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Best French Fries in Palms-Cheviot Hills
Master Critic Review
Howard's Famous Bacon & Avocado Burgers
7.9
A 1971-vintage burger counter that runs a tight, focused menu around never-frozen quarter-pound patties with crispy bacon and thick-cut avocado on mayo-slathered toasted buns. The strip-mall setup and cash-register simplicity keep prices low and turnover fast, which is why regulars treat it as a weekly habit rather than a destination. Works best when you want a no-decision lunch—walk up, order the namesake burger, and eat it before you get back to your car.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bacon Avocado Burger, Taco with Bacon Avocado, Chili Cheese Fries
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Open since 1971, this no-frills counter serves never-frozen quarter-pound patties stacked with crispy bacon and thick-cut avocado on a toasted, mayo-slathered bun.
Who should go: Burger purists who want old-school LA fast food done right
When to visit: Weekday lunch to skip lines; Sunday closes at 5 PM
What to order: Start with the namesake bacon avocado burger, add chili cheese fries to split, and grab a taco with bacon avocado on the side if you're hungry.
Insider tip: The bacon avocado taco uses the same fresh avocado and crispy bacon as the burger — it's the sleeper order most first-timers miss.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Tiny shared strip-mall lot that fills up fast—grab street parking on Venice Blvd if you see a spot
Dress code: Counter-service burger shack with 4 booths and 2 tables—come as you are
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Garden Burger and Veggie Melt on the menu, plus a Tomato & Avocado Sandwich
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? No - this is a no-frills, old-school burger counter in a strip mall, not a date spot. There are only about 4 booths and a couple tables inside, with movie posters on the walls and a fast-food vibe. It's charming in a nostalgic way, but the atmosphere is built for grabbing a quick, affordable burger, not lingering over conversation. If you're both burger fanatics and want something ultra-casual, it could work as a fun low-key outing, but don't expect ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes - there are no reservations here. It's a walk-up counter-service burger joint. Seating inside is very limited (roughly 4 booths and 2 tables), so during peak lunch hours you may need to wait for a spot or take your food to go. Off-peak, you should have no trouble grabbing a booth. The parking lot is small and fills up fast - street parking on Venice Blvd is often easier.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes - this is a classic, casual burger-and-fries spot where kids fit right in. The menu is straightforward with burgers, hot dogs, and tacos at low prices, plus a dressing bar with toppings. The atmosphere is relaxed and unfussy, so no one will bat an eye at noisy little ones. No dedicated kids menu has been confirmed, but the regular menu items are kid-friendly by nature. High chair availability is not confirmed - call ahead at (310) 838-9111 if you need one.
Is it good for groups? Difficult - the space is very small with only about 4 booths and 2 tables total. A group of 4-5 could make it work in a booth, but anything larger than that would be a tight squeeze. There are no private rooms or large table options. For bigger groups, it works best as a grab-and-go situation where everyone orders at the counter and eats outside or takes food elsewhere.
Is there outdoor seating? Limited - some outdoor seating is available, but this is a small strip mall location, so expect basic tables rather than a designed patio experience. Details on whether seating is covered or heated are not confirmed. The outdoor area is functional for eating your burger al fresco but not a destination in itself. Call to confirm current availability.
Best For
Better for: A fast, cheap, old-school LA burger when you want quality without fuss—open since 1971
Consider Alternatives If: You need real seating for a group—only 4 booths and 2 tables inside
Hours
Monday10am - 8:30pm
Tuesday10am - 8:30pm
Wednesday10am - 8:30pm
Thursday10am - 8:30pm
Friday10am - 8:30pm
Saturday10am - 8:30pm
Sunday10am - 5pm