Easy Street Burgers in Los Angeles, CA, Is It Worth The Hype?

Tucked away on Lankershim Boulevard, Easy Street Burgers has been causing quite the stir in the Los Angeles food scene. With the famous food critic Keith Lee giving it a glowing review on TikTok and countless others online rating it a perfect 10/10, it’s been hailed as possibly the best burger in LA. Naturally, my curiosity was piqued—could it really live up to all this acclaim? Eager to beat the crowds and long lines that I’d read about, I made sure to arrive right as they opened. Ready to see if Easy Street Burgers could really deliver on its lofty promises.

First Impressions

Upon entering Easy Street Burgers, the setup was straightforward and no-frills—order at the counter, grab a number, and wait for your culinary fate. The place boasts both indoor and outdoor seating, accommodating the crowds that flock here. Despite the immense hype, the ambiance retained a 'plain Jane' burger spot vibe with a simple, focused menu. This simplicity set a promising stage, letting the food take the spotlight without the distraction of an overly elaborate setting.

The Food

The menu at Easy Street Burgers is a paradise for burger lovers, offering everything from a modest single smashed patty to a daring four-by-four. After some deliberation, I decided to tackle the Jalapeño Monster Double and paired it with a side of Wild Fries.

The Jalapeño Monster was a feast for the senses. The burger came with two perfectly smashed patties, crispy at the edges and juicy in the middle, layered with Swiss cheese and topped with raw jalapeños for that perfect crunch and kick. The sweet, soft bun complemented the savory components nicely, and their special Wild Sauce added a delightful twist that brought all the flavors together seamlessly.

As for the Wild Fries, they were a fancier take on the classic animal-style fries, topped with grilled onions, cheese, and the same tantalizing Wild Sauce. While they were enjoyable, they didn't quite make my heart sing like the burger did. The fries were good, but not groundbreaking, perhaps overshadowed by the high standard set by the burger.

Price and Value

At Easy Street Burgers, the prices, while not exorbitant, do prompt a pause for consideration. For my Jalapeño Monster Double and a side of Wild Fries, the bill came to around $25. When comparing this to other burger joints, like the ever-reliable In-N-Out, where a similarly satisfying meal of a Double-Double with Animal Style fries and a drink costs about $12, it's hard not to weigh the value.

Personally, I didn’t find the meal worth the higher price point. While the burger was enjoyable, especially with its crispy edges and flavorful sauce, it didn't surpass the deliciousness or the value of options available at more budget-friendly places like In-N-Out. In this instance, the cool factor of Easy Street Burgers doesn't quite compensate for the price, especially when more delicious and economical choices are readily accessible.

Overall Experience

My strategic decision to visit Easy Street Burgers right at opening time definitely paid off, sparing me the lengthy waits that many online reviewers lamented. By the time I was leaving, a queue was beginning to form, hinting at the popularity of this spot.

However, after experiencing what Easy Street Burgers has to offer, I have to conclude that it's not quite worth the hype. While the food was good, it didn't deliver enough to justify a long wait or the premium price, especially with other stellar, more affordable burger options available in Los Angeles like In-N-Out.

In a city bustling with culinary adventures at every corner, Easy Street Burgers stands out for its cool vibe and unique offerings. But when it comes to the essential combo of price, taste, and overall value, this spot doesn't quite hit the mark for me.

Conclusion

While Easy Street Burgers might not have won me over entirely, I’m not here to tell you to skip it entirely. The burgers are visually appealing—saucy, well-assembled, and Instagram-ready, which might be enough to draw a crowd. For those who are passionate about smash burgers, this spot could very well be a hit.

However, when I find myself craving a burger, my mind still wanders to the reliably delicious and more affordable offerings at In-N-Out. It's about finding that perfect blend of flavor, value, and satisfaction, which, for me, Easy Street didn't quite achieve.

I’d love to hear from those of you who have tried Easy Street Burgers. Did it live up to your expectations? Drop your thoughts in the comments below—let’s get a conversation going about what makes a burger truly worth the hype.