Of course its common knowledge that Los Angels is one of the best cities in the world for authentic tacos. But did you know that LA is also now known for having one of the best burger scenes?
Yes our reputation for good burgers has grown tremendously over the past 10 years and many visitors come eager to experience the City of Angels and also get a tasty burger.
One area where Los Angeles really stands out is for the very popular smash burgers! The smash burger has become a staple across the city’s dining scene. From cozy neighborhood spots to sleek modern kitchens, these burgers embody the perfect combo of comfort food and culinary craft.
So what is a smash burger? It’s a thin beef party that’s smashed perfectly in a hot grill, with an irresistible balance of crispy edges, and juicy flavor.
In this guide, we’re exploring some of the best smash burgers Los Angeles has to offer. Discover standout spots tucked into the city’s diverse food landscape.
Some places charm with their laid-back atmosphere, while others impress with inventive twists on a timeless favorite. Dive in to uncover the restaurants serving up smash burgers that rise above the rest in LA.
1 – Goldburger
Description:
Goldburger has quickly carved out a name for itself in Los Angeles as one of the city’s go-to spots for smash burgers done right. What started as a small pop-up has grown into a beloved burger joint, drawing long lines of Angelenos eager to taste the perfectly crispy, juicy patties.
Known for its simplicity and quality, Goldburger emphasizes fresh, grass-fed beef that’s seasoned to perfection and cooked with just the right amount of char.
What put Goldburger first on this list is the attention to detail in every bite. The patties are smashed thin, ensuring those irresistible caramelized edges, and layered with melty cheese for maximum indulgence. Then comes the house-made garlic mustard aioli—a tangy, garlicky sauce that perfectly complements the beef and takes the burger experience up a notch.
Combined with soft, toasted buns and crisp toppings, these burgers manage to feel both nostalgic and elevated, reminding you why the smash burger craze continues to thrive in LA.
Beyond the flavor, Goldburger has a fun, and easy atmosphere that welcomes everyone. Every burger here is crafted with care and packs the same punch of flavor.
There are currently three great locations in Los Angeles you can enjoy their amazing smash burgers: Highland Park, Los Feliz and Granada Hills.
Location: various
Pic Credit: @theinfatuation
2 – The Mouth – Burbank
Description:
The Mouth in Burbank is putting a playful spin on the classic smash burger, and it’s quickly becoming one of the most buzzworthy spots in Los Angeles.
Instead of sticking to tradition, they serve their burgers “pocket-style” inside a Dutch crunch roll—yes, the cult-favorite Bay Area bread with that signature crackly crust that is soft, airy, and slightly flaky, soo good!
Each pocket burger is stuffed with the essentials: thin, well-seared patties, melty American cheese, crisp pickles, and a tangy house sauce that ties it all together. The Dutch crunch roll adds texture and a unique flavor, and of course the place makes great Instagram pics.
The Mouth has created a casual, welcoming vibe that fits right in with Burbank’s laid-back food scene. This unique smash burger sensation delivers an experience that’s both fun and seriously tasty.
If you’re exploring the best smash burgers in LA, this spot is a must-try for its originality alone.
Location: 4017 W Riverside Dr unit c, Burbank, CA 91505
PIC Credit: @doordash
3 – Heavy Handed
Description:
Heavy Handed has taken Los Angeles by storm with its unapologetically bold take on the smash burger, and now with locations in Studio City, Santa Monica, and Silver Lake.
What started as a humble food truck has grown into a local favorite, drawing burger lovers with its signature short-rib blend patties smashed to crispy perfection. The vibe matches the food—bright, playful, and full of personality—making it one of the most exciting smash burger experiences in town.
The menu at Heavy Handed keeps things tight and focused, but everything they do, they do well. Their burgers are layered with melty American cheese, pickles, and a tangy house sauce that complements the rich, beefy patties.
Of course, no visit is complete without a side of their legendary beef tallow fries—crispy, golden, and downright addictive. And for those with a sweet tooth, their soft-serve cones dipped in fun coatings like butterscotch or Funfetti sprinkles are the perfect way to finish off your meal.
Beyond the food, Heavy Handed is all about creating a memorable experience. Each location is splashed with bold orange branding, graffiti-inspired art, and quirky design details, perfect for fun pictures.
Heavy Handed delivers big flavor with big energy. Visit now if you are chasing the best smash burgers in LA.
Location: various
PIC Credit: @YouTube
4 – Proudly Serving
Description:
A story of success. Chef-owner Matt McIvor started grilling burgers in his Redondo Beach driveway during the pandemic, quickly drawing neighbors and then hungry fans from all over – with his no-nonsense, flavor-packed creations.
What began as a pop-up has since turned into a full-blown sensation, with two brick-and-mortar locations now open in Hermosa Beach and Redondo Beach. It’s a true local South Bay success story that proves when the burgers are this good, word spreads fast.
At the heart of Proudly Serving’s menu are the double-patty smash burgers, which bring together thin, crispy-edged beef, melty American cheese, and tangy house sauce layered perfectly on a soft bun.
Here at LifeHacksLA we love the PS Burger, we believe this is the star of the show because it’s so juicy and flavorful, it truly hits that perfect balance of classic and crave-worthy.
Each bite delivers everything you love about a smash burger: rich beef flavor, crispy texture, and the right amount of sauce.
Don’t forget the golden, crispy sides to dip in the amazing sauces like Malt Vinegar Aioli, or the Special Sauce. The vibe at Proudly Serving is laid-back and beachy, a perfect fit for its South Bay home. Stop by when visiting Hermosa or Redondo beach.
Proudly Serving isn’t just a neighborhood favorite anymore- it is a destination for smash burger lovers looking for that welcoming spot near the beach in LA, serving indulging double patty smash burgers.
Proudly Serving is pretty well known now but we were one of the first to discover and post about them. We even interviewed the owner Matt McIvor pretty early on in his journey and you can find that podcast episode here.
Location: various
PIC Credit: @medium
5 – The Window
Description:
The Win-dow has mastered the art of keeping things simple, high quality, delicious, and fun. With locations scattered across Hollywood, Long Beach, The Grove, Silver Lake, Venice, and even Santa Barbara, this burger spot takes its name literally – you order right through a window.
The concept began in April 2019 as a takeout-only spot attached to the Venice steakhouse American Beauty. Customers could order through a small walk-up window, enjoying perfectly crisped, juicy burgers without stepping inside the full-service restaurant. This efficient, no-fuss model became central to the brand and helped it quickly gain a following.
Today The Win-dow’s smash burgers are a classic sensation, perfectly crisped on the edges, juicy in the middle, and layered with classic toppings. And with plenty of locations to find one near you. The amazing thing is you can still get a cheeseburger here for under $5 despite the super high quality meat and ingredients.
The Win-dow also serves chicken sandwiches that have developed a fan base of their own, with the perfect flavor and crunchy texture. And for something lighter but still tasty, try their $8 grain bowls, these are just delicious and satisfying, healthy, filling, and affordable.
The Win-dow is another spot we posted about when it only had one location and was very unknown. It has a special place in our heart so we are so happy to see that from that small start in Venice it has expanded to locations all around Los Angeles.
We hope you enjoy all these great smash burgers venues as much as we do!
Location: various
PIC Credit: @Longbeachize
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