Hawkins House of Burgers in Watts is a legendary spot where you can dive into massive, flavorful burgers and comforting American classics in a laid-back vibe.
"Hawkin’s House of Burgers is a storied takeout spot in Watts that smells like fryer oil and looks like it hasn’t been touched since the Lakers moved to town. Meaty, chargrilled, and piled high with bacon, their standout cheeseburger is our favorite in South LA. They’ll also make you pancakes for breakfast, a pastrami sandwich for lunch, or a basket of chili cheese fries for dinner. But whether you keep it simple or go all out with the Whipper Burger (stacked with two thick patties, pastrami, and a hotlink), the food at Hawkins makes stuff at other burger stands taste like it’s missing something." - brant cox, cathy park, garrett snyder, sylvio martins
"When deliberating over classic LA burgers, the conversation typically veers toward spots north of the 10 Freeway. Hawkins House of Burgers, a restaurant close to heart for many Watts locals, deserves full consideration for its towering burgers served in a traditional style or with toppings like griddled pastrami, hot links, and bacon. The Willowbrook restaurant opened in 1939 and remains family-owned and operated." - Mona Holmes
"Watts’s most beloved meal is at Hawkins, where the loosely-formed beef patties arrive thick and impressive from time well spent on the griddle. This restaurant has stood the test of time and can trace its roots back to 1939. To level up the meal, go for the Leaning Tower of Watts with three patties topped with a hot link, pastrami, eggs, chili, and bacon." - Rebecca Roland, Eater Staff
"Hawkins makes messy, classic burgers that harken back to simpler times. And while the counter-service Watts spot does get creative with the triple-stacked Leaning Tower Of Watts, our go-to is the double cheeseburger with bacon. The angus beef patties are notably thick, and each slice of smoked bacon offers a satisfying crackle with each chew. Finishing one whole will make you want to lie down horizontally for hours, and that’s exactly how this family-run institution in Watts has been making people feel since the 1930s. Owner Cynthia Hawkins, who inherited the business from her grandfather, has flipped many of the patties herself right behind the counter. " - brant cox, sylvio martins, nikko duren, garrett snyder
"Hawkins House of Burgers has been a neighborhood fixture in Watts since 1939. And over 80 years later, the menu still involves a mix of classic hamburgers chargrilled to perfection, piled high with bacon, or stuffed with pastrami. Whether you order a simple cheeseburger or “The Leaning Tower Of Watts″ stacked with three patties, hot links, and chili, you’ll leave a much happier and greasier version of yourself." - nikko duren, garrett snyder