Stopped by Station 43 for a creators event and ended up trying a few items and honestly, they've…read moregot some solid options on the menu. The pastrami was amazing, easily a standout. The owners are super nice and welcoming, which always leaves a good impression. On my second visit (just a regular day), the experience was a little different. The staff didn't seem very attentive to me or my guest. Nothing rude.. just not very engaged. That said, the restaurant does some really cool things. One feature I liked a lot was the spin board that displays your name when your order is ready.. small touch, but creative and fun. Because of the quality of the food and the overall vibe, I'm leaving four stars instead of something lower. The service didn't quite take it over the top, but there also wasn't anything bad enough to knock it down further. With more consistent attentiveness from staff, this spot could easily be a standout.

Station 43 is a sleek, spare new pastrami and burger place on Melrose, just East of the Groundlings…read morecomplex. It's clean and helmed by a small but very friendly staff of people eager to please. The painted brick walls and wood tables & chairs say it wants to be something more and better than a "fast food spot," but its menu is too small to fall into the Mendocino Farms category of "fast casual," so let's just coin a new phrase: First Rate Fast! There are really only 2 things on the menu: a burger (prepared 4 ways) and Pastrami (prepared 3 ways), plus fries and drinks. On this first visit I opted for the "Strong," which their version of a Pastrami Reuben. It's an impressive sandwich, built with very high-quality components. The pastrami is long brined and long smoked and cut thick. It's well-marbled and very rich, with an intense flavor of both the brine and the smoke. It's most easily described as Aaron Franklin's best Texas brisket being sent for a Bar Mitzvah. It's very, very good. The rest of the sandwich holds its own, too. The rye bread is top flight and very flavorful, grilled perfectly to have that buttery crunch without being too greasy. Melted Swiss adds even more richness, while spicy mustard and slightly bitter sauerkraut bite back against the fat. The addition of a fairly mayo-forward Russian Dressing was a bit too much for me. Yes, it's the traditional Reuben condiment, but here the pastrami is so rich that the dressing (to me) gilds the lily, and a second layer of mustard (to me) would help to balance the sandwich a bit more. I ordered the combo, which means fries and a drink. The fries are pretty basic, but are very properly cooked to a nice crispness and carry the right dusting of salt. Sodas are canned, but they do have glasses and ice, so no harm there. Probably the funniest thing: each table has a light as you might have in a fine dining establishment. They're not necessary because this is a very bright restaurant -- but they are ring lights, and they help ensure that every social media photo has just the right glow. That's kind of genius. This is good food, and I will surely try a burger next time. But don't wait for my next review, head out soon and give them a try.

Came in with my daughter for a good wholesome smashed burger. My daughter just wanted a…read morecheeseburger when I asked where does she want to go. We were in the area so pulled up my favorite lists and remembered that I had marked Trophies as a must go. This place DID NOT disappoint. She and I each got our own smashed. My double was just what the doctor ordered. The two guys at the counter was helpful and friendly. It's a little slow when we got there but they nailed the burger! Must go!

I typically don't get vegan burgers, but I had it here. I liked it a lot. Pretty tasty…read more Parking can be tough, but it's worth it. There's also plenty seating inside.

The food here baffled my mind. I was just passing by to get a quick burger and was pleasantly…read moresurprised. Definitely worth the visit!

Route 66 is not as cool as it used to be, but the stand for Irv's Burgers is. has It has been…read morerebuilt by longtime chef-owner Sonia Hong and new partner Lawrence Longo. The signature Irv's Roadside Single Burger gets pressed to order and comes topped with American cheese, Irv's sauce, lettuce, tomato, pickles, and onions on a toasted bun. Now, I hate American cheese, it is not real cheese at all, so I get it without. They really need to start using cheddar cheese. They can afford it. One of their most popular burgers is The towering Big Irv which comes with pastrami, a hot dog, chili, and even more on top. It does get crowded and there is a line, but it moves fast. You can also do pick up or delivery. It is super cute and clean. You will love the service. Their hot dogs are so good and you can get chili on them. Yum. They also have BLTS, patty melts and grilled cheese. We do love their pastrami melt. It is great, you will love it.

