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Tue-Thu. 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 a.m.
Fri-Sat. 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 a.m.
Sun. 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 a.m.
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After hearing about this place for some time, I was craving a burger, and Apple Pan was the decision.
There's something about this place that makes you feel like you've stepped back in time to the 50s, From the red stools, to the table layout, to the plaid wallpaper, to the wooden cash register drawers, it's got character!
The burger doesn't look like much, but there's something about it that's just....special. The ketchup was slathered all over the burger (a bonus in my book, I love ketchup in every bite), but I didn't expect the perfectly crisp mini-wedge of lettuce in the burger. Usually lettuce is an afterthought in my book; here it PERFECTLY balances out the soft and squishiness of the rest of the soft bun burger. The crunch in every bite and the lack of a need to shift around the ingredients in the burger to ensure each bite is the same...it's just...special.
The fries were delightfully crisp as well and having the server pour a generous helping of ketchup out for me was unexpected. I have to admit, this place isn't the best burger I've had, but it's unique in its own right nonetheless. If in-and-out made these burgers, I'd be going there all the time.
There's a routine to this place that the regulars know (stand in a disorderly line snaking around the walls of the restaurant as you eagerly wait for a seat to open up). The regulars are more than willing to chat you up about how great this place is, and it just adds to the charm of this little establishment. The service itself was great. Our waiter was more than willing to explain the ins and outs of the menu and what was the most popular.
Oh and I can't forget the mini-chalices you get your soda served in. I dare say that it made my cream soda (standard-IBC) even more special.
The downers for this place? Limited seating, limited pies (they ran out of a lot of them...although this is a testament to the popularity of the place...some people just come for the pies alone!) I'll have to try them next time I go.
All in all, I'll be back here for sure. It's just special and a must try just for the experience. It's a piece of LA that hasn't been glamorized nor become a casualty to the organic, I want it this way, mentality that so many in this city have. A "true" LA experience.
I used to go to the Landmark a lot, and was always up for trying something new. The Indian food across the street? Okay. Westside Tavern? Great, but the wait can be long. Italian Food on Pico... meh. Junior's? Overpriced.
And then there was Apple Pan. It scared J away for a while since it was named after his least favorite fruit on the planet. And the "B" cleanliness rating was a bit of a deterrent too. But finally we braved it to check out the hype.
Grilled cheese is fine, nothing special, nothing bad. J liked the cheeseburger but with so many amazing burger places in LA it didn't shine. The fries were great, as was the decadent chocolate cream pie.
Everyone sits in a horseshoe around the counter, with an outer horseshoe of people waiting for your stool. It's definitely an in-and-out place - you'll scarf your food down and be on your way, so if it seems crowded don't worry - you can still make your movie. They use really tiny plates and cups - kinda cute, like when I'd go to my grandparents house and they'd only purchase Dixie cups because they were cheap at Odd Lot.
Hmm. Didn't have the best experience here.
Granted I didn't come for food and only their coffee, the server was straight rude, and refused to give me refills to boot. It also took him 5+ minutes to even approach us for our order. Boo. Review will probably be improved after I try their pies.
PS. their cream is amazing. I am a fan of their coffee.
I'll be honest - I wasn't too impressed with The Apple Pan.
The burgers were only average, and while the staff was funny, after about five minutes you mostly feel like the place is run by a bunch of ramblin' old timers.
But I do love a classic diner, and the fries and pie do make up for the lackluster burgers.
However for the price, which came dangerously close to $20 a person, you can do much, much better elsewhere.
The Good: This place has been around forever. It's a must go to place because it is always in the top burger lists. The service is amazing. From the time I sat down to having fries in my mouth was like 10 seconds. They can open the ketchup bottle and refill your plate before I could even get my open. Have you seen Heinz ketchup?? It takes 5 minutes just to start the flow. I got the hickory burger which has a wedge of lettuce, meat(on the thin side), thick cut cheddar, tomatoes, and a freaking huge slop of the hickory sauce. It was like a thick sauce that had a hint of bbq, it was on the sweet side.
