Founded in 1971 in Compton, CA by a Greek immigrant family, Tam's Burgers has been a SoCal institution. They are famous for their pastrami sandwiches, so my wife, our neighbor friend, and I took the short drive to this one location in Long Beach. The pastrami was really good. We've passed by this location many, many times, and I mistakenly grouped it with the many other male name hamburger walk-ups in Long Beach, but owned by Vietnamese (the name 'Tam' was supposedly just made up, to represent an easy-to-remember name for the restaurant). So we planned a Friday lunch date (bit before noon). There was a long drive-thru line which blocked parking spots, but my wife patiently found a good spot for easier exiting. It's a typical fast food set-up, with ordering and paying (CC accepted) done first, with the food being picked up once your name is called. It was busy, with most people getting pick-up or drive-thru, thus took a little bit of time for our food to be prepared, but was nicely served fresh and hot (which makes a huge difference for greasy food like this). Pastrami Sandwich Special ($19.99) - the thinly sliced beef was stacked high, on a non-descript hoagie roll, with a few pickle slices and cheese to dress (so the flavor of the meat was important here, and I really liked it). They must go through a lot of these, since the pre-sliced meat was still juicy, not having sit around being kept warm. The combo came with really good thick cut fries and a soda (Coke products, assuming no refills). We ended up splitting the sandwich, and half of it would have been enough to fill me up. I understand now why this version of pastrami would be a good choice for a burrito or to top fries. Patty Melt ($5.79) - this was OK, a good way to cheaply satisfy hunger pangs. It had been griddled well, to give the hearty bread a satisfying crunch...but it was really oily (mainly from the oil used to grill). Fried Chicken Sandwich ($11.99) - my wife like this, with it using the same soft bread as the pastrami, but this dressed with fresh lettuce and tomatoes. They use pounded breaded chicken patties, definitely the way it was made in the 80's before Chick-fil-e became the norm. There is a web site for Tam's Burgers, but it is for the restaurant chain located in the Inland Empire (split off from this original branch in 1992). There is no web site for the original Tam's locations in LA County (which means any search on the web for official pages, only brings back the IE ones), but watchers of the 2022 Super Bowl would have noticed a two story replica of their 21st store at the half time show. Each store is semi-autonomous, with this being the only location in Long Beach, named #44. read more

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I used to be a fan of this place. Until today when I found a long string of hair in my food, also something that was hard in my hamburger when I was chewing. I called the place and asked to speak to a manager. The girl who answered the phone asked what was the issue. I then said to her are you the manager. She said yes. So I explained the hair in my food issue. I told her it was a long black curly hair. She asked me what did I order. I told her it was the hamburger special. She then said that the hair was not hers. So I explained to her that I did not say it was hers. That I simply wanted them to please be careful, because this is a sanitary issue. I did not tell her about me biting down and there was something hard in the hamburger and I had to spit out the bite because I didn't know what it was. It could have been anything. I now have more issue. I am not satisfied how she handled the entire situation. The lack of concern. Her telling me the hair was not hers. Her offering me to bring it back. But the issue is I drove from work to get it. And I'm not about to bring it back. That is an inconvenience. Also I did not like the fact that when I asked to speak to a manager, she said what is the problem. Then I had to ask her are you the manager, then she said yes. I asked for her name and she mumbled something. But my real issue is now the overall experience. The lack of concern and the way she handled my complaint. Now you might be thinking I'm just a critic. But that is not true. I have changed my opinion about this place due to my findings. Also it is such an inconvenience to leave my job, drive back down there. When I don't like how they handled the situation in the first place. But if you want to continue to eat there. That is your business, but I'm not a happy camper with my experience. read more

The food is decent and the prices are good, affordable in fact. Their grilled chicken salad is an amazing deal ad will feed 2 for $12.00. My only issue is that they don't have late night hours. read more

I really like this place. For a burger stand it's pretty clean but the bathroom could use some attention. It's Long Beach so unfortunately they have some real challenges with the homeless. I'm sure it's a struggle. I get either the egg & cheese breakfast sandwich with grilled onions or the breakfast burrito with beans and vegetables no potatoes or meat. The burrito is actually my favorite. Very big in fact I can't eat it all in one sitting. Paulina and Judith are always working so hard. They're great!! It's a busy place. Not sure about their burgers but I have tried the large salad and it was very good too. read more

Solid place in Long Beach for a quick bite. They serve a variety of breakfast foods all day, and sandwiches and burgers. They serve generous portions as well for a really decent price. I got the Denver burrito and it was thicker than my arm and packed to the brim. The staff were kind and the food was prepared pretty fast. The inside is pretty small and gives a mix of modern and old diner vibes. Theres parking around the building as well as a drive thru! read more

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This has to be my new favorite ! i think this definitely beats every burger place i've tried. the meat has a lot of flavor !

