Exploring Los Angeles Burgers: For the Win, The Apple Pan, and Father’s Office
前言 | Introduction
#In-N-Out Burger
對於許多初次拜訪加州的遊客來說，一提到漢堡就會想到經濟實惠的In-N-Out Burger。我第一次嘗試他們家的漢堡是在大學畢業後和朋友去拉斯維加斯度假的時候。當時我只是知道他們的漢堡很有名，卻不太了解它的魅力所在。直到最近我搬到加州，當地出生的男友帶我去點了一次，我才真正明白，只有額外要求多一點生菜、番茄和洋蔥（烤洋蔥x1，生洋蔥x1）才能體會到他們漢堡的獨特魅力。
簡單的科普一下In-N-Out Burger的歷史，這間漢堡店是由創始人Harry Snyder於1948年創立，當時是加州第一間得來速（drive-thru）漢堡店。同年，他還引入了可雙向點餐的對講機，使顧客能在不下車的情況下點餐並取餐。由於這家速食漢堡店堅持提供最新鮮的食材，因此只在能符合這一條件的地區開設分店。這也解釋了為什麼在美國50大州中，只有少數地區能見到他們家的漢堡。
當然，這篇文章的重點並不會放在大家耳熟能詳的In-N-Out Burger。自19世紀末以來，加州的漢堡店經歷了許多演變，而在加州，漢堡店遠不止這一家。所以我打算利用一些時間向大家分享我搬來至加州後目前所嘗試過的漢堡店。
For many first-time visitors to California, mentioning burgers often brings to mind the affordable In-N-Out Burger. My first experience trying their burgers was after graduating from college, during a vacation to Las Vegas with friends. Back then, I only knew their burgers were famous but didn't quite understand their charm. It wasn't until recently, after moving to California and being taken there by my boyfriend, that I truly understood—you need to add extra lettuce, tomato, and onion (whole grilled onion x1, whole raw onion x1) to fully appreciate the unique charm of their burgers.
A brief history of In-N-Out Burger: Founded by Harry Snyder in 1948, it was California's first drive-thru burger store. That same year, he introduced a two-way speaker system, allowing customers to order and receive their meals without leaving their cars. Due to their commitment to using the freshest ingredients, these fast-food burger stores are only located where this condition can be met. This explains why only a few regions across all 50 states in the U.S. can enjoy their burgers.
However, this article isn't solely focused on the well-known In-N-Out Burger. Since the late 19th century, California's burger scene has evolved significantly, with numerous burger stores beyond just this one. Therefore, I plan to take some time to share with you the burger places I've tried since moving to California.
漢堡種類｜Types of Burgers
首先，對於母語為中文的人來說，漢堡不論內餡用什麼肉類，基本上都可以統稱為漢堡。然而在美國，"漢堡 (Burger)" 一詞通常指的是用牛肉製成的漢堡。而用其他非牛肉的內餡則通常稱為 "三明治 (Sandwich)"。小時候在台灣長大的我，對於美式漢堡的認知僅限於麥當勞，後來深入了解後才發現漢堡其實有以下幾種類型：
Firstly, for those whose native language is Chinese, burgers can generally be referred to as such regardless of the type of meat used as the filling. However, in the United States, the term "burger" typically denotes a patty made from beef. Patties made from meats other than beef are usually referred to as "sandwiches." Growing up in Taiwan, my initial understanding of American-style burgers was limited to McDonald's. It was only later, after gaining more insight, that I discovered there are several types of burgers:
經典漢堡｜Classic Burger
傳統的漢堡基本上都含有牛肉餅、生菜、番茄、洋蔥、酸黃瓜和醬料等。
The classic/traditional burger typically includes a beef patty, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and sauce.
起司漢堡｜Cheesseburger
和經典漢堡有的內餡一樣，唯獨添加了融化的起司在牛肉餅上。
Similar to the classic burger, but with the addition of melted cheese on top of the beef patty.
壓扁/砸碎漢堡| Smash Burger
牛肉餅的製作方式和經典的漢堡有所不同，會將牛肉餅放至熱鐵板壓成薄片。內餡不會有生菜、番茄、和洋蔥等，主要特色在於強調牛肉本身的風味。
A smash burger differs from the classic burger in its preparation method, where the beef patty is pressed thin on a hot griddle. It typically excludes lettuce, tomato, and onion, focusing instead on enhancing the flavor of the beef itself.
雙層或三層漢堡 | Double or Triple Burger
顧名思義，雙層由兩塊牛肉餅製成，內餡和經典漢堡一樣僅僅只差在牛肉餅的份量。
As the name implies, a double burger consists of two beef patties, with the same toppings as the classic burger but with an additional patty for the double or triple versions.
洛杉磯值得再訪的漢堡店｜Burger spots in Los Angeles worth revisiting
砸碎漢堡 - Exploring Smash Burger at For The Win
For The Win
317 S Broadway B10, Los Angeles, CA 90013
(*Note: it has many branches in various locations)
Mon-Sun 12:00 pm - 9:00 pm
For the Win在洛杉磯有多家分店，對遊客來說，我覺得位於Grand Central Market的分店非常方便。用餐結束後還可以去附近的Angels Flight Railway逛逛。這間漢堡店專門提供壓扁/砸碎漢堡。可以在店內使用平板進行點餐。我和男友當時點了起司漢堡，這類漢堡的特色正如前面提到的，不包含生菜、番茄和洋蔥，因此在點餐過程中可以選擇額外付費加入蔬菜。
由於我和男友都沒有嘗試過壓扁/砸碎漢堡，所以當時我們選擇不添加任何額外的蔬菜。可能是個人口味的偏好，我們試了之後還是覺得加了蔬菜應該會更好吃。但撇開個人喜好不談，我覺得牛肉餅表皮酥脆內部多汁。對於特別喜歡吃肉的人來說，我覺得是個不錯的嘗試。
For the Win has multiple locations in Los Angeles, and I find the one at Grand Central Market very convenient for tourists. After dining, you can also visit the nearby Angels Flight Railway or try out other restaurants in the market. This burger place specializes in smash burgers. Near the register, you can line up to order using a tablet. During our visit, my boyfriend and I ordered cheeseburgers there. Unlike classic burgers, these don't come with lettuce, tomato, or onion, but you can add vegetables for an extra charge.
