Hot take: Any great American city must be able to deliver a truly great burger. Maybe that isn’t a controversial take, but we certainly feel strongly about it. The best burgers in Los Angeles prove that the City of Angels has received—and nailed—the assignment. We’re not just talking about In-N-Out, that beacon of tasty (and affordable) burgers available in just about every single neighborhood.
This city’s got burgers for days, spread out across neighborhoods and dietary preferences. Maybe you’re looking for a smash burger, with caramelized onions fused into perfectly crunchy edges. Or maybe you prefer a thick patty, American cheese melting sumptuously down its sides. Or is it a Thai fusion moment you dream of, one that fills your mouth with zaps of mint and herb gremolata? There are also diner burgers and upscale date spots with prime ingredients. And if you don’t eat red meat, or any animal proteins for that matter, we have you covered, too. Luckily, the burger-based culinary options in LA are as vast as the county’s reach from Lancaster to Long Beach.
Read on for the best burgers in Los Angeles, beyond the In-N-Outs.
Silver Lake, Whittier, Alhambra
What to order: A burger and a milkshake
With locations in Silver Lake, Whittier, and Alhambra, Rick’s delivers classic diner vibes and extremely slurpable milkshakes. If you’re looking for an easy drive-through with satisfying results, Rick’s is a go-to choice for a reason. The hip denizens of LA’s east side would surely perish without it. (Pro tip: There’s usually some cute or funny message between locals spelled out on the menu board outside.)
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