Truth matters. Community matters. Your support makes both possible. LAist is one of the few places where news remains independent and free from political and corporate influence. Stand up for truth and for LAist. Make your year-end tax-deductible gift now.
It's finally here! SoCal's fave burger joint will be revealed today at Tournament of Cheeseburgers
The Tournament of Cheeseburgers is back, cheesier and juicier than before.
(
LAist
)
Summer is here, and the smell of cheeseburgers is in the air!
LAist's second annual Tournament of Cheeseburgers is today, where we'll be revealing your favorite of all the (nominated) burger joints in all the land.
Just like last year, we are partnering with our friends at Smorgasburg LA at the ROW DTLA, 777 S. Alameda St.
Gather your family and friends as we celebrate all things cheeseburger. LAist host Larry Mantle and LAist food and culture writer Gab Chabrán will crown the burger champ live, and there's music, family-friendly activities, diverse Smorgasburg LA vendors and of course, cheeseburgers, from smashed to vegan.
Register for the free event here.
-
Some of the best chefs and eateries in Los Angeles are elevating the portable masa meal to Michelin levels. -
Walk past that bottle of Josh and stock up on one from L.A. winemakers who love the region as much as you do. -
A Jersey breakfast icon lands in Hermosa Beach.
Come try out these burger vendors (in no particular order):
Sponsored message
Terrible Burger (Long Beach)
The Win-Dow (various locations)
Fair Oaks Burger (Altadena)
El Brewjo Burgers (Orange)
Hangaburs (last year’s winners, at the Smorgasburger Stand)
Krunch Burger (La Mirada)
Proudly Serving (South Bay)
Sponsored message
A’s BBQ (East L.A.)
You can also cool off at Ice Cream Alley, which features a lineup of some of L.A.’s premier artisanal ice cream makers. Non-burger vendors will also offer burger-themed specials, just in case you haven’t had your fill.
Fun happenings during the day
- Logan Hone's Feel Good Music Train and dublab DJs are providing musical good vibes.
- Art-making using the L.A. summer sun, and flower crown-making fit for a burger champ with Forager Crafts.
- Acrylic painting of cheeseburgers with The Painting Joint.
- Surfing lessons in the middle of downtown L.A. with the Surf Bus Foundation.
- Appearances by LAist hosts and reporters.
Additionally, Hedley and Bennett are distributing 800 free kitchen starter bundles to anyone affected by the Palisades or Altadena fires. No paperwork, no catch — just come by. First come, first served.
It’s the event of the summer. Come on by! (And bring sunscreen, water and a hat because it's going to be hot!)
What: Tournament of Cheeseburgers
When: Sunday, July 20, 2025,10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Smorgasburg LA at ROW DTLA, 777 S. Alameda St., downtown L.A.
Cost: Free
More: Website
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