I've been enamored with this spot ever since I was lucky enough to grab a bar seat shortly after…read morethey first opened back in July 2024. That's when I first tried their Whole Roasted Branzino and my review is based solely on that recipe as the dish seems to have changed since then. The red chimichurri, herb salad, and charred lemon are absolutely divine, and I genuinely think about this dish in my sleep. The combination of the crispy fish, bright acidity, fresh herbs, and smoky char is one of those meals that sticks with you. In fact, that dish is what kicked off my recent branzino obsession. Over the past few months, I have been seeking out New American restaurants all over the country to try different takes on branzino, and I still find myself benchmarking everything to The Benjamin. I recently checked their menu recently and it seems like they changed their branzino offering to something completely different. I'm sure it's delicious, but haven't tried it myself and can't personally vouch for their new recipe. I also love their Twice-Baked Potato (which is absolutely a frivolous splurge for what it is), but my philosophy is that life is too short to miss out on the tasty things. They have an option where you can add-on caviar for an extra ~$80 or so, but I can't say I identify with that tax bracket just yet, lmaoooo. Beyond the food, I really enjoy the restaurant's overall atmosphere. It has this beautiful Old Hollywood feel with dark wood, warm lighting, Art Deco details, mohair booths, and a gorgeous oak bar. It feels intimate and glamorous without being excessively formal. The catchy tunes only add to make it feel like a place you want to linger just a little longer. The Benjamin resonates with me because it's more than just a restaurant I enjoy eating at. It's a whole damn cinematic experience that makes a neighborhood feel more vibrant, and I can't help but tell everyone about it.

Pros: Easy to book…read moreVibes Beautiful Parker rolls Deviled eggs Drinks Cons: Overpriced food that is very average. Bland chicken Tasteless broccolini Extremely overpriced steak at almost $100.

Loveee the burger! Randomly stopped by on a sunday afternoon and picked a random place on the…read morestreet to eat at. Upon entering, I knew the food and service was going to be great. All the employees were super sweet and food was made pretty fast. They have indoor and outdoor seating. Tip! Order the meal because you practically get a drink for free Marathon burger 5/5 juicy, yummy, hit the spot. Loved every bite Onion ring 5/5 crispy and delicious. Wish the portion was bigger. Not bad for the price

Best burger on the west coast! Very clean bathrooms…read more Q and everyone there were so generous and fun... Will definitely tell everyone!!!

After I can back from Philadelphia did I find out about the "new standard" for cheese on a…read morecheesesteak was cooper sharp so I wanted to try it. Verdict: I though it was excellent (wish I got try it when I was actually there, but this one was pretty good).

I ordered via Postmates so I'm not able to comment about the ambience or staff or being in the…read morerestaurant itself. Overall, this place is a big hit for me! I've been a frequent flyer of Boo's (since I'm over in Ktown) and also quite a few orders over the years from South Philly Experience and twice from Matu (but that's a major treat and honestly way overpriced). All of these have their own great bits about them and I love all these spots. This isn't going to be a "who's better than who" since each is different in their own right and hits the spot different ways. I got the sweet pepper steak on seeded roll with of course, Cooper's! Then I got a classic Italian hoagie (with Cooper's) loaded up double meat/cheese. Biiiiig bonus using Boar's Head meats too, top shelf stuff. The fact that they're using Cooper's is a major plus and can get a seeded roll is such a nice touch. I do love a classic Amoroso, but seeded with the cheesesteak and Cooper's gives Matu a run for its money (and saves my wallet). Of course the meat quality is very different due to Matu using Wagyu but let's be real, that's really what you're paying for there. It's a nice treat but not an every other day get your money's worth. I feel I've found my favourite cheesesteak now though! The roll is super fluffy and crunchy where it needs to be. That thing was swaddled like a cared for newborn when it arrived and still hot from Melrose. Absolute 9/10 for me. The Italian was properly loaded and as I sit here enjoying it, a nice zingy break between cheesesteak bites as I split them half and half for lunch. For speed I love some Boo's, for the grill char taste I love some South Philly Experience but overall for my favourite spot now, it's Philly's Best off Melrose. Matu again is a great quality cut treat but the wait, the cost and the amount you get is not really worth it. Will absolutely be ordering from this place again in the future!!

