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Cassell's Hamburgers
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Cassell's Hamburgers
8.4
Historic burger institution reborn in Koreatown, grinding fresh beef daily and hand-cutting fries. The housemade spreads and pickle bar elevate classic American burgers with obsessive attention to detail. Lines move steadily despite crowds drawn by consistent execution of simple fundamentals done exceptionally well.
Must-Try Dishes:
Classic Hamburger with House Spread, Sweet Potato Fries, Vanilla Malt
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Fresh-ground beef daily with heritage dating to 1948
Who should go: Burger purists seeking classic American execution
When to visit: Weekday lunch to avoid weekend crowds
What to order: Classic burger, sweet potato fries, malt shake
Insider tip: Build your own at the pickle and condiment bar
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking competitive in Koreatown - metered spots on 6th St, or use Hotel Normandie lot ($8 flat rate) half block away
Dress code: Casual - jeans and t-shirts standard, this is a burger counter
Noise level: Moderate busy hum - conversations work fine but not intimate
Weekend wait: 20-30 min typical, order-at-counter system keeps line moving
Weekday lunch: 10-15 min during peak (12-1pm), minimal wait otherwise
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - veggie burger and extensive sides (fries, onion rings, salads)
Vegan options: Limited - veggie burger can be modified, fries cooked in dedicated fryer
Gluten-free options: No dedicated buns, but burger patties are pure beef (can order protein-style with lettuce wrap)
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for casual vibes - counter service keeps it low-pressure, quality impresses without pretension. Skip if you want romantic ambiance or prolonged conversation space.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations taken - it's order-at-counter with open seating. Arrive off-peak (2-5pm) for immediate seating, or accept 20-30 min wait during prime times.
Is it kid-friendly? Extremely - simple menu kids love, casual atmosphere, quick service. High chairs available. Perfect for ages 3+ who can handle counter seating.
How does this compare to In-N-Out? More sophisticated - fresh-ground beef daily vs frozen patties, artisan buns, gourmet condiment bar. Expect $14-16 vs $8, but noticeably higher quality execution.
Is it worth the hype? Yes if you appreciate craft fundamentals - the daily-ground beef and hand-cut fries justify the premium. Skip if you just want fast food convenience at fast food prices.
Best For
Better for: Classic burger execution without gimmicks - fresh-ground beef and obsessive fundamentals beat trendy fusion burgers. Better ingredient quality than In-N-Out at accessible prices compared to Father's Office.
Skip if: You want tableside service, romantic ambiance, or ultra-fast drive-through convenience. Also skip if budget-conscious - In-N-Out delivers 80% of the experience at half the cost.
Cassell's Hamburgers
8.2
This revived 1948 burger institution grinds premium Angus beef daily and cooks patties on the original crossfire broiler. Tucked inside Hotel Normandie, the diner serves classic American breakfast all day alongside their signature burgers with housemade potato salad and thick milkshakes.
Must-Try Dishes:
Classic Burger with American Cheese, Breakfast Burrito, Lemon Icebox Pie
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Premium beef ground daily on original 1948 equipment
Who should go: Burger purists and breakfast all-day lovers
When to visit: Weekday lunch to avoid weekend crowds
What to order: Classic burger, housemade potato salad, thick shake
Insider tip: Ask for extra pickles - they're housemade and exceptional
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Hotel Normandie valet $15, metered street parking available on Vermont Ave - easier before 11am
Dress code: Casual diner attire - jeans, t-shirts welcome, this is a no-frills burger joint
Noise level: Moderate diner buzz - easy conversation at booths, louder at counter seating
Weekend wait: 20-30 min wait typical Sat-Sun 6-8pm, counter seats faster
Weekday lunch: 10-15 min wait during lunch rush 12-1pm, otherwise minimal
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Very limited - grilled cheese and breakfast sides only, not vegetarian-focused
Vegan options: No dedicated options - this is a traditional burger house
Gluten-free options: Burgers can be served bunless with extra potato salad, no GF buns available
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for casual burger lovers - the diner setting is relaxed and conversation-friendly, but skip if you want upscale ambiance. Best for daytime/lunch dates.
Can I get a table without a reservation? They don't take reservations - it's first-come, first-served. Arrive before noon or after 2pm on weekends to minimize wait, or sit at the counter for faster seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Extremely kid-friendly - classic diner setup with booths, all-day breakfast, milkshakes, and casual vibe. Great for ages 3+ who can handle regular seating.
Best For
Better for: Choose Cassell's for authentic old-school burger craftsmanship with premium beef ground fresh daily, breakfast all day, and nostalgic 1948 diner atmosphere - beats fast-casual chains on quality and beats upscale burger spots on value
Skip if: You want modern burger innovations, need extensive vegetarian options, prefer upscale ambiance for special occasions, or want craft beer selection - head to Father's Office or Plan Check instead
Cassell's Hamburgers
8.4
Since 1948, this Koreatown institution grinds chuck and brisket daily in-house and cooks burgers on the original crossfire broiler that sears both sides simultaneously. Now housed inside the Hotel Normandie, the retro diner serves thick patties with housemade mayo alongside classic breakfast fare and handspun milkshakes.
Must-Try Dishes:
1/3 lb Cheeseburger, Patty Melt on Rye, Dulce de Leche Banana Cream Pie
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 9.1
What makes it special: Operating the same crossfire broiler and grinder since 1948
Who should go: Burger purists and vintage diner enthusiasts
When to visit: Weekday lunch to avoid crowds, breakfast for full menu
What to order: 1/3 lb burger medium-rare, add housemade mayo, finish with pie
Insider tip: Happy hour 4-7pm daily offers discounted drinks with your burger
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Hotel Normandie garage $8 flat rate, street parking limited with 2-hour meters
Dress code: Casual diner attire - jeans and tees perfectly fine
Noise level: Low to moderate - retro diner acoustics allow easy conversation
Weekend wait: 20-30 min typically, can spike to 45 min during peak
Weekday lunch: 10-15 min wait common, counter seating usually available
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited - garden salad and sides only, not a veggie burger spot
Vegan options: Very limited - fries and basic salad without dressing
Gluten-free options: Burger available lettuce-wrapped, but no dedicated GF buns or prep
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for casual dates - the retro vibe is charming and Instagram-worthy, plus counter seating creates natural conversation flow. Skip if you want quiet romance or white tablecloth vibes.
Can I get a table without a reservation? They don't take reservations - it's walk-in only. Weekday lunch or early dinner (before 6pm) your best bet. Counter seats turn over faster than booths.
Is it kid-friendly? Very kid-friendly - classic diner setup with milkshakes and burgers kids love. High chairs available, casual atmosphere means noise isn't an issue. Good for ages 3+.
Best For
Better for: Historic authenticity and in-house grinding - this is where you go for LA burger heritage and that distinctive crossfire broiler char you can't replicate at modern spots
Skip if: You want craft toppings, creative fusion burgers, or extensive vegetarian options - Cassell's is purist old-school, so trendy burger bars with 20 topping choices serve that craving better