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, 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 with the frites that come with 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: Best eaten with a fork and knife, though you can always ask for extra napkins.

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 since 1947 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 adding Tillamook cheddar for a dollar is all but mandatory. They don’t make restaurants like the Apple Pan anymore, and they certainly don’t make burgers like these in 2026—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 Petit Trois' Big Mec, Camphor's Arts District burger mixes dry-aged beef and duck for a juicy, luxurious patty that pairs well with 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 it one of the city's most memorable handheld dining experiences. The almost over-the-top addition of duck to both patty and bun imparts a slightly gamey flavor, and each order comes with a pile of excellent housemade fries and a trio of housemade dipping sauces—details that make the $38 feel well worth it.

Does it come with fries? Yes

Time Out tip: The restaurant is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and serves only steak frites on Thursdays. 

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: Tucked inside the boutique Palihotel Culver City, Simonette is the sort of French-inspired neighborhood bistro that makes you want to order another glass of wine and pretend you have nowhere else to be. The Parisienne burger adds a little continental flair to the all-American classic, pairing a beef patty with American cheese, caramelized onions and sauce bordelaise, a rich, wine-forward French sauce that makes just about anything taste like a good idea. The onions add sweetness, the cheese brings the requisite gooeyness, and the bordelaise gives the whole operation savory depth. The restaurant also offers the Americaine, a more traditional take dressed with tomato, lettuce, red onion, cheese and special sauce, but the Parisienne is the more distinctive order.

Does it come with fries? Yes. The Parisienne comes with truffle fries.

Time Out tip: Burgers are half price during happy hour, 3pm–6pm.

Opening hours: Mon–Fri 8am–9pm; Sat 8am–10pm; Sun 8am–9pm

Address: 3927 Van Buren Place, Culver City, CA 90232

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 perfectly toasted and piled high with the usual suspects: lettuce, tomato, onion, mayo, mustard, and relish. Whether you scarf it down at the bar or eat it at one of the patio tables outside, Hinano’s cheeseburger is clearly more than the sum of its parts.

Does it come with fries? No, but you can choose a bag of chips.

Time Out tip: Hinano serves only beer and wine, no hard liquor.

Address: 15 Washington Blvd, Venice, CA 90292

Opening hours: Daily 8am–2am

Why we love it: This bar's off-menu burger has become a neighborhood favorite, featuring a juicy 8-ounce wagyu patty cooked medium-rare and topped with melted Kraft. It also gets caramelized onions and a “house mac sauce” thick with chopped pickles, without the cloying sweetness of relish. On the side, chef Brian Baik also includes a large pickle spear, its briny snap a refreshing respite between bites of meat and cheese.  

Time Out tip: This one is only served on Tuesdays from 8pm–10:30pm, so plan accordingly. 

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; grab a beer from the list, almost three times as long as 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 one-time 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 an association with the location in Westfield's Topanga Social.) The made-to-order burgers come in more straightforward varieties, including a classic double with caramelized onions and American cheese, but for true cheeseburger greatness, get the DH Burger. 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 wraps the garlic aioli for a 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 city's most unique, gut-busting burgers. Served on a Bub & Grandma’s seeded potato bun, the thick patty, made from Moo's famous chopped brisket, is topped with pickles, pickled red onions and house BBQ sauce. The meat's peppery, smoky flavor infuses every bite—and it's definitely delicious enough to sway diners away from the rest of the menu.

Does it come with fries? No, but you can order them as a side. 

Time Out tip: Pre-order to save time. 

Address: 2118 N Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90031

Opening hours: Thu–Sun 11am–7pm

Why we love it: This Northeast L.A.-based local chain gives fans the best of both worlds: a still-juicy center and ample crust on the patties, always stacked double; the meat is pressed more around the edges than some of the city’s other smashburgers, adding texture to every bite. The namesake Goldburger comes standard with American cheese, 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 6-ounce thick-cut patty with raw white onions, pickled red onions and “great” mustard-y sauce. 

Does it come with fries? No, but they’re available as a side. 

Time Out tip: Go for the curly fry option, a rarity in L.A. 

Address: Highland Park: 5623 York Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90042; Los Feliz: 1820 North Vermont Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90027

Opening hours: Highland Park: Daily noon–9pm; Los Feliz: Daily 11:30am–9pm

Why we love it: Come on, how could we not? In-N-Out's not-so-secret menu is packed with burger combinations, and fans of this quintessential Southern California fast-food chain will defend their go-to order to the death. 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 usually busy all day, but another location slightly south in El Segundo is 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: At a time when Los Angeles is practically drowning in smashburgers, Ban Ban Burger makes a persuasive case for taking the genre on a trip to Thailand. The Grapow Smash starts with a 4-ounce Australian beef patty, but the real fireworks come from the spicy grapow condiment, a fragrant, garlicky blast of holy basil and Thai chiles. A fried egg adds gloriously runny richness, while house-made Thai pickles cut through it all with a welcome hit of acidity. American cheese and wild garlic aioli bring the familiar smashburger comforts, all tucked into a toasty potato roll that holds everything together without getting in the way. If you're after something a little less fiery, the So-Cali Classic offers a more straightforward cheeseburger with Ban Ban's signature sauce, but the Grapow is what makes this Sawtelle stop worth seeking out. Even better: Ban Ban, a second location, will open on Fairfax this year.

