Done your dash with biodynamic kale bowls? Seek respite from the Los Angeles #cleaneating epidemic with the polar opposite in quintessential Cali cuisine – the burger. Here are our top picks for perf patties in LA…
In-N-Out
Kitschy-classic burger joints are two-a-penny in this town, and a must-do iconic adventure in themselves. Our fave is 70-year-old drive-through chain In-N-Out, whose burgers, fries and shakes are best sampled from your Mustang convertible. Just so SoCal.
7009 Sunset Blvd, WeHo. +1 800 786 1000, + branch, in-n-out.com
The Apple Pan
Westside diner darl The Apple Pan does no-frills, stuck in time, greasy spoon like no other. Replete with gleaming countertop, old-school cash register and waiters in crisp ‘50s uniforms. Pop a pew on one of the red vinyl stools and dig in.
10801 W Pico Blvd, Westside. +1 310 475 3585
Capitol Burgers
Posi’d in a mid-town car park, this no-frills, 50-year-old stand might make you eat off beer box trays on picnic tables, but who cares when the mouthwatering, gooey cheese-topped patties are this good?
4301 W Pico Blvd, Mid-Wilshire. +1 323 936 0366
Umami Burger
If you’re wanting to veer from the trad, try LA-born sensation, Umami Burger. No sixth sense is needed to taste the meaty goodness of Umami’s patties, smothered in a variety of sauces from K-BBQ to their famed truffle aioli.
1520 N Cahuenga Blvd, Hollywood. +1 323 469 3100, + branches, umamiburger.com
The Golden State
The brioche-bunned wonders at The Golden State span lamb, turkey, veggie and a cooked-to-order Harris Ranch beef crowned with applewood smoked bacon. Pair your pick with slaw or sweet potato wedges and one of the State’s exclusive craft drafts.
426 N Fairfax Ave, Fairfax. +1 323 782 8331, thegoldenstatecafe.com
Petit Trois
Forget the hype of perma-packed Trois Mec and cut to the chase at little bro Petit Trois for the legendary, oozing, bi-patty, ‘Big Mec’. You want fries with that?718 N Highland Ave, Hollywood. +1 323 468 8916, petittrois.com
This article originally appeared on Pencities Beverly Hills. Published 4 October 2016.
