Where to Find LA’s Best Burgers (Hint: Not Just In-N-Out)

Let’s get one thing straight: A great city needs a great burger. Los Angeles gets this. Sure, In-N-Out is everywhere and it’s good. But this city has so much more to offer, from smashburgers with caramelized edges to thick patties dripping with cheese, Thai-inspired creations, and even vegan options. The burger scene here stretches from the Valley to the beach and everywhere in between.

Start at Rick’s Drive In & Out for a classic diner burger and a milkshake. Lowboy in Echo Park serves a smashburger that keeps the place packed, plus seasonal cocktails. For a messy, classic chili cheeseburger, hit Original Tommy’s—the 24-hour spot on Beverly and Rampart is perfect after a game.

The Win-Dow is a local chain where the cheeseburger costs under five bucks and the kale salad is so good one couple used the recipe at their wedding. Ban Ban Burger on Sawtelle brings Thai flavors with laab powder and chili jam. For The Win has lines around the block for a smashed, cheese-drenched burger.

Everson Royce Bar keeps it simple with a single, no-smash patty. Moo’s Craft Barbecue offers a Thicc Smoked burger with brisket and horseradish dijonnaise—but get there early. Goldburger started as a pop-up and now has multiple locations for the crispiest smashburger around.

Heavy Handed uses high-quality short rib and fries fried in beef tallow. HiHo Cheeseburger serves 100% grass-fed wagyu for under twenty bucks. Amboy in Chinatown has a dry-aged patty with caramelized onions and garlic confit mayo. Pie ‘N Burger in Pasadena has been a classic since 1963.

For something upscale, Pasjoli offers a dry-aged patty in herb butter with bone marrow aioli. Bill’s in Sherman Oaks is a 1960s stand still grilling classics (cash only, limited hours). And Cassell’s in Koreatown grinds its own beef daily and has been doing it since 1948.

These are the burgers Angelenos actually line up for.