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Food

Where's the Beef? L.A.'s BEST "Alternative" Burgers

Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.

May is National Burger Month, but you've found us happily asking "Where's the Beef?" as we go in pursuit of the American classic, done in unconventional ways. From vegan and veggie versions to creative meats and seafood tucked between two buns, a few LAisters are sharing their picks for the best beef-less burger in town.

Lindsay William-Ross, Editor in Chief
Flat Iron Truck's Pork Burger
UMAMIcatessen's Shrimp Burger [LAist Story]
Golden State's Lamb Burger [LAist Story]
Little Bear's Farro Burger

Nicole Urso Reed, Associate Editor
Hillstone Santa Monica's House-Made Veggie Burger
Fukuburger's Turkey Tamago Burger [LAist Story]

Caroline on Crack, Food & Drink Contributor
Plan Check's Stuffed Portobello Mushroom Burger [LAist Story]
Native Foods' Oklahoma bacon burger (deelish but only available during certain days of the week)

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Katherine Manderfield, Lit Contributor
Cafe Gratitude's "I Am Magical" Veggie Burger

Heather Parlato, Seasonal Eats Columnist & Contributor
Mohawk Bend's "Pimp" (pork & shrimp) and "Dork" (duck & pork) burgers, plus various vegan patties the chef makes

Farley Elliott, LAst Laugh Columnist & Contributor
Umami Los Feliz's Mushroom/edamame Burger and Ahi Tuna Burger
The Fix Burger in Silver Lake's Wild Boar and Bison Burger
O! Burger in WeHo's Veggie Burger (made mostly with corn) [LAist Story]
The Vegan Joint in West LA's Seitan Burger and Black Bean Burger

Ana Bustilloz, Pet of the Week Columnist & Contributor
Astro Burger(on Melrose)'s Veggie Burger

Mia Bonadonna, Theatre Contributor
Zephyr Cafe in Long Beach's BBQ Seitan Burger
Bonus pick: The Escondite in DTLA's "Captain Kangaroo" (It's got a whole bunch of breakfast stuff on top of the hamburger patty, like hashbrowns and eggs and Canadian bacon and cheese).

It's entirely possible we forgot your favorite...so feel free to comment with your pick for L.A.'s best "alternative" burger.

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