Best Burger Places in California

These days, you can find hamburgers anywhere in the United States. But if you’re looking for a great burger, forget the fast-food places and usual franchises. California is home to some of the best burger places, and we’ve created a list of the eateries every burger aficionado who loves sinking their teeth into a hearty, meaty burger (or a savory vegan option) will love.  Whether you prefer gourmet, turkey, vegan, or classic hamburgers, you’ll find at least one place on this list that’ll make it into your travel itinerary.

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Sloane’s Valley Village

Sloane’s satisfies with big burgers

5338 Laurel Canyon Blvd. | Valley Village/ sloanesrestaurant.com

Let’s start with a classic option with an LA twist. Sloane’s Valley Village offers plenty of great-tasting dishes like breakfast burritos, country fried chicken waffles, and of course the World Famous Sloane’s Cheeseburger. This being Los Angeles, you’ll also find lots of gluten-free options as well as vegan and vegetarian dishes — but that doesn’t discount the fact that this is still the place to go for some big burgers that will satisfy any appetite.

Want something a bit more specialized? Sloane’s also offers the Bernard Western Burger (bacon, cheddar, crispy onions and barbeque sauce), the Big Kahuna (bacon, cheddar, American cheese, egg, and beer steamed onions), and even a Curry Up & Order Burger with Japanese curry, sharp cheddar cheese, and beer steamed onions.

Did we mention their restaurant is dog friendly? For filling burgers and other great breakfast and brunch options, head on down to Valley Village to try Sloane’s.

“Great place to come when you’re really hungry! The Sloane’s Valley Village was quite massive, none of us could finish our sandwiches and the fries that came with them. Everyone loved what they ordered and I especially liked the World Famous Cheeseburger.” — Yelp Review

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Honeybee Burger

Best Vegan Burger in Los Angeles

345 North La Brea Ave. | Fairfax/ honeybeeburger.com

Voted best vegan burger in LA in 2021 by VegNews, Honeybee Burger offers some of the best plant-based burgers that both vegans and non-vegans love. Rather than stop with a single classic cheeseburger, however, Honeybee fills its menu with multiple delicious options, including The Queen Bee, a double patty version of the classic Honeybee burger with Impossible Meat.

Those who like their burgers with a bit more buffalo style will want to try Honeybee’s new crispy fried chicken sandwich, available in classic, buffalo, or Nashville Hot Style. There’s also the compact Chick-A-Bee and breakfast sandwich Brekky Bee with egg, cheddar cheese, crispy hash browns, and house made roasted pepper sauce. There are also vegan burritos (or “Bee-ritos”) and even vegan sausage options. Who knew eating vegan could taste this good?

“I am not vegan, but I can always appreciate a delicious vegan meal! And this burger was definitely something I can appreciate. The burger itself was flavorful and it melted in my mouth with every bite! Honestly, I would rate it better than most burgers I’ve tried in general!” — Yelp Review

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Just Turkey

Awesome turkey burgers, cooked just the way you want

3340 S. La Cienega Blvd. | West Adams/ justturkeyla.com

Originally from Chicago, Just Turkey has been known for its delicious Italian turkey sandwiches, grill turkey wraps, turkey tips… and, of course, its turkey jerk burgers. Now having established a location in Los Angeles, Just Turkey offers an array of turkey dishes prepared fresh to order.

Burger lovers will appreciate that Just Turkey offers plenty of different variations on its classic Turkey Burger to suit every taste. Big eaters will want to order the double turkey burger (an option available with every variation). Want something more seasoned? The Jerk Turkey Burger is incredibly popular — and delicious. Those who want a spicier option will want to test out the Jalapeno Turkey Burger, and the Chipotle Turkey Burger continues to be a crowd pleaser.

Naturally, it’s not all burgers here — as the assortment of wraps, sides, and deserts (not to mention standards like the giant turkey leg) will attest. Still, if you love the taste of turkey meat in your burgers, Just Turkey is where to go.

“I asked for recommendations and ended up ordering the “Jerk Burger” and the “Turkey Tips.” Both were excellent. The burger was cooked perfectly and the Turkey tips were a wonderful surprise.” — Yelp Review

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Ernie’s Burgers

Classic hamburgers and meals at Ernie’s Burgers

2970 W. Valley Blvd. | Alhambra | restaurantji.com/ernies-burgers

Looking for a great breakfast and brunch spot that serves classic hamburgers? Ernie’s Burgers has the options you’re looking for. This place is good for an old-fashioned American breakfast (the grande breakfast offers pancakes, toast, eggs, sausage, and ham) or a simple but delicious breakfast burrito.

However, if you’re seeking burgers, Ernie’s has you covered — and then some. Order a classic hamburger or cheeseburger combo. Add some special touches with the bacon burger or Chili Burger combo. Broaden your palate with the avocado burger or go big with the Double Cheese Burger combo, Double Burger combo, or Colossal Burger combo.

You’ll also be able to find other sandwiches here (the pastrami and rib eye make a good lunch) as well as some dinner options. Kids will also find a junior burger order, making this one place that serves burgers up for the whole family.

“Awesome spot!! The food is delicious, the service was awesome! It’s a small spot with limited seating… Price is affordable and flavor is on point! They have many options in the menu. Service was great!” — Yelp Review

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VOWburger

Taste the other best vegan burger in LA

519 N. Fairfax Ave | Beverly Grove/ vowburger.com

California is home to more than one great vegan burger restaurant, as VOWburger also makes claims on being the best vegan burger in LA. That’s not the only thing special about this restaurant though, as VOWburger’s website shows its use of plant-based ingredients places less impact on the environment while providing customers with a good meal.

So, what type of burgers can you find here? The traditional VOWburger boasts that it’s one of the few freshly chargrilled plant-based burgers in America. You’ll also be able to enjoy a VOWchicken option as well as a VOWchickn spicy deluxe, and a VOWburger + patty for those times when you just want to go big. Oh, and did we mention that you can order hand-cut VOWfries made from Idaho potatos and cooked in canola oil? And if that’s not filling enough, VOWburger provides some very delicious shakes to go with your meal.

“I loved my experience here! Fun vibe and cool art… I enjoyed reading about their mission and impact on the environment. Vowburger has made vows, like for every meal purchased, they donate a meal to fight hunger. This restaurant is 100% plant based and they have sustainability in mind.” — Yelp Review

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Jack’s Classic Hamburgers

Go for the classics at Jack’s Classic Hamburgers

411375 Riverside Dr. | North Hollywood/ jacksclassichamburgers.com

Some restaurants enjoy offering you fancy gourmet burgers and vegan options. But at Jack’s Classic Hamburgers, you get what the sign promises — classic American burgers… with a few modern twists.

Dine on your basic hamburger or cheeseburger (available in double patty options). You’ll also be able to enjoy a bacon cheeseburger, chili cheeseburger, turkey burger, and pastrami burger. Oh — and there’s a Veggie Burger option as well. Made fresh to order, these burgers are big on taste… and remarkably light on your wallet. Want more? You can order several classic burger meals complete with fries and a soda. And if you’re in the mood for something extra, Jack’s Classic Hamburgers offers BLTs, grilled cheese sandwiches, steak sandwiches, burritos, tacos, and quesadillas. Simple but flavorful, you can’t go wrong with this burger joint.  

“When I get the desire for a great burger, I think of JACK’s. Made fresh, you can’t go wrong. They’ll make it to order.” — Yelp Review

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