Hamburger Hamlet (Reported Closed)

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Contributor

Joined 10 years ago

Somewhere between fine dining and fast food lies this upscale burger chain.. The Scene
The first Hamlet opened on the Sunset Strip in 1950. After gaining success within the Hollywood community, the thriving burger joint opened franchises across the Southland. In recent years, the chain's popularity has ebbed, but thanks to friendly service and an old-school atmosphere, the remaining spots see a steady flow of families and locals.

The Food
The chain updates its traditional Americana menu with Cajun and Mexican trimmings, but the hearty ground-beef delights are the Hamlet's mainstay. The Just Plain and Delicious burger is exactly what the name implies--six ounces of juicy beef garnished with lettuce, tomato, pickle and onion. Other burger concoctions come with decadent toppings--ham, bacon, sour cream--but why clutter charbroiled perfection with anything more than a slice of cheese? Beyond burgers, there's creamy lobster bisque soup, loaded Cobb salads, and roasted chicken. Desserts lean toward the basics--chocolate cake, ice cream--and easily serve two or more.

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garrett115

Joined 8 years ago

Don't expect much.... Average food, below average service, high prices.

One can do better.

Doesn't Recommend

meadowsidhe

Joined 8 years ago

Horrible service. It doesn't matter which Hamlet you go to, you never get good service. If you call to order a pick up you get hung up on or you are told (not asked) to call back. If you want to speak to a manager, you get talked down to.

I would never, ever, ever patronize Hambuger Hamlet again.

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alikaalex

Joined 11 years ago

Almost Upscale. Tasty food served in a restaurant with identity-crisis decor. Many of the Hamlets I've been to have different decors within the same restaurant. Why? Who cares? This not-quite-hip eatery still makes some of the best burgers in town, for a sit-down joint. Try the #11 burger.

Doesn't Recommend

jeremyreed_citysearch

Joined 11 years ago

Not as good as memory serves. I used to go here ten years ago -- not this very one but another Hamburger Hamlet. I remembered it being so good, but on a recent visit I realized my memory was wrong, again. The burgers are average. The French Dip was below average. The beer is still cold, but the on tap selection now pales in comparison to most similar establishments. And the rest of the dinner/lunch options were more in line with Denny's than TGIFriday's-- but with TGIFriday prices.

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MicheleMoss_Citysearch

Joined 11 years ago

French Onion Soup is Worth a Visit. Yes, it's a chain, but the burgers and French onion soup are consistently good. The service is always great, regardless of the location. The desserts are less than spectacular, so if you're going to indulge, do it elsewhere. French fries are crisp and come in portions that either take up half the plate or leave you wanting more. It's a great place for lunch.