Wagyu burgers, flame-kissed patties, and more

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Los Angeles is a burger town. Allegedly, the cheeseburger was invented in Pasadena in 1926 when Lionel Sternberger accidentally dropped some cheese on the grill, and the rest is history. Now, there’s a great burger in practically every neighborhood, whether it's a classic old-school cheeseburger with lettuce, tomatoes, and pickles or a double smash burger with crispy edges and melted cheese.

Here are nine of the hottest new burgers in Los Angeles, from a bar burger at one of Los Angeles’s best French restaurants to a cheese foam-topped patty. For the legacy picks that have shaped the burger ecosystem, look to Eater’s list of the best Los Angeles burgers here. In this update, Eater adds Marathon Burger, Inglewood’s Storm Burger, Smack Burger from the Bay Area, Yellow Paper Burger, Birdie G’s, and Heavy Handed after its Silver Lake location opened in March. Pasjoli, which is temporarily closing to revamp its menu and dining room; Linden; Softies; and Camélia leave the list.

Though Mona Holmes no longer consumes multiple burgers a week, she still enjoys bouncing between traditional thick patties, smash burgers, and everything in between — but now in smaller bites.

Rebecca Roland is a lifelong Angeleno who grew up eating at the Habit and Fatburger, so a classic LA chargrilled patty will always have a place in her heart.

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Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process. If you buy something or book a reservation from an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics policy.

Lunch and early dinner

$

Starting as a pop-up in 2019, veteran pastry chef Katie Reid Fahrner and former barman Colin Fahrner prepare hand pies along with smash burgers wrapped in, naturally, yellow parchment paper. The duo opened their Eagle Rock brick-and-mortar in January 2025, where they’ve expanded the menu to include tots, grilled cheeses, hot dogs, and pickled eggs. The outdoor patio gets busy on weekends and is ideal for groups, pups, and families. — Mona Holmes, editor, Eater Southern California/Southwest

Always check which fruit is in season. Reid-Fahrner will likely add ripe fruits to her hand pies.

Dinner

$$$

Chef Brian Dunsmoor’s wood-fired Glassell Park restaurant serves from its cozy bar tucked in the back of the restaurant. Available nightly starting at 5:30 p.m., the burger is served with Comte cheese, a slice of tomato, and raw onions, plus duck fat potatoes on the side. The bar doesn't take reservations, so go early if trying to secure a burger — it does sell out. — Rebecca Roland, editor, Eater Southern California/Southwest

The open kitchen has a welcoming wood-fire hearth worth sitting next to.

Lunch and dinner

$$

French restaurant Mr. T serves its thick bistro burger at lunch and dinner. Built around a brisket blend patty, the burger includes a Mac T sauce, sprouts, plus Comte and Mimolette cheese foam. The brisket offers a rich base, while the seared foam introduces a new take on the classic cheeseburger that’s served with a side of crispy, salty fries. — Rebecca Roland, editor, Eater Southern California/Southwest

Situated on a busy corridor at La Brea and Santa Monica Boulevards, Mr T’s can be a central meeting spot.

Lunch and dinner

$$

Co-founders Max Miller and Danny Gordon converted a prominent Silver Lake street corner into their third Heavy Handed location in March 2025. It’s got their signature orange, red, and graffiti to accompany the popular menu. As with their Santa Monica and Studio City outlets, the newest has all the favorites like the short rib smash burger, beef-tallow fries, and soft serve. Beer and wine are also available in this sprawling, comfortable space. — Mona Holmes, editor, Eater Southern California/Southwest

Heavy Handed’s bread and butter pickles are brined for months.

Lunch or dinner

$$

It’s quite a sight watching the production line at Marathon Burger. The flat top grill holds 35 wagyu patties and never stops frying from opening until closing. It’s operated by late rapper and activist Nipsey Hussle’s older brother, Samiel “Blacc Sam” Asghedom, and is an extension of their vision of their Marathon lifestyle brand in the former Melrose Johnny Rockets. Try the smashburgers, organic hot wings, salads with grilled seasoned vegetables, and milkshakes with pure local flavor: Thrifty ice cream. — Mona Holmes, editor, Eater Southern California/Southwest

If in a hurry, order online for a pickup. Or, settle into the line and enjoy the vibrant scene.

