The Golden State

4.0 star rating
597 reviews Rating Details

Categories: Burgers, Gastropubs, Sandwiches

426 N Fairfax Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90036
Neighborhoods: Mid-City West, West Hollywood
(323) 782-8331
Hours:

Tue-Sun 12 pm - 10 pm

Takes Reservations:
No
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Parking:
Street
Attire:
Casual
Good for Groups:
No
Good for Kids:
Yes
Price Range:
$$
Delivery:
No
Take-out:
Yes
Waiter Service:
No
Outdoor Seating:
No
Wi-Fi:
No
Good For:
Lunch, Dinner
Alcohol:
Beer & Wine Only
Drive-Thru:
No
Noise Level:
Average
Ambience:
Hipster, Casual
Has TV:
Yes
Caters:
No
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes

Review Highlights   

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"MUST MUST try the sweet potato wedges." (in 110 reviews)
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"And the different mustards and ketchup (curry ketchup." (in 115 reviews)
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"I love that they have Scoops ice cream too." (in 50 reviews)
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597 reviews in English

  • Review from Kim l.

    Santa Clara, CA

    5.0 star rating
    1/25/2012

    One of the best burger joints on the WestCoast. On par with Father's Office burgers! We found secret free parking in the residential area one block east of Fairfax. Score! Order your food at the counter, grab your number and a seat. My parents and I have been wanting to try this place for a while now, and I am very happy that I finally got a chance to try it before I moved up north. Friendly service. $11 for a burger and one side. We ordered:
    Ginger ale: 4/5 strong ginger flavor, not at all like canadian dry.
    Burger: 4.5/5 Shake shack still is the top of my list, however this burger comes in tied with FO. Medium=pink center. I love me some arugula in my burger! The patty was thick and juicy and had great flavor. I liked the thick buttery bun.
    Jalapenos slaw: 4/5 not too spicy.
    Persian cucumber: 4/5 yum
    Sweet potato fries: 5/5 you MUST eat these! Thick wedges of sweet potatoes. Amazing! Can't get enough.  
    Left feeling super stuffed in a good way.

  • Review from Chris S.

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    • 24 friends
    • 18 reviews

    Los Angeles, CA

    5.0 star rating
    Updated - 1/25/2012

    So, I finally ordered the burger here. I was very pleasantly surprised! I guess I was surprised because there are so many places that make their burgers gimmicky with sweet sauces or whatever. But the burger here was just the perfect portion with a soft bun and with amazingly cooked MEAT, and with a great combination of other ingredients. Kind of like a dude's burger I guess?

    I also finally ordered a coke float which was amazinggg because I got to choose whiskey vanilla ice cream from Scoops to go along with it.

    And just like my previous visits, the service was impeccable. Everyone is super nice and one of the guys who works there went around all the tables making sure everything was all set for each customer, even after already ordering at the counter.

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    1 Previous Review: Show all »

    • 4.0 star rating
      5/20/2011

      I wish I had read these reviews before so I could've tried the burger! And the coke float (ice cream… Read more »

  • Review from AJ R.

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    • 13 friends
    • 119 reviews

    Los Angeles, CA

    5.0 star rating
    1/16/2012

    This place is in my top five favorite burger places in Los Angeles.  Curry Ketchup?  Hell yes.  Mexican Coke? Hell yes.
         We went to this place for dinner one night and waited well over an hour and worth it.  Small, and intimate (you might be touching elbows with a hipster) but awesome.
       Its much better for lunch - much less crowded.  Just get down there and try one of their burgers!

  • Review from Lesley C.

    Fullerton, CA

    5.0 star rating
    1/14/2012

    Everyone in our party was wowed in one way or another by at least one of the components of our burger lunch.  John and our friend absolutely loved the curry ketchup, going through at least 1/2 cup each with their fries.  I loved the jalapeno slaw - crunchy, spicy, acidic and a necessary counterpart to a big burger.  Everyone loved The Burger, which is a classic combination of beef, cheddar, applewood smoked bacon, and arugula.  Those are my favorite toppings and I love that Golden State sticks with the best and does it well.  The meat is intensely beefy and juicy, pairs nicely with the flavorful cheddar and smoky bacon, and that somehow, the light arugula manages to find a voice among it.  

