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ZipPicks Awards
Best French Fries in Studio City
Best Burgers in Studio City
Master Critic Review
Heavy Handed
8.3
Smash burger specialist frying their straight-cut fries in beef tallow, creating rich, savory sides that have earned cult status among Valley burger enthusiasts. The ground short rib patties and house-made pickles complete the nostalgic drive-in experience without the car hops.
Must-Try Dishes:
Heavy Burger with Beef Tallow Fries, Loaded Fries with Heavy Sauce, Double Smash Burger Combo
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Beef tallow-fried straight-cut fries pair with smash burgers made from ground short rib
Who should go: Burger purists seeking elevated fast-casual quality
When to visit: Lunch rush or late-night post-bar cravings
What to order: Heavy Burger, beef tallow fries, house pickles
Insider tip: The beef tallow creates deeper flavor than standard vegetable oil frying
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking available on Ventura Blvd and side streets, moderate difficulty during peak hours
Dress code: Casual - t-shirts and jeans perfectly appropriate
Noise level: Moderate to loud - counter-service setup with kitchen noise, conversation-friendly but energetic
Weekend wait: 15-25 min order wait during Friday/Saturday dinner rush
Weekday lunch: 10-15 min typical wait, moves quickly
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Very limited - grilled cheese only substantive option
Vegan options: No dedicated options - burger-focused menu
Gluten-free options: No gluten-free buns available, fries are naturally GF but fried in shared beef tallow
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for 2nd or 3rd dates - the casual counter-service format is low-pressure and Instagram-worthy, but lacks the ambiance for traditional first date romance. Perfect if you both appreciate great burgers.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations needed - it's counter-service with limited seating. Grab your order and snag a table as they open up, or plan for takeout during peak hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Very kid-friendly - simple menu kids love (burgers, fries, shakes), casual atmosphere, no pressure to keep them perfectly behaved. Not a ton of seating though, so groups may wait.
How does it compare to In-N-Out? Similar price point but elevated quality - ground short rib vs standard beef, beef tallow fries vs vegetable oil. Think In-N-Out's format with gastropub ingredients. Worth the $3-4 premium per person.
Is it worth the hype? Yes, if you care about burger quality - the beef tallow fries alone justify the visit. Skip if you just want fast, cheap fuel and don't care about ingredient sourcing.
Best For
Better for: Choose Heavy Handed over In-N-Out or Five Guys when you want elevated ingredients (short rib, beef tallow) without sacrificing speed or casual vibes. The Instagram appeal and late-night availability make it ideal for spontaneous plans with friends.
Skip if: Skip if you need vegetarian/vegan options, want full table service, need guaranteed seating for large groups, or are budget-conscious (In-N-Out is $4-5 cheaper per person for similar portions)
Hours
Monday11:30am - 10pm
Tuesday11:30am - 10pm
Wednesday11:30am - 10pm
Thursday11:30am - 10pm
Friday11:30am - 10pm
Saturday11:30am - 10pm
Sunday11:30am - 10pm