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HiHo Cheeseburger
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
HiHo Cheeseburger
8.1
Grass-fed Wagyu burger concept with hand-cut, twice-fried fries served in vented bags that maintain optimal crispness. The smash-style patties and no-tipping model create a modern fast-casual experience focused on ingredient transparency and sustainable sourcing from New Zealand.
Must-Try Dishes:
HiHo Double with Twice-Fried Fries, Pastrami HiHo Burger, Willie Mae's Fried Chicken Sandwich
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Only burger restaurant in LA serving 100% grass-fed Wagyu beef with halal certification
Who should go: Health-conscious burger lovers willing to pay premium prices
When to visit: Lunch hours in Sportsmen's Lodge shopping center
What to order: HiHo Double, twice-fried fries, house pickles
Insider tip: Vented bag packaging keeps fries crispy during takeout orders
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free lot parking in Sportsmen's Lodge plaza - ample spaces, easy access from Ventura Blvd
Dress code: Casual - athleisure and gym clothes common, counter-service vibe
Noise level: Moderate - open fast-casual layout, can converse easily but ambient buzz
Weekend wait: 10-15 min order wait, no table wait (counter service)
Weekday lunch: 5-10 min order wait, busiest 12-1pm
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited - crispy cauliflower sandwich and fries only, not a veggie destination
Vegan options: Very limited - substitute veggie patty, skip cheese/sauce, fries cooked in beef tallow
Gluten-free options: Yes - lettuce wrap option available, dedicated fryer for fries (verify cross-contamination tolerance)
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for casual daytime dates - the counter-service format keeps it low-pressure and the quality/sustainability angle gives conversation starters. Skip for romantic evening dates.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations needed - it's fast-casual counter service with open seating. Just order and find a table, though weekend lunch can fill up.
Is it kid-friendly? Excellent for kids - simple menu they understand, quick service keeps them engaged, casual vibe welcomes families. High chairs available, no kids' menu but regular burgers work.
How does the no-tipping model work? Prices include fair wages - just pay the menu price, no tip line on receipt. Simplifies ordering and ensures staff compensation without tipping pressure.
Is it worth the premium price for a burger? If you value grass-fed, sustainably-sourced beef and can taste quality differences, yes. If you just want a burger fix, In-N-Out or Shake Shack offer better value.
Best For
Better for: Ingredient-conscious diners wanting premium fast-casual burgers with transparency on sourcing - the grass-fed Wagyu and New Zealand beef tracking beats chains on quality and ethics. Also better for takeout than most burger spots due to vented bag fry technology.
Skip if: You're on a budget (In-N-Out is 1/3 the price), want thick pub-style burgers (these are smash-style thin patties), need extensive vegetarian options, or prefer sit-down table service with a server.
HiHo Cheeseburger
8.1
New Zealand grass-fed Wagyu beef distinguishes these burgers through natural sweetness and tender texture, sourced from First Light Farms' sustainable collective. The twice-fried Ashton fries and halal-certified Wagyu appeal to health-conscious diners seeking premium burger experiences.
Must-Try Dishes:
HiHo Double Cheeseburger, Big Matty with Matty Sauce, Twice-Fried Ashton Fries
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Only burger restaurant exclusively using 100% grass-fed Wagyu beef
Who should go: Health-conscious diners willing to pay premium for sustainable sourcing
When to visit: Lunch 11:30am-2pm to avoid dinner crowds at Sportsmen's Lodge
What to order: HiHo double with caramelized onions and twice-fried fries
Insider tip: Free 90-minute parking at Sportsmen's Lodge shopping center
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free 90-minute parking at Sportsmen's Lodge shopping center, street parking also available on Ventura Blvd
Dress code: Very casual - activewear and jeans perfectly fine, fits the health-conscious vibe
Noise level: Moderate - conversational without being quiet, open dining area with some echo
Weekend wait: 15-25 min typical, peak 6-7pm can stretch to 30-40 min
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait, 5-10 min max during 12-1pm lunch rush
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - Impossible Burger with same premium toppings as Wagyu options
Vegan options: Yes - Impossible Burger available, vegan buns and multiple sauce options
Gluten-free options: Yes - gluten-free buns available, fries cooked in dedicated fryer
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for casual daytime dates - the Instagram-worthy presentation and outdoor patio create a relaxed vibe without pretension. Skip for formal romantic dinners as it's counter-service and can get noisy during peak hours.
Can I get a table without a reservation? They don't take reservations - it's first-come, first-served counter service. Arrive before 11:45am for lunch or after 1:30pm, or before 6pm or after 8pm for dinner to avoid waits.
Is it kid-friendly? Very kid-friendly - casual counter service means no pressure, simple menu kids understand, and outdoor seating for fidgety little ones. Works well for ages 3+ who can handle regular burgers.
How long does a meal typically take? 30-40 minutes total - order at counter, food comes in 10-12 minutes, eat at your pace. Perfect for lunch breaks or when you're not lingering for hours.
Is it worth the premium price? If you care about meat sourcing and can taste the difference in grass-fed Wagyu, absolutely. If you just want a good burger and don't prioritize sustainability, you'll find similar satisfaction elsewhere for less.
Best For
Better for: HiHo wins on ingredient quality and health-consciousness - the only spot using 100% grass-fed Wagyu with halal certification. Choose this over In-N-Out or Shake Shack when you want premium sourcing without sacrificing the casual burger experience, or when dietary restrictions matter (excellent gluten-free and vegan accommodations).
Skip if: Choose alternatives if you want a cheaper burger and don't care about sourcing ($15-17 vs $8-10 elsewhere), need full table service for a formal occasion, or prefer traditional American beef flavor over the naturally sweeter grass-fed profile. Also skip if you're craving heavily loaded burgers - HiHo keeps toppings minimal to let the Wagyu shine.