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LA Burger Bar
Master Critic Reviews (6 Lists)
LA Burger Bar
7.8
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Comfort Food Classics
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
A no-frills burger counter focused on kosher smash-style burgers and loaded fries. It’s a dependable quick-hit stop on Pico for a hot, juicy burger without the wait or the price creep.
Must-Try Dishes:
Smash burger, Pastrami burger, Seasoned fries
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: Kosher smash burgers done fast and hot.
Who should go: Burger cravings, quick lunches, late bites.
When to visit: Late afternoon or after dinner rush.
What to order: Smash burger, pastrami burger, fries.
Insider tip: Go double-patty; the thin smash style stays balanced.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly street parking on Pico and side streets; meters turnover quickly during midday but can be tight at peak dinner hours.
Dress code: Totally casual — hoodies, gym clothes, and grab-and-go attire are all normal.
Noise level: Low to moderate; it's a counter-service setup where you can easily hear yourself think.
Weekend wait: 5–15 minutes depending on rush; usually faster for takeout.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait unless there’s a midday surge.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Minimal — a veggie burger or grilled veggie add-ons depending on the day's offerings.
Vegan options: Limited — may offer a plant-based patty but not a full vegan build; verify ingredients if strict.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free prep; lettuce-wrapped burgers are possible but cross-contact is likely.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if the vibe you're aiming for is ultra-casual and quick. It's more about grabbing a fast, satisfying burger than creating a romantic setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — there are no reservations here. Seating is limited and counter-style, so dining in is first-come, first-served.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — simple menu, quick service, and forgiving noise levels. Best for families with kids 5+ who are comfortable in counter-service spots.
Best For
Better for: Fast, inexpensive kosher smash burgers that hit the craving without ceremony — ideal for solo meals, quick lunches, and budget-friendly bites.
Skip if: You want a sit-down burger experience, specialty toppings, or full-service atmosphere; this is a speed-and-value spot.
LA Burger Bar
8.5
A polished kosher burger shop with a slightly more composed, sit-down feel than most of Pico’s meat counters. Burgers lean thicker and saucier, with familiar builds executed cleanly and a late-night edge on weekends. Best for when you want a more “restaurant” vibe without losing burger comfort.
Must-Try Dishes:
Beef Fry Burger, Pastrami Burger, House Fries
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Gourmet-leaning kosher burgers with a real dine-in atmosphere.
Who should go: Burger fans wanting a sit-down kosher spot.
When to visit: Late nights or midweek dinners.
What to order: Beef Fry Burger, pastrami burger, fries.
Insider tip: Go for a house-sauce build—those are the steadiest hits.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Pico and side streets; can be tight after 6pm but usually manageable with a short walk.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual—jeans and a clean top fit the room’s polished-but-relaxed vibe.
Noise level: Moderate—lively during peak hours but you can still hold a normal conversation.
Weekend wait: 25–40 minutes during the rush, especially later at night.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, with quicker counter turnover.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several non-meat burgers, sides, and salads.
Vegan options: Limited—some sides work, but no dedicated vegan burger build.
Gluten-free options: Partial—lettuce wraps available; ask about bun substitutions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want a casual-but-upgraded burger night. The setting is polished enough to feel intentional without pushing into formal territory.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—it's counter-service with seat-yourself flow. Busy evenings may require waiting for a table to free up.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—plenty of families dine here, with approachable menu items and a relaxed atmosphere suitable for all ages.
Best For
Better for: A sit-down kosher burger experience with thicker patties, cleaner builds, and a more restaurant-like feel than most fast-casual spots in the area.
Skip if: You want a true fast-food experience, very quick grab-and-go service, or a wide range of non-burger entrées.
LA Burger Bar
8.4
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Quick Bites Champions
Group Dining Gatherings
Comfort Food Classics
A busy kosher burger house that also runs a legit wing program, with sauced-to-order batches that land juicy inside and crisp outside. Flavors skew classic American—buffalo, BBQ, garlic-parm—with steady execution across high volume. Great when your group wants burgers but you’re here for wings first.
Must-Try Dishes:
Buffalo wings, Garlic parmesan wings, Pastrami burger
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: High-traffic kosher spot with wings that stay crisp and saucy.
Who should go: Families, groups, and kosher wing fans.
When to visit: Weeknights before the Pico rush.
What to order: Buffalo wings, garlic-parm wings, fries.
Insider tip: Order wings extra crispy if you’re taking them to go.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Pico and surrounding residential blocks; tends to fill up during peak dinner hours, so allow extra time. No valet.
Dress code: Casual and family-friendly; come as you are.
Noise level: Moderate-to-lively during peak hours, but still workable for normal conversation.
Weekend wait: 20–35 minutes depending on game nights and neighborhood traffic.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; quick counter rhythm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: A few options such as veggie burgers, fries, and sides.
Vegan options: Very limited; most sauces contain dairy, so choices are minimal.
Gluten-free options: Some burgers and wings can be ordered without buns/breading, but no fully dedicated GF prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? More casual than romantic; best if your date appreciates comfort food, high energy, and low-pressure ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins only. Peak dinner hours can cause short waits, but turnover is fast.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—families frequent the spot, seating is informal, and the menu has plenty of kid-appeal items.