Neither of us had tried smash burgers before, so we decided not to add any extra vegetables this time. While it's a matter of personal preference, we both agreed that adding vegetables would likely lighten the meaty taste. Setting personal preference aside, I found the crispy exterior and juicy interior of the beef patty quite satisfying. For meat enthusiasts, this place is definitely worth a try.
傳統漢堡 - Exploring Classic Burger at The Apple Pan
The Apple Pan
10801 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90064
Tues-Sun 11:00AM - 11:00PM (Except Fri & Sun open till 12:00 AM)
The Apple Pan和In-N-Out Burger一樣都是一間在洛杉磯歷史悠久的漢堡店。The Apple Pan成立於1947年，除了漢堡，它們家加有香草冰淇淋的蘋果派和香蕉奶油派也非常受當地人的喜愛。和其他漢堡店相較不一樣點在於顧客是圍繞著漢堡烤製的吧台區用餐。他們的漢堡最多人點的則是下面這兩項：
The Apple Pan, much like In-N-Out Burger, is a longstanding burger josint in Los Angeles. Founded in 1947, it's renowned for its burgers and also beloved for its apple pie and banana cream pie each with a scoop of vanilla ice cream (with additional charge). What distinguishes it is the counter seating around the burger grill where customers dine. Their most popular burger choices include the following:
牛排漢堡 | Steakburger
山核桃木燻漢堡 | hickoryburger
#會站立的漢堡
當時我和男友各點了一個漢堡，麵包的外皮非常酥脆。與In-N-Out Burger最大的不同可能在於醬料和他們所加的醃製黃瓜。我們還額外點了薯條來搭配漢堡。他們的蔬菜份量很足，而且都非常新鮮。在用餐時我們看到很多常客，離開時還跟服務員道別，說下個禮拜見。可想而知這家漢堡店的回頭率應該很高。雖然上次拜訪的時候沒有常識它們的派，但下次再訪的時候打算試試看！強烈推薦給同樣喜歡In-N-Out Burger的大家。
My boyfriend and I each ordered a burger, and the bun's crust was wonderfully crispy. One notable difference from In-N-Out Burger was their unique sauce and the addition of pickles. We also ordered fries on the side. The vegetables were abundant and incredibly fresh. During our visit, we noticed many regular customers dining there, and as they left, they told the server they would see them again next week. I thought to myself, this burger place probably has a high rate of customer return. Although I didn't get to try their pies last time I visited, I plan to give them a try next time! Highly recommend to everyone who appreciates the freshness of In-N-Out Burgers; The Apple Pan won't disappoint you.
非傳統漢堡 - Exploring “Non-classic” Burger at Father’s Office
Father’s Office
3229 Helms Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90034
Mon-Thurs 5:00 pm - 10:00pm
Fri-Sat 12:00pm (noon) - Midnight
Sun 12:00pm (noon) - 10:00pm
Father’s Office 是一家餐廳和酒吧兼具的地方，因此進店前會檢查身份證以確保年齡達到法定的21歲。值得一提的是他們的招牌漢堡（The Office Burger）和一般傳統漢堡有著極大的不同，漢堡麵包的形狀類似於 Subway 的三明治，呈長條狀。漢堡裡不使用傳統的生菜，而是採用芝麻菜。此外，漢堡內還包含焦糖洋蔥、培根，以及格呂耶爾和梅塔格藍兩種芝士。
我個人非常喜歡他們烹調牛肉餅的方式以及他們特製的餡料。當你扒開牛肉餅時，可以看到裡面還呈現著粉紅色，肉咬起來非常多汁美味。而且因為裡面加入了足夠的蔬菜，吃起來也不會感到油膩。
Father’s Office is a restaurant and bar combination that checks IDs upon entry to ensure patrons are at least 21 years old. Their standout burger, The Office Burger, diverges significantly from traditional counterparts. The burger bun resembles a Subway sandwich, shaped in a long rectangle, and swaps out traditional lettuce for arugula. Additionally, it features caramelized onions, bacon, and two cheeses: Gruyere and Maytag Blue.
Personally, I enjoy their beef patty with their distinctive sauce. Slicing into the patty reveals a juicy, pink center that bursts with delightful flavors. The generous serving of vegetables also ensures that it doesn't feel heavy or greasy when eating. Would recommend to anyone looking to try something different from the traditional burgers.
結語| Conclusion
上述的這三間位於洛杉磯的漢堡店都別具特色，而洛杉磯還有許多值得被去發掘的好漢堡。根據許多網友的推薦，我男友還存了許多當地的漢堡店等待著我們去嘗試，如果你有任何推薦，歡迎在下方留言告訴我！
The above three burger joints located in Los Angeles each have their own unique characteristics, and there are still many great burgers in Los Angeles waiting to be discovered. Based on recommendations from many online friends, my boyfriend and I have a list of local burger spots queued up for us to try. If you have any recommendations, please feel free to leave a comment below!
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