The Bad: It's LA so yes craptastic parking, they have a lot and I kid you not it only holds like 8 cars. The place is tiny as well, I think I read something like 26 chairs. The messiest burger I have ever eaten. Too much sauce equals sauce everywhere and it makes the lettuce and meat slide all over the place. I had to eat it fast just so I wouldn't be holding a handful of lettuce. $6.75 for a burger that is about the size of an In-N-Out burger.....pricey and $2.25 for a small plate of fries....pricey, so I had no cash for the pies :(
The Ben: Verdict....hype. It's a good burger but for I don't know why it would be on the LA's top burger list every year or in every magazine.
Maybe not the best burger in town, but easily the best burger experience in town. The place won me over initially because it's a dumpy little building from the forties, digging in in an area that's become a commercialized, Southern Californian shopping district. You know they must be doing alright to not sell out to the developers who have taken an eye to the neighborhood.
Once inside, the Apple Pan is a quaint set-up. A large counter with limited seating. The longer people wait for a spot at the counter, the more it begins to resemble Lord of the Flies. On more than one occasion, I've almost come to blows with someone who arrived after me and tried to snatch a seat opening up.
The food is very good. They have a small menu, which allows them to do what they do and to do it well. The help is sometimes surly, as has been mentioned, but that tends to be during rushes, and discourages people from lingering at the counter and preventing other people from getting seated. I've been in there when it was quiet, and the staff is very friendly. The first time I ever ate there, the ketchup in my tray was refilled every single time I dipped a fry into it.
The cup holders alone are very nearly worth the price of admission. They are a bit overpriced, but when I look at their neighborhood and see the developers closing in, I'm happy to pay a little more to keep them afloat.
(As for the parking, I admit I'm a little puzzled, since there's an ENORMOUS, FREE parking lot across the street...)
Was here years ago. It was disappointing. Instead of delicious food, many L.A. restaurants offer nostalgia.
I love Apple Pans. I go by every time I'm in the area. I think its so funny reading these reviews of the prissy ass people who complain about it here.
It is what it is and that's what makes this place awsome. It's called character! Who cares if you have to stand and wait a while and if it's too many people go somewhere else. I think the grumpy old men are cool and they aren't always grumpy.
Every burger is great! I've only had the apple and banana cream pies, but they were both amazing!
Burgers were eh..but nice atmosphere. I would say it is overated and definitely expensive or the size, didn't even get full after eating the meal which I payed like 8 bux...and that old white man waiter did seem like he didn't enjoy being there, which brought the mood down..the pies looked outstanding, but didn't bother trying, they were unfortunately extremely expensive too :(
Best fries in Los Angeles (gotta order them well done)
I didn't remember seeing that relish came on the burger but once i scraped it off the bun i could actually taste the burger which was magnificent.
Lacking one star on the fact that the burger was about $7 and was the size of an In-N'-Out burger.
make sure you got something to read. If the counter is all full you could wait a while.
-s
I should start off by saying this review is pretty much only for the chocolate silk pie. Everything else I've tried (banana cream pie, grilled cheese, fries, that's it I guess) is probably about 3.5 stars.
Anyways. One night a few years ago I was driving and listening to love line on KROQ and Adam Corolla and Dr. Drew were talking about this magnificent place called the Apple Pan. Low and behold, a few years later my fiance works down the street. His boss had mentioned to him that they make great pies, and gave us a slice of the banana cream. He also mentioned that they make a great chocolate silk. So one day we were on the west side and we decided to stop by to try a slice. MISTAKE. I'm now addicted for life. A few weeks later it was Christmas time, and I requested my fiance come home with a whole pie. MISTAKE #2. It was gone in two days....because I ate it all...by myself.
Now, as Christmas time approaches us again I can't help but want to repeat the same offence. I know I shouldn't, but I keep imagining myself in a euphoric state sitting on the couch listening to rain and watching some awful reality show. It's better than sex. Seriously, fellas keep this away from your ladies if you don't want to be replaced. Soo good!