Best For
Better for: Consistently crisp, sauced-to-order wings in a kosher setting, plus easy group ordering when people want burgers and wings together.
Skip if: You want specialty or experimental wing flavors, a quieter dining room, or fully dedicated gluten-free handling.
LA Burger Bar
8.3
A long-running kosher burger counter that stays open deep into the night and delivers on classic, greasy-satisfying builds. The smash-style patties, pastrami options, and fry game make it a reliable after-hours stop on Pico when you want comfort over ceremony.
Must-Try Dishes:
Classic Smash Burger, Pastrami Burger, Seasoned Fries
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 7.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Kosher late-night burgers with a cult Pico following.
Who should go: Night owls craving classic burgers fast.
When to visit: After 10pm for peak late-night runs.
What to order: Smash burger, pastrami burger, fries.
Insider tip: Ask for extra sauce and a crispier fry batch.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Pico and side streets is usually available, but it tightens after 9pm when late-night spots fill up. No valet or dedicated lot.
Dress code: Completely casual — come as you are. Hoodies, tees, and late-night comfort clothes are the norm.
Noise level: Low to moderate — mostly takeout flow and short dine-in stops. Easy to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes depending on late-night rush, especially after 11pm.
Weekday lunch: Rarely a wait — quick counter service with fast turnover.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but workable — veggie burger and fry/salad combos.
Vegan options: Very limited — fries and a few sides are the main options.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free buns or prep space, but some diners opt for lettuce wraps.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if the vibe you want is casual, unpretentious, and quick. It’s better for a fun, low-stakes meetup than a romantic first impression.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it's counter service with self-seating. Tables turn quickly, and many people take their orders to go.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who want burgers and fries. Limited space and a late-night crowd make it less ideal for toddlers.
Best For
Better for: Late-night burger cravings, quick service, and budget-friendly comfort that beats pricier or slower in-zip competitors.
Skip if: You want a sit-down meal, gourmet toppings, or a quieter, more polished dining room.
LA Burger Bar
7.9
A casual counter spot known for burgers, but its chicken wings are a sleeper hit—crispy, straightforward, and built for sharing. Best as a low-lift happy hour bite or takeout order when you want wings without the full sports-bar scene.
Must-Try Dishes:
BBQ chicken wings, Salt & pepper wings, Classic cheeseburger
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: Burger-first shop with surprisingly craveable, well-fried wings.
Who should go: Budget wing fans and quick dinner seekers
When to visit: Late afternoon for an easy happy hour stop
What to order: BBQ wings, salt & pepper wings, fries
Insider tip: Ask for wings extra crisp if you’re taking them to-go.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Small shared lot plus generally reliable meter and neighborhood street parking; easiest before 6pm.
Dress code: Casual and come-as-you-are; anything from gym clothes to jeans works.
Noise level: Low to moderate; easy to hold a conversation even during busier pickup waves.
Weekend wait: Typically no wait—orders move quickly even during prime hours.
Weekday lunch: No wait; counter service is fast with steady turnover.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several options like veggie burgers, fries, and sides.
Vegan options: Limited—fries and some sides work, but most mains are not vegan.
Gluten-free options: Partial—salads and some protein swaps help, but the wing breading and buns are not gluten-free.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you want something intentionally low-key; it’s casual and functional rather than atmospheric.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—counter-service setup means seating is first-come, but turnover is fast and availability is usually good.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—simple menu, quick service, and plenty of easy items for kids; best for casual family stops.
Best For
Better for: Quick, budget-friendly wings with reliably crisp fry work and no sports-bar chaos.
Skip if: You want a full happy hour bar scene, cocktails, or a sit-down environment with ambiance.
LA Burger Bar
7.7
A busy kosher burger shop that offers gluten-free options and a broad, sauce-heavy menu that still holds up when you order cleanly. Burgers and salads are the safest plays, with staff generally comfortable with GF requests. It’s more lively strip-mall energy than hangout, but reliably useful for quick GF-friendly comfort.
Must-Try Dishes:
Beef burger on a gluten-free bun, Cobb salad, Steak salad
Scores:
Value: 7.7
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Kosher burger spot with dependable gluten-free ordering.
Who should go: GF diners craving burgers and fast comfort.
When to visit: Weekday lunch for shorter lines.
What to order: GF-bun burger, cobb salad, steak salad.
Insider tip: Request sauces on the side to control gluten risk.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Pico and adjoining side streets; usually manageable but can tighten during dinner rush.
Dress code: Ultra casual—tees, jeans, and athleisure all fit the room.
Noise level: Moderate to lively; you can talk, but it’s not built for long conversations.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes depending on rush; mostly counter-order flow.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait aside from a short line at the register.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple salads, sides, and a few non-meat builds.
Vegan options: Limited—mostly salads or custom no-dairy modifications.
Gluten-free options: Strong—GF buns and staff familiar with basic precautions; safest with burgers and salads.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal—it's counter-service, bright, and busy. Better for a quick meet-up than a date-night setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—there are no reservations; turnover is fast, so seating usually opens quickly.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—simple menu, quick service, and enough space for families. Good for ages 4 and up who can handle a busy room.
Best For
Better for: Quick GF-friendly burgers and salads without fuss, especially when you need a fast, reliable meal in the Pico corridor.
Skip if: You want a quieter dining room, a true sit-down experience, or extensive vegan options.