Goldburger Los Feliz

Goldburger’s tiny storefront is tucked right next to the marquee of the Los Feliz Theatre on Vermont Avenue. The whole operation is compact – essentially just a service window and a very small, clean interior with a handful of tables. A few more chairs are set up outside on the sidewalk, but this isn't a place for a long, lingering meal. The entire setup is geared for a quick, high-quality bite. The focus is on LA-style smashburgers, built around thin patties cooked until their edges are brown and crispy. While the beef is 100% grass-fed and grass-finished from California ranches, the final product is pure nostalgia. The namesake Goldburger comes with double patties, American cheese, grilled onions, pickles, and a garlic-mustard aioli on a plush potato bun. For something different, the LA Special adds thick cuts of pastrami into the mix, and there’s also a six-ounce, thick-patty Bar Burger for anyone who doesn't want the smash style. This whole operation started as a pop-up in 2018, building a reputation at breweries and coffee shops before settling into its first permanent location. The Los Feliz shop is its second, and it maintains that focused, pop-up energy. Curly fries are the go-to side and a popular choice over the standard ones. Because the space is so small, most people treat it as an in-and-out stop. Parking in the area is notoriously difficult, so plan accordingly. Look for combo deals and a happy hour special, which are usually written on a board near the counter.