their house sauce. They also offer amazing fried chicken sandwiches and even a grain bowl for only $8. Yes, you read that right. This place forgot that inflation existed, and had relatively cheap prices compared to the rest of Los Angeles. A burger, fries, and drink will only cost you around $11. Of course, they also offer hand-spun shakes and dipped cones. Don’t forget a side of their incredible jalapeño aioli sauce to dip your fries in.
2. Burgers Never Say Die
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When you drive down Glendale Boulevard you may miss this rather discrete location, but here you will find one of the best burgers around. These classic smash burgers include cheese, pickles, onions, and ketchup. With minimal patio seating, you may struggle to find a seat — so plan accordingly. Their fries are also made with perfection and have the most perfect crisp. Their patties are so thin that a “regular burger” on the menu is actually two patties, and you can get three as a “three stack”.
1. In-n-Out
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The best burger spot in all of Los Angeles has to go to In N Out. It’s always there for us in both the best of times and the worst of times. The first In-N-Out location was in Baldwin Park, Los Angeles, and was founded by Harry and Esther Snyder. It was the first-ever drive-thru burger stand in California, and since then remained the greatest. This legendary restaurant has, despite decades of resistance, begun expanding to other states such as Colorado, Nevada, Arizona, and Texas. Each restaurant has an unmistakable red and white color with a palm tree design. The menu is similarly simplistic, only offering 3 combo items with incredible shakes as well. Don’t forget their animal-style fries and “secret menu”!
