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Best Cheap Eats Burgers Restaurants in Los Angeles

50 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked

Last Updated: February 2026

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Our Top Pick
For The Win
Smash burgers and ultra-crisp fries built for obsessive regulars.

Notable Picks

Hollywood Burgers, Sandwiches
For The Win’s Franklin Avenue outpost is a tight, counter-service smash burger stand where thin, crispy-edged patties and very dialed-in fries are the whole point. Locals line up for cheeseburgers buried in fry sauce and shoestring fries that stay hot and crisp on the walk back to nearby apartments or studios.
Must-Try Dishes: Cheeseburger with fries combo, Loaded fries with fry sauce, Sweet potato fries
What Makes it Special: Smash burgers and ultra-crisp fries built for obsessive regulars.
$ Pasadena Burgers, American
This legendary drive-in has been serving massive burgers and famous breakfast burritos since the 1950s with portions that defy logic. Open until 10:45 PM daily, Lucky Boy delivers old-school charm with hand-formed patties, generous toppings, and prices that haven't caught up to inflation.
Must-Try Dishes: Bacon Cheeseburger, Pastrami Burger, Chili Cheese Fries
What Makes it Special: Enormous portions at throwback prices since 1952
$$ Bell American, Burgers
Boulevard Burgers is a classic roadside diner on Florence that leans hard into old-school Americana with neon, booths, and a giant menu of burgers, breakfasts, and plates. With hundreds of online reviews and years of steady traffic, it’s the go-to all-day burger stop for Bell and Bell Gardens residents.
Must-Try Dishes: Eagle Special burger, Chili cheese fries, Breakfast burrito
What Makes it Special: Retro diner feel with a huge burger-and-breakfast menu and long hours.
$ Pico Union Burgers
Dino's Famous Chicken is beloved for its legendary, neon-orange grilled chicken, marinated in a family recipe since 1968. The no-frills counter setting, steady crowds, and craveable fries drenched in chicken juices make it a go-to for generations of Angelenos seeking hearty, affordable meals.
Must-Try Dishes: Famous Chicken Plate, Chili Cheese Fries, Breakfast Burrito
What Makes it Special: Iconic marinated chicken, unchanged recipe over 50 years.
$ Cudahy - Atlantic Avenue Corridor American, Burgers
Chris's Hamburgers is a long-running counter-service stand on Atlantic that’s been flipping burgers and serving breakfast plates since the 1960s. Regulars come for dependable griddled patties, chili cheese fries, and diner-style breakfasts that feel frozen in time in the best way.
Must-Try Dishes: Double cheeseburger with grilled onions, Chili cheese fries, Ham, egg, and hash browns breakfast plate
What Makes it Special: Decades-old burger stand known for hefty portions and old-school plates.
$ Downtown LA American, Burgers
Chef Santos Uy’s smashburger micro-chain brought its crisp-edged patties and properly salty fries into Grand Central Market in 2023. The menu is stripped-down—burgers, crispy shoestring fries, sweet potato fries—but execution and value make this one of downtown’s most compelling quick-stop fry plates.
Must-Try Dishes: Crispy French Fries, Sweet Potato Fries, Single Smash Burger with Fries
What Makes it Special: Smashburger specialist where crisp fries are as dialed as the patties.
$ Highland Park American, Burgers
Born from a lauded pop-up and anchored on York since 2020, Goldburger serves double smash burgers with lacy edges, soft buns, and carefully tuned sauces. Lines can stretch late into the evening as locals and burger tourists chase one of LA’s most talked-about patties.
Must-Try Dishes: Goldburger, LA Special, California Classic
What Makes it Special: A best-in-city contender where dialed-in smash patties, long-running pop-up cred, and constant lines make even a late-night burger feel like an event.
$ Hollywood Burgers
A 75-year-old fast-food operation that still runs on a short menu, fresh-never-frozen beef, and hand-cut fries — the constraint is the point. The Sunset Blvd location draws late-night crowds and first-time visitors for the neon sign alone, but the real draw is a burger-and-fries formula that delivers reliably at a price point most sit-down spots can't touch. Expect a packed lot and a drive-thru line that wraps, especially after 9 PM.
