Cuisine Scene: Burgers

Some hunger pangs can only be assuaged with a big, juicy burger. In Long Beach you have dozens of choices to satisfy this urge, whether you like your burger smashed, stacked, or vegan. Here are a few burgers to love in Long Beach.

CRACK BURGERS

Some of the best burgers in town can be found on a golf course. Crack (6180 Bixby Village Dr) is housed inside the 9-hole Bixby Village Golf Course and offers a menu of classic smashburgers branded with the letter C. This beloved spot is famous for their bacon jam and rotating roster of sides, including Apple Pie Baked Beans and White Bean Chicken Chili. Take your order out to the back patio on a sunny day and watch the golfers taking their swings.

THE WIN-DOW

A recent addition to Belmont Shore, The Win-Dow (4600 2nd St) is quickly becoming a local favorite. The simple menu offers smash burgers grilled with onions and served on a bun with American cheese, pickles, and house sauce. Impossible burgers are available, along with a grain bowl, chicken sandwich, kale salad, and of course, fries. Add a classic hand-spun shake or dipped ice cream cone to take with you as you stroll 2nd Street.

VBURGER

At VBurger (420 Cherry Ave), you can chow down on a burger piled high with up to four, 100-percent plant-based Beyond Meat or Impossible patties. Located just off Retro Row at 4th and Cherry, VBurger also serves sides like Mac&Cheese and a chili bowl as well as a few Mexican dishes. To top it off, their packaging is plastic free, and profits support animal welfare. If you still have room for something sweet after your burger, visit VCrepes next door.

MVPS GRILL AND PATIO

You better be hungry when you go to MVP’s Grill & Patio (2742 E 4th St / 5484 E Stearns St); the burgers are huge and your side of Cajun fries will be as well. Each burger, salad, sandwich and hot dog on the menu is named for a notable athlete, and you’ll feel like a champion when you finish your meal. Try the Shaq Burger, with double meat, double cheese, double bacon, avocado, lettuce, tomato and MVP’s signature Cajunaise dressing. Then go home and lie down.

SIDEBURNS

Sure, you can get a classic burger at Sideburns (941 E 4th St), but you can also get a burger with creative twists, like the Poutine Burger with fries, cheese curds, and gravy or the Smash Cristo, which is beer battered and deep fried, then drizzled with hot honey and powdered sugar. This food pairs well with the restaurant’s parent establishment, The Stache, which is a bar next door where you can order a classic cocktail and get your burger delivered at the bar.

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About the Author
Steve Lowery
Steve Lowery is a longtime local. Over the years he has written for the Los Angeles Times, ESPN, and others. If you're looking for the hidden gems of Long Beach, Steve is your go-to.