Hawkins House Of Burgers
This family-owned burger institution in Watts serves up mile-high burgers, like the signature Hawkins Special that piles three beef patties, pastrami, hot links, chili, eggs, and bacon into a very messy sandwich. Even if you keep your order simple with a junior cheeseburger, one bite of the delightfully greasy burger will have you joining Hawkins' cult following.
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This Black-woman-owned spot started off as a roadside stand in 1939, and though the menu has since expanded, they’re still beloved for hefty burgers made with quality ingredients and other comfort dishes. The Colossal Burger is true-to-name: piled high with pastrami and a thick burger patty, plus lettuce, tomatoes, onions, pickles, mustard, and mayo. Meanwhile, the Leaning Tower of Watts goes even further with three half-pound patties stacked below a hot link, pastrami, eggs, chili, bacon, with a large order of fries and two drinks on the side because obviously this is a meal you’ll need to share. Don’t worry, Hawkin’s has kept up with the times and offers a menu of “Healthier Options,” including a Turkey Burger, Veggie Burger, Chicken Burger, and Fish Burger. A survivor of the Watts and Rodney King uprisings, Hawkins House of Burgers is open seven days a week and has come to represent a symbol of resilience in the community.
How to book: Walk in or order pickup and delivery online.
This second-generation family-owned spot started off as a roadside stand in the 1940s and though the menu has since expanded, they’re still beloved for hefty burgers made with quality ingredients and other comfort dishes. Hungry and in a rush? The Colossal Burger is true to its name and piled high with pastrami and a fat burger patty, plus lettuce, tomatoes, onions, pickles, mustard, and mayo. Charged with feeding an entire family? Dinner platters with hot wings, chicken and waffles, catfish, and salmon croquettes will surely get the job done. They’ve also got tacos, hot dogs, chili dogs, and burritos, plus an endearing breakfast menu with pancakes, French toast, and pork chops served with grits or homestyle potatoes. A survivor of the Watts and Rodney King Riots, Hawkins House of Burgers is open seven days a week and has come to represent a symbol of resilience in the community.
How to order: Walk up or order online for pickup and delivery.