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Monty's Good Burger
Master Critic Review
Monty's Good Burger
8.1
Entirely plant-based burgers using Impossible patties that successfully mimic beef with house spread and grilled onions on brioche buns. The Echo Park outpost provides more space than the original Koreatown location while maintaining the thick oat milk shakes and retro diner aesthetics that built the cult following.
Must-Try Dishes:
Double Cheeseburger, Tater Tots, Strawberry Oat Milk Shake
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: 100% plant-based burgers that satisfy meat-eaters and vegans equally
Who should go: Anyone curious about high-quality vegan fast food
When to visit: Weekday afternoons to avoid Friday-Saturday crowds
What to order: Double cheeseburger with house pickles, tots, blueberry shake
Insider tip: Their nut-free cheese makes it accessible for allergy sufferers
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free street parking on Sunset Boulevard and side streets, typically easy to find. Small lot adjacent to restaurant with 8-10 spots.
Dress code: Ultra-casual - athleisure, shorts, t-shirts all standard. Echo Park neighborhood vibe.
Noise level: Moderate to loud - music playing, open space with hard surfaces. Fine for casual conversation, not intimate.
Weekend wait: 15-25 min wait typical Friday-Saturday 6-8pm, fast-casual counter service
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, order at counter and food comes in 8-12 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Entire menu is plant-based - every item works
Vegan options: Entire menu is vegan - default cheese is plant-based, specify if you want to add their nut-free version
Gluten-free options: Gluten-free buns available upon request for all burgers, tots are naturally GF, confirm fryer protocols for cross-contamination concerns
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for casual daytime dates or low-pressure hangouts - the counter service and communal vibe keep things relaxed. Skip for romantic evening dates where you want intimate conversation due to noise level and cafeteria-style seating.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations needed - it's fast-casual counter service. Order at the register, grab a number, and seat yourself. Peak weekend dinner may mean waiting for a table to clear, but turnover is quick.
Is it kid-friendly? Extremely kid-friendly - casual atmosphere where noise isn't an issue, simple menu kids understand, tots and shakes are hits. High chairs available. Great for ages 3+ who can handle regular burgers.
How does it compare to a real beef burger? The Impossible patties deliver convincing beefy flavor and texture - meat-eaters are consistently surprised. The house spread and grilled onions add that classic burger experience. Not identical, but 90% there for most palates.
Will my non-vegan friends like this? Yes - Monty's built its reputation converting skeptics. The focus is 'good burger that happens to be vegan' rather than health food. Bring your most carnivorous friend and watch them order seconds.
Best For
Better for: Plant-based eaters who want indulgent comfort food without compromise - the thick shakes and crispy tots satisfy fast-food cravings. Also better for groups with mixed dietary needs since the entire menu works for everyone. More spacious and relaxed than the cramped Koreatown original.
Skip if: You want a gourmet craft burger experience with premium toppings - this is elevated fast food, not fine dining. Also skip if you're seeking a quiet, intimate meal or don't enjoy the fast-casual counter service format. For traditional beef burgers, try Plan Check or Father's Office instead.