Burgers of Santa Monica What’s The Beef About?
Tim Broughton, Mirror Contributing Writer
They come in all shapes and sizes, rich juicy beef patties, succulent turkey versions, and vegetarian options. Open face, closed, whole-wheat bun, cheese, bacon, pickles, avocado, the choice is almost endless. This week we’ll take a look at some of the best burgers available in Santa Monica, so read hungry and enjoy!
The Counter. 2901 Ocean Park Blvd 310.399.8383. This place is a “build your own” burger emporium. Choose your bun, choose your patty, choose your toppings and choose your sides, the permutations border on infinite! How about a turkey patty topped with horseradish cheddar, roasted corn and black bean salsa, with apricot sauce, in a honey wheat bun served with a side of sweet potato fries? Yes it’s possible, and at a fair price to boot. Expect a line, it’s popular.
Father’s Office. 1018 Montana. 310.736.2224 Something of an institution, Father’s Office prides itself on a huge range of beers and burgers, and the burgers here are not your average Joe, or sloppy, come to think of it. Fresh bread, a host of toppings including a Roquefort/blue cheese and some rather fancy sauces make the meals here left of center for sure. The sweet potato fries are fantastic for sure!
Ye Olde Kings Head. 116 Santa Monica Boulevard. 310.451.1402 It’s a British pub and restaurant of some repute, and after some 35 years in Santa Monica, it’s well known for its fantastic fish & chips, but wait, they serve a pretty tasty burger, called The Kings Burger, and yes, it’s fit for a King! Served with mayo, lettuce, tomato, pickle, onion and coleslaw it’s traditional and tasty, with a juicy patty also. Served with chips, this King Burger (not burger king) is also available with a veggie patty.
Hal’s Bar and Grill. 1349 Abbott Kinney Boulevard. 310.396.3105 Hal’s is a fun place with a huge menu and as well as a great beef patty, they are well known for their tasty turkey version. A tender patty, served with whole-wheat bun, chipotle chile tartar sauce, arugula, tomato, red onion, Caesar salad, this meal is completed by the addition of their onion rings.
Houston’s. 202 Wilshire Boulevard. 310.576.7558 Houston’s piece de resistance burger has to be their wonderful California Burger. Freshly house ground beef patty, served with Jack cheese, avocado, arugula and red onion, served on a super fresh house-baked bun, this is a pure delight; add the fries and the appealing ambience and you are sure to be satisfied.
Barney’s Gourmet Hamburgers. 225 26th Street. 310.899.0133 Some claim that this is burger heaven, and after a visit you may be inclined to agree. If you want, they have it. Huge creations with choices of beef, turkey, chicken or veggie, they are all tantalizingly succulent. No one can go wrong with their classic burger, Natural Niman Ranch ground chuck, flame-broiled, served with fresh red onion, tomato, lettuce & pickle, add American, Cheddar, Jack, Pepper Jack or Swiss cheese if you want. Very good indeed.
So, a small selection of real burgers, real restaurants, and served by real people (no remote drive-thru voices at these places) for your delectation. Watch this space for others coming soon, but in the meantime go ahead and burger out!