    Even better, we loved that Golden State serves Scoops ice cream.  The day we visited, the handful of trays were nearly empty but I would certainly take advantage of dessert had they been full to kill two food birds with one stone.

  • Review from Yi Z.

    Los Angeles, CA

    4.0 star rating
    1/5/2012

    The Golden State makes me proud to be a Californian.  Was this the best burger I've ever had? No, but it was damn good and I would gladly eat it at least once a week.

    $11 for a burger isn't cheap but wait! You actually get a side with that. I don't remember the last time in LA that I went to get a burger and it came with a side automatically (uh, The Counter, Umami, Barney's?).  So it actually turned out to be a pretty good deal.

    My sweet potato wedges were delicious and the slaw I tried was very refreshing. We also found street parking easily on Fairfax.  All in all, it was a great evening!

  • Review from Annie Y.

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    • 112 friends
    • 259 reviews

    Los Angeles, CA

    4.0 star rating
    1/8/2012 1 Check-in Here

    I don't know if I agree that Golden State has the best burger in LA, but they're definitely up there. I came here for dinner with a friend last night. It's a tiny, stripped-down place across the street from Canter's. Much like Father's Office, you have to order at the counter and fight for one of the few tables in the restaurant. I got the Burger with a side of potato salad. I loved the potato salad -- it wasn't too heavy or laden with mayonnaise. The burger was delicious, but having already been to so many gourmet burger joints, it didn't particularly stand out from any other burger. The bun was soft and buttery and the toppings and aioli all made for a great -- but not memorable -- burger. Also tried my friend's fries with the curry ketchup, and that was probably my favourite combo of the night.

    Prices are pretty fair for a gourmet burger plus a side. I can't say I'd be back of my own accord, but I wouldn't say no if someone wanted to go.

  • Review from Vincent R.

    Los Angeles, CA

    4.0 star rating
    1/12/2012

    Burgers for burger snobs.

    A burger or sandwich will run you about $9-11.  The burger was delicious and well grilled. Regardless of if you get the sweet potato fries or the regular ones, don't forget to try the curry ketchup. Its amazing!

    There is a small seating area, so if you come during a busy time, you are going to have to fight for a seat. One of the workers was very helpful though and moved a party of two for our party of 4. classy!

  • Review from Carol L.

    Los Angeles, CA

    4.0 star rating
    12/30/2011 1 Check-in Here

    I am a fan of THE BURGER (toppings: cheddar, bacon, arugula, aioli and ketchup).  Cooked medium rare, the patty had amazing flavor.  I'm going to try it with an egg next time.  I can only imagine...

    I was not so much a fan of the FRIED SWEET POTATO WEDGES.  They were burnt, tough to bite into and rather dry.  Perhaps it was an off day?

    I like that a side is included with any of the sandwiches, placing their awesome burger on the lower end of the price scale of gourmet burgers.

  • Review from Jimmy Y.

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    • 2 friends
    • 12 reviews

    Lakewood, CA

    5.0 star rating
    1/17/2012

    After a long day of shopping , hungover and a bit stoned , the stomach started rumbling.  Golden state , definitely hit all the right spots.
    Burgers , beer , curry ketchup and people watching. Perfect way to end the day.

  • Review from Amy S.

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    • 146 friends
    • 112 reviews

    Los Angeles, CA

    5.0 star rating
    12/19/2011 1 Check-in Here

    Another great LA burger experience. I have to work out here twice as much just to combat all the burger-induced weight gain!

    Golden State is great. For one, it's cheaper than most burger places in the city since one side is included with your order. I like that. I don't appreciate when places up-sell your burger with $4 fries. That's not fair, of course I want fries with my burger!

