How to Plan a Burger Tour in Long Beach

Long Beach, California, is more than just a coastal paradise with sun-kissed beaches and the iconic Queen Mary. Beneath its surf-and-sand surface lies a thriving, deeply rooted burger culture that rivals the best in the country. From gourmet smash burgers crafted by Michelin-recognized chefs to nostalgic drive-thrus serving decades-old recipes, Long Beach offers a rich tapestry of burger experiences waiting to be explored. Planning a burger tour in Long Beach isnt just about eatingits about immersing yourself in the citys culinary identity, discovering hidden gems, supporting local businesses, and creating unforgettable food memories. Whether youre a local foodie looking to rediscover your backyard or a visitor seeking an authentic taste of Southern Californias food scene, a well-planned burger tour can transform an ordinary day into a savory adventure.

The importance of planning cannot be overstated. Without structure, even the most delicious burgers can lead to overwhelm, missed opportunities, or disappointing meals. A thoughtful burger tour balances variety, location efficiency, dietary preferences, and pacing. It turns spontaneous cravings into a curated experience that highlights the diversity of Long Beachs food landscapefrom waterfront diners to artisanal burger joints tucked into industrial parks. This guide will walk you through every step of planning a memorable, efficient, and deeply satisfying burger tour in Long Beach, ensuring you taste the best the city has to offer without the stress of guesswork.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Define Your Goals and Preferences

Before you even open a map, ask yourself: What kind of burger experience are you seeking? Are you looking for classic American diner fare, elevated gourmet creations, plant-based alternatives, or a mix of everything? Your goals will shape every decision that follows. Consider these questions:

• Do you prioritize flavor, ambiance, or speed?
• Are you traveling with dietary restrictions (vegan, gluten-free, halal)?
• Is this a solo mission, a date night, or a group outing?
• Do you prefer walkable neighborhoods or are you open to driving between locations?

Answering these upfront prevents wasted time and ensures your tour aligns with your expectations. For example, if youre a vegan, youll want to prioritize spots like The Veggie Grill in Belmont Shore or The Plant Based Kitchen in Downtown Long Beach. If youre chasing the juiciest smash burger, youll focus on places like The Burger Joint in Signal Hill (just minutes from Long Beach) or The Spot in East Village.

Step 2: Research and Compile a List of Burger Spots

Start with trusted food blogs, local publications, and community-driven review platforms. Long Beach has several highly regarded food writers and Instagram accounts that spotlight underrated burger joints. Key sources include:

• Long Beach Posts Food Section Regularly features Burger of the Week roundups.
• Eater LA Covers top burger spots across the region, including Long Beach.
• Yelp and Google Maps Filter by Top Rated and Burger to find consistent high performers.
• Instagram hashtags Search

  LongBeachBurger, #LBburger, #BurgerTourLB for real-time photos and reviews.

From your research, compile a master list of 812 spots. Include:

• Name and address
• Signature burger
• Price range
• Hours of operation
• Takeout/delivery availability
• Outdoor seating or indoor vibe

Examples from a typical curated list:

• The Burger Joint Smash burger with caramelized onions, house sauce, and crispy fries. $14. Open until 11 PM.
• Belmont Shore Burger Co. Locally sourced beef, brioche bun, truffle aioli. $16. Open 11 AM9 PM.
• Barrys Burgers Retro 1950s diner with the Big Barry (double patty, bacon, fried egg). $12. Cash only.
• The Plant Based Kitchen Jackfruit beef burger with cashew cheese. $15. Vegan, gluten-free options.
• Smokehouse BBQ & Burger Co. Smoked brisket burger with house BBQ sauce. $18. Outdoor patio.

Dont overlook hidden gems like Little Ts Burgers in North Long Beacha family-run spot with a cult following for its secret spice blend.

Step 3: Map Your Route for Maximum Efficiency

Long Beach spans 50 square miles, so geography matters. Group burger spots by neighborhood to minimize driving time and maximize your walking experience. Heres a recommended geographic clustering:

• Downtown Long Beach Central hub with high concentration of eateries. Ideal for lunch.
• Belmont Shore Upscale, walkable, oceanfront. Perfect for afternoon stops.
• East Village Arts District Trendy, industrial-chic spots with late-night options.
• North Long Beach Authentic, no-frills joints with deep local roots.

