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Love Hour
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Love Hour
8.1
This smashburger specialist lets customers stack patties to any height (someone's done ten) with crispy edges, gooey cheese, and housemade Love sauce. The bar setting includes natural wine and craft beer alongside seasoned fries tossed in flavors like garlic-parmesan and BBQ.
Must-Try Dishes:
Double Smashburger with Love Sauce, Garlic-Parmesan Fries, Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Customizable smashburger stacks with crispy, non-greasy execution
Who should go: Burger enthusiasts and groups seeking casual vibes
When to visit: Wednesday through Saturday evenings for full atmosphere
What to order: Double burger, seasoned fries in any flavor, chicken sandwich
Insider tip: The Love sauce is sold in jars - buy some to take home
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only, metered until 8pm. Competition is moderate - arrive 10 minutes early or use Normandie Ave side streets
Dress code: Casual - jeans, t-shirts, sneakers all standard. It's a smashburger bar, not fine dining
Noise level: Lively but conversational - music and bar energy present but you can hear across the table
Weekend wait: 20-30 minutes typical on Friday/Saturday nights, counter seating usually available sooner
Weekday lunch: Minimal to no wait, counter seating always open
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited - fries are the main option, chicken sandwich could potentially be subbed but burgers are the focus
Vegan options: Very limited - seasoned fries only, no dedicated vegan proteins or cheese alternatives
Gluten-free options: No - buns are standard, no gluten-free option advertised
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for casual, low-pressure dates. The bar setting with natural wine creates a relaxed vibe, and customizable burgers are a conversation starter. Skip if you want quiet romance - the energy is lively.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, walk-ins work most nights. Counter seating is first-come, first-served and usually available within 15 minutes. Weekend evenings (7-9pm) are tightest but the wait rarely exceeds 30 minutes.
Is it kid-friendly? Very - kids love building custom burger stacks, fries come in fun flavors, and the casual bar setting doesn't feel stuffy. Best for ages 5+ who can handle regular-sized burgers. No kids menu but easy to share.
How messy are the burgers? Moderately messy but manageable. The smash technique creates crispy edges that hold structure better than thick patties. Multiple stacks get juicier - napkins are plentiful.
Can I make it a meal under $20? Yes easily. Single or double burger ($12-16) plus fries ($5-6) keeps you under $20 before tip. Skip the stacked towers if you're budget-conscious.
Best For
Better for: Customization freedom (stack patties to any height), crispy non-greasy execution, and the novelty of housemade Love sauce. Better casual hangout energy than fast-casual chains while staying more approachable than upscale burger bars
Skip if: You want thick gourmet patties instead of thin smashed style, need extensive vegetarian/vegan options, or prefer quiet ambiance over lively bar energy. Also skip if you're gluten-free - no accommodations here
Love Hour
8.3
This late-night smashburger sensation from Koreatown Run Club founders serves crispy-edged patties with gooey cheese, raw onions, and signature Love sauce. The outdoor walk-up window creates a buzzy street-food atmosphere, enhanced by craft beer and natural wine from the adjacent bar.
Must-Try Dishes:
Love Hour Smashburger, Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich, Fries with Honey Sambal
Scores:
Value: 9
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8.1
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Founders also run Koreatown's popular weekly run club
Who should go: Late-night crowds and smashburger devotees
When to visit: Wednesday through Saturday evenings, Sundays at Smorgasburg
What to order: Double smashburger with Love sauce, garlic parmesan fries
Insider tip: Catch them at Smorgasburg DTLA on Sundays if you miss the week
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only - metered until 8pm, free after. Spots fill up fast on weekends. Nearby lot on 6th/Vermont $8 flat rate after 6pm
Dress code: Super casual - athletic wear common since run club crowd. Jeans, sneakers, hoodies all standard
Noise level: Loud outdoor street vibe - music playing, crowd energy. Better for groups than intimate conversation
Weekend wait: 15-25 min typical for food (walk-up window, no tables). Lines longest 9pm-midnight Friday/Saturday
Weekday lunch: N/A - only open evenings Wednesday-Saturday
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited - fries and maybe a veggie side. This is a burger-focused spot
Vegan options: No - cheese is central to the smashburger concept, no plant-based alternatives advertised
Gluten-free options: Unlikely - traditional burger buns, no GF options mentioned. Fries may be safe but check cross-contamination
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date is laid-back and loves casual vibes. It's outdoor walk-up only with standing/limited seating, loud atmosphere, and you'll likely have greasy fingers. Better for a fun 2nd or 3rd date when you're past formalities. The adjacent bar offers drinks which helps the vibe
Can I get a table without a reservation? There are no tables - it's a walk-up window with outdoor standing/perch seating only. No reservations needed or accepted. Just show up, order, and grab a spot. It's designed for casual late-night eating
Is it kid-friendly? Not really - it's a late-night spot (opens around dinner, peaks after 9pm) with bar energy and standing room. Kids would get bored. If you must, come early evening on weekdays when it's calmer, but better to leave them home
Can I make this a full meal or is it just a snack? Totally a full meal - get the double smashburger and garlic parm fries and you'll be satisfied. Add a craft beer from the adjacent bar if you want the complete experience. The portions are legit despite the casual setup
How does this compare to other LA smashburger spots? Love Hour leans into the street-food party vibe more than places like Burgers Never Say Die or Goldburger. The crispy edges and Love sauce are the standouts. If you want a sit-down experience, go elsewhere. If you want buzzy late-night energy with quality burgers, this is your spot
Best For
Better for: Late-night hangs after drinks, post-run club fuel, Instagram-worthy outdoor dining vibes, and that crispy-edged smashburger texture. The community energy from the run club founders gives it a unique social feel that chain burger spots can't match
Skip if: You want a quiet sit-down dinner, need extensive dietary accommodations, prefer early dining (closed most of the week until evening), or want a formal date atmosphere. Also skip if you hate crowds or outdoor-only seating