    They also have a carefully-selected draft beer selection. Last time I went in they offered this obscure beer from Utah. I was impressed. And the staff really seems to know their stuff.

    Oh, and Scoops gelato is a nice touch especially if you want to completely gorge yourself! Beware though, this place is not a bar/pub. It closes at 10 or 11. For some reason, I thought it was more of a bar. It's actually a counter service place that serves beer too.

  • Review from K O.

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    • 2 friends
    • 41 reviews

    Los Angeles, CA

    4.0 star rating
    2/1/2012

    Pricey, yes. But they aren't going to serve you a mediocre burger. And the sweet potato fries are absolute perfection. Good beer as well.

  • Review from Jackie K.

    Los Angeles, CA

    5.0 star rating
    12/10/2011

    This place is absolutely delicious! I had the veggie burger with sweet potato wedges and it was soooo yummy! Enough avocado, tomatoes, and lettuce. I wish I had the onions grilled though. It was fresh.

    The sweet potato wedges were SOOOO good! I never had something like it before. I always have sweet potato fries, but not wedges. I will definitely come back! Street parking.

    ps. They serve scoops ice cream as well so leave some room in your stomach for dessert!

  • Review from Helen H.

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    • 0 friends
    • 12 reviews

    Los Angeles, CA

    3.0 star rating
    1/7/2012

    ...leave it up to me to get a tuna melt at a burger place. They grill the tuna and bread separately so the tuna isn't melted into the bread. I wouldn't recommend tuna at a burger place. The bf says the meat was dry due to too much arugula. There sweet potato wedges though are amazing! They're like baby sweet potatoes roasted. So good!

    It's a tiny space with very little seats. It has an interesting vibe. Hipsters meets skater? Like I should be meeting rob and big in here. You know with their skateboarding bull dog?

    It's a good place. Didn't have the beer but looked good. They also have scoops ice cream which I love! The sweet potato wedges might be worth going back.

  • Review from Mina W.

    Los Angeles, CA

    4.0 star rating
    12/14/2011 1 Check-in Here

    This little gastropub has it all- burgers, beer, and icecream, all 3 vital food groups!  It's pretty tiny inside, so be prepared to wait for a table if you come during the lunch rush.  

    "The Burger" seems to be the most popular sandwich at this joint, and for good reason.  The brioche bun and juicy beef patty are top notch.  The arugula and bacon provides a nice contrast of flavors and textures, without overpowering your taste buds.  In fact, I would say the burger is actually a little on the blander side.  This burger is above average compared to other trendy gastropub type places, but IMO not on par with father's office or umami.

    I had to bump this review up from 3 to 4 stars just based on the deliciousity of the sweet potato wedges.  My friend and I both agreed this was the best sweet potato fries we've had.  But to be fair, they aren't really "fries".  These wedges are huge and meaty.  (That's what she said.  Ahhh sorry I couldn't resist.)

    I also loved their assortment of nonalcoholic drinks- cream soda, root beer, etc.  Gotta love drinking out of retro glass soda bottles.

  • Review from Veronika K.

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    • 0 friends
    • 3 reviews

    Santa Monica, CA

    5.0 star rating
    1/29/2012

    Favorite burger in LA so far.  And it's not pretentious like some of the other hot burger places.

  • Review from LA D.

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    • 0 friends
    • 13 reviews

    Los Angeles, CA

    4.0 star rating
    1/28/2012

    Pretty straightforward place - small restaurant with a basic burger menu. i got the "Burger" with cheese and thought it was solid. Would pass on the sweet potato wedges next time though - way too mushy. Liked that they offer a variety of condiments including a yummy curry ketchup, which was surprisingly good on the burger. Would liked to see a few more menu options, but with a small kitchen, I guess they have their limitations?

    Service was quite slow but cordial enough, and seating limited.

    All in all, no real complaints. Would go back again.

  • Review from Steph C.

