Burgers Without Borders: Long Beach & Beyond
There’s something magical about a good burger—it’s the kind of meal that brings together beachgoers in flip-flops, families in minivans, and late-night adventurers chasing the perfect bite. In Long Beach and its neighboring towns, burgers aren’t just food—they’re part of the local DNA. From old-school shacks to chef-driven creations, here are ten stops (five in Long Beach, five nearby) that make this corner of Southern California a burger lover’s playground.
Long Beach Legends
Olive & Rose
Nestled along Broadway, Olive & Rose is more than a brunch darling—it’s home to a burger so refined it borders on art. Made with Santa Carota beef and a house Russian dressing, it’s the kind of burger that pairs just as well with a mimosa as it does with a craft beer.
Fun fact: The fries here are so perfectly crisp that locals swear they could steal the spotlight from the burger itself.
The Attic
Known for its creative spin on Southern comfort food, The Attic doesn’t shy away from drama. Their chef’s burger is stacked with bacon, cheddar, and a peppercorn demi-glace poured right at the table.
Fun fact: The Attic first made national headlines not for burgers, but for its audacious mac-and-Cheetos—proof they’ve always believed in food with flair.
Selva
By day, Selva is a modern Colombian restaurant, but by night, a secret $10 burger steals the show. Angus beef, bacon jam, plantain purée, and aji mayo combine into something wildly addictive.
Fun fact: This burger started as an off-menu experiment for staff meals before becoming a cult favorite.
Dave’s Burgers
Tucked beside a gas station on Atlantic Avenue, Dave’s looks humble enough—but don’t be fooled. Juicy, no-frills burgers fly off the griddle here like hotcakes.
Fun fact: The owner originally opened Dave’s as a side business for extra income, only to find his little stand became a Long Beach institution.
MVPs
With sports jerseys lining the walls and burger names honoring legends, MVPs has been feeding hungry crowds since the 1990s. From the “Shaq” to the “Joe Montana,” every bite is stacked with personality.
Fun fact: MVPs still use many of the same burger recipes they debuted 30 years ago, proving a classic doesn’t need much tinkering.
🍔 Sidebar: Best Burger with a View
- Parkers’ Lighthouse (Long Beach) – A waterfront classic where the Garlic Cheese Bread Burger is just as memorable as the marina sunset.
Beyond the Beach
Hof’s Hut (Signal Hill)
A family-owned diner since 1951, Hof’s Hut has seen everything from roller-skating servers to modern remodels, but the burgers have stayed timeless. The Hofburger remains a rite of passage.
Fun fact: Hof’s Hut launched the Lucille’s Smokehouse BBQ empire—but locals know the original Hut as the true classic.
Bunz Burger Co. (Huntington Beach)
A funky little joint with a big personality, Bunz Burger Co. is famous for its bold flavors and generous portions. Beach crowds line up after surfing sessions for a burger and shake combo.
Fun fact: Bunz started out serving late-night beachgoers out of a tiny kitchen window—word of mouth did the rest.
Golden Burger (Lakewood)
Golden Burger is one of those old-school stands where nothing fancy is needed. The burgers come wrapped in paper, dripping with nostalgia and flavor.
Fun fact: Ask a Lakewood native about their first burger memory, and odds are Golden Burger comes up—it’s been the neighborhood go-to for generations.
Hof’s Hut (Seal Beach)
Yes, Hof’s makes a second appearance—this Seal Beach location doubles down on the beach-town vibe. Post-surf, nothing hits like a Hofburger with a side of onion rings.
Fun fact: The Seal Beach Hut is one of the last places you’ll find Hof’s signature pie-and-burger pairing, a quirky tradition that’s part of its charm.
Smashburger (Carson)
Though a national chain, the Carson outpost of Smashburger has earned its local following for perfectly seared patties and creative toppings. Sometimes familiarity really does hit the spot.
Fun fact: Smashburger’s signature sear technique was inspired by 1950s diner griddles, locking in juices with a quick smash-and-sear method that never went out of style.
🍟 Sidebar: Best Burger Under $10
- Selva (Long Beach) – The “secret” $10 burger delivers gourmet flavors without the gourmet price tag.
🏈 Sidebar: Best Burger with Personality
- MVPs (Long Beach) – Where you can order a “Shaq,” a “Montana,” or a “Kareem” and get a burger that lives up to its legendary name.
Wrapping It Up
From chef-driven stunners in Long Beach to old-school diners and beach-town favorites in the surrounding communities, the burger scene here is as diverse as its people. Whether you’re chasing nostalgia, creativity, or just something juicy and satisfying after a day on the sand, one thing’s for sure: in Long Beach and its neighboring towns, you’re never more than a few bites away from burger bliss.
Photo cutlines:
A visit to Dave’s Burgers in the Cal Heights section of Long Beach is mandatory!
Try fitting this “Bad Boy” from The Attic on Broadway in your mouth!
Bunz Burger Co. in Huntington Beach – Are you hungry yet?
