Where to Eat Gussied-Up Gourmet Cheeseburgers

There’s nothing quite as delicious as a juicy meat patty covered in cheese and sandwiched between two fluffy hamburger buns. Yes, we’re talking about America’s quintessential comfort food favorite: the cheeseburger. Savor one of these seven gourmet takes on the classic in honor of National Cheeseburger Day tomorrow (September 18).

The Rockefeller’s Wagyu Rockefeller Burger

What makes this gastropub’s cheeseburger so good is its hearty, 100% Wagyu beef patty. Toppings like heirloom tomato relish, onion marmalade, frisse with watercress, truffle vin, taleggio cheese, and garlic aioli ensure it’s even more decadent. 422 Pier Ave., Hermosa Beach, 310-372-8467; 1209 Highland Ave., Manhattan Beach, 310-545-5810

Café Rockenwagner’s Pretzel Cheeseburger

Chef Hans Rockenwagner’s version of a cheeseburger is unlike anything you’ve ever tasted. His eight-ounce iteration arrives topped with gruyere cheese, sweet caramelized onions, lettuce, and tomato—but the real kicker is the signature soft-but-chewy pretzel bun. 1168 S. Barrington Ave., Brentwood, 310-478-6313

Mud Hen Tavern’s Classic Cheeseburger

Mud Hen Tavern does a cheeseburger in the best way possible by using only Lindy & Grundy’s organic, grass-fed beef. The juicy patty is stacked with delicious components like marinated tomato, aioli, lettuce, aged cheddar, and homemade pickles, all housed between two toasted brioche buns. After a particularly fun night, opt for the Hangover Burger instead, which fittingly features a fried egg and bacon. 742 N. Highland Ave., Hollywood, 323-203-0500


Plan Check Kitchen + Bar’s Chef’s Favorite Burger

Plan Check’s upgrade on the cheeseburger packs tons of flavor with accoutrements such as a sunny fried egg placed atop bacon, cheese, hot sauce, and their signature ketchup leather, which has a Fruit Roll-Up-like consistency. 351 N. Fairfax Ave., Beverly Grove, 323-591-0094; 1800 Sawtelle Blvd., Los Angeles, 310-444-1411

The Whisper Restaurant and Lounge’s Australian Lamb Burger

The Whisper Restaurant and Lounge’s gourmet cheeseburger mixes it up with a lamb patty, aioli, arugula, and Brie. What really steals the show, though, is a generous helping of cranberries. 189 The Grove Dr. Ste. F-90B, Fairfax, 323-931-0202

Umami Burger’s Cali Burger

Umami knows really good burgers and their Cali cheeseburger is no exception. The simple yet irresistible combination of beef topped with butter lettuce, slow-roasted tomato, caramelized onions, housemade spread, and American cheese just can’t be beat. 189 The Grove Dr., Ste. C-10, Fairfax, 323-954-8626

The Tripel’s Duck Confit Cheeseburger

Chefs Brooke Williamson and Nick Roberts’ cheeseburger starts with a juicy three-way between duck confit, pork, and aged beef. An onion brioche bun slathered in a housemade apricot jam holds together the succulent patty, truffle pecorino, and arugula. 333 Culver Blvd., Playa Del Rey, 310-821-0333

Source: Los Angeles Confidential