Use Google Maps or Apple Maps to plot your chosen spots. Create a custom map with pins and name each location. Then, connect them in a logical loop. For example:

1. Start at Barrys Burgers (Downtown) 11:30 AM
2. Walk 10 minutes to The Burger Joint 1:00 PM
3. Drive 7 minutes to Belmont Shore Burger Co. 2:30 PM
4. Walk 5 minutes to Smokehouse BBQ & Burger Co. 4:00 PM
5. Drive 10 minutes to The Plant Based Kitchen 5:30 PM
6. End at Little Ts Burgers 7:00 PM

Include buffer time between stops15 to 30 minutesfor digestion, photos, or spontaneous detours. Avoid backtracking unless absolutely necessary. Pro tip: Use the Directions feature in Google Maps and select Bicycling or Walking to gauge walkability between nearby spots.

Step 4: Consider Timing and Pacing

Timing is everything. Most burger joints in Long Beach are busiest between 12 PM and 2 PM and again from 6 PM to 8 PM. Avoid peak hours unless youre prepared to wait. Aim for mid-morning or early afternoon for your first stop to beat the lunch rush.

Plan your tour to last 68 hours total. That allows for:

• 1.5 hours per burger stop (including eating, walking, and photos)
• 30-minute gaps between locations
• One 30-minute break for hydration or a coffee refill

Also consider the sun. Long Beach summers can be hot. If youre touring in July or August, schedule indoor or shaded spots for midday. In winter, outdoor patios are ideal. Check the weather forecast and dress accordinglycomfortable shoes are non-negotiable.

Step 5: Set a Budget and Payment Strategy

Burgers in Long Beach range from $8 to $22. A full tour of 56 burgers could cost $75$120. Set a realistic budget before you go. Include:

• Food costs
• Tip (if service is provided)
• Transportation (gas, parking, rideshare)
• Drinks (soda, beer, milkshake)

Many local burger spots are cash-only, especially older diners like Barrys or Little Ts. Carry at least $100 in small bills. Also, confirm which places accept Apple Pay, Google Pay, or credit cardssome have minimums or surcharges. Download a mobile wallet app and ensure your phone is charged.

Pro tip: Split the cost with a friend. Order one burger each, then swap bites. This lets you taste more without overspending.

Step 6: Prepare for Dietary Needs and Allergies

Even if you dont have restrictions, others in your group might. Always confirm:

• Gluten-free bun availability
• Vegetarian or vegan patty options
• Cross-contamination policies (especially for nut or dairy allergies)
• Whether fries are cooked in shared oil

Call ahead or check the restaurants website for allergen menus. Many places now list this information online. For example, The Plant Based Kitchen offers a full gluten-free and soy-free menu. Smokehouse BBQ can substitute a lettuce wrap for buns upon request. Dont assumeask.

Step 7: Pack Essentials and Plan for Comfort

Bring these items:

• Reusable napkins or wet wipes (burger juices are messy)
• Portable phone charger
• Water bottle
• Light jacket (coastal evenings can be chilly)
• Camera or smartphone for food photography
• Small notebook or digital note app to record your impressions

Wear breathable, comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes. Youll be walking on sidewalks, parking lots, and possibly uneven pavement near the pier. Avoid high heels or sandals.

Step 8: Document and Reflect

A great burger tour isnt just about consumptionits about connection. Take photos of each burger, note the texture, flavor profile, bun quality, and condiments. Rate each one on a scale of 110. Did the cheese melt perfectly? Was the patty seasoned well? Was the fry crisp or soggy?

After your tour, write a short review for each spot. Share it on social media, Google Maps, or a personal food blog. This not only helps others plan their own tours but also reinforces your own experience. Many Long Beach restaurants actively engage with customer feedback, and your review might even get them featured on their Instagram.

