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Lowboy
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Lowboy
8.3
Neighborhood bar serving exceptional smashburgers with red pepper jam alongside craft cocktails. Kids welcome during daytime hours in the airy sidewalk-facing space that transformed Echo Park's bar scene.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lowburger with Red Pepper Jam, Gator Fries, Chicken Tenders
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Best bar burger in Echo Park with proper neighborhood hospitality
Who should go: Families before 9pm, burger enthusiasts, cocktail lovers
When to visit: 4-6pm happy hour for triple play special
What to order: Lowburger, hand-cut fries, happy hour beer pairing
Insider tip: $12 triple play includes burger, fries, and beer at happy hour
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only - meters along Sunset Blvd, relatively easy before 5pm, competitive after 6pm. Residential side streets nearby.
Dress code: Casual neighborhood bar - jeans and t-shirt perfectly fine, no dress code
Noise level: Moderate - can hold conversation easily during day/early evening, gets livelier after 9pm when bar crowd arrives
Weekend wait: 15-25 min for bar seats during prime dinner hours (6-8pm), no reservations taken
Weekday lunch: Walk right in - counter service means no wait for seating
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited - veggie burger available, fries are vegetarian-friendly, few other options beyond sides
Vegan options: Very limited - best to call ahead, standard menu is meat/dairy focused
Gluten-free options: Burger available on lettuce wrap, fries cooked in dedicated fryer (no cross-contamination)
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Great for casual first dates before 9pm - relaxed vibe takes pressure off, quality food shows good taste, price point is reasonable. After 9pm it transitions to louder bar scene.
Can I get a table without a reservation? They don't take reservations - it's first-come walk-in only. Bar seating is fastest bet. Arrive before 6pm on weekends to avoid prime-time crowds.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes during daytime hours (before 9pm) - kids menu available, casual atmosphere, staff is welcoming to families. Transitions to adult bar scene after 9pm when families should plan to be wrapping up.
Can I come solo and not feel awkward? Perfect solo spot - bar seating is ideal for eating alone, bartenders are friendly, neighborhood regulars create welcoming vibe. Bring a book or phone guilt-free.
How long should I plan to spend here? Quick bite: 30-45 minutes for burger and beer. Leisurely visit: 60-90 minutes if you're settling in for happy hour drinks and hanging at the bar.
Best For
Better for: Best neighborhood burger experience in Echo Park - locals love it for unpretentious quality and that $12 happy hour deal. Choose Lowboy over trendier spots when you want a legitimately great burger without the scene or Instagram theatrics.
Skip if: Skip if you need a quiet romantic dinner (gets loud), want extensive menu options beyond burgers (limited selection), need guaranteed seating at specific time (no reservations), or are looking for upscale/fancy atmosphere
Lowboy
8.3
Neighborhood bar delivering elevated smashburgers with red pepper jam alongside craft cocktails in an airy, sidewalk-facing space. The short rib patties develop crispy edges that balance against griddled onions and housemade pickles, making it Echo Park's go-to spot when bar food needs to feel substantial.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lowburger with Red Pepper Jam, Beef Tallow Fries, Spicy Chicken Sandwich
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Smashburgers with housemade red pepper jam in an airy bar setting
Who should go: Cocktail enthusiasts wanting quality bar food with drinks
When to visit: Happy hour weekdays 4-6pm for $16 burger-beer-fries combo
What to order: Lowburger double with red pepper jam, beef tallow fries, craft cocktail
Insider tip: Arrive before Dodger games to snag outdoor seating on Sunset
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only - meters free after 8pm, but competition is fierce on Sunset. Consider rideshare or the Sunset Junction lot 2 blocks east ($8 flat rate after 5pm)
Dress code: Echo Park casual - jeans and a nice top works perfectly. Most diners lean toward the trendy side of casual given the cocktail bar vibe
Noise level: Conversational-friendly - open layout keeps it airy without being library-quiet. Can definitely hear your date, though it livens up during happy hour
Weekend wait: 30-45 minutes for outdoor tables (prime real estate), 15-20 for indoor bar seating. Dodger game nights add 15-30 minutes
Weekday lunch: Walk-in friendly - typically under 10 minute wait, if any
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited - primarily a burger-focused menu. Fries cooked in beef tallow, so sides are challenging. Best to call ahead
Vegan options: Not recommended - no dedicated vegan options beyond basic salad modifications
Gluten-free options: No gluten-free buns available. Burger patties can be served bunless with extra greens
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice - the sidewalk-facing outdoor setup creates natural conversation flow without feeling too intimate or too loud. Quality cocktails give you something to do with your hands, and the elevated-but-not-pretentious vibe reads as 'I know cool spots' without trying too hard. Happy hour timing also provides a natural exit strategy if needed
Can I get a table without a reservation? Bar seating is first-come, first-served and usually available within 20 minutes. Outdoor tables are harder - arrive before 6pm on weekends or aim for off-peak hours (2-4pm, after 9pm weekdays). They don't take reservations for parties under 6, so everyone's in the same boat
Is it kid-friendly? Workable for older kids (10+) during early dinner hours before the bar crowd arrives. No kids' menu, but burgers are sharable and fries are universally loved. Outdoor seating is more forgiving for families than the tight indoor bar setup. Not ideal for toddlers or large strollers
How does the burger compare to classics like Father's Office or Plan Check? Lowboy sits between them - less fussy than Father's Office (you can actually modify your burger here), less corporate than Plan Check. The red pepper jam is the signature move that sets it apart, adding sweet heat without overwhelming the beef. If you want LA's best smashburger technique specifically, this edges out both
Is happy hour worth it or just cheap beer deals? Legitimately worth it - the $16 burger-beer-fries combo is the full Lowburger experience at 30% off, not a lesser version. Draft beer selection is solid (includes local craft, not just domestics). This is the smart way to experience the restaurant if you're budget-conscious
Best For
Better for: Lowboy wins when you want the smashburger technique perfected (crispy edges, juicy center) with actual craft cocktail quality - not just beer. The red pepper jam is a signature you won't find elsewhere. Also ideal when you want the energy of a bar scene without sacrificing food quality or needing a full sit-down service commitment
Skip if: You're looking for traditional thick-patty burgers (go to Golden State or Pie 'n Burger instead), need extensive vegetarian options, or want a quiet conversation space. Also skip if you're anti-smashburger texture or don't want bar-level noise. For pure burger craft without the scene, Burgers Never Say Die offers similar quality in a more stripped-down setting