If you're not brown (BTW I am brown mixed with black) don't go here. It felt like I was in a segregated 1950s restaurant from all of the stares towards my way from the staff who work here read more

I like the food and everything but the costumer service is not it. I order the food in the drive through but the guy told me if I can park and that someone will give me my food so I did. This one short lady came out and handed my food not a single word she said she looked mad and serious like at least she could've said "I'm sorry for waiting or thanking you for your patience" nothing like hello??? if she doesn't like working there maybe she should leave. read more

Pastrami is huge and enough to share! The chili cheese fries were alright. The onion rings had a panko breading and were outstanding . Unfortunately, the restaurant is in a seedy area so I would recommend going through the drive-thru. read more

The food is good but the TV is very loud and skips/ cuts in and out and they don't have remote so you can't really eat there unless you don't mind the news channel loudly skipping in and out several times a minute. read more

Not all Tams locations taste the same! Best chili cheese fries are HERE!!! Burgers and fries are good too! Burgers, fries, chili cheese fries- the items they are most known for, and do pretty well. I don't bother with the other menu items. Service: Pretty good overall Ambiance: super casual read more

I've been to many Tam's locations, but this one is by far my favorite! The staff is always so friendly and welcoming. I've pretty much tried everything on their menu, and it's all fantastic. My favorite is the breakfast burrito with chicken absolutely delicious. You can't go wrong with their double cheeseburger and chili cheese fries either. The ambience can get loud sometimes, but it's nothing too crazy. The pricing might be on the higher side, but it's well worth it for the great quality food. Highly recommend! Parking can get tight so have patients very small parking lot read more

Tam's Burgers - Double cheeseburger - Burgers Near Me - Long Beach, California

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Went through the drive thru and ordered the avocado bacon burger combo and onion rings. Best burger I've ever had from a Tams. That burger is in my top 10 actually. The BUN was so fluffy and whoever was cooking that day knew how to season everything. The patty was seasoned right, the fries were crispy and seasoned, the onion rings were nice crispy and seasoned. That tams is in my top 10 too. Only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is cause I didn't experience good or bad service. It's the drive thru, but I was happy with everything else. read more

Tams burger on Anaheim street in Long Beach is unfortunately a rip off!!! A large chili cheese fries with pastrami meat is costing $24 now!!!! The large chili cheese fries is $10.45 . They're also greedy with the chili they put on the chili fries . I'm very disappointed and I think I'm going to try somewhere else sadly. read more

I've had Tams before at this location but, idk if it was that I really didn't want this or that what I ate was BLAH! Or it could f been at combination of both. I've ordered in the past, pastrami and those are bomb. I totally recommend it. Nice size and made properly with mustard & pickles only!!!!!!! ONLY!! But I hesitated and second guessed and ended up with a bacon cheese burger. No bueno, couldn't tell you what it was that I didn't like but again I second guessed myself which is totally MY BAD. I still love them. read more

Tams Chili Cheese Fries is not on the same level as Louis Burger Chili Cheese Fries,but that portion size is ridiculous you can literally feed two people and they don't charge you for ranch dressing like Louis Burger.Go here for the Chili Cheese Fries. read more

The food is always hot ASF! Super fresh, portions are so big, and customer service is fast. This place is fire and it's affordable as well. The parking is a little tricky but oh well I'm still gonna go. read more

I was craving for some pastrami, so upon reviewing some suggestions, I ended up here at Tam's Burgers. I ordered my pastrami with extra pickles and mustard. Once I was served, I was impressed by the quantity of meat they had put in my pastrami sandwich. It was amazingly a lot! The flavor was really good not salty whatsoever like other places I've been to. This sandwich was split into two portions, it was just too much food! The service was professional. Upon arrival I was greeted with professionalism and also when served my sandwich. No issues whatsoever! The ambience was pretty chill, for the most part. The dining area was pretty clean with the exception of a single napkin on the floor (haha). The price for this pastrami sandwich was a bit high ($15.99 + tax) but for what I got, it was worth it. Just the meat alone is worth that price these days! I would definitely come again, but this time with a partner te help me eat this sandwich! read more

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Awesome place.......................................................... .......... ................. ............... ............................. .... ... .... ...... good prices and e employees takes EBT hot foods program. read more

I got a side of steak cooked medium/medium well... They cooked it exactly how I wanted. Nicely seasoned with salt, pepper, and grill. I also got the large veggie salad with cilantro and ranch dressings... THEIR SALADS HAVE BEEN FRESH EVERY SINGLE TIME FOR YEARS! read more

Tam's Burgers - Side of Steak / Veggie Salad - Burgers Near Me - Long Beach, California

