Serious Eats - seriouseats.com

This looks delectable to me. I might even try the "Whipper Burger" on a crazy day ... And I'd much rather patronize a joint run by someone who strives to make people happy. Fantastic photos, btw.

Still haven't made it to The York, but after reading this sweet write-up, I can't wait to check it out! I don't get the 1/2 waiter thing either. I feel like the time they spend explaining how their setup works to customers would outweigh whatever advantages it holds. Fun post!

i like your description of the feel of this joint. i also like the looks of this guy, but i do enjoy my burgs heavy on the condiments-style. good tip re: the double.

Nice! I like polished looks with my meat. Beer shakes and doctors who eat only burgers? It's been a zany week, no?!

Whoa. That burger doesn't look so good. I do like the BBQ at their OG Venice location, despite the fact that it's NC-style, and I am a TX/TN-style grrrl at heart. The aesthetic really works in Venice, too. Will be interesting to see it in WeHo. Nice post!

My first weekend in LA, the then-LA Times magazine (R.I.P.) cover jumped out at me with one of the best headlines I've ever seen: "AFFLUENZA." The featured subject was Orange County. A lot of people (self included) are defensive about their oft-derided hometowns for whatever reason (Some people pay professionals with degrees by the hour to talk about these feelings "Not Gonna Take It." Perhaps worth looking into ... Just sayin.'), but the "Orange Curtain" is lambasted left and right by pretty much everyone, dude. Take a deep breath. Re: the burgers: I've actually heard good things about the Pier in general. The only Ruby's experience I've had was at LAX, and it was so inconceivably awful, I actually require a mulligan. Rock on, Damon.

I have been wanting to try that place forever--now I'm going to make it a priority. Sounds like the perfect mix of comfy food and comfy atmosphere. And thanks for the bread-related heads-up~

Really rich post, Damon. Kudos for adding even more meaning to a subject you already relate so passionately. It truly enhances the experience. (I'm talking about life and burger-blog-reading here, dude.) I wept a little myself. Also, I'm pretty sure your second patty mooed at me from the depths of cyberspace. Dang, that's some rare meat.

A triumph! Love this description of the 101 and the nature of our town. That is exactly how I felt about the scene when I went for the first (OK, only) time. The burger looks like more than nice meat in the photo. Bummer. Perfect seasonal post.