    Los Angeles, CA

    5.0 star rating
    Updated - 11/24/2011

    I've been back to The Golden State a couple times since my last review, and I found another star in those visits.  I think my first time must have been something of a fluke.  My patty was cooked well into medium territory when I ordered it medium rare, but this hasn't happened since to me or anyone I've been back with.  The Golden State burger cooked medium rare is a thing of beauty, juicy and flavorful with superb accompaniments.  It's definitely a contender for the top burger spot in L.A.  In fact the only burger I can think of that comes solidly ahead is Comme Ca's, which costs several dollars more.

    Since my last review, I've also discovered better sides.  Golden State's fries don't do much for me, but I love the refreshing jalapeño slaw and the herby, fresh, light Persian cucumber salad flavored with tarragon.  I only wish the jalapeño slaw had a little more jalapeño.  I've also found that Sriracha and curry ketchup make burger magic.  Purists may shrink from the cock sauce, but damn, used judiciously it is a delicious spicy accent to a hearty meaty burger.

    I love Golden State's root beer float, but the Old Rasputin beer float is also worthwhile.  You have to like Old Rasputin, as somehow the addition of sweet Scoops brown bread ice cream accents the sharpness in the beer flavor.  The root beer float probably tastes better, with more of that creamy froth, but having beer and ice cream together is a treat.

    I ended my original review by saying Golden State is no 25 Degrees, but since March, I've become rather disenchanted with that inconsistent old favorite.  As long as Golden State can deliver medium rare burgers with an acceptable level of reliability, it will be my new go-to for a casual sit-down burger meal.

    Listed in: The Best of My Hometown, Meat, Cheese, Bun,
    In any case, it's unlikely…">Chipping away at Gold's 99

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    1 Previous Review: Show all »

    • 4.0 star rating
      3/8/2011

      Golden State is a likable little restaurant that feels more like a casual burger joint that happens… Read more »

  • Review from Bong E.

    Chino Hills, CA

    5.0 star rating
    Updated - 11/18/2011 1 Check-in Here

    You know what they say ... absence makes the heart grow fonder.

    So it's been a while since I've been to The Golden State.  I came with some friends, had a burger, had a beer, tried the house ketchup.

    And for some reason, it tasted better the 2nd time around.

    Read my first review and remember that Yelp has updates.

    So update yo shit.

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    1 Previous Review: Show all »

    • 3.0 star rating
      7/31/2009

      I guess I don't know a good piece of beef in my mouth when I taste it.  

      Wait, that just doesn't… Read more »

  • Review from Darren W.

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    • 81 friends
    • 5 reviews

    Los Angeles, CA

    3.0 star rating
    1/10/2012 1 Check-in Here

    I'm on the quest for the ultimate gourmet burger in LA and this was my first pit stop. As I walked in, I was warmly greeted by the guy behind the counter and the smell was amazing. I ordered The Burger and loved the smoked bacon and arugula. Unfortunately, the burger itself was bland. Sure it was juicy and cooked perfectly but it lacked seasoning. It was disappointing considering we paid gourmet burger prices and were hoping for a gourmet tasting burger. Overall, it is a decent neighborhood joint and the fried sweet potato wedges were great. Would I come back? We'll see what else LA has to offer and go from there...

  • Review from Hailey J.

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    • 13 friends
    • 61 reviews

    Santa Monica, CA

    3.0 star rating
    1/17/2012

    Ordered The Burger and the sweet potato wedges. The burger was just ordinary nothing extraordinary. Felt that the arugula ruined the burger both in texture and flavor. Loved the bread they use. The sweet potato wedges were large and cooked nicely. The garlic aioli that comes with the wedges is good but not great. They also offer a selection of ice cream. Overall, happy to experience this place but would rather go somewhere else for my gourmet burger.

  • Review from Jordan R.

