Hole In The Wall Burger Joint Calls It Quits in Santa Monica

After flipping burgers for a decade, Santa Monica’s Hole In The Wall Burger Joint closed on May 14. Eater reached out for a comment but has not heard back, and a tipster said the burger stand ceased service a week ago.

When Bill Dertouzos and ex-wife Susan McAlindon opened Hole In The Wall Burger Joint in 2008, the small burger shack focused on one thing: producing a quality, reasonably-priced eight ounce burger. Dertouzos owned a catering company, and brought on McAlindon to run the books.

A classic LA burger stand, the Hole In The Wall Burger Joint operated behind a now closed Winchell’s, with a beach-adjacent location and outdoor seating. Dertouzos insisted on using house made ketchup, with different flavors of mayo, angus beef, and a pretzel roll as signature options. Seasonal burgers made their way on the menu, along with the whimsical addition of a chicken and waffle burger.

The burgers initially cost around $10 but owners increased prices in 2018. Dertouzos and McAlindon used to run a cash-only business, but accepted debit cards in recent years.

• Legendary LA Butcher Harvey Guss Closes Up Shop After 79 Long Years [ELA]
• One of LA’s First High-End Sports Bars Is Down Along West Third Street [ELA]