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ZipPicks Awards

Best French Fries in Sawtelle Japantown

Vibe Check this spot

Food Quality 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5
Consistency 5
Cultural Relevance 5

0 / 5 selected

Master Critic Review

Hammys Smash Burgers 8.0
South Los Angeles
A focused smash burger counter on Westwood Blvd that presses thin patties directly into onions on the flat-top, producing lacy caramelized edges that justify the single-concept format. The menu stays tight—five or six burger builds, fries, rings—keeping prices under $15 in a part of LA where that registers as a genuine deal. Works best as a no-decision lunch stop where you walk up, order a double, and eat it before the bun has time to cool.
Must-Try Dishes: Double Smash, Hammy Fries, Onion Rings
Scores:
Value: 8.3 Service: 7.5 Consistency: 8.3 Food Quality: 8.3 Atmosphere: 7.5 Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Focused smash burger counter where patties are pressed thin on the flat-top with onions cooked directly into the meat, creating lacy caramelized edges on soft buttery buns.
Who should go: Burger purists who want no-frills smash perfection under $15
When to visit: Weekday afternoons for fastest counter service and open seating
What to order: Start with the Double Smash to judge the signature sauce, add Hammy Fries to share — they're topped with a smash patty and melted cheese — and grab onion rings for the table.
Insider tip: The Hammy Fries are a full smash patty over loaded fries — treat them as a second burger, not a side.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Small lot on-site; street parking on Westwood Blvd also available
Dress code: Very casual — counter-service spot, order at the kiosk, come as you are
Dietary Options
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a traditional first date — this is a small, casual counter-service burger spot with a lively, fast-paced vibe. There's no table service or intimate atmosphere. That said, it could work perfectly for a laid-back, low-pressure first date if you both love burgers. The food is the star here, so if your date values great smash burgers over candlelit ambiance, it's a solid pick. Keep expectations casual.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — there are no reservations here. It's counter-service: you walk in, order at the register, grab a seat, and a food runner brings your food. The space is small, so during peak hours (lunch rush and weekend evenings) you may need to wait briefly for a seat to open up. Off-peak, you'll have no trouble. Open 11am–11pm daily.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — it's a casual burger joint, so kids fit right in. The menu is straightforward with burgers, fries, and onion rings that appeal to all ages. Families regularly dine here. The quick turnaround and relaxed atmosphere mean you won't be managing restless kids through a long meal. High chairs and a dedicated kids menu are not confirmed online — call ahead at (747) 378-0128 if those are must-haves.
Is it good for groups? Difficult for large groups — the space is very small with limited seating. A group of 4 could work, but parties of 6+ would likely struggle to find enough adjacent seats, especially during busy hours. There are no private rooms or large tables. For bigger groups, consider ordering pickup or delivery for a gathering elsewhere. Best suited for solo diners, couples, or small groups of 3-4.
Is there outdoor seating? Not confirmed — online sources do not specify outdoor seating at the Westwood location. The restaurant occupies a small storefront unit (Suite 1G) at the corner of Westwood and Olympic. Call (747) 378-0128 to confirm whether any sidewalk or patio seating is available.
Best For
Better for: Quick, no-frills smash burger run — tiny spot, order at the counter, food comes out fast
Skip if: You want a full dining experience — very small space, limited drink selection (no fountain drinks), minimal dessert options

Hours

Monday11am - 11pm
Tuesday11am - 11pm
Wednesday11am - 11pm
Thursday11am - 11pm
Friday11am - 11pm
Saturday11am - 11pm
Sunday11am - 11pm