The Best Of L.A. For National Hamburger Month

After last month's celebration of the grilled cheese sandwich, the childhood delicacy we never outgrew, comes this month's honoring of the almighty hamburger. Yes, May is officially National Hamburger Month.  Over the years, "burger" has taken on many different meanings due to individuals' dietary restrictions and the the free-thinking minds of culinary enthusiasts who dare challenge the longstanding canons of the great American staple.  In honor of this special month, we've consulted several sources and drawn on personal experience to compile a list of some of L.A.'s best places to get your burger fix, whether it be soy, turkey, lamb, or classic ground beef. [photo via]

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8 oz.

Signature burgers with a creative flair and a list of add-on's make this place a go-to for anyone who appreciates a great burger. You can keep it simple or take a risk and try something that strays from the traditional ground beef, like the Veggie option or Fillet of Fish, and be just satisfied with your burger. [photo via Eater]

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The Apple Pan

An L.A. institution that's been serving up classic burgers and fries since 1947.  By keeping it simple and sticking to basics, they've mastered a formula that keeps Angelenos coming back for more.  It's trusted old friend customers can count on to always be there and won't ever turn their back on them with a fancy new menu or renovated interior. [photo via likeme]

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Umami Burger

A newcomer to the L.A. burger scene that's made quite a splash with their tall, inventive interpretations of the hamburger. Umami prides itself on its meat quality and their signature namesake ingredient, an amino acid that they say might not be detected when eaten, but "plays a very important role making food taste delicious." [photo via Laist]

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In-N-Out Burger

A legendary, highly coveted fixture of California's (and Nevada's) fast food culture that has no plans of ever expanding, as if the other states didn't have enough to be jealous of. It's another burger place that has kept its menu pretty much the same since it opened, serving only the basics, burgers and fries with that distinct In-N-Out taste you can't find anywhere else. [photo via In-N-Out]

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Father's Office

Angelenos stand in line and wait for the tasty burgers served up by this famed gastropub. Although you might be squished between fellow patrons in the tiny and undoubtedly crowded space as you chomp into your big burger, it's totally worth it. They also offer a wonderful selection of rare beers to choose from to complement your meal and complete the Father's Office experience.  [photo via fathersoffice]