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Heavy Handed
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Heavy Handed
8.6
This walk-up smashburger spot uses ground short rib for patties with molten American cheese, house-made bread-and-butter pickles, and tangy Heavy sauce on potato rolls. Lines snake out the bright orange building onto Main Street for burgers that deliver both tender richness and crispy caramelized edges.
Must-Try Dishes:
Double Smashburger, Beef Tallow Fries, Triple Stack
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 7.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Ground short rib patties create uniquely tender and beefy smashburgers
Who should go: Smashburger enthusiasts and Main Street crowds
When to visit: Weekday lunch to avoid weekend waits
What to order: Double burger, beef tallow fries, chocolate soft serve
Insider tip: Order extra Heavy sauce on the side for maximum flavor
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Main Street and side streets - usually spots within 2 blocks, free after 6pm
Dress code: Ultra casual - beach attire, shorts, flip-flops all welcomed
Noise level: Moderate to lively - outdoor counter service with street buzz, conversation flows easily
Weekend wait: 20-30 min line typical Friday-Sunday evenings
Weekday lunch: 10-15 min wait during peak lunch rush, minimal off-peak
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: No - beef-focused menu with no vegetarian burger options
Vegan options: No - all burgers contain beef and dairy cheese
Gluten-free options: Limited - fries are safe (beef tallow preparation), no GF buns available
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for casual vibes - the walk-up format keeps things relaxed and the outdoor seating is Instagram-worthy. Best for daytime or early evening when you want laid-back conversation over quality burgers.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations taken - it's counter service only. Expect to wait in line, order at the window, then grab one of the outdoor picnic tables. Weekdays before 1pm or after 2pm have shortest waits.
Is it kid-friendly? Very - casual outdoor setup works great for families. Simple burger menu appeals to kids, and the walk-up format means no worrying about table behavior. Soft serve seals the deal for all ages.
Best For
Better for: Pure smashburger quality with short rib richness - beats typical fast-casual chains and most sit-down burger spots for beef flavor and crispy edges. The Instagram-worthy orange building and Main Street location make it a destination.
Skip if: You want a full-service restaurant experience, need vegetarian options, or aren't willing to wait in line. Also skip if you prefer thicker patty-style burgers over smashed-thin cooking method.
Heavy Handed
8.1
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Instagram Worthy Wonders
Trendy Table Hotspots
Walk-up smashburger operation with ground short rib patties achieving crispy edges and tender interiors on fluffy potato rolls. Beef tallow fries and front patio seating make this Main Street destination popular despite limited seating.
Must-Try Dishes:
Double Smashburger with Heavy Sauce, Beef Tallow Fries, Soft-Serve Ice Cream
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Ground short rib smashburgers from early pop-up pioneer now brick-and-mortar
Who should go: Burger enthusiasts seeking elevated fast-casual experience
When to visit: Lunch or early dinner to snag patio seating
What to order: Double smashburger, heavy fries, extra sauce on side
Insider tip: One of LA's original smashburger pop-ups with devoted following
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Main Street and side streets - metered until 8pm, competitive during peak lunch/dinner. Small public lot one block east on Hollister.
Dress code: Casual - this is a walk-up counter spot. Beachwear, athleisure, jeans all standard.
Noise level: Moderate outdoor ambient - street noise present but conversation flows easily at patio tables
Weekend wait: 15-25 min order-to-food during prime hours (6-8pm), patio seating first-come
Weekday lunch: 10-15 min typical, moves quickly despite popularity
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Very limited - fries are main option (cooked in beef tallow, not vegetarian-friendly)
Vegan options: Not recommended - beef tallow fries, butter on buns, dairy-based sauces throughout
Gluten-free options: No - potato buns are signature element, no GF alternative offered
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Solid casual first date option if both parties are burger fans. Patio seating creates relaxed vibe, price point removes pressure, and quality shows thoughtfulness. Skip if trying to impress with upscale experience.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations taken - it's walk-up counter service with first-come patio seating (about 8-10 outdoor tables). Arrive before peak meal times or be prepared to take food to-go.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes - casual outdoor setting with simple burger menu kids love. No high chairs or changing tables (walk-up spot), but Main Street location means families are common. Good for ages 4+.
Best For
Better for: Pure smashburger excellence at accessible price point. Choose Heavy Handed when you want top-tier burger craft without sit-down restaurant formality - this is LA's smashburger pioneer doing what they do best in a chill outdoor setting.
Skip if: You need indoor seating, have dietary restrictions beyond basic beef allergies, want full table service, or prefer classic thick-patty burgers over thin smashed style. Also skip in bad weather - it's mostly outdoor operation.