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    • 2 friends
    • 11 reviews

    Beverly Hills, CA

    5.0 star rating
    Updated - 12/22/2011

    My favorite burger spot in the city by far. The beef burger medium-rare with a side of the sweet potato wedges is such a delight. Every time I go the The Golden State I am greeted by a very friendly staff and/or the awesome owner Jason. This place has been my go-to for bringing out-of-towners to experience the best burger that LA has to offer, everyone who I've brought has loved it as well.

    The selection of food, drinks, and desserts truly makes this place stand out and offers something delicious for every palate.

    As far as I know they are closed on Mondays but every other day of the week is fair game for a Golden State adventure.

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    1 Previous Review: Show all »

    • 5.0 star rating
      8/10/2010

      The most amazing hamburger I have ever had so far in my life was at The Golden State. I was tipped… Read more »

  • Review from Tina C.

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    • 6 friends
    • 30 reviews

    Los Angeles, CA

    5.0 star rating
    1/22/2012

    I love burgers and everyone knows it and this place has the best.  but I have to say the sweet potato wedges are what keeps me coming back.  I am sorry to say I have not tried the curry ketchup.  next time and there will be a next time.  Plus the people that work there are really nice.

  • Review from Julie E.

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    • 523 friends
    • 407 reviews

    Los Angeles, CA

    4.0 star rating
    11/18/2011

    Review #400!

    Here's my take:

    Golden State's "The Burger" is quite delicious, as are the sweet potato wedges with aioli.

    - The burger is juicy but not greasy - the 2nd juiciest burger I've tried in this city after Father's Office.
    - The brioche bun adds a nice bit of sweetness.
    - Bacon and arugula are in nice proportion to the rest of the burger. All the flavors blended well together without one overpowering another. I just love the juiciness of the meat. (And saying the word "juicy" over and over).
    - The size is smaller than FO but bigger than Umami - perfect. Filling but not too heavy.
    - Small, rotating beer and wine list.
    - Lowkey atmosphere: order at the counter and grab a table. This is a more organized, fluid method than FO's scramble for a seat.
    - SCOOPS ICE CREAM. Need I say more?
    - Street parking is kind of annoying, but not impossible.

    FO is still the best burger I've had in LA. But Golden State's all-around unpretentiousness gives it a run for it's money.

  • Review from Iman Z.

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    • 46 friends
    • 17 reviews

    Sherman Oaks, CA

    5.0 star rating
    12/12/2011

    I'm always looking for a new Gastropub and The Golden State is one of my new favorites on the other side of the hill. One thing I love is a STRONG Belgium Beer & A GREAT burger. I feel excited to say I got that and more HERE!

    What I ordered:
    **The Burger**
    I've been eating a lot of lean meat lately , but when I looked at the menu.  I had to order The Burger.
    After my first bit you would of thought I just got engaged... well to a burger that is... lol!
    This burger is perfectly set up. The meat was juicy and perfectly grilled (medium rare, of course), the cheese accents the meat & the applewood smoked bacon, which then compliments the aioli & the ketchup, with a lovely peppery touch from the arugula... I was in love and everyone around me knew it.  The way all these  flavors blended together was divine.  I had asked myself  "Things like this don't exist...."  BUT THEY Do!

    **Beer**
    Since their beer list changes constantly, it's best to tell the crew what you like in a beer. They have great suggestions. I asked the guys behind the scenes... I like STRONG Thick Belgium beer, very nutty, with a nice sweet after tones, and the highest percentage of alcohol... The crew knew exactly what I was talking about and MORE!! Let's just say  I wasn't disappointed....  ;)

    I almost passed the place b/c there isn't an actual sign on the outside of the place. They do have the menu close to the door, just look out for it. I went on a weekend and the parking wasn't a hassle. The crew is really really great! They came to my table a several times to see how I was enjoying myself....and the beer. I had smile on my face the WHOLE time. =D

  • Review from JP T.