Best Practices

Start Early, End Late

Many top burger joints in Long Beach open at 11 AM and close between 9 PM and midnight. Starting at 11:30 AM gives you the best chance to avoid crowds and enjoy a relaxed pace. Ending at 8 or 9 PM lets you cap off your tour with a late-night burger at a spot like The Spot, which stays open until 1 AM on weekends. Nighttime burger runs are a local traditioncrispy fries under the streetlights, ocean breeze in the air. Dont miss it.

Order Wisely: Skip the Extras

Its tempting to add bacon, avocado, or fried eggs to every burger. But if youre doing a multi-stop tour, simplicity is key. Order the signature burger as-is to experience the chefs original vision. Save customizations for your favorite stop. Youll get a clearer sense of each restaurants style and technique.

Engage With Staff

Long Beachs burger scene is fueled by passionate owners and employees. Ask the cashier or cook: Whats your favorite burger on the menu? or Whats the story behind this place? Many have fascinating historiesa veteran-owned diner, a family recipe passed down for 40 years, a chef who trained in Japan before opening their own spot. These stories turn a meal into a memory.

Respect Local Culture

Long Beach is a diverse, multicultural city. Your burger tour should reflect that. Dont overlook spots owned by immigrant families or those serving fusion burgerslike the Korean BBQ burger at Kogi BBQ Truck (often parked near the Pike Outlets) or the Thai-inspired burger at The Corner Burger. These arent gimmicks; theyre authentic expressions of the citys identity.

Travel Light and Leave No Trace

Use reusable containers if taking leftovers. Dispose of wrappers and napkins properly. Many Long Beach neighborhoods are proud of their cleanliness, especially near the beach. Dont litter. Support eco-conscious restaurants that use compostable packaging.

Combine With Other Experiences

A burger tour doesnt have to be isolated. Pair it with:

• A walk along the Long Beach Shoreline Pedestrian Path
• A visit to the RMS Queen Marys deck for ocean views
• A stop at the Long Beach Museum of Art for a cultural break
• A sunset at the Belmont Pier

This transforms your tour from a food crawl into a full-day cultural immersion.

Be Flexible and Open-Minded

What if your favorite spot is closed? What if the line is 45 minutes long? Adapt. Long Beach has over 150 burger options. If one place is full, walk 10 minutes to another. Sometimes the best discoveries happen when you deviate from the plan. A random roadside stand with a handwritten sign might serve the burger of your dreams.

Tools and Resources

Essential Apps

• Google Maps For route planning, real-time traffic, and user reviews. Use the Saved feature to create a Burger Tour LB list.
• Yelp Filter by Open Now, Highly Rated, and Burger. Read recent reviews for accuracy.
• Instagram Search location tags like

  longbeachburger or #lbfoodie. Follow local food influencers like @longbeachfoodie or @bitesoflb.

• OpenTable or Resy Some upscale burger spots (like Belmont Shore Burger Co.) accept reservations for patio seating.
• Uber/Lyft Useful for moving between distant neighborhoods without parking hassles.

Local Publications and Blogs

• Long Beach Post Food & Drink Weekly features on emerging burger spots.
• LA Weekly Burger Roundups Includes Long Beach contenders in regional rankings.
• Curbed LA Covers neighborhood food trends and hidden gems.
• Food Networks Burger Wars Archives Long Beach has appeared in multiple episodes.

Printable Resources

Download or print a simple checklist:

• ? 56 burger spots mapped
• ? Budget set ($100 recommended)
• ? Cash on hand ($80$100)
• ? Dietary needs confirmed
• ? Weather checked
• ? Shoes comfortable
• ? Phone charged
• ? Notes app open for reviews

Community Groups and Forums

Join local Facebook groups like:

• Long Beach Foodies Active members post daily finds and ask for recommendations.
• Eat Drink Long Beach Features weekly burger challenges and meetups.
• Long Beach Local Life Often shares behind-the-scenes stories of restaurant owners.

Posting a question like Whats the best burger under $12 in Long Beach? often yields 20+ replies within minutes. Use these crowdsourced insights to refine your list.

Seasonal Events and Festivals

Plan your tour around local food events:

• Burger Bash Long Beach Annual summer event featuring 30+ local burger vendors. Held at the Long Beach Convention Center.
• Belmont Shore Food & Wine Festival Includes a Burger Corner with chef collaborations.
• Long Beach Beer Week Many burger joints offer beer pairings during this event (March).