Does it come with fries? No, but they're available as a side. The shoestring fries are cut from Kennebec potatoes, seasoned with laab-style lime salt and served with curry ketchup.

Time Out tip: If you want to try the restaurant's Thai-inspired take on American Wagyu, order the Wagyu Laab Smash instead.

Opening hours: Sun–Thu 11:30am–9pm; Fri–Sat 11:30am–10pm

Address: 1644 Sawtelle Blvd #3149, Los Angeles, CA 90025

Why we love it: With locations in Santa Monica and Studio City, 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 make for 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. All Heavy Handed locations also 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 ($6.50) are another bright spot here.

Address: Santa Monica: 2912 Main Street, Santa Monica, CA 90405; Studio City: 11838 Ventura Blvd, Studio City, CA 91604

Opening hours: Daily 11:30am–10pm

Why we love it: Charles Namba takes his burgers seriously. At his Japanese-French Arts District restaurant, Camélia, he piles melted provolone, grilled onions and pickled jalapeños onto a thick dry-aged beef patty for maximum deliciousness and a twinge of heat for a decadent meal. Plus, each entrée comes with the restaurant’s phenomenal French fries, sliced between steak-cut and shoestring. 

Does it come with fries? Yes

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

Address: 1850 Industrial St, Los Angeles, CA 90021

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 5pm–10pm; Fri, Sat 5–10:30pm; Sun 5pm–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. 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 go for the less flashy 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 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: Though it's in the back of a liquor store, Standing Room offers bar seating plus a few outdoor tables.

Address: Redondo Beach: 144 N Catalina Ave, Redondo Beach, CA 90277

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 serves this flawlessly crafted chili cheeseburger, billed as an homage to a Japanese fast-food chain. Available with cheese for $1 extra, the Ode can easily go head-to-head with SoCal chili-burger icon Original Tommy’s, which inspired the founder of Mos Burger 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 afterward—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, Tue, Thu–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 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,” beef tallow infused with tomato concentrate and pan drippings from previous burgers. The resulting mix of smoky, layered flavors is several cuts above most other upscale burgers in L.A.

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

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 is largely credited with sparking L.A.’s smashburger frenzy 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 stems from founder Shawn Nee’s quest for perfection, and it’s paid off. Now, fans line up at this Silver Lake walk-up spot for buttery, paper-thin patties pressed so hard their 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. Add 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: Order in advance for pickup to skip the line.

Address: 2388 Glendale Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90039

Opening hours: Mon, Tue noon–10pm; Wed, Sun noon–11:30pm; Thu–Sat, noon–1am

Why we love it: Plenty of places in Los Angeles serve burgers that require a stack of napkins and a willingness to unhinge your jaw. The Benjamin takes a more civilized approach, delivering a hulking, old-school bar burger that feels right at home alongside a martini in this dark, Art Deco-accented Melrose hangout. The loosely formed beef patty is cooked medium-rare, leaving the center pink and juicy, then topped with melted American cheese, a thick slab of seared onion, pickles and smoky hickory sauce. The soft, sesame-coated bun is made in-house, as are nearly all the burger's components, for a gloriously unfussy result: rich, beefy, and just sweet and tangy enough to keep each bite interesting. It's the kind of burger that doesn't need a tower of toppings or a social media strategy to make its point. The fries arrive in a silver cone, tossed with herbs and salt, with garlic aioli and ketchup for dipping. It's a generous portion, so consider sharing if you're tackling the crab beignets or the famously indulgent twice-baked potato. But whatever else you order, the burger is non-negotiable.

Does it come with fries? Yes. The burger comes with herb-and-salt-tossed fries, garlic aioli and ketchup.

Time Out tip: Grab a seat at the bar and order a martini alongside your burger. The Benjamin's old-school atmosphere was practically designed for the pairing.

Opening hours: Sun–Wed, 5:30pm–10pm; Thu–Sat, 5:30pm–11pm

Address: 7174 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90046

Why we love it: The old-school Route 66 burger stand got revived in 2022 by local food entrepreneur Lawrence Longo (Prince Street Pizza, Bar Next Door and Off the Menu), but the best burger is still the original: two pressed-to-order patties, American cheese, housemade sauce, iceberg lettuce, tomato, raw onion and pickles on a brioche bun. The no-frills burgers all still deliver, especially with a side of fries and a milkshake or float. 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. 

Address: Multiple, including West Hollywood, Malibu and Mid-Wilshire

Opening hours: Vary by location

Why we love it: Double-stacked and oozing with Comté, this Japanese-inspired Silver Lake restaurant's burger is memorable enough to pull you away from its 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 goes for many fancy burgers in this city, but Doto's refined version strikes a 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.