(Drive thru experience ). Customer service was great. I ordered the chicken sandwich.. which was cool 4/5 I accidentally got cheese so it threw me off. I'm happy they cut it in 1/2 it was too big to eat in one sitting... they came with at least a pound of fries lol. I got full off of those alone. I order a side of veggies.. I thought it was gonna be zucchini or something.. it was peas, green beans, corn and carrots so I didn't eat it unfortunately since it was a combo of my least favorite veggies. The drive thru was clean and free of homelessness. read more

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I love this place. Had a chili cheese omelette and it was awesome. Friendly staff.parking was easy.will definitely be back

I have been a Tam's loyalist for over 25 years. I've been a regular at various locations and the recipe hasn't changed. Unfortunately, this location recently changed their buns to something that ruined what worked so well for Tams. I gave two stars because their chili cheese fries are still top notch. Until they change their buns back I will begrudgingly be visiting Louis Burgers for my bacon burger fix. read more

Excellent hamburgers they are very large could barely wrap my hands around it. Fries are kind of expensive but they are good though. Couldn't afford $20 for just a pastrami sandwich what the heck, the price of a meal somewhere else for full service at a regular sit-down restaurant. read more

Grilled chicken club combo bacon cheeseburger combo to the salad sandwich combo chili cheese fries this place offers some of the most awesome combos and best tasting fries in all of Long Beach!! If you want breakfast they offer it all day and the plates are freaking huge... When you dine in and order the lunch combos they give you so much that you won't know what to do . They probably have one of the fastest drive-through In any fast food market making this one of those great places for lunch if you don't have time and need to hit-and-run... read more

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This place has better burgers and breakfast than any other place for the price try it once and you're hooked .

Their chili cheese fries remind me of the now extinct chili cheese fries from Carls Jr/Hardees. It tastes so good. Also their grilled chicken salad is the best. The chicken is seasoned well. read more

Worst burger I had in a minute the buns are NOT it. Otherwise the workers are great. :)

I had to drop in to write a review for my favorite chili cheese fries spot! My sister got me hooked on these, as we used to frequent Tam's for late night bites. I always get the large, chili cheese fries, which can be split among 3-4 people and honestly fill you for a meal on its own. Such a huge portion with perfectly soft and moist, thick cut fries, and plenty of chili and cheese to go around. Drive thru moves by very quickly. Plaza is a bit tight on a busy street, but wasn't a huge issue when I was there during off hours. read more

Thank you Tam's, we enjoyed the meal. The family pack is worth the quality of the fresh lettuce and tomato read more

Tam's Burgers - Menu - Burgers Near Me - Long Beach, California

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It cost 16 dollars for a cheese burger and a chili cheese fry WTF!! For 6 dollars you can get a drink, burger, chicken nuggets and a fry at McDonalds do something about the prices read more

First time here and we ordered chili cheese fries and it was by far the best I've tasted in Long Beach. Even portion of chili and cheese throughout the fries. Chili was great with actual hamburger meat. Colossal burger was on point too. Drive thru service lady was very kind and generous. Price is way decent considering the economy we live in. Thank you Tams! read more

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Their food is always great. My favorite is the grilled chicken sandwich with thousand island in the side for the fries. Bomb.com

Shocking good food for a greasy spoon. I had a bean and cheese burrito that was lager than the car I drive, and it was delicious!

THE BESSSSSST CHILLI CHEESE FRIES HERE!!!! Guys I am telling you. I've never personally eaten here we always get drive through and they are pretty fast. People are always nice. Looks like parking area is a little tight and area isn't the best but food is so good! I highly recommend you get the chilli cheese fries or torta de asada both were Our go to spot when we crave the chili cheese fries. Sorry I have no picture read more

Best burger spot in Long Beach hands down. I grew up on Tams in my hometown and was so happy when I found one here. Except this one is better!! Delicious and consistent read more

There has been someone on line saying that this place is the best place for pastrami and chili and they are completely wrong. I tried it twice just in case maybe the first time it was a Saturday and they were busy and made the chili fast and missing flavor. Our second time we had the chili cheese fries and we added pastrami, the pastrami was decent and not too salty but the chili is not good. The hamburger we ordered was another popular one - the pastrami burger, that also was not very good. The pastrami was good but the hamburger had no flavor at all. If it was not for the pastrami i probably would have rated them a 2. A 3 rating is due to the good service and quick service at the drive thru window. Service always needs to be mentioned and they were working hard and friendly but just lacking better flavor in the chili and burgers. read more

Food is really good and portions are very generous!! Highly recommend good service too!

I love this location they make top notch food. I've had a bacon cheeseburger, chilli cheese fries, and chilli dogs. All were great. Service is top tier. They have inside seating. This is way better than Louie's burger. read more

I got a pastrami combo, omg it was $21 . Portions are huge but taste was ok. I probably wouldn't get this again but I'm willing to try something else . Fried sweet delicious read more