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Goldburger Highland Park
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Goldburger Highland Park
8.3
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Trendy Table Hotspots
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Born from a lauded pop-up and anchored on York since 2020, Goldburger serves double smash burgers with lacy edges, soft buns, and carefully tuned sauces. Lines can stretch late into the evening as locals and burger tourists chase one of LA’s most talked-about patties.
Must-Try Dishes:
Goldburger, LA Special, California Classic
Scores:
Value: 7.5
Service: 8
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: A best-in-city contender where dialed-in smash patties, long-running pop-up cred, and constant lines make even a late-night burger feel like an event.
Who should go: Burger purists chasing LA’s hyped smash patties.
When to visit: After 8pm for a late burger before bars.
What to order: Goldburger, LA Special with chopped chilis, California Classic.
Insider tip: Order online on busy nights to dodge the sidewalk line and grab a nearby bar seat with your bag.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; usually manageable on nearby residential blocks, but expect a hunt after 7pm on weekends.
Dress code: Super casual — tees, hoodies, and post-gym attire all blend in.
Noise level: Moderate — outdoor seats can be lively, but you can still hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 20–35 minutes, longer if a big rush hits around 8–9pm.
Weekday lunch: 5–10 minutes; often no real wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — expect a solid veggie patty swap and fries.
Vegan options: Limited — no dedicated vegan burger, but fries are vegan.
Gluten-free options: Some accommodations (protein style or bun-free), but no dedicated gluten-free bun or prep space.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if your date loves casual, hype-y food spots; not ideal if you want candlelight or lingering conversation. It’s more fun and flavorful than romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — they don’t take reservations. Seating is limited, so be prepared to eat standing or take it to-go during prime hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally yes for older kids who can handle a casual, sometimes crowded environment. No high chairs or structured kid’s menu, but fries and simple burgers work for most.
Best For
Better for: Dialed-in smash patties with crispy lacy edges, quick-service efficiency, and late-night consistency.
Skip if: You want a sit-down meal, expansive sides, plant-based depth, or a quieter setting.
Goldburger Highland Park
8.1
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Trendy Table Hotspots
Goldburger’s Highland Park shop refines the LA smashburger into a tight menu of double-patty cheeseburgers with carefully tuned sauces. The compact space and patio stay busy, but the line moves fast and the burgers land hot with deeply seared edges.
Must-Try Dishes:
Goldburger double with garlic-mustard aioli and grilled onions, LA Special with thin-sliced pastrami and Dijonnaise, Curly fries with classic burger sauce
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 6.7
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Grass-fed smashburgers with dialed-in sauces and a short, focused menu.
Who should go: Burger purists who value crusty edges and soft buns.
When to visit: Weeknights after the early dinner rush, before close.
What to order: Goldburger, LA Special with pastrami, curly fries to share.
Insider tip: Sauce nerds should add a side of garlic-mustard aioli for dipping.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; generally available on adjacent residential blocks but can get tight after 7pm on weekends.
Dress code: Ultra-casual—tees, jeans, and sneakers fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate; the compact indoor space hums with activity but outdoor patio tables allow easy conversation.
Weekend wait: 15–25 minutes in line; the queue moves quickly even during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Usually no more than a 5-minute wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—there’s a solid veggie patty option, but most of the menu is meat-forward.
Vegan options: Minimal—no dedicated vegan burger and buns aren't guaranteed vegan.
Gluten-free options: Not ideal—no gluten-free buns and cross-contamination is likely due to the small kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—for a casual, low-pressure first date. It’s fast, affordable for the quality, and the patio seating keeps things relaxed.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—there are no reservations. Everything is walk-up, and tables turn quickly thanks to the counter-service format.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally yes for kids 6+; it’s quick, informal, and outdoor seating helps. No high chairs or kids’ menu, so very young children may find it less convenient.
Best For
Better for: Crispy-edged smashburgers with standout sauces and fast-moving lines—ideal for burger lovers who value precision and consistency.
Skip if: You want a full-service meal, vegan options, or a quiet sit-down dinner spot.
Goldburger Highland Park
8.7
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Hidden Gems Heaven
Born as a pop-up and now a Highland Park fixture, Goldburger turns out some of LA’s most talked-about smashburgers from a compact counter-service space. Crisply seared patties, careful toppings, and curly fries draw burger obsessives from across the city.
Must-Try Dishes:
Goldburger double smashburger, LA Special with pastrami, Curly fries with house sauce
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: A focused burger shop where every detail of the smashburger—from crust to pickles—is dialed in.
Who should go: Burger purists and casual eaters craving serious flavor
When to visit: Off-peak afternoons or early evenings to dodge lines
What to order: Goldburger, LA Special with pastrami, curly fries
Insider tip: Two patties plus curly fries is heavy—split an order or plan a very light dinner.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly street parking in Highland Park; spots are easier before 6pm but can be competitive during peak dining hours. No dedicated lot.
Dress code: Super casual—tees, hoodies, and jeans are the norm.
Noise level: Moderate—it's a compact counter-service space where you can still hold a conversation, but expect some bustle.
Weekend wait: 15–30 minutes, mostly due to ordering lines rather than seating shortages.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal or no wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—there’s typically a veggie-style burger or you can customize sides, but the menu leans heavily meat-forward.
Vegan options: Very limited—no dedicated vegan burger, and buns/sauces may contain dairy or egg.
Gluten-free options: Some items can be modified (lettuce wrap available), but no dedicated gluten-free prep space.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for a casual, low-pressure hang—great if your date appreciates excellent burgers and neighborhood vibes. Not ideal if you want something quiet or romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—it's all walk-up, counter-service. Seating is limited but turnover is quick.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally yes—casual setting, quick service, and fries are always a hit. Best for kids 6+ since seating is tight and there’s no dedicated kids’ menu.
Best For
Better for: Top-tier smashburgers with crisp edges, thoughtful toppings, and great value—perfect for burger purists hunting standout flavor without fuss.
Skip if: If you want a full-service meal, broad menu variety, or a quiet, linger-over-dinner type setting, you’re better off elsewhere.