There is nothing quite like that first bite into a big, juicy, burger. And when you find that good burger joint, never let it go, because one thing is for sure: Not all burgers are created equally. Pack a day bag, because we're giving you our top five picks for burger joints worthy of a road trip.
Ty’s Burger House, Oceanside, CA
It’s not all beef at this classic Oceanside burger joint. Ty’s Burger House in Oceanside serves up not only classic beef-only burgers, but also more exotic meats like buffalo, elk, venison, and even lamb. Go with one of the restaurant’s signature creations if you’re feeling wild, like the Bacon & Blue Cheese Burger or the Bacon Mac & Cheese Burger. Ever had a Pastrami Burger? Marinated pastrami, grilled onion, lettuce, tomato and provolone cheese smother an angus beef patty in this unique offering. Yep, it’s all finger-licking good at Ty’s.
Corner Grille, Van Nuys, CA
Corner Grille continues to top the “best of” lists time after time, and for good reason. This popular L.A. joint offers no-frills, darn-good burgers. With a variety of burgers like the Chili Cheese Burger, the Spicy Jalapeno, and the Kalbi Burger, there’s truly something for every palate here. This Korean-American fusion joint in Van Nuys does it right – all the way down to the Hawaiian rolls for buns. YUM.
Stout Burgers & Beers, Santa Monica, CA
Get the best in creative burgers paired with handcrafted microbrews in Santa Monica at Stout Burgers & Beers. Their menu focus is on the “new-style” burger: house-ground beef cooked medium rare, organic ground chicken, or a quinoa-based veggie option, dressed with melt-in-your-mouth toppings. All burgers are amazing, but trust us on this one: The Truffle Shuffle, with brie, garlic sauteed mushrooms, and truffle aioli is a must-try. You’ll also find Stout locations in Hollywood, Studio City, Palm Springs, and Los Angeles.
Dave’s Burgers, Long Beach, CA
A longtime Long Beach favorite, Dave’s Burgers wins for coolest roadside stand, and of course a solid, timeless burger. You’ll want to try it all, from the grilled onions to the split hot dogs atop a beef burger patty. Dave’s is where it’s at.
For The Win, Hollywood, CA
If you love a good smash burger, don’t sleep on For The Win, a pop-up inside Papilles in Hollywood. A concept that was conceived during early pandemic times has proven to be wildly popular, thanks to the delicious, heavily seared beef, overloaded with sauce and thick pickles. A short and simple menu has never tasted so good.
Waste no time and pack up the car for an adventure to one of these top five burger picks in SoCal. For more of the best food picks, check out the Fusion Apartments blog.