Must-Try Dishes: Double-Double, Animal Style Burger, Animal Fries
What Makes it Special: West Coast fast-food icon with a famously short menu, secret menu cult following, and one of LA's most photographed neon signs on Sunset Blvd.
$ West Hollywood American, Burgers
Irv’s Burgers is a historic West Hollywood burger stand reborn, serving griddled patties, fries, and shakes with classic roadside energy. The focus is on simple, well-executed burgers and cheerful service rather than frills, making it a go-to for quick, nostalgic American fast-casual.
Must-Try Dishes: Classic cheeseburger, Double burger with grilled onions, Fries with special sauce
What Makes it Special: A revived classic burger stand that keeps the focus on griddled patties, fries, and old-school charm.
$ Yucca Corridor Burgers
The Win-Dow’s Ovation Hollywood counter brings its Silver Lake smash-burger formula to the Hollywood & Highland crowds, turning out classic burgers and fries at mall-fast speed. Thin, salty fries land next to griddled patties on soft buns, making it one of the most reliable quick fry fixes on the Walk of Fame.
Must-Try Dishes: Double cheeseburger and fries, Single cheeseburger with classic fries, Fried chicken sandwich with fries
What Makes it Special: Mall-side smash burgers and fries that feel more neighborhood than tourist trap.
$$ Echo Park Burgers
Counter-serve smashburgers from former Michelin Bib Gourmand chef using grass-fed beef with grilled onions embedded in the patty. The Echo Park cloud kitchen location delivers quality execution without seed oils, appealing to health-conscious burger lovers seeking late-night options until 11pm.
Must-Try Dishes: Double Cheeseburger, Loaded Fries, Fried Chicken Sandwich
What Makes it Special: Grass-fed beef without seed oils from chef with Michelin pedigree
$ Hollywood Burgers
An LA classic, Tommy's serves up chili-laden burgers and fries with quick counter service, perfect for a late-night snack.
Must-Try Dishes: Double Chili Cheeseburger, Chili Cheese Fries, Chili Dog
What Makes it Special: Iconic chili burgers served late-night for Hollywood crowds.
8.2
$ Sawtelle Burgers, Breakfast
A 1977-vintage takeout window — one of the last original burger stands in West LA — that quietly pivots between charbroiled burgers, teriyaki plates, and breakfast burritos with equal conviction. The chicken teriyaki over rice is the anchor order: white-meat breast, grilled vegetables, and a restrained sauce portioned well beyond the under-$15 price tag. Expect a sidewalk wait, free agua fresca samples, and a meal built for the car ride home.
Must-Try Dishes: Double Western Cheeseburger, Mushroom Swiss Burger, Patty Melt
What Makes it Special: Neighborhood grill burgers that taste like L.A. used to.
$ Long Beach Burgers
Walk-up smash burger stand delivering LA-quality burgers at prices that recall In-N-Out's golden era. Mini-chain perfected crispy-edged patties with gooey American cheese, caramelized onions, and bright pink house sauce, though the fried chicken sandwich may steal the show.
Must-Try Dishes: Double Cheeseburger, Fried Chicken Sandwich, Hand-Spun Milkshakes
What Makes it Special: Double patty smashburger for $7.50 rivals pricier competitors
$ Torrance Burgers
Y-Not Burgers is a long-running, family-owned stand on Hawthorne that has been serving hefty burgers, breakfasts, and drive-through comfort food to the South Bay for more than 30 years. Regulars lean on it for turkey and ostrich burgers, old-school combos, and fast, no-nonsense service that makes it an everyday burger option instead of a once-in-a-while splurge.
Must-Try Dishes: Quarter-Pound Hamburger Combo, Ostrich Burger, Chili Burger
What Makes it Special: Decades-old family-run burger stand with turkey and ostrich options.
$ Cheviot Hills Burgers
Marty's Hamburger Stand is an old-school roadside spot beloved for its classic smash burgers and chili cheese fries, offering a true taste of LA tradition. Locals frequent Marty’s for its fast counter service, generous toppings, and consistent quality since opening in 1959. Seating is outdoors, and the staff prides themselves on friendly hospitality.
Must-Try Dishes: Combo Burger, Chili Cheese Fries, Onion Rings
What Makes it Special: Classic LA burger stand with chili cheese fries and burger combos.