This "burger bar" is designed so that the only seating available is along a counter that circles the kitchen. What this implies is that you may end up sitting next to a stranger.
While this is generally OK as a rule of thumb, it was not OK during my particular visit. The woman I sat next to smelled awful. It was blatant that she had dropped one in her pants and didn't bother to fix the situation. According to the friends I was with, it was evident via my facial expressions that something was awry.
So therefore I wasn't able to enjoy my food. The burger might have tasted OK, but my memory is unfortunately tainted.
I didn't actually like my burger, but it wasn't a bad burger... I just don't like sweet with my meat. But, if you do, you get a somewhat homestyle type burger from a place with a diner-type feel. Parking was quite difficult and we did not manage to get a seat at the big rectangular counter around the cooks, but we did get our $6 burgers. Not quite as portion-size satisfying as Tommy's or what I envision Carl's Jr. to provide, but an interestingly slightly gourmet sweet apple onion flavor with a burger about as satisfying as 1.5-2 In-N-Out burgers.
"Burger Bar" is correct...not a "relaxing" dining spot. This is a mini-version of "Johnny Rockets" with the same ownership, I believe.
Great fries, burgers, and apple pie...but a bit pricey and because you are sitting at a small counter only (no tables) it can be a bit crowded and rushed. But this is an L.A. institution...so take it for what is is worth! Also...cash only!
I'd only been here once before tonight, but every other week or so I'd muse out loud that 'we should totally go to Apple Pan.'
Like others have said, it's a nostalgic old place with a cool old-fashioned cash register and sodas served in paper cone cups. The crunchy granola in me wondered how sustainable this place was, as they use hardly anything reusable...paper plates for everything.
I got the classic steakburger wtih cheese, which was great, with a really traditional taste. Those who have a problem with the flavor here might reconsider their idea of a 'good burger.' In this day in age, when we put stuff like foie gras and truffles on our burgers, it's great to go back to a classic. That being said, my burger was a little over-relished. The hickory burger was also very tasty for barbecue sauce-lovers. The fries were great, super fresh and hot, and the meal was perfectly topped off with a big slice of banana cream pie and a cup of coffee, for which they bring you a little individual cream cup.
My one star is mainly for the price. Although this place probably brings people down memory lane, the prices sure don't reflect it. We probably shelled out about $14 a person when all was said and done. But if it's a choice between a $6 slice of pie and this place not being able to stay open, I'd shell out the cash any day.
I really like the decor of this place since it has a burger joint feel to it. You pretty much grab the first seat you can find. The guy who helped us with our order was really nice.
The menu is simple. I ordered the burger and fries. It was good, but nothing extraordinary.
Cash only! You can also park at the Westside Pavilion and walk there if you cannot find parking on the street.
Due to the nature of E R.'s reviews and his constant complaints streaming into my ears every second he gets, I am going to keep this one down to one sentence.
Food that was devoured: hickory burger, fries, and APPLE PIE!!!
The food was finger- lickin', tongue-salivatin', cream-in-my-pants orgasmic delicious!
This puts In-n-Out to shame. Like E R. said, "and they have pie!!!" BEST APPLE PIE IN TOWN!
The "old guy" that everyone is complaining and hating about was really nice to us. He told us about his mom and his wife and how he was born. Married for 38 years, that's what he kept telling us.
Sorry E R.- I couldn't keep it down to one sentence.
Delish! But it loses two stars because the old man is mean and purely money interested. He tried to rush me and when I asked for the swiss cheese option, I asked if it was a burger and he replied: "HOW CAN THAT BE A BURGER IF IT'S THREE DOLLARS LESS?!:
Dang, old man. I'm talking about the tall old white man. Everyone else I've had there is really nice.
Parking annoying. Cash only.
One of the best traditional burgers I've ever had. Nothing fancy here - That hickory burger was just simply delicious. Also, usually, burgers fall apart when I pick them up and take that first bite, but this burger was built to hold.
JONASAPPROVED!
This place rocks! The burgers are amazing!
Nice to see a place that is so old is still around.
EFF all the haters!
