A now perennial burger list favorite, Hawkins has for years been a standard-bearer for burger excellence in Watts. Their stacked Whipper burger is the stuff of legend.

A longtime Hyde Park favorite with a family story to tell, Fresh & Meaty Burgers still serves their local community with fresh burgers that come topped with seriously fresh market produce. Or, you know, just bacon and cheese.

This family restaurant near USC has been doing three square meals a day, but it’s their breakfast burritos burgers that get all the attention. No surprise, given the inexpensive quarter pounders come loaded with everything from chili to pastrami.

This West Adams legend is for pastrami lovers only, though even their straightforward burgers are worthy of admiration.

A shack in the finest sense, JNJ’s is a beloved local burger maker. Their 4 four finger burger comes with a hot link on top and is an open challenge to anyone thinking they’ve got the stuff to down it in one sitting. Feel like BBQ instead? Walk to the opposite order window for rib tips, brisket, and more.

One of Hawthorne’s staple spot, B&R Burgers has been serving burgers for more than 20 years. Their signature Royal burger is an unholy mash up of chili, cheese, fried egg, and choice of pastrami, hot link or bacon.

This South L.A. mini-chain lets the smoke bellow from the windows as they sizzle up handmade beef patties daily. Chili cheese fries and wings are also a must.

All the way out in Bellflower is Fronk’s, a more upscale option for the area, but with quality burger options, craft beers, and a patio that feels right at home just about anywhere.