Ranking the top 5 burgers in Southeast L.A.
For this edition of “Southeast Eats Explores,” we’re expanding our reach to various places throughout Southeast LA, all with the purpose of ranking the top 5 burgers you can find in the region.
This is a comprehensive list, judging each burger based on flavor, meat quality, and the uniqueness of the burger.
Without any further ado, let’s dive in and see which burger joints were told, “You just made the list!”
5. Stewart & Grub - Downey
The Carpenter Burger at Stewart & Grub in Downey. Photo by Vic Diaz/SoutheastEatsLA
Stewart & Grub is relatively new to the area, but it makes the list due to being one of the best at creating a simple, down-to-earth burger.
Our favorite is the “Carpenter”, a shout-out to an all-too-familiar Downey staple; this burger boasts a 100 percent angus beef patty, bacon, barbecue sauce, cheddar cheese and their own house-made thousand island sauce. This smoky, carnivorous combination will give you the genuine burger diner experience at a fraction of the price.
7380 Stewart and Gray Rd, Downey, CA 90241
4. Nexx Burger - Downey
The bacon cheeseburger at Nexx Burger in Downey. Photo by Vic Diaz/SoutheastEatsLA
Downey once again makes the list with yet another newbie, Nexx Burger.
Their burgers are simple, opting not to go for the over-the-top combinations commonly found nowadays, but what they do, they do very well. Their bacon cheeseburger has an unprecedented level of freshness not found so easily, unless you’re making it yourself. You also have the option to add special ingredients, like avocado or their house made chili.
Not to mention, they’re the only burger location in SELA that we know of that offers the “Impossible” Burger, a burger made entirely of plant-based ingredients.
7414 Florence Ave, Downey, CA 90240
3. Grub Burger Bar - Whittier
The Mac N' Cheese Burger at Grub Burger Bar in Whittier. Photo by Vic Diaz/SoutheastEatsLA
Now it’s time to get crazy.
You want variety, Grub Burger Bar has got it. For us, it doesn’t get much more innovative than their Mac N’ Cheese Burger. To be specific, you get macaroni and cheese on a burger; combine that with additional melted cheese and topped with an onion ring, and you’ve got yourself a burger worthy of an appetite for destruction.
13815 Whittier Blvd, Whittier, CA 90605
2. Burgerim - Vernon
Sliders at Burgerrim in Vernon. Photo by Vic Diaz/SoutheastEatsLA
Remember the days when everyone saw White Castle as the gold standard for sliders? Not anymore.
Burgerim not only produces sliders with a flavor that makes White Castle taste like high school cafeteria “Colossal Burgers,” but they do it with a variety of meats. Take, for example, exhibit A: the slider 3-pack with a spicy seasoned Merguez beef burger, prepared caliente style with pepper jack, jalapeños, and habanero mayo.
Alongside it is a lamb burger with bacon, cheese, BBQ sauce and an onion ring. And of course, as you can probably tell by now, we’re suckers for the classic beef burger. Without exaggeration, each burger makes your mouth water, and melts in your mouth as you’re enjoying it.
2550 Alameda St #2544-2546, Vernon, CA 90058
1. World Famous Grill - Bell
In our humble opinion, in the diverse melting pot that is Southeast Los Angeles, you cannot, and will not, find a better burger than at World Famous Grill.
This restaurant is more commonly known for its exquisite mediterranean cuisine, but do not sleep on their burgers. Each burger is made with 100 percent Halal beef, guaranteeing superior flavor and texture. Each burger on the menu can stand alone as their signature dish, each having something special that makes them unforgettable.
Take, for example, the Inferno Burger with pepperjack cheese and jalapeños, guaranteed to test your bravery; or the famous burger (pictured), with two beef patties, cheese, and a fried egg, only for those who are in the business of taming beasts; and if size matters to you, take on their one-pounder burger. You read correctly: ONE. POUND. This monstrosity comes with all the fixings, ready to conquer those who stand in its way.
4143 E Florence Ave, Bell, CA 90201
And there you have it, 5 of the best burgers you can have in the southeast. Do you agree or disagree? Share your best burger spots with us on Instagram @southeasteatsla!