Best Burgers Restaurants in Downtown LA
7 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
For The Win (Grand Central Market)
Smashburger specialist where crisp fries are as dialed as the patties.
Notable Picks
Chef Santos Uy’s smashburger micro-chain brought its crisp-edged patties and properly salty fries into Grand Central Market in 2023. The menu is stripped-down—burgers, crispy shoestring fries, sweet potato fries—but execution and value make this one of downtown’s most compelling quick-stop fry plates.
Must-Try Dishes:
Crispy French Fries, Sweet Potato Fries, Single Smash Burger with Fries
What Makes it Special: Smashburger specialist where crisp fries are as dialed as the patties.
A 30,000 sq-ft moto-culture destination where the converted 1945 warehouse, vintage motorcycles on the floor, and club-like energy are the main attraction—food takes a supporting role. The modern American menu delivers solid burgers (the bone marrow truffle burger stands out) and a strong brunch spread, though portions and prices run toward destination-dining territory. Works best as a social gathering spot where the spectacle and sprawling lounge seating carry the experience.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bike Shed Burger, Steak & Eggs, Breakfast Burrito
What Makes it Special: A full-scale restaurant embedded inside a genuine moto social club.
8
Tucked on an industrial side street east of Skid Row, The Escondite is a roadhouse-style bar known for over-the-top burgers, loaded tots, and one of downtown’s most relaxed happy hours. Since 2011 it has pulled locals to its patio for discounted drinks, bar-food specials, and live music under the skyline.
Must-Try Dishes:
Captain Kangaroo Breakfast Burger, Nashville Hot Breakfast Sando, Baja Fish Taco Ensenada Style
What Makes it Special: A hidden, live-music roadhouse with indulgent burgers, long happy hours, and a downtown skyline patio.
Worthy Picks
7.9
A compact twelve-item menu that punches well above bar-food expectations — hamachi tostadas and a patty melt that belong on a full-service restaurant ticket, backed by a wine program that gives most Downtown LA dining rooms a run. The indoor-outdoor layout fills up fast on weekends, and the noise level runs hot enough that you're better off leaning into the group energy than planning a quiet conversation.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fries, Biscuits, The Patty Melt
What Makes it Special: A twelve-item menu executed at full-restaurant caliber inside a bar with a wine list that outpaces most LA restaurants
A weekend night-market smashburger stand known for lacy-edged double patties, griddled onions, and a Thousand Island-style sauce on brioche. It’s a lively, street-food setting with fast ticket-to-bite gratification and a distinctly LA late-night vibe.
Must-Try Dishes:
Signature Smash Burger, Bacon-cheddar smash, Loaded fries
What Makes it Special: Crisp-edged smashburgers in a high-energy night market setting.
7.6
A polished Historic Core lunch spot serving crowd-pleasing New American staples. Strong on sandwiches, burgers, and comfort pastas with a quiet, workday-friendly feel.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hill Street Burger, Prime Rib French Dip, Pappardelle Bolognese
What Makes it Special: Reliable downtown American lunch in a calm room.
#7
Bungraze
7.6
A newer Little Tokyo burger counter leaning into tallow-fried fries and griddled smash-style patties. It’s straightforward, loud on flavor, and best for a quick sit-down bite.
Must-Try Dishes:
Flatbread Smash Burger, Tallow Fries, Protein Milkshake
What Makes it Special: Seed-oil-free smash burgers with tallow fries.