$ Highland Park Burgers
A York Boulevard fixture since 1983, Troy Burgers #8 is a classic drive-in-style counter turning out charbroiled burgers, pastrami, and breakfast plates from early morning to 11pm on weekends. Late-night regulars lean on it for big-portion combos, orange bang, and a no-frills diner vibe that hasn’t changed much in decades.
Must-Try Dishes: Pastrami Burger and Fries, Double Cheeseburger Combo, Breakfast Burrito
What Makes it Special: An old-school neighborhood counter with decades of late-night service and charbroiled burgers that feel straight out of LA’s classic drive-in era.
8
$ Chinatown Burgers
Alvin Cailan's Chinatown burger counter dry-ages its own beef and builds each patty around sesame buns and house garlic aioli—a focused, technique-forward approach you don't usually find at this price point. The Far East Plaza stall draws burger-obsessed regulars who want craft-quality beef without the sit-down markup. Expect a tight menu, fast turnaround, and the kind of line that moves because the operation is dialed in.
Must-Try Dishes: Amboy DH, Amboy Classic, Truffle Burger
What Makes it Special: Eggslut founder Alvin Cailan's Chinatown burger stand dry-ages its own beef and serves it on sesame buns with house-made garlic aioli.
$ Chinatown Burgers
A butcher-shop-turned-burger-counter in Far East Plaza that dry-ages its own beef and runs custom sesame buns from Breadbar. The short menu signals confidence—this is a one-thing-done-right operation where the beef sourcing does the talking. Go solo or with one other person; the space is tight and the format is built for efficiency, not lingering.
Must-Try Dishes: DH Burger, Truffle Burger, Classic Double
What Makes it Special: Part butcher shop, part burger counter in Chinatown's Far East Plaza, built on dry-aged beef and custom sesame buns baked by local bakery Breadbar.
$ West Hollywood Burgers
Astro Burger is a long-running West Hollywood counter-service spot known for charbroiled burgers, onion rings, and late-night hours on Santa Monica Boulevard. The menu leans classic diner—think fully dressed burgers and shakes—making it a reliable stop before or after bar hopping.
Must-Try Dishes: Charbroiled cheeseburger, Onion rings, Veggie or Greek-style burger
What Makes it Special: A classic charbroiled-burger counter with real late-night hours on Santa Monica Boulevard.
$ Montebello Burgers, Burritos
Boys Burgers #7 is a fast-moving Bell Gardens burger shack on Garfield Avenue known for hefty 1/2 lb burgers, drive-thru convenience, and a broad menu that stretches from flautas to shrimp baskets. High repeat traffic and solid ratings make it a dependable stop for big, quick burger meals.
Must-Try Dishes: 1/2 lb Double Burger, Cheeseburger Combo, Shrimp Basket with Fries
What Makes it Special: Drive-thru burger spot turning out big patties and Mexican-influenced plates.
$ Marina del Rey Burgers, Sandwiches
Fat Sal's at the base of Washington Blvd is a late-night favorite for over-the-top sandwiches, chopped-cheese style burgers, and loaded fries a short walk from the sand. It’s less about restraint and more about big, messy, satisfying comfort food before or after bar time.
Must-Try Dishes: Fat Jerry, Fat Texas, Fat Hot Chick
What Makes it Special: Maxed-out, stunt-level sandwiches and burgers served deep into the night steps from the beach.
$ Torrance Burgers
Snax Superburger is a vintage-style counter on Sepulveda where griddled burgers, breakfast burritos, and Mexican plates share the same generously portioned menu. Locals treat it as a reliable all-day stop where a cheeseburger, wet burrito, or steak sandwich feels equally at home.
Must-Try Dishes: Super Cheese Burger, Double Cheeseburger, Wet Burrito
What Makes it Special: Old-school Superburger counter layering big burgers with a full American–Mexican menu.
$ Westchester Pizza, Burgers
Since the mid-1980s this student-filled sports bar has been Westchester’s casual hangout for pizza, pitchers, and surprisingly solid burgers. The Tower Cheeseburger and Western Chili Cheeseburger come piled high and budget-friendly, making it a go-to for LMU students, local teams, and big groups.
Must-Try Dishes: Tower Cheeseburger, Western Chili Cheeseburger, Island Chicken Burger
What Makes it Special: A true neighborhood sports bar where big-screen games, pitchers, and stacked burgers are built for sharing.
