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Goldburger
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Goldburger
8.2
This smashburger specialist delivers grass-fed double patties with crispy edges and juicy centers, setting itself apart in LA's crowded burger scene. The namesake Goldburger features garlic-mustard aioli and charred onions, while curly fries and the Bar Burger showcase why locals queue for their fix.
Must-Try Dishes:
Goldburger Double Smash, Bar Burger, Curly Fries
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Substantial smashburgers with exceptional crust-to-juice ratio
Who should go: Burger purists, post-movie crowds from Los Feliz 3
When to visit: Lunch combo deal before 2pm for best value
What to order: California Classic, curly fries, Bar Burger for thick patty
Insider tip: Located next to Los Feliz 3 theater for perfect movie-burger pairing
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Vermont Ave and side streets - metered until 8pm, free after. Small lot behind building shares with theater. Arrive early on weekends.
Dress code: Ultra casual - jeans, t-shirts, athleisure all standard. This is grab-and-go burger territory.
Noise level: Moderate to loud - counter-service setup with open kitchen, music playing. Fine for casual chat, not intimate conversation.
Weekend wait: 15-25 min wait for food during peak (6-8pm), especially Friday/Saturday post-movie rush
Weekday lunch: 10-15 min from order to pickup, minimal line before 12:30pm
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited - Impossible Burger available as substitute on any burger ($3 upcharge), veggie sides like fries and onion rings
Vegan options: Very limited - Impossible patty without cheese/sauce, fries cooked in shared fryer. Not a vegan-focused spot.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated GF buns available. Can order burger protein-style (lettuce wrap) but fries share fryer with breaded items.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for 2nd or 3rd date when comfort level is higher. Counter-service and no table service means less structured interaction. Great for post-movie date from Los Feliz 3 next door where you already have conversation flowing.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations taken - it's counter-service with first-come seating (mix of tables and counter spots). Weekday lunches are easy; Friday/Saturday dinners expect to hover for a table after ordering.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids (8+) who like burgers - simple menu, quick service, casual vibe. No kids menu but regular burgers are substantial. Can get loud, and limited high chair space makes it trickier for toddlers.
How does this compare to In-N-Out? Thicker, juicier patties with more pronounced crust, premium toppings, and craft approach vs. In-N-Out's thin-fast-consistent model. You're paying 2-3x more ($15 vs $5) for grass-fed beef and artisanal execution.
Can I take this to-go easily? Yes - actually ideal for takeout. Burgers travel well for 10-15 min, packaging holds heat. Popular option for grabbing before/after Los Feliz 3 movies or taking to nearby Griffith Park.
Best For
Better for: Superior burger execution over chains - real char, quality beef, creative toppings. Choose this when you want an elevated smashburger experience without full sit-down service. Perfect for the 'better than fast food, quicker than fine dining' sweet spot.
Skip if: You want full table service and ambiance (try Father's Office), need extensive vegetarian options (go to Burgerlords), or seeking ultra-cheap eats (hit In-N-Out). Also skip if your group has varied dietary needs beyond standard burger fare.
Goldburger
8.2
This smashburger specialist delivers juicy-centered patties with substantial crispy edges, setting it apart in LA's crowded burger scene. The namesake Goldburger features garlic-mustard aioli and charred grilled onions, while the Bar Burger offers a thick-cut alternative with layered onion textures.
Must-Try Dishes:
Goldburger with grilled onions, Bar Burger, Curly fries with Dijon aioli
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: More substantial smash patties than competitors with perfect crispy edges
Who should go: Burger purists, Los Feliz 3 moviegoers
When to visit: Lunch for combo deals or post-movie dinner
What to order: California Classic, curly fries, Bar Burger for thick-cut option
Insider tip: Located next to Los Feliz 3 theater for perfect burger-and-movie combo
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Vermont Ave, easier to find spots on side streets. Small lot behind building shared with neighboring businesses.
Dress code: Ultra casual - jeans, t-shirts, athleisure all standard. This is a smashburger counter spot.
Noise level: Moderate - compact space with some kitchen noise but conversations flow easily
Weekend wait: 15-25 min peak times (7-9pm), especially before/after Los Feliz 3 showtimes
Weekday lunch: 10-15 min during lunch rush, otherwise minimal wait
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited - Impossible Burger available, quality fries and milkshakes are standouts
Vegan options: Very limited - Impossible patty can be made vegan (skip cheese/aioli), French fries are vegan
Gluten-free options: No gluten-free buns available - can order burger protein-style (lettuce wrap) but cross-contamination possible
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual 2nd-3rd dates. The counter-service format and compact seating works for low-pressure hangouts, especially paired with a movie at Los Feliz 3 next door. Skip if you want tableside service or intimate ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations accepted - it's counter-service only. Expect 10-25 min waits during peak dinner hours and weekend afternoons. Weekday lunches move fastest.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes - casual vibe with no-fuss ordering. Kids meals available, high chairs provided. Can get loud during rushes. Best for ages 5+ who can handle the wait and compact seating.
Best For
Better for: Burger purists wanting substantial smash patties with superior crispy edges over thin competitors like Burgers Never Say Die. The garlic-mustard aioli and charred onions on the Goldburger deliver more complex flavor than standard American cheese smashburgers. Perfect pre/post-movie fuel.
Skip if: You want thick gourmet burgers (try Father's Office instead), need extensive seating/ambiance for groups, require gluten-free buns, or prefer drive-through convenience. Also skip if you're seeking innovative toppings - the menu plays it classic.