From stalwart counters to modern smash specialists, these independent spots capture L.A.’s burger soul right now—rich histories, neighborhood ties, and critic‑approved patties you’ll remember long after the last bite.
Best Burgers in Los Angeles (2025)
10 Places
From stalwart counters to modern smash specialists, these independent spots capture L.A.’s burger soul right now—rich histories, neighborhood ties, and critic‑approved patties you’ll remember long after the last bite.
The Apple Pan
American restaurant
Since 1947, this U‑shaped counter has defined L.A. burger nostalgia with its Steakburger and Hickoryburger. Celebrated by the Los Angeles Times and long admired by national critics, it remains family‑run in spirit and fiercely local.
Heavy Handed
Hamburger restaurant
Born from a driveway pop‑up and now a local mini‑empire, Heavy Handed’s short‑rib smashburger with jammy onions and house “heavy sauce” draws consistent raves. Featured by the Los Angeles Times and Time Out for dialed‑in flavor and technique.
Amboy Quality Meats & Delicious Burgers
Hamburger restaurant
Chef Alvin Cailan’s Chinatown butcher‑counter turns out stellar burgers from custom blends, from thin Classic doubles to the dry‑aged DH. Applauded by Eater LA and The Infatuation; a lively Far East Plaza fixture tied closely to the community.
Hawkins House of Burgers
Hamburger restaurant
A Watts landmark with roots back to 1939, Hawkins serves towering, griddled patties and community hospitality. Frequently spotlighted by local journalists and Eater LA as a quintessential South L.A. burger experience.
Bill's Burgers
Hamburger restaurant
A tiny Valley counter dating to 1965, famed for straightforward, perfectly seasoned burgers served with chips. Praised by Time Out and Eater LA; still locally operated and cash‑only, with lines that prove the enduring appeal.
Moo's Craft Barbecue
Barbecue restaurant
Lincoln Heights’ Texas‑style pitmasters craft a smoked, peppery “thicc” burger that counters the smash trend. Consistently highlighted by Eater LA and barbecue editors as one of the city’s most compelling non‑smash patties.
BURGERS NEVER SAY DIE
Hamburger restaurant
From backyard legend to Silver Lake fixture, BNSD nails the ultra‑thin, lacy‑edge smash with pickles, onions, and classic condiments. Endorsed by Time Out and widely cited by local critics for pure fast‑food nostalgia done right.
Hinano Cafe
Bar & grill
A Venice pier‑adjacent bar slinging char‑griddled cheeseburgers since 1962. Lauded by Eater LA, Time Out, and The Infatuation for its unfussy backyard style, sawdust floors, frosty mugs, and deeply local beach culture.
The Escondite
Bar
DTLA’s Skidrokyo roadhouse pairs live music with playful burgers, including the famed doughnut‑bun Fat Albert. Time Out and Eater LA have highlighted its irreverent spirit and community vibe—very L.A., very independent.
Birdie G's
Permanently closed
Jeremy Fox’s Birdie Burger—an eight‑ounce house‑ground patty with havarti, Al’s steak sauce, and Manischewitz‑kissed onions—earned a recent Los Angeles Times shout as a must‑order. A polished, uniquely Angeleno take on the genre.
