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Original Tommy's Hamburgers - Hollywood
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Original Tommy's Hamburgers - Hollywood
8.2
An LA classic, Tommy's serves up chili-laden burgers and fries with quick counter service, perfect for a late-night snack.
Must-Try Dishes:
Double Chili Cheeseburger, Chili Cheese Fries, Chili Dog
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.9
What makes it special: Iconic chili burgers served late-night for Hollywood crowds.
Who should go: Late-night seekers and comfort food fans.
When to visit: After midnight for the best atmosphere and fast service.
What to order: Double chili cheeseburger, chili cheese fries, chili dog.
Insider tip: Ask for extra chili to top off your burger or fries for an extra kick.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking available, but can be challenging on weekends. Metered parking in the area is limited. Best to park on side streets or use nearby parking lots.
Dress code: Casual – jeans and a t-shirt are fine. There's no need to dress up.
Noise level: Moderate – can hear your conversation, but it's not too quiet either. Expect a lively atmosphere, especially on weekends.
Weekend wait: Expect a 15-30 minute wait, especially after midnight when crowds start to gather.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, even during peak lunch hours.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited options – no dedicated vegetarian menu, but you can customize burgers (e.g., veggie patties) and sides.
Vegan options: Limited – no dedicated vegan menu, but the fries and chili can be enjoyed without the meat.
Gluten-free options: Yes – they offer gluten-free buns for burgers, but cross-contamination may be possible due to shared preparation areas.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a quiet or intimate date. However, if you're looking for a casual, fun spot with a shared love of comfort food, it can work for a laid-back date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Tommy's is counter-service only, so no reservations are necessary. Just walk up and order.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes – it's casual and welcoming for families, though there aren't many specific amenities for kids. It’s perfect for a quick meal.
Best For
Better for: Tommy's is unbeatable for quick, hearty chili-laden burgers with a true LA fast-food experience. It's ideal for late-night cravings.
Skip if: If you're looking for a refined, sit-down burger experience with a wider menu selection, consider alternatives like In-N-Out or Shake Shack.
Original Tommy's Hamburgers - Hollywood
8.2
Part of the classic LA chain founded in 1946, this Hollywood stand still ladles its signature chili over burgers, dogs, and fries for late-night crowds. Drive-through and walk-up windows keep the line moving well past midnight for industry workers, students, and bar hoppers.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chili Cheeseburger, Chili Cheese Fries, Chili Dog
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 7
Consistency: 8.9
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: A classic LA chili-burger stand where messy, chili-loaded combos hit hardest after midnight.
Who should go: Burger traditionalists and late-night drivers seeking serious comfort food.
When to visit: Post-midnight when the drive-through line peaks with night owls.
What to order: Double chili cheeseburger, chili cheese fries, and a chili dog.
Insider tip: Ask for extra napkins and eat at the standing counters to keep the chili under control.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Small on-site lot plus limited street parking along Hollywood Blvd. The lot can fill quickly after midnight, but turnover is steady due to the walk-up format.
Dress code: No dress code. Casual, come-as-you-are late-night attire is the norm.
Noise level: Moderate outdoors due to traffic and late-night crowds, but still easy enough to place an order and chat at the standing counters.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes at peak late-night hours, mostly at the drive-through.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait aside from a short line at the walk-up window.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Very limited—fries, chili-free sides, and basic add-ons. No dedicated burger alternative.
Vegan options: Minimal options. Fries are the safest pick; the signature chili and spreads are not vegan.
Gluten-free options: No formal gluten-free program. Burgers can be ordered without buns, but cross-contact is unavoidable.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date loves classic LA institutions and doesn’t mind a messy, chili-loaded meal. It’s fun and iconic but far from polished.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—there are no reservations. This is walk-up and drive-through only with standing counters, so seating is minimal.
Is it kid-friendly? For quick, casual meals—yes. Kids who like burgers and fries will be fine, but it’s outdoors, busy, and very chili-forward, so best for older kids or teens.
Best For
Better for: Iconic LA chili burgers, late-night speed, and reliable comfort food at budget prices.
Skip if: You want indoor seating, plant-based options, or a cleaner, less chaotic environment late at night.