This is LA in a nutshell. Great food and fun but no parking, crabby customers and long waits....still worth it :)
Step back in time and taste one of LA's best burgers, fries, and homemade pies. There's a saucy hickory burger that's not to be missed and I highly recommend the pecan pie with ice cream. If you're a burger lover, you'll be planning your next visit to this historical burger joint after you take one bite. I still remember the first day my dad took me to it 31 years ago!
The Apple Pan is fun. A fun, older establishment with cash registers that look like they belong in an antique shop. I love the hickory burger. It's the kind of burger that's not too messy, but not too clean. Their "special sauce" isn't anything like In n Out's thousand island dressing concoction. I'm not actually sure what it is. Ketchup-based is my best guess. I'm sure other writers have weighed in. It isn't a food burger but more of a "gourmet" burger: extremely filling and the meat is thicker, juicer, tastier.
The bar itself is really interesting, as everyone is glancing over at grill right in front of them, where burgers are made to order extremely quickly. Fries are crunchy, nothing special. For the price, they do serve a lot of fries. I haven't tried their pie yet because I was just TOO full from my burger, and that doesn't usually happen when I am hungry. When I'm back next time, I will take the advice from fellow yelpers (and the name itself) and order me some pie! Until then, enjoy your burgers!
Please. Overrated.
Having been born and raised in LA, it's a wonder I've never made it in here until recently. I've always heard rumors and legends of how great this place is, how "Famous" it is, so when I just happened to be waiting for a movie to start across the street, I had the opportunity to step in and see what all the hype was about.
First of all, due to the size of the room, I can see how it could get extremely crowded extremely quickly. We were able to sit immediately, (it's all in the timing), but after we were seated, you turn around and all the sudden there's like a hundred people waiting at the door.
The menu is ultra basic.
Burger, fries and a coke.
Burger is tiny. It receives considerable girth due to the unusually giant chunk of iceberg lettuce under the bun. There's relish.
Some people may complain about the enormous chunk of lettuce, but it doesn't bother me. The patty tastes okay, but it's small. $6.50 for this burger? Are you joshing me? Where's the beef?
Soda comes in a can, so you're limited to what you can pour into your cute little paper cone cup.
Really, now L.A. Is this all there is? Then let's keep dancing.
Dance on down to the Original Tommy's burger on Beverly, or even The Last Great Burger Stand, Fatburger.
Apple Pan in West LA, bourgeois. For those who wanna be their Melrose Place and their Friends.
I like the character behind the counter who looks like he's been there since the place opened. He reminds me of the german sous chef from Ratatouille.
The Apple Pan is a Los Angeles icon. Built in 1947, the small wood and brick structure looks out of place, but its reputation and history make it a giant among its neighbors. Its about as old skool LA as you can get!
The service is old skool and comes with an attitude, in a world of smiling waiters/waitresses kissing hineys for tips, its beyond refreshing!
The reason I give it 3 stars is because of the limited menu. Unless you're craving a burger, tuna salad, egg salad, ham or cheese sandwich, there isn't much of a reason to go there. Likewise, unless you want an apple, pecan or whipped cream pie, then there isn't much there.
For $10.55 you get a hamburger with Cheddar, fries and a bottle of water. The burger is done in a typical California style, mayo, pickle and lettuce. There is more lettuce than usual, but that's actually how burgers used to be made in California, that's what made them distinct from those of other areas of the country. Today, people think of avocados as exemplifying CA, back then it was lettuce(told you this place is old skool!) The fries are lightly golden on the outside, nice and soft inside.
The quality is pretty good and you're really eating a classic!
I'm not big on pies or the other items served, so can't really say anything about them.
In all, I recommend the Apple Pan because it is such a landmark, and truly is a taste of old LA. The food is good, but I really don't think its worth visiting on a regular basis simply due to the limited offerings and the fact that there is nothing particularly so unique about those offerings that you can't get elsewhere. For the most part, think of dining there as paying for the experience and the vibe rather than the food per se. Since that's what really makes the Apple Pan so unique.
