So we’ve been eating burgers in our city for a long time. And this is just a tentative list as there have been a lot of new spots to pop up doing amazing things, a lot of old favorites have fallen off, and there’s no real way to boil it down to just 5 4 in a city as big as LA. So before you cuss us out, tweet us your picks and we’ll be sure to check them out. (We received bad news regarding the cleaniness of what was our NUMBER 1 pick. So until further notice we will remove it from the list altogether. Later this year, we’ll be back with a definitive top 10 list.
Now in no certain order…
1. Removed.
We will check back with the establishment that used to hold this spot and see if they have fixed their issues.
2. Father’s Office
Amidst the unassuming facade of Father’s Office lies a captivating secret: a hamburger experience beyond compare awaits within the warm embrace of its wood-paneled gastropub. Unveiled by chef Sang Yoon in 2000, the iconic Father’s Office Burger emerged, boasting dry-aged beef adorned with peppery arugula, tangy blue cheese, and a nuanced bacon and onion compote that carries a delicate sweetness. A culinary masterpiece ahead of its time, this haute burger captured imaginations and ignited the gourmet burger revolution that defines today’s dining scene.
Yet, within this realm, a singular rule prevails: Chef Sang Yoon stands firm in his commitment to culinary integrity, allowing no substitutions or additions, including the humble ketchup. This unwavering dedication to the burger’s meticulous composition speaks to the very essence of Father’s Office, where every element harmonizes to create an experience that transcends the ordinary.
3. Trophies Burger Club
Prepare to step back in time with the imminent arrival of a nostalgia-infused burger haven on Fairfax. Trophies Burger Club, the brainchild of a seasoned team of industry veterans, is poised to open its doors this month. Helmed by the burger aficionado and chef-partner Geo Delgado (known for his culinary touch at Everson Royce Bar, Here & Now, Burgers 99), along with visionary owners Francis Miranda (renowned for Daybird, Pearl’s Finest Teas, Nightshade) and Robert Panlilio (founder of streetwear brand Crooks & Castles), this retro-inspired joint promises an authentic burger experience.
Trophies has curated a menu where every delectable item is priced at an astonishingly affordable sub-$10 range. Their mission? To seamlessly blend high-quality culinary craftsmanship with the accessibility and swiftness of fast-food service.
The heart of Trophies’ offerings lies within their diverse burger range, each featuring a bespoke fusion of ground brisket, chuck, and rib-eye cuts, ensuring an unparalleled gustatory adventure. The creative spirit extends even further with off-menu specials, discretely disclosed via the restaurant’s Instagram account, and tantalizing collaborations with fellow culinary maestros that will periodically introduce additional options.
4. Amboy Quality Meats & Delicious Burgers
A captivating fusion of burger haven and full-service butcher shop, Amboy presents a culinary experience where excellence in meat quality takes center stage. Each cut is meticulously chosen, embodying the essence of top-grade distinction. Within this unique setting, the true luminary is none other than the Classic Double burger – an embodiment of simplicity and nostalgia. This old-school gem boasts double-decker smashed patties, artfully crafted from a blend of ground short rib, brisket, and rib-eye trim. Crowned with the timeless allure of American cheese and crowned with caramelized onions, every bite mirrors the sensation of cruising in a 1965 Mustang or witnessing the iconic charisma of Harrison Ford during a bygone era.
For those drawn to fiery flair, the Picanté Burger is an exceptional choice. Complemented by thinly sliced red onions, pickled peppers, and a tantalizingly spicy mayo, this creation achieves a masterful equilibrium rarely encountered within the realm of burger gastronomy. The symphony of flavors harmonizes with an expertise that elevates the ordinary into an extraordinary sensation – a hallmark of Amboy’s dedication to culinary artistry.
5. In-N-Out
In the realm of In-N-Out hamburgers, the lettuce emerges as the standout star (although our founder, Ben orders his without lettuce) – a crisp and succulent delight that tantalizes the senses. Yet, when the lettuce’s supremacy becomes the pinnacle of praise, it inherently speaks to a broader truth – the overall experience leaves much to be desired. While each component strives to contribute, none achieves the level of distinction one might hope for. The beef patty, though kept unrefrigerated, doesn’t venture into the realm of revelation; its taste, while solid, remains firmly in the expected. The bread, a vital tether for the elements, falters even at the gentlest touch, succumbing to disintegration. The onions, ordinary in nature, fulfill their role without memorable flair, while the tomatoes, a mere reminder of untapped potential, highlight a lamentable unfamiliarity with the realm of superior tomato flavors. And the American cheese, as if briefly grilled onto plastic, falls short of transforming into a harmonious melange of taste and texture.
In essence, an In-N-Out hamburger, though armed with promising components, remains a symphony without its crescendo – a collection of elements that, while not inherently flawed, fails to forge an indelible mark on the palate.