    Hercules, CA

    5.0 star rating
    12/5/2011 1 Check-in Here

    Made the (somewhat) mistake of coming here at 8pm on a Saturday night with a group of 6 people.  The place is pretty small and there are not many places to sit, especially when there is a USC game going on.  However, the great server/staff here re-arranged a few guests and tables around and were somehow able to acoomodate our group.  Pretty f'ing awesome as you hardly get that kind of service anywhere.

    I ordered the much-hyped burger that I had heard and read so much about and it did not disappoint.  I would go so far as to say it is one of the best in all of southern California.  It's not too big or too small and the toppings/condiments enhance the actual flavor of the beef rather than mask it.  I opted for the sweet potato fries which taste baked and are cut like steak fries.  They pretty much give you an entire sweet potato so these alone would fill up most people.  I was also able to try the cole slaw, which was decent, but something you could probably skip.

    Overall a great experience and highly recommended.  Parking is all street parking, so it's going to be hit or miss as usual.

  • Review from Brian C.

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    • 12 friends
    • 29 reviews

    Framingham, MA

    5.0 star rating
    12/10/2011

    Quality = EXCELLENT
    Amount = GREAT
    Price  = GOOD

    I'd argue the best burger in LA. Surprising this place doesn't get more business. But that makes seating very easy. Super hipster feel, btw.  Wouldn't be surprised if the staff was a Weezer cover band.

    I was introduced to this place by my friend Eug, who has eaten at the finest restaurants in the world...so I trust his palate.

    Cucumber salad is excellent in its simplicity. They have a few good beers, too, which makes it a great place to have unwind without the crowds and with great food.  There's 1 or 2 TV's also.  

    Parking in that area is shitty. The storefront is not well-marked, either.  It's basically across the street from Canters Deli.

  • Review from James W.

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    • 4 friends
    • 89 reviews

    Los Angeles, CA

    4.0 star rating
    Updated - 12/6/2011

    This has to be my top gastropub burger. The combination of flavors and textures makes this burger a great burger.

    Maybe I need to also try their other items.... hahahaha. (I'm such a carnivore)

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    • 4.0 star rating
      5/29/2011

      Crowded and tasty.
      Burger is well constructed. Great selection of craft brews to compliment the great… Read more »

  • Review from Ari K.

    Los Angeles, CA

    3.0 star rating
    11/28/2011

    Went here last week, and was a little disappointed in the food. Ordered "The Burger" medium rare and it was a little too rare leaving both the meat and bun a little soggy from the start.  The bacon on the burger was very good and so was the aioli mix on both the burger and the sweet potato wedges.

    The Fried Sweet potato Wedges on the side were excellent, a good sweet break from the typical sweet potato fry.  The normal fries themselves were decent, nothing special to be mentioned there. I was however disappointed with the Jalapeno Cabbage slaw.  It was not spicy at all, and was rather a bland slaw with a random Jalapeno or two in it.

    I would be willing to give this restaurant another try, but would not consider it a contender for the top burger in LA.

  • Review from Marilynn L.

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    • 29 friends
    • 113 reviews

    Los Angeles, CA

    3.0 star rating
    1/13/2012

    Was my favorite burger place for a while but the burger was so plain and dry whwb we last went. Very devastated because I had talked it up a lot to my foodie friend. She made a good point that for a place that sources ingredients locally, the veggie burger was not very tasty and fresh (seemed frozen). Beers on tap are always great though. And they have scoops ice cream.

  • Review from Sherpa S.

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    • 1 friend
    • 6 reviews

    La Verne, CA

    2.0 star rating
    11/6/2011

    This is strictly a burger review.

    And as always, I will update this review if further visits change my opinion.

    Let's get straight to the beef.

    The Burger:  

    Type: Thicker bar-style burger (as apposed to thinner "In-N-Out" fast food style burgers).  The amount of beef was a little too light and was overtaken by the rest of the...sandwich.

    Beef:  Gas grilled.  Sort of bland.  Bland beef requires a good sear, or seasoning.  This had no sear to speak of and I couldn't taste any seasoning (not even salt).  Do yourself a favor and throw some mustard on it before you even start.

