Jeff B.
Yelp
(Dined 01/09/24 TU @ 4:00pm): This joint knew how to grill all 'em burgers to perfection!
I heard the sad news that Grill 'Em All was leaving their lone Alhambra location soon for a new spot in Long Beach (I imagine the property owner either raised the rent or declined to extend their lease). They've been one of my favorite local burger joints for many years (along with The Oinkster and Red Robin), so when I caught wind of this somber information, I had to make a final trek for one of their unforgettable burgers, a local craft beer, and loud heavy metal music. Did this final meal leave me with a warm and fuzzy memory of grilled burger goodness!?
PURCHASE
Alosta Brewing Co. Mrs. Adams Oatmeal Stout Beer 6.5% ABV 16floz Can ($9.25): Dark reddish brown color, caramel coffee maple roasted aroma, medium body, coffee maple roasted flavor, mouthfeel finish, and coffee maple aftertaste. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=3veCChigtWy03EYlyHliAg&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw
Primate Style Fries ($9.00): A pile of crispy spud sticks covered in melted cheddar cheese, grilled onions, and thousand island dressing, this was their awesome ode to In-N-Out Burger's Animal Style Fries but heartier, messier, and sloppier. This was a meal itself, and every mouthful bite was amazing. You felt the repercussions the next day if you knew what I meant! https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=CBPwNMsBcenCX8ROiRq01Q&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw
Napalm Death 1/2lb Burger ($15.00): A massive messy burger constructed with a juicy thick beef patty, melted cheddar cheese, pepper jack cheese, pickled jalapeño, cream cheese, jalapeño poppers, and habanero aioli all barely held together by fluffy toasted buns, this obvious two-hander was a delicious mouthful of slop and spiciness that oozed down your lips and trailed onto your wrists as you cautiously took one bite after another. This was death by burger, and I couldn't have been happier! https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=ic0SMte4k6uvFQD4pG18aQ&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw
SERVICE
I was greeted by a woman at the order counter who quickly took my order, and paid right then and there, and was told to sit anywhere (I chose the counter). Once I situated myself, she brought over my beer, and minutes later the rest of my food arrived. After that, I was left to my own devices and wasn't checked on again until my glass and food trays were empty and collected. All of this was fine with me - thank you!
PARKING (FREE)
One of the many beautiful things about the city of Alhambra was that parking was free and plentiful everywhere. In this particular case, I parked at a structure that also shared the next door Regal Edwards Cinema and other businesses - 'nuff said.
ATMOSPHERE, DÉCOR, AMBIENCE
Located in a small dining/shopping area anchored by a Regal Edwards Cinema along bustling Main St., the restaurant was a bit crammed with chairs/tables, booths, and barstools/counter to enjoy your email, an assortment of framed paintings, murals, stickers, skateboard decks, and more hung on the walls. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=sZJvzxjwX96Lkcarwi9FLA&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw A large menu hung directly above the order counter. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=_2iEe-Qb3YBnElV88V_L2A&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw The kitchen was fully open which allowed you to watch your food get prepared. Decent amount of natural lighting came in through the front windows and doors, while various electric ceiling lights filled in the rest. There were a couple TVs while heavy metal music played in the background. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=tAGbXQgoNcxMZDphGYSExg&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw
ATTIRE
Totally casual, so I would normally be in a t-shirt, boardshorts, and flip-flops.
OVERALL
Grill 'Em All continued to be one of my favorite local specialty burger places in Southern California, and I wished them all the best with their new location. Unfortunately, Long Beach was out of my way nor did I do any business in the surrounding areas, so the likelihood of me visiting them was slim. However, the LBC was getting a wonderful addition to their community, and it may actually thrive more in that better-suited demographic. The prices were good or the amount or the portion size, the beer tap was constantly changing, and the service was no-frills and straightforward. I found complete value based on the prices, service, and experience noted above (TOTAL paid experience was around $37.00 BEFORE any discounts and/or tip). And, they accepted my credit card of choice... AMEX! 5.0 STARS