Um, I'm glad that apple pan has a following, so they wont miss me. Every five years, I go to apple pan hoping things have changed because I do like the decor. However, im always reminded once i take a bite, why I go every 5 years. If you like a relish sandwich and hold the burger, you will be crazy for apple pan. Its cash only which can be an inconvenience, but I will say this, they have good desert.
This tasty little burger joint has a special place in my heart. Not for hype, not for nostalgia, but for being one of the few places around Los Angeles that (since 1947) still serves up "simple, no-nonsense, what-you-see-is-what-you-get, and we're not afraid to tell you how it is" kind of experiences which (in this day-in-age), seem to be slowly fading away.
You'll first notice this from the Apple Pan's menu, which aptly states that it's "...the result of the effort to do simple things exceedingly well." With recipes that date back to much earlier than the restaurant's opening (try, 1881 for that apple pie), it'll become clear that the purpose remains true to serving up the same (two) excellent hamburgers as precursors for the same (four) excellent and enormous homemade pies. Originating in 1905, both the incredibly juicy steak burger (and the hickory sauced "hickory burger") likely pack the same amount of flavor into every bite as they both did in 1947. And still to this day, that apple pie (made with sour granny smith apples and topped with hot apple/cinnamon juice) truly commands an experience all on its own where only the addition of a slice of Tillamook cheddar cheese (or a mound of whipped cream) could make it even better.
And knowing that, you begin to ask yourself: So what if it's $6.75 a burger for a patty that isn't Kobe Beef? So what if you're frowned down upon for asking them to customize the hell out of your burger? And so what if you claim you can get a similar thing at Carl's Junior for two-thirds the price and at one-third the wait time?
The Apple Pan doesn't care, and in this instance, that's what really counts. And to those of you's that do nothing but grumble and whine about how the efficient (and sometimes gruff) old guys handling the counter service which (on occasion) commands the toughness of an era that no LA scenester in their mid to late twenties would even begin to understand, allow me to break out the world's smallest violin.
Overall, the Apple Pan's commitment to this no-nonsense business model is downright refreshing. The fact that the food backs it up is definitely a testament to their longevity - and my continued patronage over the years.
Note: Cash only! Counter Seating Only!
Apple Pan is this hamburger joint in LA with legendary status. Apple Pan is famous for its hickory burger and apple pie. Add to the fact, it's been around since 1947, that's around the time when my parents were born.
The uniqueness of this hamburger joint starts from how it's laid out. It has this station island where they flip burger patties and buns. Outer part of island is the u-shape counter where customers sit on high stools to enjoy their burgers. In between the station and the counter is where servers take orders and serve you food with minimum distance to travel. All corners of the restaurants are for people waiting to find stools to sit. There is no waiting list.
Besides from the interesting restaurant layout and the hickory burger, Apple Pan isn't that impressive. Burgers and fries were over priced and overrated. 3 burgers, 1 fries, 2 drinks, adding tax and tip cost me grand total of $30.
Now, I know we aren't in NYC or Boston; but if you are looking to experience a little slice of history in our very own Los Angeles, a trip to the Apple Pan is in order. If you have never been here, this is how it works. You can park in the back, but there aren't too many spaces, so you may have to look on the street or park in a city lot. There is one room with a kitchen area in the middle, and a counter with about 20 seats and stools surrounding it. Look for a spot where your party can sit together (bar stools next to each other) or wait until a group leaves and snag their seats. You won't be standing for more than ten minutes, fifteen at its busiest- people really eat and run! The menu and recipes have been the same since the fifties, as well as the guys working the counter. They are so old-school!!! If you want cutesy smiles and perkiness, forget about it. These guys are gruff and business like, and they get the job done. Try to make one smile- I dare you! They are like British royal guards.....anyway, enough about them.
The egg salad sandwich is pretty good, but the Hickory Burger is where it's at! Be sure to order fries (always hot and fresh). The soft drinks aren't from a fountain- they just pour a can into a paper cup in a metal stand (very soda shop-esque). Even if you are full, you must order pie. The apple pie and pecan pies are good, but the cream pies are a must try. Banana and chocolate cream pies are to-die for. My friend thinks the apple pie is whatever, but no one can fault the cream. A stop in at the Apple Pan is definitely worth it, at least once in your life!!!
