Los Angeles: Irv's Burgers [Pics]

Irv's Burgers is a West Hollywood institution, and one of the last remaining vestiges of SoCal's post-WWII "Route 66" roadhouse culture. Presently owned and operated by the lovely Hong family, Irv's continues to turn out fantastic breakfasts, burgers, and fries, six days a week.

Here are a few pictures from my most recent lunch at Irv's:


"Irv's Burgers - Since 1950"


The Grill


Ir'vs Egg Burger - "Just For You"


The Counter


Irv's Egg Burger with Tomato, Lettuce, and "Secret Sauce"

The hand-cut fries at Irv's are some of the very best that I have ever had. Sitting at the counter for the first time, last week, I was able to watch as "Mama" Hong casually pushed my fries around the hot oil with a wire mesh spoon, before flipping them into a kitchen colander to drain. I am still not sure what the secret is, but the fries at Irv's always turn out perfectly hot and crisp, and they have the most incredibly ethereal lightness.

My counter seat also afforded me a great view of the grillman in action. Moments before the burger is finished cooking, the grillman preps both halves of the hamburger's bun--in my case, with tomato, lettuce, and "secret sauce"--and then gently lays them on the griddle to lightly toast. In the process, the burger toppings are ever-so-slightly warmed. The net result is the very antithesis of the "McDLT" – at service, all of the burger's constituent parts have harmonized into a most exalted whole.

To my great fortune, Irv's is located within spitting distance of my brother's home. But, to my potentially great misfortune, Irv's may soon go the way of my beloved Jay's Jayburgers.* To better understand the issues that presently bring to bear on the future of Irv's Burgers, take a minute to visit Irv's site.

And, for an illustrated glimpse into SoCal's historic burger stand culture, have a look at the site, Roadside Peek.

Regards,
Erik M.

Irv's Burgers
8289 Santa Monica Blvd.
West Hollywood, CA
323.650.2456



* Several years ago, Jay's Jayburgers entered into a protracted dispute with the landlord and has since closed. While I do not have confirmation, I believe that JJs remains closed, and it now seems very likely that the closure is permanent.

here's a little moreirv's love from jonathan gold

FWIW, the latest edition of Sunset Magazine has a feature article on exceptional burger establishments in the Los Angeles area. While I have not yet read it, I have heard that Irv's Burgers is featured. Apparently, the establishments featured also include Josie, Father's Office, Pie 'n Burger, and The Apple Pan.

E.M.

And, no, I did not know about the Linda Rondstadt album.

Several weeks ago, I submitted my Irv's review to the folks at A Hamburger Today, along with a note imploring them to review Irv's for the Weblog.

Look at what has turned up today.

E.M.

Wow. Speaking as someone who lived for seven years within walking distance of Peet's original location in Berkeley, I'm shocked that Peet's Coffee is the bad guy here. I really hope the movement to save Irv's succeeds.

Thanks for the update, Erik. (but shouldn't there be a note on the hamburger website acknowledging you...? )

Amata wrote:Wow. Speaking as someone who lived for seven years within walking distance of Peet's original location in Berkeley, I'm shocked that Peet's Coffee is the bad guy here. I really hope the movement to save Irv's succeeds.

Yes, I was quite surprised as well.

Amata wrote:Thanks for the update, Erik. (but shouldn't there be a note on the hamburger website acknowledging you...? )

Just because I didn't say it doesn't mean I didn't think it.

Yeah, I'm done with those foos.

Maybe Mr. Hamburger will show me the love.

E.M.

On Monday, September 20, the West Hollywood City Council and Historic Preservation Commission gave Irv's Burgers a Cultural Resource Designation.

Monday was the 19th, but anyway...

E.M.

I feel the same way. more Irv's