Cassell's Hamburgers in Los Angeles.
Ryan Tanaka
The two beef patties, American cheese, “spread” and freshly baked bun that comprise In-N-Out’s Double Double has become the trendy way to celebrate a Grammy win — or to wallow in a technical difficulty (think: Adele’s 2016 performance). But Los Angeles is home to some longer-standing hamburger outposts that know how to serve up something a little less basic.
CASSELL’S
3600 W. Sixth St.
Open 7 a.m.-11 p.m. Sunday
Since opening in 1948, this joint has cooked every pattie on the original crossfire broiler that founder Al Cassell designed. Try the cheeseburger ($9.99) with a fried egg ($1.50).
APPLE PAN
10801 W. Pico Blvd.
Open 11 a.m.-12 a.m. Sunday
Regulars at this nostalgic white-shingled cottage, which has been serving its Steakburger since 1927 and Hickory Burger (both $7.10) since 1945, have ranged from Clark Gable to Kim Gordon.
ORIGINAL TOMMY’S
2575 Beverly Blvd.
Open 24 hours
Though Tommy’s now has more than 30 locations, it’s worth visiting the 1946 site where Tom Koulax introduced his delightfully sloppy Double Chili Cheeseburger ($4.10).
This article originally appeared in the Dec. 31 issue of Billboard.