$ Eagle Rock Burgers
This minimalist pop-up slings smashburgers and classic fries with a cult following from a low-key Colorado Blvd location. Self-serve ordering and walk-up counter seating reinforce a laid-back energy, drawing burger fans from across LA.
Must-Try Dishes: Shoestring Fries, Classic Smashburger, Double Cheese
What Makes it Special: No-frills, handmade fries and smashburgers, pop-up energy.

Worthy Picks

$$ Sawtelle Burgers
Thai-fusion smash burgers built on the Tuk Tuk Thai playbook, replacing standard condiment layers with makrut aioli, basil chili oil, and panang curry—flavors that actually earn the word 'fusion.' Sawtelle regulars treat it as a fast, affordable detour from the usual ramen-and-udon corridor, and the compact menu keeps the kitchen focused. Expect counter-service pacing in a no-frills strip-mall setup where the food does all the talking.
Must-Try Dishes: Wagyu Laab Smash, Grapow Smash, Panang Fried Chicken Sando
What Makes it Special: Thai-fusion smash burgers from the sisters behind Tuk Tuk Thai, swapping standard burger sauces for makrut aioli, basil chili oil, and panang curry
$ Montebello Burgers, Burritos
J B Burgers is a Bell Gardens staple on Gage Avenue serving flat-top burgers, breakfast burritos, and griddle classics from morning through night. It’s a go-to for locals who want straightforward burgers, thick shakes, and value-minded plates without leaving the neighborhood.
Must-Try Dishes: Cheeseburger, Double Cheeseburger Special, Breakfast Burrito
What Makes it Special: Classic Gage Avenue burger stand with big portions and low prices.
$ Glassell Park American, Burgers
A classic roadside-style burger joint in Cypress Park that keeps things simple and reliably satisfying. Expect griddled patties, breakfast burritos, and no-frills combos that hit the American comfort lane hard. Ideal for quick takeout when you want a solid neighborhood burger without the hype.
Must-Try Dishes: Cheeseburger combo, Breakfast burrito, Chili fries
What Makes it Special: Old-school burgers and breakfast done fast and consistently.
7.9
$ West Hollywood Burgers, Sandwiches
The Melt’s West Hollywood outpost is a modern fast-casual spot for MeltBurgers, grilled cheeses, and garlic fries built around a clean, bright dining room and late-night hours. It’s less about craft obsession and more about reliable, melty comfort food that works for quick lunches and casual pre- or post-movie meals.
Must-Try Dishes: Original MeltBurger, BBQ Bacon Melt, Garlic fries
What Makes it Special: A polished fast-casual burger and grilled-cheese shop with late hours and consistently melty comfort food.
$ Fairfax Burgers
A walk-up offshoot of Venice’s Win~Dow serving thin, crispy-edged cheeseburgers, fried chicken sandwiches, and fries to mall-goers at The Grove. Diners grab food from the counter and eat on nearby outdoor seating, making it a quick, budget-friendly burger stop during shopping runs or movies.
Must-Try Dishes: Double Cheeseburger, Crispy Chicken Sandwich, Shoestring Fries
What Makes it Special: Mall-side burger window with crisp smash patties and low prices.
$ Downtown LA American, Burgers
A no-frills late-night burger counter that’s become a Little Tokyo regular for messy, satisfying American comfort. Burgers skew indulgent, and the kitchen’s best work is in char, melt, and sauce balance. Ideal for quick hits rather than lingering meals.
Must-Try Dishes: Classic smash burger, Loaded fries, Milkshake
What Makes it Special: Late-night burgers that nail char-and-melt comfort.
$ Koreatown Burgers
Operating inside a liquor store, this family-run spot hand-forms patties daily and cuts fries fresh on-site. The Texas and California burgers feature juicy beef on buttery buns with flavorful toppings, while weekend spare ribs add variety to the compact menu focused on quality over frills.
Must-Try Dishes: Tex-Mex Burger, California Burger, Lemon Pepper Fries
What Makes it Special: Tucked inside Blue Bird Market, truly hidden gem
$ Pasadena Burgers, American
Local gem serving fresh burgers and all-day breakfast with ingredients sourced from local farmers daily. Known for their French Burger on sourdough and generous portions that keep college students and families coming back.