Mmmmmmmmmmmmm...This place gets 5 stars just for their pies!!! All their pies are baked from scratch each day.
The banana cream pie is so heavenly. I have recurring dreams about it. I salivate every time I think about it. I rave about to anyone who mentions the word banana, cream or pie. The whipped cream is super light, the cream is not super sweet or heavy, the crust nice and flaky and the bananas fresh. A must try if you eat at this place.
The pecan pie is also very delicious. Before, I've only had very sweet pecan pie; however, this place has found a way to make a delicious pecan pie without overloading on sweetness. Tip - eat it with the whip cream (super light) which is made at the restaurant!
The apple pie is great when it comes out warm with the light syrup that drizzles over the pie. The apples are fresh and the crust is amazing. The apple pie is yummy here but I think their other two pies stand out more.
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The service is okay...the waiters definitely seem like nice people; however, they aren't very patient. As soon as you sit down, they expect you to know what to order, especially if the place is busy. The first time I came, the waiter seemed annoyed and basically, told me what I should order as opposed to gently suggesting it. It seems like the waiters (they might be the owners?) have been here a while though. Each time I've gone (which is 5 or 6 times), it's always been the same people serving.
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The fries are delicious.
The hamburgers are okay. The meat is definitely good meat, but I don't think the burgers in anyway stand out. I've tried the hickory and steak burgers...and both nothing to rave about. Honestly, I don't think I would eat here so much if it weren't for the pies...
I must reiterate that THE PIES ARE AMAZING.
Everyone talks about the "quality" of food here, but I'm not really sure what they mean. We timed out visit so that there was no wait, and that was fine but do you mean quality as in the mediocre fries were taken out of the bag frozen rather than be forced to come from a fresh potato?
I've had many nice burgers in my lifetime (my favorite was the kimchi-foie gras burger at the now defunct Coupage in Seattle) but this was just a fast food burger. Such a burger has its place, but not as a 4+ star rating on Yelp.
That said, there's a place in Seattle that generates similar culinary responses from me:
http://www.yelp.com/bi...
- Local icon
- So-so fast food burger
- Overhyped
I'll follow Matthew "Napkin" K's method of review.
One word to describe the place: Classic
Pro:
Hickory Burger (cheese is .50 extra)
Banana Creme Pie and/or Pecan Pie
Opens late! (12am weekdays, 1am weekends)
Classic diner decor w/grumpy old men serving you (in a good way)
Con:
Not exactly cheap, expect $10+/pp
Fries are pretty "meh"
Grumpy old men (in a bad way)
Steakburger I heard was pretty "meh"
All in all, this place is probably 3.5 stars, as I privately still prefer my double double animal style with fries, at half the price, but Apple Pan is definitely a good place to visit to experience a more classic experience. I personally prefer this place over the other famous pie/burger place in Pasadena, Pie 'N Burger as the pies are MUCH better here, along with the hickory burger!
The hickory burger is delicious! I always get it with double cheese, fries, and a root beer. I feel like I can eat a second burger, but I resist. Any of their pies are a great way to complete your meal.
With that said....I hate the drive from Glendale, I don't like their limited seating, and I hate the drive back.
The service is...different, but cool.
The End
Overrated. The hickoryburger is ok - not worth coming here and not worth the price. The french fries are good. The apple pie was bland. You should try it once - I would try the meat relish steakburger instead of the hickoryburger. Parking sucks and it is not worth waiting if it is busy - come early for lunch if your want to try it. Not cheap. I didn't realize they are open so late - not bad if you are in the area and need some food to sober up. If you are high, wasted, drunk, whatever - probably tastes great.
