Cassell's Los Angeles
A classic greasy spoon re-invented
Max from Los Angeles
I remember the first time I had a burger from Cassell’s. It was in late 2007, consumed via take out in a political campaign headquarters that was located in an unpleasant basement office in Westlake. And yet, even under the circumstances, I can remember thinking to myself “this is one of the best burgers I’ve ever had in LA.”
I’d never heard of the Koreatown-located burger joint before I had it, but I soon learned that it had been around for decades and was beloved by many longtime Angelino burger lovers.
You can imagine my sadness when I learned in 2012 that Cassell’s had closed without the opportunity to have an in-person visit.
But then a remarkable thing happened (perhaps reflective of LA as the city of re-invention).
In late 2014, Cassell’s re-opened just down the street from the original, in the lobby of a newly renovated chic hotel, Hotel Normandie.
Not your father’s Cassell’s, this iteration offers a full late night bar, a coffee bar, housemade sodas and a breakfast menu.
But the burgers are still made with the same USDA Prime ground chuck and brisket combination that is flown in from Colorado daily, freshly ground on site, and cooked on the original broiler-griddle combination machine. The 1/3rd pound burgers are juicy and highly flavorful (I recommend requesting extra napkins) and come with pickles. I particularly recommend their patty melt.
Finally, for those of you who want to splurge, the thick and frothy milkshakes and malts at Cassell’s are definitely worth it.
Los Angeles Spotter Max
About this spot
Our Los Angeles City Guide
Find your way with 138 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Loved it? Join us!
Loved this Spot?Join your international community. Share your favs and become part of our international community!
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Los Angeles
Best Thrift Shops in LA
Trash and Treasure
I love thrift shopping! Like treasure hunting, you never know what you're going to find. There's joy in seeing new value in old things. Breathing fresh life into something recycled.
by
Val
Douroux
Tao Comedy Studio
Open mics, shows & school
Tao Comedy Club in Los Angeles is a hidden gem of a comedy club. It's also a school of comedy, where you can follow Bobbi Oliver's different approach...
by
Val
Douroux
LAX LAYOVER GUIDE
Fun Things To Do LAX
If I have a few hours to kill before a flight out of LAX, or if I want an inexpensive beach day, here's what I do: I start at Hank's & then go to Trask....
by
Val
Douroux
Leanna Lin's Wonderland
LA Art and Charm!
Last time I visited I bought a book for my son titled “You Are Loved” by a local LA author, and Ouiji board earrings for a friend’s birthday...
by
Val
Douroux
Garden of Oz
Hidden Hollywood Garden
Hidden in Hollywoodland, the Garden of Oz is a mosaic masterpiece of art and quotes. A private gem that invites you to pause, gaze, and be inspired.
by
Val
Douroux
Olvera St.
LA's Oldest Neighborhood
Olvera St. is the liveliest, and oldest, neighborhood in Los Angeles. I come here to get immersed in Latino culture. The buzz of the people is amazing...
by
Val
Douroux
Ritual Acai
Best Açaí in LA
My favorite bowl is the “Ritual of Champions”. It has acai, hemp seeds, strawberries, bananas, cacao, and peanut butter drizzled on top.
by
Val
Douroux
St. Felix
Hollywood Club Crawl starts here
I've been coming to "St. Felix" in LA for almost ten years. This is where the Hollywood Club Crawl starts. I like their new post-pandemic extras!
by
James
Hsiao
Elbow Room
A bar for bartenders and sports
If you ask some bartenders around the block in LA where they go on their days off or when they get off work, "Elbow Room" is the place...
by
James
Hsiao
Figaro Bistrot
Magical Parisian café
"Figaro Bistrot" Los Angeles: the quintessential cafe and a magical spot that will allow you for a quick trip to Paris! I go for their Omelette for brunch.
by
Julian
Sosa
Scum and Villainy Cantina
Sci-fi lounge
"Scum and Villainy Cantina" in Hollywood, Los Angeles has its own Star Wars and other sci-fi themed bar. You can even dress up here, I'm usually a Pilot...
by
James
Hsiao
Heading to Los Angeles?
138 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
Heading to Los Angeles?
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 138 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Bars
Our team loves Los Angeles
Get to know our other Spotters from Los Angeles
As featured on:
