Los Angeles may be the nation’s burger capital, but the city’s sprawl means the perfect patty is never in just one neighborhood. To make your hunt easier, we hand‑picked ten essential burger stops—drawn from Eater LA’s freshly updated burger map and recent coverage—that span the City Core, Westside, and San Fernando Valley. Each delivers a distinctive style, from old‑school griddles to wagyu smash burgers, ensuring your next bite is worth the drive.
Amboy Quality Meats & Burgers — Chinatown
Chef Alvin Cailan’s butcher‑shop counter fires two standouts: the thin‑patty Amboy Classic and the heftier Slim Thicc, both draped in American cheese and griddled onions for maximum umami. Grab a seat in Far East Plaza and order fries cooked to McDonald’s-level crispness.
Goldburger — Highland Park
Owner Allen Yelent’s grass‑fed smash burgers balance a juicy center with lacy‑edge crunch; the signature Goldburger stacks American cheese, mustard‑grilled onions, and house pickles on a soft bun. The covered York Boulevard patio is ideal for casual weeknight bites.
Love Hour — Koreatown
What began as a parking‑lot pop‑up is now a Sunday fixture slinging double‑patty smash burgers, seasoned fries, and occasional guest chef collabs . Expect a loud patio, cold beer, and burgers that disappear in three bites.
Burger She Wrote — Beverly Grove
This closet‑size shop near The Grove turns out ultra‑crisp smash patties with molten cheese and a tangy house sauce; even Jack Black is a fan . Lines move fast and seating is limited, so plan to eat curbside.
Heavy Handed — Santa Monica
Short‑rib smash burgers, beef‑tallow fries, and soft‑serve land on Main Street, with Studio City and Silver Lake outposts now open for cross‑town cravings. Order a double with “Heavy Sauce” and watch caramelized onions melt into the patty.
The Apple Pan — West Los Angeles
Since 1947, this U‑shaped counter has served the iconic Hickoryburger, smoky‑sweet and wrapped in wax paper; seats are first‑come, cash‑only. Pair yours with a slice of banana cream pie for the full mid‑century experience.
HiHo Cheeseburger — Santa Monica
HiHo’s wagyu smash burgers showcase New Zealand grass‑fed beef; the Double HiHo comes layered with cheese, onion jam, lettuce, and house sauce. Finish with a tangy key lime pie shake before strolling to the pier.
Bill’s Burgers — Van Nuys
Nonagenarian legend Bill Elwell still tends the griddle at this six‑stool shack, flipping hand‑pressed patties since 1965 . It’s cash‑only, and the wait is part of the charm—chat with regulars while aromas fill the tiny room.
Bob’s Big Boy — Burbank
Home of the original double‑deck burger, this 1949 Googie landmark mixes nostalgia with solid char‑grilled flavor. Cruise‑night car shows on Fridays make it a family‑friendly spectacle.
For The Win — Granada Hills
The smash‑burger specialist’s drive‑thru outpost brings its lacy‑edged patties and house “FTW Sauce” deep into the Valley, joining locations in Highland Park and Chinatown. Add the off‑menu hot‑honey chicken sandwich if you’re extra hungry.
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