The burger and fries were just ok. I ordered the BBQ burger, or something like that, but it was kind of just disappointingly ketchupy. The overall experience of sitting at the counter and watching them fry up your food dressed in their 50s style uniforms with the old school cash register and soda in paper cone cups is what makes the whole thing enjoyable. It seems that there's always a wait to sit at the limited counter space, but it's definitely worth it. Me and my roommate ordered a slice of banana cream pie to share and a slice of apple to go. Both were pretty amazing and we agreed that while once was enough on the burgers, we would definitely go back just for the pie!
If I could rate this place a "0" star I would. First off as other reviewers stated, the place is small so a group of 4 is the most that should go. Menu is extremely limited & pricey. Only 2 types of burgers, the regular one, forgot the name, & the hickory. The regular burger had relish which made it taste terrible. It was sweet relish to boot, no where on the menu it stated it had that. I ordered the hickory & only difference I could tell between the burgers was that mine had ketchup & gobs of it, totally taste less. Fries were extremely greasy & beverage selection limited to whatever they had in cans/bottles.
Now to the service, if it had been friendlier I would have given this place a chance but I had the most bitter old man help us out I just felt like grabbing him by the few strands of hair he had on his old head & slamming it on the counter. Seriously, we asked if they could make a double burger. I realize it was not on the menu but shoot, we would have paid the difference. The answer we got from the grumpy old man was "NO!". Not a nice no but a straight up jerk "NO!" After that it seemed like he wanted us out, seriously, as soon as he saw a plate empty he would pick it up.
I would have rather have gone to In-N-Out, they are much better by far in flavor, atmosphere, service, etc. I can see why there is only one of these joints, it was that bad. Avoid it if you do not want to deal with bad service & sub-par food...
Pros: Hickory burger is pretty good
Cons: parking, cash only, crappy service, limited seating, burnt fries
More Cons than Pros
I'm sure you'll try it once, but you'll eventually stay away because of the hassle.
I was pretty disappointed with this place. Not only is it a bit dirty inside (hence the B rating), but the apple pie was cold and the flavors were nothing special. Plus the stools are so close together that you can barely sit down (and I'm small). I gave it two stars because my husband liked the burger, but I won't be coming back. I love that this place is a classic institution and that people from all walks of life come here, but there are better tasting and cleaner places with the same character. If anything, this is a good place to come to when craving classic American fare when you're too drunk to notice the details.
I was expect a lot when I came here, and I ended up getting frustrated because for one thing they don't have a wait list. If you see a chair open you better run to that spot and sit your butt on it or else it is long gone. This place was very packed when I wet here late at night around 9P.M. on a Tuesday. This place is small and the seating is like in a U shape. While the kitchen is in the middle and you are able to see them cooking and frying the food.
I ordered their burger the first one on the list which I can't really remember. I ordered it with their special sauce and to me that sauce tasted like cheap salsa. I didn't at all like it. I think I would enjoy it much better if my burger didn't have their special sauce in it. I did like how the food was quickly out of the kitchen and into our hands. It was amazing. The service is quick and efficient. But that is when you sit down. I rather have them put a piece of paper and write how many people are in your party and wait their while someone calls your name.
I also ordered their fries, and to be honest with you they taste like something you could get anywhere and it was plain and a little bit on the softer side. Which isn't my style.
It was a good place to try once, but I don't think I'll be coming back anytime soon.
I love it, I hate it. I like it, I loathe it. I adore it, no way am I standing in that line to fight for a counter seat again.
The burgers here are so damn good it's hard to get me to say "no" to a suggestion of coming here... but every time I do, there's always some seating b.s. People have a dumb tendency to grab an empty seat and then leave a one-seat space between themselves and the person next to them. This is hardly efficient when the only seating is counter and the line is out the door. So as much as I love eating here, that aspect of it always turns me off.
Apple pie with cheese on it is amazing.
Homemade Thanksgiving Dinners
Neighborhood: Westchester / LAX
Recession Breakfast
Neighborhood: Beverly Hills
Neighborhood: Santa Monica
Category: Burgers
Neighborhood: Pasadena
Category: Burgers
Neighborhood: West Hollywood
Category: Burgers
Neighborhood: West Los Angeles
Category: Burgers
Neighborhood: West Los Angeles
Category: Burgers
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