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Heavy Handed
Master Critic Review
Heavy Handed
8.4
Ground short rib smashburgers with aggressive seasoning and caramelized onions, fried in beef tallow for maximum crispness. The third Silver Lake location brings the Santa Monica hit to Sunset Boulevard with the same lacey-edged patties and soft-serve cones that made the original a destination.
Must-Try Dishes:
Double Cheeseburger, Beef Tallow Fries, Dipped Soft Serve Cone
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Short rib smashburgers with crispy lacey edges and beef tallow fries
Who should go: Burger purists seeking LA's best smashburger execution
When to visit: Weekdays 11:30am-2pm to avoid evening lines
What to order: Double burger, regular fries, butterscotch-dipped soft serve
Insider tip: Order triple if you're hungry; singles feel underwhelming
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Sunset Boulevard - competitive but doable. Nearby residential streets easier. No valet.
Dress code: Casual counter-service spot - jeans, tees, athleisure all fine
Noise level: Moderate indoor buzz - conversation flows easily, outdoor patio quieter
Weekend wait: 20-30 min line typical Friday/Saturday 6-8pm
Weekday lunch: 5-10 min wait during peak lunch rush, otherwise walk right up
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: No - this is a beef-focused operation with no veggie burger option
Vegan options: No viable options - even fries cooked in beef tallow
Gluten-free options: Burgers can be served lettuce-wrapped, fries are naturally GF (beef tallow fried)
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Solid casual date move if you both love burgers. Outdoor patio has better atmosphere than counter-service interior. Keep it to lunch/early dinner to avoid peak crowds killing the vibe.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations taken - pure counter service. Order at window, grab outdoor table if available or take to-go. Weekday off-hours you'll snag a table easily.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes - casual setup works for families. Kids love the soft-serve cones. Outdoor seating gives them space to move. No kids menu but burgers are shareable.
Best For
Better for: When you want the crispiest smashburger execution in LA without the Santa Monica drive. Best lacey-edged crust in Silver Lake, superior beef quality to most casual burger spots, and the beef tallow fries legitimately compete with fine dining versions.
Skip if: You need vegetarian options, want a sit-down dining experience with table service, or prefer thicker-patty burgers over smash-style. Also skip if you're dining with vegans - literally nothing for them here.