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25 Degrees, in The Roosevelt Hotel, is surprisingly consistent (b/c of the touristy locale) in atmosphere and local-ness. (Courtesy image)
Los Angeles might be the home of "California cuisine" and "farm-fresh fusion," but sometimes you just want a good old-fashioned hamburger-which, since this is LA, can also be made from farm-fresh ingredients. Here's a list of a couple of our favorite places around town to bite into some red meat. But it's about all of us ... so your favorites can get added to this list by, um, adding them to the comments box at the bottom of the article.
8 Oz Burger Bar
Govind Armstrong's Melrose Avenue burger bar caters to neighborhood nabobs and film executives alike with a simple menu of burgers and fries, plus a plethora of toppings and sauces. Since there's very little selection food- and drink-wise, go crazy on the garnishes and see if you can spot a celeb chomping down in the corner.
7661 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90048, (323) 852-0008
25 Degrees
Located in the lobby of the historic Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, 25 Degrees is done up in bordello-style wallpaper and plush red-leather booths. There's not much to recommend besides the crispy fries and over-sized juicy burgers (which carb-counters can get without a bun, of course), but that's enough reason to come hang out with all the star-struck tourists.
7000 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, CA 90028, (323) 78507244
The Counter
There are almost too many choices at this small chain with locations in Santa Monica, Marina Del Rey and El Segundo. You can get your burger salad-style, protein-style, taco-style, or old-fashioned, and with a variety of meat and veggie options. Then there are the toppings, sauces and sides, which are too numerous to list. Our advice: go easy your first time out, and build up your dream burger from there. After all, nobody wants a Greek Feta, teriyaki turkey burger with black forest ham, roasted corn and black bean salsa. Trust us.
2901 Ocean Park Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90405, (310) 399-8383
Father's Office
The first Montana Avenue location was such a success , that Father's Office opened up a second spot in Culver City about a year ago, where you can get their huge famous burgers, incomparable sweet potato fries, and a myriad of brews on tap. Plus, you won't have to put up with
Laurel Tavern is on Ventura in Studio City. (Courtesy image)
3229 Helms Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90034, (310) 736-2224
The Fix
Bright colors, friendly staff, hipster crowd, and bison and ostrich options have made this Silverlake newcomer a fixture on best-burger lists all over L.A. Not only are the hamburgers huge and inventive, but the fried sides like mushroom caps and zucchini keep things interesting, as do the scintillating smoothies.
2520 Hyperion Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90027, (323) 661-8494
Laurel Tavern
Nobody can keep this slick upscale burger bar a secret for long, especially when its Old School Burger is so good, not to mention the menu's other dishes like chorizo fondue. The wine list is small, but reasonable and international. We don't get out to the Valley that often, but when we do, Laurel Tavern is high on our list.
11938 Ventura Blvd., Studio City, CA 91604, (818) 506-0777
Rowdy Red Wine & Burger Bar
One of the most recent entries on the scene, Rowdy Red Wine & Burger Bar opened up in a cozy subterranean space downtown not long ago, and has made its mark serving up all-natural Angus beef burgers in a variety of permutations. The wine list is pretty kick-ass too.
515 S. Flower St., Level B, Los Angeles, CA 90071, (213) 627-5511