 Lunch, Dinner 

 $

Bay Area smash burger specialist Smack Burger runs a tight ship from a bright yellow A-frame building one block away from the 10 on Western Avenue. The crew quickly assembles smashed patties on a potato roll with grilled onions on the bottom, a layer of cheese on the top, lettuce, tomato, pickles, and a tangy proprietary Smack sauce. They’ve got plenty of add-ons with onion rings or Mike’s Hot Honey. The beef tallow waffle fries are as delicious as they sound, especially when covered in cheese, onions, and more of that Smack sauce. — Mona Holmes, editor, Eater Southern California/Southwest

 Try the Baydestrian Box with a double cheeseburger, waffle fries, a drink, and Smack sauce.

Lunch and dinner

$$$

Santa Monica’s Edgemar serves a classic cheeseburger alongside its globally-inspired menu from chef Jared Dowling (formerly of the Fat Radish in New York, the Waterfront, and Winston House in Venice) and chef Jonathan Thoma (formerly of Great White). The burger starts with a thick patty, blanketed in sharp cheddar. Bourbon caramelized onions and pickled remoulade round out the flavor, adding acid and a touch of sweetness. — Rebecca Roland, editor, Eater Southern California/Southwest

Cocktails prevail at this Santa Monica spot, but also pair the burger with the huckleberry custard doughnut topped with strawberry sugar.

Dinner

$$$

The team behind Downtown’s Lost Rooftop Cocktail + Taco Bar and Hilltop Coffee + Kitchen debuted Somerville, a vibey new View Park-Windsor Hills restaurant in late November. Alongside entrees like roasted chicken and green lasagna, Somerville serves a signature burger using Black Angus beef. Built on a brioche bun, the burger is topped with a caramelized onion spread, cheddar cheese, crispy onions, and bread and butter pickles. — Rebecca Roland, editor, Eater Southern California/Southwest

Check the calendar to see who is performing live jazz.

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

$

A few blocks away from the bustling Centinela and La Brea Avenue corridor is Storm Burger. The busy drive-thru and sit-down spot took the area by (sorry) storm in 2023. Just look for the signature red, white, and blue sign, plus the queue of regulars taking in the Inglewood restaurant. Breakfast sandwiches are also available from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. Get the burger combo that includes a drink, French fries, or onion rings. The latter are some of the best in the region. Mona Holmes, editor, Eater Southern California/Southwest

Storm Burger sometimes partners with other South LA restaurants. More recently, with the popular Tev’s Kitchen. Check Storm Burger’s Instagram to confirm who is up at bat.

Lunch and early dinner

$

Starting as a pop-up in 2019, veteran pastry chef Katie Reid Fahrner and former barman Colin Fahrner prepare hand pies along with smash burgers wrapped in, naturally, yellow parchment paper. The duo opened their Eagle Rock brick-and-mortar in January 2025, where they’ve expanded the menu to include tots, grilled cheeses, hot dogs, and pickled eggs. The outdoor patio gets busy on weekends and is ideal for groups, pups, and families. — Mona Holmes, editor, Eater Southern California/Southwest

Always check which fruit is in season. Reid-Fahrner will likely add ripe fruits to her hand pies.

Dinner

$$$

Chef Brian Dunsmoor’s wood-fired Glassell Park restaurant serves from its cozy bar tucked in the back of the restaurant. Available nightly starting at 5:30 p.m., the burger is served with Comte cheese, a slice of tomato, and raw onions, plus duck fat potatoes on the side. The bar doesn't take reservations, so go early if trying to secure a burger — it does sell out. — Rebecca Roland, editor, Eater Southern California/Southwest

The open kitchen has a welcoming wood-fire hearth worth sitting next to.

