Sometimes you have a craving that only a juicy burger can satisfy. When that craving hits, you need to have a go-to dish to fulfill it. To help you out, we’ve created a list of some of the best locations to pick up a quality burger in the Long Beach area. There’s an option for you here, whether you want something cheesy, meaty, or a little more alternative.
Burger Daddy
The low-down: Burger Daddy is a burger-centric restaurant with locations in Long Beach and West Hollywood. This restaurant is the creation of Blind Donkey owner John Bower and chef Justin Farmer, also known for his work at Bower’s bar Thunderbird, located in West LA.
What’s so special about it?: The katsu burger patties. Inspired by chef Farmer’s travels, Burger Daddy uses a Japanese breading and frying method on their hamburger patties to deliver a perfect mix of textures and flavors.
What should I order?: You’ve got to have a katsu burger. Start with the Juicy Lucy—which includes a cheese-stuffed, panko-breaded beef patty with lettuce, tomato, and pickles—and add fries seasoned with togarashi salt. Finish off your order with a chocolate shake made with Fosselman’s Ice Cream. Not a meat-eater? Grab the Above and Beyond Burger: a vegan, Beyond Meat patty with the same panko preparation, topped with lettuce, tomato, and pickles, and finished with grilled onions and a “vegan spread.”
VBurger
The low-down: VBurger was founded by Paula and Alex Armstrong, animal advocates and self-professed “punk rockers.” It started as a pop-up restaurant in SoCal in 2019 and graduated to a full restaurant in 2020.
What’s so special about it?: Their 100% vegan kitchen. As in, no meat, no eggs, no dairy. None. Nada. But also, no skimping on options and flavor. VBurger offers vegan burgers, hot-dogs, soft-serve, breakfast, and more. Not only that, but their packaging is 100% recycled.
What should I order?: Go big with the 4×4—a half-pound of either Beyond Meat or Impossible Burger—and add mac and cheese. Pick up some V Fries with—why not?—cheese and chili, and you’ll wonder how all this food could possibly be vegan. Once your burger cravings are satisfied, go back for a V Cali Burrito, loaded with all your favorite burrito fillings plus green chilis and fries.
Simmzy’s
The low-down: Simmzy’s was founded in 2009 in Manhattan Beach by the Simms Restaurant Group (also known for Fishing with Dynamite, Tin Roof Bistro, and more) and has since grown to include six locations. The Simms Restaurant Group, run by brothers Mike and Chris Simms plus father Tom, were responsible for raising upwards of $100,000 to provide meals for hospital workers in 2020.
What’s so special about it?: No tricks, no gimmicks, just really good food. According to one Yelp reviewer, Simmzy’s has “Hands down the best burgers in Long Beach!”
What should I order?: It might be hard to pass up the tacos, wood-fired pizzas, and sandwiches, but you’re going to Simmzy’s for the burgers. There are two (at least) you’ll want to try. First, grab for the classic Simmzy’s Burger, consisting of an Angus beef base, topped with cheddar, chow-chow onions, other traditional burger trimmings, and garlic aioli. Then, try the totally over-the-top Billionaire Burger: a wagyu patty with premium toppings such as aged cheddar and candied bacon, all served on a pretzel bun.
You know it—you’re lucky to live in Long Beach. There’s sun, sand, and some of the best food at your fingertips. Add these burgers to your list and fall in love with your city again.