Must-Try Dishes: French Burger on Sourdough, Breakfast Tacos, Beer-Battered Onion Rings
What Makes it Special: Daily fresh-ground beef at budget prices
$ Hollywood Burgers
A no-frills counter spot on Santa Monica Blvd delivering classic char-grilled burgers, chili fries, and breakfast-all-day energy. It’s dependable late, with big portions and a menu that feels like peak LA fast-casual comfort.
Must-Try Dishes: Avocado Bacon Double Cheeseburger, Chili Cheese Fries, Scrap Heap Burger
What Makes it Special: Classic Hollywood fast-casual burgers with hearty add-ons.
7.8
$ Sawtelle Burgers, Breakfast
A 1950s-themed diner running since 1986 near the western end of Route 66, built around a 43-variety shake program and classic American comfort plates served in vinyl booths with working mini jukeboxes and board games on every table. It draws families and late-night crowds who want reliable diner execution with genuine retro atmosphere rather than a costumed gimmick. Expect lively noise, coin-metered street parking that gets tight after 4 PM, and a menu that rewards the shake-and-burger lane over anything experimental.
Must-Try Dishes: Elvis Shake, Date & Honey Shake, Devilishly Delicious Deviled Eggs
What Makes it Special: A 1950s-themed diner open since 1986 near the western end of Route 66, with 43 deluxe shake varieties, a working jukebox, vinyl booths, and board games at every table.
$ Long Beach Burgers
Family-owned fast casual operation evolved from Burger City Grill heritage, making everything from scratch with locally-sourced ingredients. Buns hold up impressively on long drives while quality house-made patties deliver freshness that stands apart from typical food service suppliers.
Must-Try Dishes: Fantastic Burger, Lunch Box Combo, Breakfast Burrito
What Makes it Special: Multi-generation LA burger legacy with everything made in-house from scratch
$ Santa Monica Mediterranean, Burgers
Serving fresh Mediterranean staples since 1958 from a bright yellow cottage across from Santa Monica College. The tiny counter-service spot maintains original recipes with generous portions and some of LA's crispiest falafel at budget-friendly prices.
Must-Try Dishes: Falafel Sandwich, Gyro Plate, Shish Kabob
What Makes it Special: Over 60 years serving Santa Monica with unchanged recipes and $8 falafel sandwiches
7.8
$ West Hollywood Burgers
Longtime neighborhood favorite serving Mexican-American fusion including burgers and street tacos since the late 1990s. This cash-only spot stays open until 2am on weekends, making it a popular post-bar destination for late-night munchies with outdoor seating.
Must-Try Dishes: Chili Cheese Burger, Chicken Nachos, Steak Tacos
What Makes it Special: 25+ year neighborhood institution serving late-night Mexican-burger fusion
$ Pico Robertson American, Burgers
A no-frills burger counter focused on kosher smash-style burgers and loaded fries. It’s a dependable quick-hit stop on Pico for a hot, juicy burger without the wait or the price creep.
Must-Try Dishes: Smash burger, Pastrami burger, Seasoned fries
What Makes it Special: Kosher smash burgers done fast and hot.
$$ Pico Robertson Burgers
Primarily a kabob-and-shawarma mainstay, but the burger menu is a reliable part of its everyday neighborhood role. Burgers come char-forward and simply assembled, with a fast counter rhythm that suits quick meals. A practical, steady-value option when you’re already in the Shalom orbit.
Must-Try Dishes: Classic Beef Burger, Burger Combo with Fries, Spicy Burger
What Makes it Special: Kosher grill institution with dependable burgers at strong value.
$ Beverly Hills Burgers
This artisanal pop-up, operating since 2016, brings gourmet street food to Beverly Hills farmers markets with creative burgers featuring house-made sauces. Their Farmhouse Burger layers bacon, pastrami, and cheddar on brioche buns, all crafted with locally-sourced ingredients.
Must-Try Dishes: The Farmhouse Burger, Spicy Jack Cheeseburger, Ukulele Burger with Grilled Pineapple
What Makes it Special: Pop-up charm with creative, locally-sourced burgers
$ Venice Burgers
No-frills kiosk off the Boardwalk slinging smash-style cheeseburgers at wallet-friendly prices. Quick service and beach-adjacent seating make it a convenient grab-and-go.