    However it WAS juicy. They cook the meat to precisely the doneness you specify. Since the beef lacks taste, I suggest you specify Medium, or they will serve it Medium Rare.  Boring ground beef has no taste when pink.  

    The meat grind was too fine and at Medium Rare it is mushy.

    The burger condiments are good.  The bacon is cooked perfectly, is meaty, and is not greasy.  However, one should be wary if the only beef burger a place serves is a bacon-burger. It's a bit like cheating.   As if they're worried their beef can't stand on its own merits.

    Cheese: White cheddar. You don't really notice it.  

    The bun:  Fine.  The bottom bun did not handle juices very well and got soppy.  The buns are barely toasted.  Either toast the damn things or don't toast at all.  As with a lot of things about this place, it's half-assed.

    Fries: Middling.   A bit mushy.  Opt for the side salad instead, which is very good indeed.

    Clientele:  Chatty younger crowd.  A fair amount of annoying upstart dweebs, but mostly a well rounded demographic.  

    Set-up: Cramped seating, and the order desk is too close to the tables. So the people in line have their butts in the faces of people trying eat. Nice.  You sit very close to the other patrons.  Without much effort I could've elbowed the guy in the ear sitting next to me.  If the patrons next to you are loud, you can trash your whole experience.

    The owners simply chose a crappy small space for a popular eatery on the Fairfax strip. The facade is as characterless as the name of the place itself, so good luck even finding it, (maybe that's a good thing).

    Service: Very informed burger guys.  Not super friendly...but far from unfriendly.  They are focused and endeavor to make your meal accurately.  

    Drinks: Avoid the "holistic" diet cola.  Tastes of weird "natural" chemicals.  Like diet syrup.  And the bottle is served just above room temperature.  They have lots of interesting beer, which alone probably keeps them afloat.

    Bottom Line:  It seems that with all the condiments, they are attempting to enliven a boring beef.  This is certainly not a WOW burger.  It lacks fire and guts.  If you're already nearby I suppose it's worth it...it IS juicy.  But it's what I'd call an NTW burger...I would Not Travel or Wait in line for one.

  • Review from Emily M.

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    • 92 friends
    • 184 reviews

    Arcadia, CA

    4.0 star rating
    1/3/2012

    The menu is small but the burgers have big flavor!!!! Delicious fries and sweet potato fries with gourmet sauces. Not overly greasy, not huge or overcooked. THE BUSINESS.

  • Review from Spicy R.

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    • 0 friends
    • 7 reviews

    Los Angeles, CA

    5.0 star rating
    12/4/2011

    This is my go-to burger joint.

    Golden State nail the flavors. They are also super nice people. And, as a bonus, they have Scoops ice cream for dessert, so you don't have to drive east. (A smidge pricier than at Scoops, but so worth it.)

    I always want to experiment and get something new (lambburger anyone?), but am so enchanted with their classic burger and sweet potato wedges, that I cannot resist and order them every single time. I satisfy my curiosity by bringing others and sampling their orders (yum, too).

    I have asked about adding a grass-fed beef option to the menu, and they said that they searched but didn't find one with a taste competitive with what they have (fair enough).

  • Review from Lois K.

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    • 56 friends
    • 43 reviews

    Los Angeles, CA

    3.0 star rating
    10/27/2011

    Despite my really wanting to like this place because of it's name, I thought it was just okay. There wasn't that much arugula on their signature burger and I thought the cheese and ketchup overpowered the other flavors. Had I known, I would have asked for it without ketchup.

    Their root beer float was more memorable than their burger as they had many interesting flavors of icecream to choose from. Sharing it with my friends was a nice ending to the meal - I just wouldn't be willing to pay so much again for it.

  • Review from Sandy T.

