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Heavy Handed
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Heavy Handed
8.3
Smash burger specialist frying their straight-cut fries in beef tallow, creating rich, savory sides that have earned cult status among Valley burger enthusiasts. The ground short rib patties and house-made pickles complete the nostalgic drive-in experience without the car hops.
Must-Try Dishes:
Heavy Burger with Beef Tallow Fries, Loaded Fries with Heavy Sauce, Double Smash Burger Combo
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Beef tallow-fried straight-cut fries pair with smash burgers made from ground short rib
Who should go: Burger purists seeking elevated fast-casual quality
When to visit: Lunch rush or late-night post-bar cravings
What to order: Heavy Burger, beef tallow fries, house pickles
Insider tip: The beef tallow creates deeper flavor than standard vegetable oil frying
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking available on Ventura Blvd and side streets, moderate difficulty during peak hours
Dress code: Casual - t-shirts and jeans perfectly appropriate
Noise level: Moderate to loud - counter-service setup with kitchen noise, conversation-friendly but energetic
Weekend wait: 15-25 min order wait during Friday/Saturday dinner rush
Weekday lunch: 10-15 min typical wait, moves quickly
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Very limited - grilled cheese only substantive option
Vegan options: No dedicated options - burger-focused menu
Gluten-free options: No gluten-free buns available, fries are naturally GF but fried in shared beef tallow
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for 2nd or 3rd dates - the casual counter-service format is low-pressure and Instagram-worthy, but lacks the ambiance for traditional first date romance. Perfect if you both appreciate great burgers.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations needed - it's counter-service with limited seating. Grab your order and snag a table as they open up, or plan for takeout during peak hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Very kid-friendly - simple menu kids love (burgers, fries, shakes), casual atmosphere, no pressure to keep them perfectly behaved. Not a ton of seating though, so groups may wait.
How does it compare to In-N-Out? Similar price point but elevated quality - ground short rib vs standard beef, beef tallow fries vs vegetable oil. Think In-N-Out's format with gastropub ingredients. Worth the $3-4 premium per person.
Is it worth the hype? Yes, if you care about burger quality - the beef tallow fries alone justify the visit. Skip if you just want fast, cheap fuel and don't care about ingredient sourcing.
Best For
Better for: Choose Heavy Handed over In-N-Out or Five Guys when you want elevated ingredients (short rib, beef tallow) without sacrificing speed or casual vibes. The Instagram appeal and late-night availability make it ideal for spontaneous plans with friends.
Skip if: Skip if you need vegetarian/vegan options, want full table service, need guaranteed seating for large groups, or are budget-conscious (In-N-Out is $4-5 cheaper per person for similar portions)
Heavy Handed
8.4
Ground short rib smashburgers with caramelized onions achieve crispy-edged perfection, complemented by beef tallow fries that deliver exceptional flavor. The vibrant orange storefront houses a streamlined operation focused on quality execution rather than extensive menus.
Must-Try Dishes:
Double Burger with Heavy Sauce, Beef Tallow Fries, Triple Burger
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 7.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Ground short rib patties create deeper beef flavor than standard burger blends
Who should go: Smashburger enthusiasts seeking elevated fast-casual quality
When to visit: Lunch or dinner before 9pm for freshest preparation
What to order: Double burger combo with beef tallow fries and soft serve
Insider tip: Opened Spring 2024 as second location from acclaimed Santa Monica original
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking available on Ventura Blvd and side streets, typically easy to find. Small lot behind building for 4-5 cars. No valet.
Dress code: Casual - athleisure, jeans, t-shirts all standard. Fast-casual counter service vibe.
Noise level: Moderate to loud - open kitchen, music playing, energetic crowd. Fine for casual conversation but not intimate dining.
Weekend wait: 15-25 min order-to-table during Friday/Saturday peak (6-8pm). No reservations - counter service only.
Weekday lunch: 10-15 min wait typical, moves quickly with streamlined menu
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: No - burger-focused menu with beef as primary protein. Fries are vegetarian-friendly.
Vegan options: No - beef tallow fries and dairy-based soft serve eliminate vegan options
Gluten-free options: Limited - can request lettuce wrap for burger, but cross-contamination likely on shared flat-top grill
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual second or third dates. Counter-service format and high noise level lack romance, but Instagram-worthy orange storefront and quality food work well for laid-back, foodie-focused outings where conversation isn't the primary focus.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations accepted - it's counter-service only. Order at counter, grab a table (limited indoor seating, some outdoor), and food is brought out. Arrive before 6pm weekends for best table availability.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids (8+) who appreciate quality burgers. Casual atmosphere, simple menu, no kids' menu but burgers are approachable. Limited seating may challenge families with strollers. Not ideal for toddlers during busy evening hours.
Best For
Better for: Premium smashburger quality without sit-down restaurant prices or wait times. Short rib blend delivers deeper beef flavor than In-N-Out/Shake Shack while maintaining fast-casual speed. Beef tallow fries outperform standard frozen options at most burger chains.
Skip if: You want full table service, quieter atmosphere for conversation, or diverse menu options beyond burgers. Choose Father's Office for craft beer pairing, Burgerlords for vegan options, or Plan Check for creative burger variations and cocktails.