When you come to LA, there are plenty of tacos, ramen, and vegan options, but in the end, what you remember most is a juicy burger.

I've gathered recommendations from local foodies, critics, and the community to select the three hottest spots right now by style.

Experience classic, nostalgic, and gourmet all in one cohesive course, and fit it into your travel itinerary.

Burger She Wrote - "The New Only One Smash Burger"

• Location: 7454 Beverly Blvd, Beverly Grove

• Signature: Double Cheese Smash Burger + Seasoned Fries

• Review: The moment the 'Racy Crunch' of the patty edge awakens your mouth, you'll understand why locals say it's "LA's best smash."

  • Instead of grilling, they press the proprietary blend of beef on a flat top, leaving the juices while squeezing out the fat, creating a balance of crispiness and moisture.

  • Topped only with house dill pickles and chopped onions, along with minimal cheese, the true flavor of the meat shines through.

  • Tip: If you grab a bar seat in front of the open kitchen, you can enjoy the scene of the patty being pressed with a sizzling sound. Arrive before 11:30 AM on weekdays to wait for less than 15 minutes. 

Horses - "Hollywood Vibe Bistro Burger"

• Location: 7617 Sunset Blvd, Hollywood

• Signature: Cheddar Cheeseburger & French Fries (highly recommended with a martini)

• Review: It's a 'celebrity restaurant' where dinner reservations are hard to come by, but the moment you take a bite, you'll forget about the reservation worries. The thick dry-aged patty grilled medium-rare with caramel and raw onion toppings delivers the true essence of meat.

  • At the bar seats, you can order the $25 burger a la carte, allowing you to focus on the 'gourmet burger' without the full course burden.

  • Pairing it with a classic martini ($12) completes the pairing as the rich fatty flavor is nicely balanced with the alcohol.

  • Tip: Just by putting your name on the walk-in waiting list right after the door opens at 5 PM, you can enjoy a burger and cocktail before 6 PM.

The Apple Pan - "The Original LA Burger Since 1947"

• Location: 10801 W Pico Blvd, West LA

• Signature: Hickory Burger + Banana Cream Pie

• Review: Sitting at the U-shaped counter and watching the patty flip on the grill gives you a feeling of being transported back to the 1940s! The sweet-salty-smoky balance created by smoky barbecue sauce, American cheese, and crunchy iceberg lettuce transcends time.

  • The menu only has two options: 'Steak Burger' and 'Hickory Burger.' Locals recommend the Hickory Cheese Double (add $1.50).

  • Payment is still done by 'cash or check card in advance,' so it's convenient to carry a small amount of cash.

  • Tip: If you finish your burger, make sure to get the pie too!