Meat Market: L.A.'s Best Gourmet Burgers
By Matthew Allard, Citysearch Editor
Despite L.A.'s quest to weigh less, there's still a crowd that gets off on a good burger. You know who you are. And we salute you. But if you’re only getting your fix from the fast food family, it's time to step beyond In-and-Out. Sure, the burgers are tasty, but the SoCal carnivore deserves more than a meat sandwich. So we're giving it to you gourmet style.
-
25 Degrees
7000 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood, CA
Exotic cheeses are customary additions to any turkey or beef burger at this narrow, upscale diner. And since the restaurant is located inside the glam Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, don’t be surprised to chow down alongside a super thin Olsen twin. -
The Bowery
6268 Sunset Blvd, Hollywood, CA
If there was such a thing as a New York-style burger, you’d probably find it here. This West Coast spot with an East Coast vibe will slather your sirloin with gruyere, blue cheese, bacon, sauteed mushrooms and a whole lot more. Plus, they top it off with English muffins rather than a bun. -
Father's Office
1018 Montana Ave, Santa Monica, CA
Some may say it's their gigantic draft beer selection (over 30 choices) that really packs 'em in. We say it’s the blue cheese burger. If you're a fan of a juicy bite, theirs is probably the most mouthwatering on this list. There's no shame in wearing a bib. -
The Counter
2901 Ocean Park Blvd, Santa Monica, CA
Mosey on over to this retro-cool seaside staple and prepare to do it yourself; their burger menu--complete with beef, turkey and veggie varieties--is extensive and made for mixing and matching. Seriously: There’s over 15 sauces, 10 cheeses, 20 toppings and 3 different buns to choose from. Not really for the indecisive. -
Burger 90210
242 S Beverly Dr, Beverly Hills, CA
If the Peach Pit didn't exist, Brandon Walsh and Kelly Taylor might have hung out at this steely seat-yourself diner. The daring Tapenade Burger, with sundried tomatoes and pesto, is a unique creation as is the Rocky Protein Burger, drizzled with cottage cheese. And at about 8 bucks a pop, they're quite possibly the most affordable gourmet burgers the ritzy zip code has to offer. -
3 Square Cafe
1121 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA
Served during their brunch, lunch and dinner courses, this hamburger comes standard with Swiss cheese and caramelized onions. What makes it so special is the fresh pretzel roll it's served on; the adjoined bakery is known for this bread, so definitely leave your “no carb” rule at the door. -
Apple Pan
10801 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA
This no-frills joint features about 20 stools around a square bar. Snag one and order the Hickory Burger. It's sloppy, wrapped in paper and--unless you say otherwise--doused in relish, mayo and cheddar cheese. It's a down and dirty gourmet burger, but somebody’s gotta eat it.