    •  
    • 39 friends
    • 101 reviews

    Westminster, CA

    3.0 star rating
    10/10/2011

    The BF and I both ordered the Burger, as it was so delicious- and fancy-sounding that we forewent variety. I mean, bacon and arugula  and Harris Ranch beef?? Gimmegimmegimme!

    Alas! Our burgers were bland and the beef was awfully dry (both medium and medium rare). The only thing that saved our meal were the fries--both the sweet potato and regular fries were thick and freshly fried! Delish!!!

    They also serve Scoops gelato, so I finally got to try the famous brown bread and... totally not a fan, it tasted like vanilla ice cream with the annoying bits of bread crumbs.

    LOL, and there's an "Ambience" checklist on Yelp now, is this new? This place is 100% Hipster!

  • Review from Russ V.

    Las Vegas, NV

    4.0 star rating
    10/12/2011 1 Check-in Here

    Another burger Joint that I've been eyeing for a while since I've been in burger mode recently. It's located right across the black building (Animal). Although this place has a sign, you still gotta keep an eye out for it.

    The Burger: "Harris Ranch beef, Fiscalini Farms cheddar, glazed applewood smoke bacon, arugula, aioli, ketchup." Fancy ingredients with a Fancy taste to go with it. Juicy and so-so tasty patty, bacon always a plus, cheese with the other toppings including the bun were quite delicious. Compared to Father's Office's Burger, this seemed to have more components going on but within a close margin, I'd still take FO's Burger.. The medley of cheeses and the caramelized onions is just hard to beat!

    Fried Sweet Potato Wedges served with garlic aioli: These were long and fat, kinda mushy in texture but had a very nice balanced flavor. The garlic aioli was great. I'm not a big fan of sweet potato anything but these were done right.

    Hip/Trendy location and interior space was casual, staff was chill, prices were okay and the burger is definitely worth a try, if you are into gourmet burgers..

  • Review from Andrea G.

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    • 8 friends
    • 70 reviews

    Pasadena, CA

    5.0 star rating
    11/18/2011

    My official 2nd favorite burger in LA.  The bun, the burger, the arugula, the onions, everything about it is sublime.  The sweet potato fries are also delicious.  

    But, by far, my favorite thing about this place is the ever changing selection of beers on tap.  They are always interesting, and they are always delicious.

  • Review from Daniel C.

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    • 14 friends
    • 23 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    1.0 star rating
    10/11/2011

    Pretentious waiters, overpriced drinks and mediocre burgers at best.

    Having so many burger options in LA, I would definitely avoid this place.

  • Review from Oscar A.

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    • 3 friends
    • 51 reviews

    Salt Lake City, UT

    4.0 star rating
    1/7/2012

    Delicious but not the best. Maybe it was that day. I heard a lot about this joint and expected more. It was a tad disappointing. Don't get me wrong, it was good not as memorable as I would have thought. I'll go soon and give it another go. Great beers on tap so it's the perfect place for a beer and a burger.

  • Review from Junesoo H.

    •  
    • 15 friends
    • 19 reviews

    Los Angeles, CA

    5.0 star rating
    12/30/2011

    Their burger. Done and done.

  • Review from Bryan A.

    •  
    • 0 friends
    • 6 reviews

    Los Angeles, CA

    5.0 star rating
    11/20/2011

    This is our go-to burger place. We've been here many times (more than I care to admit) since they opened, and we keep going back. The owners could not be nicer guys, and they were very wise to limit their menu and do what they do really, really well. We always get the burger rare or medium rare with the fries extra crispy and the Persian salad. Lots of different catsups and mustards to spice up the burger as you wish. Their daily specials such as the fish and chips are very good as well. We aren't really beer people, but have occasionally enjoyed some of the interesting ones they have on tap. I would think GS would be a beer lovers dream.

    Such a pleasure to have this place in the neighborhood. Also, we definitely notice after we eat here we don't get that gross gut bomb feeling we get after, say, a Umami burger.  Yes, that's right, I've convinced myself that a Golden state burger with bacon,  and a pile of fries on the side is "light". So there.

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