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 order them with curry sauce.

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

Opening hours: Mon, 5pm–10pm; Tue–Thu 9am–10pm; Fri, Sat 9am–11pm; Sun 9am–9pm

Why we love it: This local chain spawned standalone locations in Silver Lake, Hollywood, and Long Beach for good reason: It serves one of the best, most affordable smashburgers in town. For only $4.50, 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 the convenience is hard to beat. If you’re not in the mood for a burger, the menu also has other tasty options, 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, including 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 serves no patty that isn't decadently dressed to the point of obscenity, and the Napalm Death tops them all. A medium-rare, half-pound patty gets drenched in gooey pepper jack, pickled jalapeños and cream cheese, then topped with fried jalapeño poppers and habanero aioli. 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). 

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 offers a rotating burger of the month.

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

Opening hours: Wed–Mon 11am–8pm

Why we love it: Yuca's backyard-style burgers 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 invented in 1924, Yuca’s time-tested version stands out as one of the best in the area.

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

Time Out tip: Locals also consider the burritos here legendary.

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: First-time restaurant owners Sam Hong and Josh Kim founded this Oklahoma-style smashburger pop-up, which debuted at Smorgasburg in 2022 before moving to a permanent location. 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 made with garlic and lime juice. In L.A.’s competitive burger scene, the Aji is worth the trip. Plus, Softies’ airy new location next to Yobesoyo Superette inside USC Village includes two hours of 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. 

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

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

Opening hours: Daily 10am–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. While some behemoth burgers prioritize quantity over quality, the Whipper does both. Two well-seasoned, tender patties are topped with a pile of expertly fried pastrami and sausage links that snap delightfully 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 come with ordering it—and the extra curious looks from fellow diners when it lands on your table.

Time Out tip: If you want something more manageable for your mandibles, opt for the Colossal, 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 (especially for the price), but one bite and you’ll quickly realize why it is one of the best gourmet burgers in town. The patty is Wagyu beef (Dudley also offers a Beyond option for vegetarians); a sweet, jammy mix of bacon and caramelized onions, plus dill aioli, adds a touch of creaminess to the overall experience. Fresh arugula—usually not my favorite burger green, but it works here—cuts through the richness of the beef and cheddar, 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 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, and a bit large for one person.

Time Out tip: Don’t go out of your 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 peaked, but you wouldn’t know it at Hermosa Beach’s Proudly Serving, home to one of the South Bay's best burgers. 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 crisp, sweet and tangy elements complement the double beef patties and melted American cheese. You simply don’t need anything else. Add 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 feels 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 form the awe-inspiring ceiling. While the striking interiors and specialty cocktails draw crowds, culinary lead Laurent Quenioux’s seriously great bistro burger is another compelling reason to visit the Wolves. 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 all this would send the decadence quotient over the top, but the result is a surprisingly balanced burger. Plus, it 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 Tiger's Milk and the Skin Deep.

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

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

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 it opened its first store on Beverly Boulevard in 1946, and it still draws crowds at 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, too.

Address: Multiple, including Historic Filipinotown, Hollywood and Eagle Rock

Opening hours: Vary by location

Why we love it: This burger comes out looking so imposing that you might skip it after seeing another table get one. That would be a mistake, though, because it crushes flat in a most satisfying way, distributing crumbs of onion ring amid the thick patty and gooey cheese. More importantly, it has some of the best bacon ever to top a burger, thick-cut and rigid (none of that usual floppy, flaccid bacon that always ends up on a burger or in a Bloody Mary). Banana peppers and barbecue sauce provide an unexpected tang that sets this one aside from the usual sports bar grub.

Does it come with fries? No.

Time Out tip: Pair it with the clarified pina colada and pretend you’re on vacation.

Opening hours: Mon–Wed, 4pm–10pm; Thu–Sat, 4pm–11pm; Sun, 1pm–8pm

Address: 432 N Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036 

Why we love it: Figaro Bistrot has been serving Parisian sidewalk café vibes to Los Feliz regulars for years, but its happy hour is the real reason to pull up a chair before dinner. The mini burger is a bite-size take on the classic American cheeseburger, served amid red banquettes, sidewalk tables and enough French-bistro atmosphere to make a weekday feel faintly European. At just $8, it's a pleasingly old-school deal in a city where even a casual burger can require a small financial consultation. The compact patty makes it ideal as a snack alongside a glass of wine or one of Figaro's happy-hour cocktails, especially topped with the crispy bacon and perfectly caramelized onions. It's not the towering, over-engineered burger by the same name on the regular menu; you’ll be disappointed if you don’t specifically ask for the happy-hour version. 

Does it come with fries? No. Splurge on the parmesan truffle fries.

Time Out tip: Go for the generous happy hour, 4pm–8pm.

Opening hours: Daily 8am–midnight

Address: 1802 N. Vermont Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90027