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Monty's Good Burger
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Monty's Good Burger
8.4
This plant-based burger joint proves vegan fast food can rival traditional burger stands with Impossible patties, dairy-free shakes made with Oatly, and housemade organic sodas. The punk-diner aesthetic features bright neon, hidden seating nooks, and a mascot-filled merch wall that appeals to all ages.
Must-Try Dishes:
Monty Burger with Impossible Patty, Tater Tots, Strawberry Oat Milk Shake
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Plant-based burgers that convert carnivores with authentic taste
Who should go: Families with mixed dietary preferences and vegan-curious diners
When to visit: Lunch on weekdays to avoid peak crowds
What to order: Monty Burger, tater tots, housemade Cherry Bomb soda
Insider tip: Thick shakes come with sprinkles - add strawberries for extra texture
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking challenging - metered spots on 6th St, public lot at Vermont/Wilshire ($8 flat rate)
Dress code: Casual - athleisure, jeans, t-shirts all welcome
Noise level: Moderate to loud - upbeat music but booths offer quieter spots
Weekend wait: 15-25 min peak hours, counter-service so no reservations needed
Weekday lunch: 5-10 min typical, fastest 11:30am-12pm
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: 100% plant-based menu - everything is vegetarian
Vegan options: 100% vegan - no dairy or eggs anywhere on menu
Gluten-free options: Yes - gluten-free buns available, dedicated fryer for fries
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for casual dates - fun atmosphere takes pressure off, affordable prices, and the 'trying vegan food together' angle is a conversation starter. Skip if you want romantic ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations accepted - it's counter-service with open seating. Arrive before 12pm or after 1:30pm weekdays to snag booth seating easily.
Is it kid-friendly? Extremely kid-friendly - familiar burger format, fun decor with mascots, high chairs available, and kids genuinely can't tell it's vegan. Great for ages 3+.
Do the burgers actually taste like meat? Yes - Impossible patties are remarkably beef-like with proper char and texture. Even meat-eaters consistently impressed, though texture is slightly softer than beef.
How long does it take to get food? 8-12 minutes typical from order to pickup - fast-casual speed. They buzz you when ready so you can grab a seat.
Best For
Better for: Converting skeptics to plant-based eating - the execution rivals In-N-Out quality while being fully vegan. Best for families wanting one spot that satisfies both vegan and non-vegan members without compromise. The housemade sodas and Oatly shakes are legitimately better than typical fast-food versions.
Skip if: You want gourmet sit-down service or quiet conversation - this is fast-casual with high energy. Also skip if you prefer whole-food plant-based options over processed Impossible meat. For traditional beef burgers, hit Father's Office or Cassell's instead.
Monty's Good Burger
7.9
This fully plant-based concept proved vegan burgers could compete with traditional beef at festivals before opening permanent locations. Impossible patties are griddled on the flattop with Follow Your Heart cashew cheese, house spread, and grilled onions on Bosch Bakery potato buns, alongside non-dairy shakes that converted skeptics.
Must-Try Dishes:
Single Cheeseburger, Tater Tots with Dipping Sauces, Strawberry Shake
Scores:
Value: 7.5
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 7.4
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: 100% plant-based menu that satisfies meat-eaters equally
Who should go: Vegans, vegetarians, and curious omnivores
When to visit: Lunch to avoid dinner rush, Fridays/Saturdays open until 1am
What to order: Double cheeseburger, half fries half tots, non-dairy shake
Insider tip: All sauces are made in-house and worth exploring
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only - metered spots on Wilshire and side streets, free after 8pm. Nearby paid lot at Chapman Plaza ($5-8)
Dress code: Ultra casual - athleisure, jeans, tees welcome. This is a fast-casual counter-service spot
Noise level: Moderate to lively - music playing but can hold conversation. Gets louder during peak hours
Weekend wait: 15-25 min ordering wait, food ready in 10 min. Seating usually available
Weekday lunch: 5-10 min line, quick turnover. Peak at 12:30pm
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Entire menu is vegetarian - 100% plant-based concept
Vegan options: Entire menu is vegan - uses cashew cheese and non-dairy shakes
Gluten-free options: Gluten-free buns available upon request, fries and tots are GF
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Works for casual daytime dates or late-night hangs (open until 1am weekends). Counter-service format keeps it low-pressure. Skip if you want tableside service or quieter ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations taken - it's counter-service with communal and individual seating. Seating usually available except weekend dinner peak (7-9pm) when you might wait 5-10 min for a spot.
Is it kid-friendly? Very kid-friendly - casual atmosphere, familiar burger/fries format, quick service. Kids often don't realize it's plant-based. No high chairs visible but space accommodates strollers.
Will meat-eaters actually like this? Yes - the Impossible patties are griddled with char and texture like beef. Skeptical omnivores consistently surprised. This isn't health food trying to be a burger; it's a legitimate burger that happens to be plant-based.
How long does food take after ordering? 10-12 minutes typically. Burgers made-to-order on the flattop. They text you when ready, so you can grab a seat while waiting.
Best For
Better for: Converting skeptics to plant-based eating without sacrificing taste. Better late-night option than most vegan spots. More satisfying than typical fast-food veggie burgers while staying casual and affordable.
Skip if: You want a sit-down experience with table service. Seeking gourmet/elevated plant-based cuisine (this is intentionally fast-casual). Prefer whole-food plant-based over processed meat alternatives. Need guaranteed quiet conversation space.