The LA Burger: Part 2 of an Infinite Series

The Apple Pan's burger is in such high demand among Angelenos that the place is usually packed to the gills. Fortunately turnover is pretty quick -- the menu's few items … are served and consumed fast, which may be why you'll feel so confused when your bill comes. The prices at Apple Pan rise ever higher, and a slice of pie a la mode will set you back around $7. Don't say we didn't warn you. [link]

At the Counter, you build your own burger from the ground up, which is either a recipe for debauchery or disaster, depending on your culinary instincts. Topping options … include the usual range of veggies, condiments, and cheeses, but there's also a mind-boggling array of other options. The picky will be in heaven. The indecisive will be in hell. Who knew hell would have such great sweet potato fries? [link]

Like its westerly compatriot and foe Apple Pan, Pie 'n Burger offers a tasty burger and a tastier dessert in a setting not exactly equal to its high prices. But burgers … are as subjective as nonrepresentational art, and Pie 'n Burger loyalists will do whatever it takes for their toasted-bun fix. Do yourself a favor and get the potato salad over the fries. Oh, and have a piece of peach pie. And prepare for cardiac arrest. [link]

A NoHo establishment since the 1950s, Sirloin Burger is the kind of no-nonsense burger joint that pretty much features meat, plus a couple of fried onions and a dab of … thousand island sauce. It doesn't look pretty on the outside (or inside), but it gets the job done, and done well, with freshly ground beef in juicy, oversize patties. Yum. [link]

Tommy's has the best chiliburgers in LA, as legions of addicted loyalists will attest. Unlike its peers In 'n Out and Fatburger, Tommy's doesn't advertise; it survives … and thrives on word of mouth, and the original location at Beverly and Rampart purportedly serves more than 15,000 customers a week. Other variations on the chili theme (chili dog, chili cheese fries) have achieved legendary status as well. [link]

One of the last dive bars in Venice, Hinano survives largely because of its cheeseburger, which is the stuff of local legend. You can't get much to go with it -- just $15 … pitchers of beer or a hot dog, in case you like your meat with a side of meat -- but that's not really the point. The point is the burger, which is cooked to perfection in a big lump of butter. Diet fanatics need not apply. [link]

Formerly the beloved Silver Lake burgerteria Jay's, home of the Jayburger, Sean's doesn't quite fill the shoes left by its predecessor. But it does stay open late, and … they offer a much-needed chiliburger in an area where most of the food stands are dedicated to ethnic cuisine. [link]