Cuisine Scene: Burgers
The burger is a staple of American cuisine — whether it’s a traditional almighty beef patty topped with lettuce, tomato and cheese in a sesame seed bun or something with a little more imagination. Here in Long Beach, it would take a well-spent lifetime to experience every signature burger in town, but here are a few essential places to start!
Beyond Burgers
Overlooking the sand and sea, the contemporary Plunge LBC (1900 E. Ocean Blvd. in the residential high-rise Ocean Beach Club) is a laid-back eatery that allows you to dive deep into innovative flavor combinations — including vegan options. There’s something for everyone, from a sophisticated grass-fed beef burger to the inventive Falafel Burger with tomato chutney, pickled celery heart cucumber, little gem lettuce and sweet tahini sauce.
The bohemian Berlin Bistro (420 E. Fourth St.) in the heart of the East Village Arts District is one of the chicest places to eat a burger in Long Beach. Come as you are and feel at ease in the sleek, brick-walled digs popular among everyone from friends out to brunch to families with young kids and dogs, to nearby office executives. The artsy space serves locally sourced cuisine, including the Berlin Burger: sirloin steak, avocado, arugula, white cheddar cheese and Nueske’s bacon on a brioche bun. Dog patties also are available for four-legged guests on the patio!
A modern tavern with eclectic food, The Social List (2105 E. Fourth St.) puts its own locally sourced spin on tradition with its self-proclaimed “Best Burgers in the LBC.” The popular Napoleon Burger is a handmade beef patty with braised short rib, crispy onions, smoked gouda fondue and garlic demi glaze for dipping on a toasted sesame bun – and each burger is served with The Social List’s signature garlic shoestring fries. Sit down with friends or family at one of the restaurant’s cheery communal tables and enjoy.
Those looking for the burger with the perfect crunch will find what they seek at The Crooked Duck (5096 Pacific Coast Hwy.). The intimate, homey bistro is full of regulars who don’t need to hear today’s specials because they already know what they want: the Fritos Chili Cheddar Burger, a 100% natural beef patty served with Texas chili, caramelized onions, cheddar cheese and crunchy Fritos. There’s a smorgasbord of burgers on The Crooked Duck’s menu, including a Beyond Vegan Burger, Ortega Burger, Gorgonzola Bacon Burger and Turkey Burger.
Classic Burgers Done Right
Brunch-hungry Californians line up every weekend outside The Attic (3441 E. Broadway) – which was recently recognized by the prestigious Michelin guide – because they know it’s worth the wait. The charming 1920s craftsman home-turned-eatery is built on a foundation of sophisticated Southern cuisine enhanced with trendy SoCal flavor, innovative cocktails and a dog-friendly patio. It might feel like home, but the food is better, and The Attic Burger is a refined version of classic comfort and tradition with a house-made benne seed bun, remoulade sauce, cheddar and American cheese, onion, pickles and iceberg lettuce.
A favorite among locals since 1957, The Eldo (3014 N. Studebaker Rd.) is a sprawling restaurant across from El Dorado Park that serves up a fusion of American and South African cuisine. The menu includes flame-grilled Grade-A Angus beef burgers — plus a great lamb burger — that rank among the best around. Its namesake burger, The Eldo, is a double beef patty with Muenster cheese, fried egg, bacon, lettuce, onion, tomato, and sweet and sour sauce, best enjoyed with a locally brewed craft beer.
A cozy booth is waiting for you at The Original Park Pantry (2104 E. Broadway) overlooking Long Beach’s tree-lined Bixby Park. The classic mid-century modern diner, with signed celebrity photos on the walls, features hearty portions of traditional American foods — including burgers, of course — that haven’t changed much since the place first opened in 1956. A large portion of the sizable menu is dedicated to fully customizable burgers, including veggie options and several varieties of fries, which pair excellently with a root beer and a slice of apple pie.
In The Name Of Burgers
If a restaurant is bold enough to put “burger” in its name, it’s a good bet there’s a great burger or two on the menu. At Burger Daddy (149 Linden Ave.), one can correctly assume they’ll find something delicious to bite into. The downtown Long Beach business, which also has a location in West Hollywood, has a deceptively simple menu of burgers, fries, shakes and beer. Those burgers range from traditional to the unexpected, giving people the opportunity to enjoy — as just one example — the Katsu Burger: made with a panko-fried beef and onion patty, Japanese barbecue sauce, zesty slaw, red relish and a classic bun.
Fans of Islands Fine Burgers & Drinks (55 S. Pine Ave.) know the tropical-themed restaurant chain based in Southern California has perfected its tastefully crafted selection of burgers over the past four decades. From booth tables made from repurposed surfboards, you’ll want to order a Big Island Iced Tea or Sunset Colada under the thatched roof and relax with an original burger such as: the Hula, made with mushrooms, lettuce, tomato, Swiss cheese and mayo; or the Hawaiian, with fresh pineapple, teriyaki sauce, lettuce, tomato, onion, Swiss cheese and mayo.
You’ll find a good burger — and a lot more — at Hamburger Mary’s (330 Pine Ave.), a full-service restaurant, bar and drag-themed dance and entertainment venue in the heart of downtown Long Beach. Reservations are a must for the popular Dining with the Divas weekend brunch shows, where one can take a bite out of The Queen Mary, a burger with melted cheddar and jack cheeses, covered in grilled onions and crisp bacon, plus thousand island, lettuce and tomato.
Fast Burgers
The ultimate to-go food, there are some excellent drive-thru burger options in Long Beach. After all, a burger doesn’t have to have frills to taste great, and that’s what it’s all about at Poly Burgers (1460 Atlantic Ave.), a beloved hangout for local high school kids and Jackrabbit alums who know they can get a high-quality meal for less than $10.
Focusing on good deals and good food is Omega Drive-In (2641 E. Anaheim St.), with its old-school vibes and giant yellow “HAMBURGERS” sign outside saying it all. Fiercely loyal customers will tell you they grew up going to Omega and now they’re taking their kids there.
Family-owned Louis Burgers III (555 Atlantic Ave.) has been serving generously-portioned burgers and chili fries on-the-go since 1976. Not much has changed through the years at the burger joint because it doesn’t need to — it’s a tasty classic.