National Cheeseburger Day is basically an open invitation to treat yourself. It’s the perfect excuse to sink your teeth into something cheesy, beefy, and downright satisfying. And in L.A., the cheeseburger game is strong. The city is packed with spots serving up creative twists and perfected classics.
Sure, you can grab a burger at any local diner or pub, but if you want the best of the best, this list has you covered. These are the cheeseburgers worth marking your calendar for and maybe even standing in line.
For the Win
View this post on Instagram6221 Franklin Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028
For the Win may have been born out of necessity during the pandemic, but it quickly earned its spot as one of the best burger joints in California. The owners, who originally ran the French restaurant Papilles Bistro, pivoted to something takeout-friendly when lockdowns began in 2020.
The result? A burger so good it was voted Yelp’s Best Cheeseburger in California in 2023. Their double smashburger is the star: 100% grass-fed beef, cooked until the edges crisp up while the center stays juicy, then topped with grilled onions, pickles, and gooey cheese. Order the fries, add the pickled jalapeños for a little kick, and you’ll see why this place has built a cult following.
Cassell’s Hamburgers
View this post on Instagram3600 W 6th St, Los Angeles, CA 90020
Cassell’s is the definition of a Los Angeles classic. Back in 1948, Al Cassell wasn’t impressed with his lunch options, so he started grinding his own beef by hand and making his own mayo. More than 70 years later, Cassell’s is still grinding in-house, pressing patties with the original press, and cooking them on the famous crossfire broiler.
The burger itself is all about balance: top-quality beef, perfectly seasoned and cooked with care, plus crisp toppings that never feel like an afterthought. It’s the kind of cheeseburger you’d give to someone who’s never had one before, just to set the bar high. As food critic Jonathan Gold once said, “If Cassell’s has a flaw, it is that the meat is too good, the preparation is too careful.”
HiHo Cheeseburger
View this post on Instagram6245 Wilshire Blvd Suite 102, Los Angeles, CA 90048
HiHo Cheeseburger is in a league of its own. It’s the only burger spot in Los Angeles serving 100% grass-fed, grass-finished Wagyu beef, sourced from First Light Farms in New Zealand. The beef is juicy, tender, and naturally rich in flavor, with the bonus of being lower in saturated fat and higher in heart-healthy nutrients.
Their signature burger starts with double mustard-grilled patties layered with cheese, onion jam, lettuce, house-made pickles, and ketchup. It’s indulgent without being heavy, with every element working in harmony. If you want something simpler, the “classic” cheeseburger strips it back to just beef, cheese, and ketchup, letting the Wagyu shine. Prices stay under $10, making this one of the best values in town.
Everson Royce Bar
View this post on Instagram1936 E 7th St, Los Angeles, CA 90021
Tucked into the Arts District, Everson Royce Bar feels like the kind of hidden spot you want to keep to yourself. With string lights, picnic tables, and bocce ball in the back, it's equal parts neighborhood hangout and date-night destination. The menu has plenty of strong contenders but the burger is the real knockout.
The Single Burger looks simple on paper: a thin patty, melty cheese, and a peppery special sauce. In reality, it's a perfectly balanced creation that proves you don’t need a dozen toppings to make something memorable. The beef is juicy, the bun is soft but holds its own, and the sauce brings just the right kick.
Horses
7617 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90046
If you’re looking for a bistro-style burger that feels like a splurge, Horses delivers one of the best in the country. The cheeseburger is straightforward but incredibly refined: a perfectly cooked beef patty topped with cheddar cheese, both caramelized and raw onions, and served on a soft bun. The focus is squarely on the meat, which is seasoned just right and cooked medium to lock in the juiciness.
It comes with a mountain of crispy fries, though the burger itself is the real star. At $30, it's not your everyday cheeseburger, but it's worth the price, especially if you split it as part of a bigger meal. The restaurant’s old-Hollywood ambiance only adds to the experience.
Trophies Burger Club
View this post on Instagram519 N Fairfax Ave, West Hollywood, CA 90048
Trophies Burger Club finds the sweet spot between smashburger and classic charbroiled styles. Their patties are pressed thin enough to get that crispy edge, but still thick enough to keep some juicy bite. The cheeseburger comes layered with American cheese, pickles, onions, ketchup, and mustard, bringing a nostalgic feel that takes you back to after-school burger runs.
The menu also features a bacon-barbecue burger, a vegan option, and other rotating specials, but the classic cheeseburger is the best way to get a feel for what Trophies does best: no fuss, just high-quality ingredients treated with care. Pair it with fries and a lemonade, and you’ve got a meal that’s simple, satisfying, and exactly what you want from a casual burger joint.
Your Cheeseburger Day Game Plan
Los Angeles has no shortage of great burgers, but these spots all bring something unique to the table. Some stick to tried-and-true classics with perfect execution, while others get creative with toppings, buns, and sauces.
National Cheeseburger Day is the perfect excuse to explore a new place or return to an old favorite. Bring a friend, split a couple of burgers, and figure out which one tops your list. And for the die-hards, keep an eye on these restaurants’ Instagram pages so you never miss a new special.
Whichever you choose, you’re in for something delicious.