Lunch and dinner

$$

French restaurant Mr. T serves its thick bistro burger at lunch and dinner. Built around a brisket blend patty, the burger includes a Mac T sauce, sprouts, plus Comte and Mimolette cheese foam. The brisket offers a rich base, while the seared foam introduces a new take on the classic cheeseburger that’s served with a side of crispy, salty fries. — Rebecca Roland, editor, Eater Southern California/Southwest

Situated on a busy corridor at La Brea and Santa Monica Boulevards, Mr T’s can be a central meeting spot.

Lunch and dinner

$$

Co-founders Max Miller and Danny Gordon converted a prominent Silver Lake street corner into their third Heavy Handed location in March 2025. It’s got their signature orange, red, and graffiti to accompany the popular menu. As with their Santa Monica and Studio City outlets, the newest has all the favorites like the short rib smash burger, beef-tallow fries, and soft serve. Beer and wine are also available in this sprawling, comfortable space. — Mona Holmes, editor, Eater Southern California/Southwest

Heavy Handed’s bread and butter pickles are brined for months.

Lunch or dinner

$$

It’s quite a sight watching the production line at Marathon Burger. The flat top grill holds 35 wagyu patties and never stops frying from opening until closing. It’s operated by late rapper and activist Nipsey Hussle’s older brother, Samiel “Blacc Sam” Asghedom, and is an extension of their vision of their Marathon lifestyle brand in the former Melrose Johnny Rockets. Try the smashburgers, organic hot wings, salads with grilled seasoned vegetables, and milkshakes with pure local flavor: Thrifty ice cream. — Mona Holmes, editor, Eater Southern California/Southwest

If in a hurry, order online for a pickup. Or, settle into the line and enjoy the vibrant scene.

 Lunch, Dinner 

 $

Bay Area smash burger specialist Smack Burger runs a tight ship from a bright yellow A-frame building one block away from the 10 on Western Avenue. The crew quickly assembles smashed patties on a potato roll with grilled onions on the bottom, a layer of cheese on the top, lettuce, tomato, pickles, and a tangy proprietary Smack sauce. They’ve got plenty of add-ons with onion rings or Mike’s Hot Honey. The beef tallow waffle fries are as delicious as they sound, especially when covered in cheese, onions, and more of that Smack sauce. — Mona Holmes, editor, Eater Southern California/Southwest

 Try the Baydestrian Box with a double cheeseburger, waffle fries, a drink, and Smack sauce.

Lunch and dinner

$$$

Santa Monica’s Edgemar serves a classic cheeseburger alongside its globally-inspired menu from chef Jared Dowling (formerly of the Fat Radish in New York, the Waterfront, and Winston House in Venice) and chef Jonathan Thoma (formerly of Great White). The burger starts with a thick patty, blanketed in sharp cheddar. Bourbon caramelized onions and pickled remoulade round out the flavor, adding acid and a touch of sweetness. — Rebecca Roland, editor, Eater Southern California/Southwest

Cocktails prevail at this Santa Monica spot, but also pair the burger with the huckleberry custard doughnut topped with strawberry sugar.

Dinner

$$$

The team behind Downtown’s Lost Rooftop Cocktail + Taco Bar and Hilltop Coffee + Kitchen debuted Somerville, a vibey new View Park-Windsor Hills restaurant in late November. Alongside entrees like roasted chicken and green lasagna, Somerville serves a signature burger using Black Angus beef. Built on a brioche bun, the burger is topped with a caramelized onion spread, cheddar cheese, crispy onions, and bread and butter pickles. — Rebecca Roland, editor, Eater Southern California/Southwest

Check the calendar to see who is performing live jazz.

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

$

A few blocks away from the bustling Centinela and La Brea Avenue corridor is Storm Burger. The busy drive-thru and sit-down spot took the area by (sorry) storm in 2023. Just look for the signature red, white, and blue sign, plus the queue of regulars taking in the Inglewood restaurant. Breakfast sandwiches are also available from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. Get the burger combo that includes a drink, French fries, or onion rings. The latter are some of the best in the region. Mona Holmes, editor, Eater Southern California/Southwest

Storm Burger sometimes partners with other South LA restaurants. More recently, with the popular Tev’s Kitchen. Check Storm Burger’s Instagram to confirm who is up at bat.