The Best Neighborhood Burgers for National Hamburger Month

Apparently, May is National Hamburger Month (now you know!).  For those who celebrate (or would like to), there are lots of great burgers in our area, traditional and otherwise. Here are just a few:

Astro Burger – 5601 Melrose Ave. – This neighborhood institution, at Melrose and Gower, across from Paramount Studios, is famous for its burgers (both meat and veggie), but also has a large selection of Greek, Mexican and other vegetarian favorites, making it the perfect choice for the times when you want a burger, but not everyone else in your party does.  Definitely more than your average fast(ish) food place.

Burger Lounge – 217 N. Larchmont Blvd. – The Larchmont Blvd. location is one of about 20 throughout California, boasting “The Original Grass-Fed Burger.”  Perfectly convenient for popping in after yoga, spinning or shopping in the neighborhood.

Capitol Burgers – 4301 W. Pico Blvd. – If only a truly authentic old neighborhood burger stand will do, the legendary Capitol Burger has been named the Best Old School Burger Stand by the LA Weekly, among decades of other accolades, and the burgers definitely live up to their reputation.  Its location across the street from Mateo’s Ice Cream and Fruit Bars, providing a perfect finish to your meal, doesn’t hurt either.

The Counter – 5779 Wilshire Blvd. – For those who like choice in their menus, look no further.  The Counter’s “Custom Built Burgers” provide a wide selection of mix-and-match meats, cheeses, toppings, buns, condiments and sides that can be combined in thousands of ways to create your very own perfect burger experience.

Five Guys Burgers and Fries – 5550 Wilshire Blvd. – Provides a classic menu of burgers, fries, hot dogs and sandwiches (grilled cheese, BLT and veggie), in a spiffy, red-and-white tiled, retro-feel storefront.

The Golden State Cafe – 426 N. Fairfax – has a pretty classic burger and sandwich menu, based on foods sourced from the Golden State of California…with the added features of salads, beer and wine, ice cream floats and gelatos to round out your meal.

Mo’ Better Burgers – 901 S. La Brea – “Locally Sourced x Crafted with Love” is the motto of this other longtime neighborhood favorite, formerly located on Pico Blvd., but relocated and reopened in Miracle Mile after a several-year hiatus earlier this century.  The “Mid-City Burger Legend” (according to EaterLA) even outlasted Umami Burger’s original location across the street.  And it’s not hard to figure out why.

The Oinkster – 776 Vine St. – This popular Hollywood and Eagle Rock outpost boasts an all-$10-and-under menu “that skips high prices in favor of better flavors.”  In addition to burgers made from freshly-ground Nebraska Angus beef, they also serve house-cured pastrami, “sloooow-roasted” pork, rotisserie chicken and more.  According to Thrillist, The Oinkster has also created a special burger – the Maron Burger, by chef Marc Maron – especially for Burger Month.

Plan Check – 351 N. Fairfax – takes the humble burger in a more upscale direction, billed as “modern American comfort food in a small plate format along with unique cocktails, premium whiskeys and craft beers.”  It’s also the home of “ketchup leather,” to solve the age-old problem of soggy burger buns.

Umami Burger – at the Grove (3rd and Fairfax) – originally went head-to-head (or kitty corner to kitty corner) with Mo’ Better at 9th and La Brea, but as it grew and multiplied (many times over), eventually relocated to a much more populous Grove location. Its signature Truffle Burger and other “fifth taste” twists on the classic burger still have their legions of dedicated fans.

And, finally…yes, we did think about the fact that this story will come out right around lunch time.  You’re welcome.