Pasjoli
2732 Main St, Santa Monica
What to order: The burger as your main
If you’re looking for a more upscale burger experience without any snobbery, look no further than Pasjoli. This Santa Monica joint used to be a tony French restaurant, but recently reinvented itself as more of a casual spot to hang. Its burger is a stand-out: a dry-aged patty pan-seared in herb butter and topped with shallots and a bone marrow aioli.
Bill’s Hamburgers
14742 Oxnard St, Sherman Oaks
What to order: The classic burger
A staple to Van Nuys and one of the rare Southern California burger stands still in operation after rising costs wiped most similar spots out shortly after their 1950s boom, Bill’s is classic in the very best way. Founded in 1964 by Bill Ellwell, who until his passing in July 2025 was said to have grilled every single burger, the place is a veritable institution—though you may have to fight off its novelty-seeking crowds (and keep in mind its limited hours, 8:30am-4pm, Tuesday through Friday; cash only).
Cassell’s Hamburgers
3600 W 6th St, Koreatown (inside Hotel Normandie)
What to order: It’s really a question of size here (4 or 7 oz.) and cheese or no cheese
Founded in 1948, Cassell’s Hamburgers was another Jonathan Gold favorite. There are vegan options here, but the place is known for grinding their own ground beef on the daily and making their own mayonnaise. The place has retained a mid-century vibe, with milkshakes, malts, and a fully stocked bar to boot.