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ZipPicks Awards
Best Late Night Burgers in Los Angeles
Best Family Friendly Restaurants in Los Angeles
Master Critic Review
Astro Burger
7.9
A Melrose Avenue burger stand that earns its reputation on menu breadth — pastrami burgers, salmon burgers, and patty melts all share the board alongside standard fare, and the kitchen handles the range without dropping quality. The retro diner setup with a working jukebox and drive-through lane makes it a reliable late-night stop for the Hollywood-adjacent crowd who want something better than fast food without the wait of a sit-down spot.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pastrami Burger, Zucchini Sticks, Quesadilla
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 7.5
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 7
What makes it special: Retro 1950s-style burger stand on Melrose serving an unusually broad menu that ranges from pastrami burgers to salmon burgers and garden burgers, with a working jukebox setting the mood.
Who should go: Late-night crowds, families, and burger lovers on Melrose
When to visit: Late night or off-peak lunch to avoid weekend rushes
What to order: Lead with the pastrami burger — it's the runaway favorite — add zucchini sticks on the side, and consider the patty melt or salmon burger if you want range.
Insider tip: Ask your server about off-menu specials or daily features
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Dedicated lot behind the building plus a drive-through lane — street parking on Melrose is also available but competitive near Paramount Studios
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Extensive dedicated vegetarian section — Gardenburger, Garden Dog, spanakopita, dolmathes, veggie fajitas, Mother Nature Sandwich, and veggie versions of tacos, burritos, and quesadillas. Plant-based menu has been offered for over 30 years.
Vegan options: Multiple clearly labeled vegan items including Flame Grilled Vegan burger, Chick'n Grilled Vegan, Riblet Vegan, Veg. Ham Sand Vegan, Chick'n Marinara Vegan, vegan fajitas, and Vegenaise soy mayo. Vegan items cooked on a separate grill with separate utensils.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? No - this is a casual counter-service burger joint with an old-school California diner atmosphere. You order at the counter and grab your food when it's ready. The vibe is laid-back and nostalgic, not intimate or romantic. Better suited for a very casual, low-pressure hangout than a proper first date. If you're both into keeping it simple and unpretentious, it could work as a 'let's grab burgers' first meeting, but don't expect ambiance or conversation-friendly quietness.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes - Astro Burger is entirely walk-in, counter-service style. There are no reservations to make. You order at the counter, grab your food, and find a seat in the dining room or outdoor patio. A drive-through is also available. Wait times are typical fast-casual — you may wait a few minutes for your order during peak lunch and dinner hours, but seating turnover is quick.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes - this is a great spot for kids. The casual diner atmosphere means noise and mess aren't a concern. They offer kids breakfast sandwiches, and the broader menu of burgers, fries, and milkshakes is naturally kid-appealing. The outdoor garden patio gives families extra room. Open as early as 7 AM on weekdays, so it works for breakfast through dinner.
Is it good for groups? Yes for casual, informal groups. Since it's counter-service with open seating, you can accommodate a group without needing a reservation. The dining room and outdoor patio provide enough space for moderate-sized groups to sit together. Not ideal for a formal group dinner or private event — there are no private rooms or dedicated large-party setups. Best for groups who want to grab burgers together without any fuss.
Is there outdoor seating? Yes - Astro Burger has an outdoor garden patio. Specific details on whether it's covered or heated are not confirmed online — call ahead if weather is a concern. There's also convenient parking in the back of the building, which is a bonus for the area.
Best For
Better for: Quick, affordable counter-service meal with unusually strong plant-based options for a burger joint — drive-through makes it one of the few spots where you can grab a vegan burger without leaving your car
Consider Alternatives If: You want a sit-down restaurant experience — this is a fast-food counter with diner seating, and it has been reported as cash-only
Hours
Monday7am - 11pm
Tuesday7am - 11pm
Wednesday7am - 11pm
Thursday7am - 11pm
Friday7am - 3am
Saturday7am - 3am
Sunday7am - 11pm