Astro Burger on Santa Monica Blvd is one of those old school LA spots that feels like it has been…read morethere forever, and that's part of the charm. This isn't somewhere I'm going for anything fancy. It has that classic, no frills burger joint/diner feel with a huge menu, and quick counter service. The cheeseburger is the kind of simple burger that works here. Fresh off the grill, well seasoned, and nothing unnecessarily complicated. I'd pair it with the onion rings, which are hand-battered in-house and probably one of the better things on the menu. Service is quick and friendly, which is exactly what I want from a place like this. They're also open late on Friday and Saturday, so it's a good option when you want something casual after most places have started shutting down. Parking is the only thing I'd keep in mind. There are some spaces, but the lot isn't huge, and Santa Monica Blvd can be busy.

I've been coming here for 30 years now. I'm a local and I've got to say the food as of recent. Has…read morejust not been hitting how it used too. I usually get chicken club or bacon cheeseburger depending on my mood. The chicken last time was dry and thin. The burger seemed thinner as well. But the fries here are always on point ! (Make sure you get xtra fry seasoning and thousand island)

For The Win is easily one of my favorite burger spots in LA, but the fries deserve just as much…read morecredit. They're seriously some of the best fries I've had--perfectly crispy, well seasoned, and incredibly addictive. Also, huge shoutout to Anthony, the manager. He was awesome--super friendly, attentive, and clearly cares about making sure people have a great experience. Great food and even better service. Definitely coming back!

Harken back when I was a wee lad bouncing around the play place of the Golden Arches. Not a care in…read morethe world and not a thought behind my eyes. I have carried life's burden and traveled continents, but one thing remains the same after my many moons of life, the taste of a Big Mac. The taste of a burger so consistent and familiar, that my tastebuds can traverse continents and taste fermented shark in the Netherlands, broiled Mackerel in Kyoto, or a cheeseburger in Reykjavik. The Big Mac stays the same. I went to LA to taste, apparently, the best burger in LA at For the Win. I paid $25 for two smash burgers and had high expectations. After all, when you click this joint on Google Maps, a fancy review pops up. Nice! However, when the smash burger entered my cave and caressed my buds, my mind instantly recognized it as a Big Mac. Therefore, my brain could hardly differentiate between a McDonalds burger, and the "best" burger in LA. I haven't eaten at McDonalds in 14 years, but my mind still knew what a gentle and warm face looks like. So overall, it was alright! As the reverend Shane Gillis says "Not Bad". The service was good tho. And the ambiance was a bit weird because the music was off. Haha bye!!!

The prices are affordable and the food is yummy! Zach was awesome and super helpful! There is…read moreseating around the corner and an easy window order

incredible aesthetic and very affordable!! Zach is so cool. highly recommend you go here!read more

We were in the neighborhood, looking for a bite to eat and found this spot on Yelp. It did not…read moredisappoint. Our burgers and fries were fresh and delicious. Service was friendly and quick. We will definitely be back.!

Burger she wrote produced a basic tasty smash burger. I don't seek out smash burgers but I have…read moreheard good things about this joint. So there's basically 4 choices with grilled onions or raw onions single or double fries drinks. I love the idea of offering 2 or three items on the menu. Small menus come with an expectation of excellence. Burger she wrote did not disappoint. It's a tiny spot like many of the best joints. The order taker and others behind the counter were clearly happy cheerful and expert at what they are doing. Food was picked up when ready (10 minutes?) hot burger and hot fries. Super Crispy smash thin very basic and tasty.