Must-Try Dishes: Smash Cheeseburger, Cheese Fries, Jalapeño Burger
What Makes it Special: Beachside smashburgers with fast turnaround and low prices.
Downtown LA Burgers
A pandemic-era pop-up slinging smashed double-patty burgers loaded with bacon, American cheese, grilled onions, and thousand island on brioche inside the sprawling Ave 26 Night Market. The draw is the price-to-satisfaction ratio—cheap, greasy, unapologetic street food eaten standing up in a loud, crowded Latino market with live music and families everywhere. Reviews are polarized, so manage expectations: when it hits, it hits hard, but the night market format means wait times and consistency can swing wide.
Must-Try Dishes: Smash Burger, Tacos, Agua Fresca
What Makes it Special: Pandemic-born pop-up serving smashed double-patty burgers with bacon, American cheese, grilled onions, and thousand island on brioche at one of LA's largest Latino night markets
Brentwood Burgers
A fast-casual smash burger operation that prioritizes value in an otherwise pricey Brentwood corridor. The format is straightforward—counter ordering, parking lot access, and portions calibrated for the quick lunch crowd rather than a sit-down affair. Works best when you want a solid burger without the gastropub markup.
Must-Try Dishes: Smash Burger, Brussels Sprouts, Sweet Potato Fries
What Makes it Special: Fast-casual spot delivering satisfying smash burgers at wallet-friendly prices in Brentwood
Echo Park Burgers
LA institution since 1947 serving straightforward burgers alongside Mexican menu items including loaded fries with carne asada and breakfast burritos. The Echo Park location brings the Glendale original's late-night hours and taco-burger hybrid menu to the neighborhood with outdoor seating and family-friendly pricing.
Must-Try Dishes: Double Cheeseburger, Carne Asada Fries, Breakfast Burrito
What Makes it Special: 78-year LA legacy offering burgers and Mexican food until midnight
$ Torrance American, Burgers
Wilson Burgers is a small, family-run burger stand on PCH turning out hefty patties, breakfast burritos, and teriyaki plates at everyday prices. South Torrance regulars treat it as a no-fuss stop for drive-through comfort food and quick counter-service meals.
Must-Try Dishes: Pastrami Cheeseburger, Breakfast Burrito, Teriyaki Chicken Plate
What Makes it Special: Old-school burger stand with breakfast burritos and drive-through convenience.
$ Mar Vista Burgers
A no-frills, delivery-forward burger stop that prioritizes speed and straightforward satisfaction. When you want a classic cheeseburger and fries without a scene, this is the kind of place that quietly gets the job done.
Must-Try Dishes: Classic Cheeseburger, Bacon Burger, Seasoned Fries
What Makes it Special: Fast, reliable burgers tailored for takeout and delivery.
$ Fairfax American, Burgers
Burger She Wrote is a compact counter-service smashburger shop on Beverly turning out thin, griddled patties, Oklahoma-style onion burgers, and crisp fries. Lines can be long and seating is tight, but burger-focused diners treat it as a quick pilgrimage spot rather than a lingering meal.
Must-Try Dishes: Single Smashburger with Cheese, Oklahoma Onion Burger, Hand-Cut Fries
What Makes it Special: Focused smashburger counter with big flavor and little fluff.
$ Santa Monica American, Burgers
Since 1995, this no-frills burger joint has maintained the same quality and value that earned its local following, operating from a Lincoln Boulevard location just off the I-10. The straightforward menu focuses on classic burgers delivered without pretension, attracting both Santa Monica residents and travelers seeking reliable American comfort food.
Must-Try Dishes: Classic Cheeseburger, Double Burger, French Fries
What Makes it Special: Nearly 30 years of consistent burger quality at unbeatable value
$ Bell American, Burgers
Jim’s Burgers on Atlantic is a long-standing drive-in style counter known for a sprawling menu that ranges from burgers and breakfast to pollo asado plates. It’s not the most polished stop in the area, but steady crowds and loyal regulars point to solid value and hearty portions.
Must-Try Dishes: Pollo asado half chicken plate, Cheeseburger with fries, Breakfast burrito
What Makes it Special: Old-school burger stand with an unusually broad menu and standout value plates.