I think if I had to choose a last meal, one of them would be a burger. It would have to have quality meat, a good bun and interesting condiments. It can be very basic (cheese, lettuce, tomato) or it can have chili or brie cheese. However it is paired, I know I would enjoy it.
During a recent foray to LA for a cultural weekend (including a tour of the Getty Museum and two performances at the Hollywood Bowl), my friend, Greg and I made it our mission to search out the best burger in Los Angeles. We tried six locations and each tried different versions of burgers. Below are our best samplings.
I used to visit Father's Office back in the 80's and 90's for the beer and comraderie. Located on trendy Montana Avenue in Santa Monica, Father's Office is still there, and still located next to the venerable barber shop, however, now it's a bit more "metrosexual." You can still get great beers on tap (approximately 31 varieties of microbrews and others, including Chimay au draught). And now, you can get great wines by the glass and upscale food too. One of the food highlights is the burger. It only comes ONE way (with NO deviations accepted). The Office Burger consists of Caramelized Onions, Bacon, Maytag Blue, Gruyere and Arugula ($12). It was amazing -- meat was bold in flavor and very juicy; the roll (not standard issue bun) was crispy and fresh. The blue cheese did not overpower the burger or vice versa; it was a nice compliment. Other highlights included: Roasted Mission Figs, Cabrales Blue, Fresh Chevre, Toated Walnuts, Jamon Serrano, Radicchio Salad ($9), Organic Heirloom Tomato Salad, Sheep Milk Ricotta, Red Onion, Basil Cucumber Vinaigrette ($11). These dishes seem out of place at a "burger" joint, but they are very good, fresh, inventive and wonderfully presented. The only negative about the restaurant is that it doesn't take reservations or even guarantee you a table when you go in and order food. But it does have a GREAT burger and it is certainly worth the wait.
1018 Montana Avenue, Santa Monica3229 Helms Avenue, Los Angeles
www.fathersoffice.com
After I finished the LA Marathon in 2002, Greg brought me here to knock out those nasty toxins. Located in West LA across from the Westside Pavilion Shopping Center sits the Apple Pan. It's a quaint "shack" and a slice of burger heaven, has been in this same location since 1947 and is as American as apple pie. Some of the waiters appear to have been there since opening -- they're gruff, efficient and exactly the type of waiter you expect and grow to enjoy. Sitting at the u-shaped counter, you see that the waiters have perfected their trade and personality by working there. The burger menu is limited and consists of the Steakhouse Burger or the Hickory Burger. We preferred the Hickory burger, but whichever way you choose, you can't go wrong. The meat is tender and juicy with just the right amount of hickory sauce to make it yummy. If you order fries, they come as an "appetizer" on a paper plate, hot and crispy, and the waiter automatically pours you a hefty amount on a similar-size paper plate. Another line may await you, but again, it's well worth it!
10801 W. Pico Boulelvard, Los Angeles310/475-3585
In Hollywood, there's another historic place called the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel -- the site of the first Academy Awards. The hotel recently saw a facelift from it's management, Thompson Hotels, and energy from its new restaurants and bars. The 24-hour a day restaurant, 25 Degrees, doesn't look or feel like your normal 24-hour place. It's more refined with big brown leather booths and doesn't yet show the "wear and tear" as some of the other burger joints highlighted in this blog. But it does have your counter and it does have another great burger. You can build-your-own burger here. First, choose your meat, then choose your cheese (ranging from american to benedictine, point reyes blue, smoked mozzarella -- a total of 13), choose your extras (ranging from arugula, avocado, chili, fried egg, proscuitto -- a total of 12), choose your sauce (ranging from BBQ, chipotle, dijon, garlic parmesan, 1000 island -- a total of 13) and bada bing, you have yourself a beautiful burger. It's also a great place for a grilled three cheese sandwich with tomato soup. Breakfast is served daily from 6AM to 10:30AM (to 11:30AM on the weekends). Enjoy a Guinness Milkshake or a classic cocktail with your burger and you're sure to start (or end) your evening well.
7000 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood323/785-7244
www.hollywoodroosevelt.com
Another "Build Your Own" burger restaurant worth honorable mention is "The Counter." Now located in (6) states with (7) California locations, the Counter has a great concept and ambiance, and of course, a delectable burger. For the health conscious, at the Counter, you can have a veggie burger or a burger in a bowl. We're purists, however, and prefer the burger on a bun (which you can choose between an english muffin, honey wheat or more standard hamburger bun). Here you choose your meat, then cheese (10 varieties), up to (4) toppings per burger (28 standard and premium choices) and sauce (including the sauce of the month or 18 others). They have some signature burgers with pre-set cheeses and toppings. We had a beef burger with horseradish cheddar, grilled onions, lettuce blend, honeycured bacon, and tomoatoes with 1000 Island dressing. But if you want to experience something different, try the Taco Turkey version with ground turkey, jalapeno jack cheese, lettuce, scallions, dried cranberries and spicy tomato vinaigrette. Whatever you choose, be sure to try the fries, sweet potato fries and/or the crispy fried onion strings. Milkshakes, beer and wine are also available.
2901 Ocean Park Boulevard, Santa Monica310/399-8383
www.counterburger.com
What kind of burger reviewer AND USC Trojan would I be if I didn't include Tommy's here?! Arriving at 1AM, for a moment, I felt as if I were back in college, looking for an infusion of protein and grease to wipe away the effects of a night of post-game drinking. Tonight, I was less intoxicated by the beer (having come from a genteel evening at the Hollywood Bowl) and more intoxicated by the rich aroma of chili and cheese. Start by standing in a long line, breath in the vapors, order your burger, fries and soda and then stradle up to a counter that surrounds the parking lot. (Whatever you do, don't eat in the car. Trust me on this one!) Enjoy a juicy, messy and delicious burger. Even Greg, who doesn't like pickles on his burger, loved this one. Stacked always in this order, the burger consists of (from top to bottom): bun, pickles, hand-sliced beefsteak tomato, fresh chopped onions, Tommy's famous chili, 100% beef patty, double-thick cheese, mustard. You can deviate, but why ruin perfection?! 
Tommy's Original
Beverly & Rampart, Los Angeles
Located in Pasadena is another "venerable" spot that harks back to your childhood (or that of your parents and grandparents). Pie 'n' Burger is one those spots. It's homey (another counter), has a great burger, friendly and efficient service and serves a fresh, homemade piece of ollallieberry or coconut meringue pie (among many other varieties) for dessert. Opened in 1963, Pie 'n' Burger is owned by a fellow Trojan and makes the same fine food that it did upon opening (45) years ago. I think even some of the customers are the same since opening. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served here, but the burger and pie are truly the main reasons for coming and returning again and again. Burgers are made with beef, turkey or veggie and homemade 1000 Island dressing, pickles and lettuce are standard; cheese is also an option. Again, you may have a line, but stay with it -- you will not be disappointed. And you may make a friend or two along the way and talk about "old" times!
913 E. California Street, Pasadena 626/795-1123
www.pienburger.com
(Father's Office, Tommy's and Pie & Burger photos courtesy of GHuntG Productions.)
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