Happy National Cheeseburger Day! Sometimes when a girl’s got to eat, it’s got to be good, fabulous and occasionally fast! LA has a huge and diverse culinary landscape, but something that we’re known for ( and no, it’s not the side hustling late night hot dog vendors, although those are good too…lol) is our smash burger scene. What is a smash burger? It’s a thin crispy edged patty with a juicy interior, light condiments, not so fluffy bun and easy to eat. The best smash burger in Los Angeles is sometimes a debate, but there are a few stands that standout amongst the rest and are a must-try for anyone coming to LA. We just rounded up the 5 best smash burgers in Los Angeles that you need to try right now! Our tummy is already rumbling.
1.The Win-Dow
Location: 425 Rose Ave, Venice, CA 90291
The Win-Dow, located in Venice, Silver Lake & Long Beach, has such a loyal following and here is the reason why. We love that you can only order out of a small window ( totally on brand), and their menu is so tiny but big on flavor! Their high-quality smash burgers are budget friendly, simple yet incredibly satisfying, and is the perfect spot for a quick bite. They also have shakes to go with your smash burger and they have a kale salad the menu if you want to shake things up a bit.
The LA Girl Pick: The Win-Dow Burger. With its crispy, caramelized edges and gooey cheese, it’s a straightforward but highly addictive treat. They are by far one of the best smash burgers in Los Angeles.
2. Shake Shack
Location: Downtown Culver City, Beverly Hills, Silver Lake, Koreatown & more!
Good ol’ Shake Shack. Reliable, trusted, and delicious. Now that so many shacks are popping up all over LA, 25 to. be exact, (there’s even the first drive-thru in Torrance at 1875 W. 190th Street, Torrance), it makes things so easy to grab their staple smash burger. Pair it with their signature cheese fries and their yummy and innovative shakes and you’re golden. We also love that their always changing up the menus with new tasty burgers. For TV’s biggest night – aka the Emmys – they brought back the limited-edition Black Truffle Menu which includes the Black Truffle Burger and even Black Truffle Parmesan Fries. Taste it before it’s gone.
3. Burgers Never Say Die
Location: 2388 Glendale Blvd Unit A, Los Angeles, CA 90039
Nestled in Silver Lake, Burgers Never Say Die is a local favorite. Known for its minimalist yet flavorful approach, this spot serves burgers with perfectly crispy edges and a juicy center. The simplicity of their burger – just beef, American cheese, pickles, onions, and a perfectly toasted bun – allows the quality of the ingredients to shine. Our personal favorite to pair with the burger is their tasty crispy creamy cheese fries.
The LA Girl Pick: Classic Smash Burger. (It’s seasoned to perfection and the melt-in-your-mouth cheese adds an extra layer of indulgence.)
3. Easy Street
Easy Street in Studio City, offers one of the best smash burgers in Los Angeles with it’s straightforward take, no B-S take. This spot has quickly become an LA go-to because it’s known for its commitment to quality ingredients with a no-frills approach that lets the flavors shine. An additional plus, this spot is approved by our favorite social media food critic, Keith Lee.
The LA Girl Pick: Double Cheeseburger with house-made pickles. The beef’s flavor is truly a standout!
4. Heavy Handed
Location: 2912 main street Santa Monica, CA 90405
Don’t let their scare you! Heavy Handed, a food truck turned brick and mortar restaurant in Santa Monica, offers a hearty take on the smash burger and is delicious in every bite. Their patties are known for being larger which gives that perfect meat to bun ratio. The focus on premium ingredients is evident in every bite. We like ordering this burger and dipping it in their famous house sauce.
The LA Girl Pick: Heavy Handed Burger with a side of their hand-cut fries.
5. Goldburger
Location: 5623 York Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90042
Goldburger has made a name for itself in LA ( Highland Park area) with its unique take on the smash burger. They use a blend of high quality beef that are both juicy and packed with tangy, sweet and savory flavor. It comes with pickles and onions butt you can get creative with some of their other combinations for toppings.
The LA Girl Pick: Goldburger. It has a double patty, caramelized onions, and their special sauce.
Now that you’ve had the best smash burger in LA, try out the best smoothies in LA.
Featured image courtesy of The Win-Dow