Attending one of these events can give you access to limited-edition burgers and exclusive tastings you wont find on regular menus.

Real Examples

Example 1: The Classic Long Beach Burger Tour (6 Stops)

Day: Saturday
Time: 11:30 AM 8:00 PM

1. 11:30 AM Barrys Burgers (Downtown) Start with the Big Barry. Juicy, greasy, nostalgic. Perfect for a hearty opener. $12. Cash only.
2. 1:00 PM The Burger Joint (Signal Hill) A 7-minute drive. The smash burger is a revelationcrispy edges, melty American cheese, house-made pickles. $14. Credit cards accepted.
3. 2:30 PM Belmont Shore Burger Co. Ocean breeze, brioche bun, truffle aioli. Elegant but not pretentious. $16. Outdoor seating.
4. 4:00 PM Smokehouse BBQ & Burger Co. Smoked brisket patty with tangy BBQ sauce. Served with sweet potato fries. $18. Patio dining.
5. 5:30 PM The Plant Based Kitchen (East Village) Jackfruit burger with cashew cheese. Surprisingly meaty texture. $15. Gluten-free buns available.
6. 7:00 PM Little Ts Burgers (North Long Beach) Family-run since 1989. Secret spice blend. $10. Cash only. Open until 10 PM.

Results: Total spent: $95. Total distance: 12 miles. Walked: 1.2 miles. Best burger: The Burger Joint. Most surprising: Little Ts. Favorite vibe: Belmont Shore.

Example 2: The Vegan Burger Tour (4 Stops)

Day: Sunday
Time: 12:00 PM 5:00 PM

1. 12:00 PM The Plant Based Kitchen Jackfruit burger with cashew cheese and house-made chipotle mayo. $15.
2. 1:30 PM Veggie Grill (Belmont Shore) Beyond Burger with avocado and garlic aioli. $14.50.
3. 3:00 PM Green Street (Downtown) Mushroom & quinoa patty with caramelized onions. $16. Vegan fries.
4. 4:30 PM The Vegan Taco Stand (at the Pike) Surprise find! Vegan beef taco burger with pickled jalapeos. $11.

Results: Total spent: $56.50. All meals 100% plant-based. Best texture: Green Street. Most flavorful: The Vegan Taco Stand.

Example 3: The Budget Burger Tour (5 Stops, Under $75)

Day: Wednesday
Time: 12:00 PM 6:00 PM

1. 12:00 PM Little Ts Burgers Classic single patty. $8.
2. 1:30 PM The Spot (East Village) Smash burger, no frills. $10.
3. 3:00 PM Burger Bar (Long Beach Blvd) Double patty, pickles, ketchup. $9.50.
4. 4:30 PM Taco Bell (for nostalgia) Spicy Beef Burrito Burger (yes, it exists). $4.
5. 6:00 PM In-N-Out (Long Beach Blvd) Animal Style Burger. $7.50.

Results: Total spent: $39. Total burgers: 5. Best value: Little Ts. Most fun: Taco Bell. Most iconic: In-N-Out.

FAQs

Whats the best time of year to do a burger tour in Long Beach?

Spring (MarchMay) and fall (SeptemberNovember) are ideal. Temperatures are mild, crowds are thinner, and many restaurants offer seasonal specials. Summer can be hot and crowded, but late evenings are perfect for beachside burgers. Winter is quiet but pleasantgreat for cozy indoor spots.

Can I do a burger tour on public transit?

Yes, but with limitations. The Long Beach Transit system connects major neighborhoods, but some burger spots are not within walking distance of stops. Use the LBT app to plan routes. For maximum flexibility, combine transit with rideshares or bikes. The Beach Bike Path is a scenic way to bike between Belmont Shore and Downtown.

Are there any burger tours offered by local companies?

As of now, there are no official guided burger tours, but private food tour companies occasionally include burger stops in their Long Beach Eats itineraries. You can also hire a local food guide through Airbnb Experiences or through the Long Beach Chamber of Commerce for a custom private tour.

How many burgers should I eat in one day?

Three to five is ideal. More than that can lead to discomfort and diminish your ability to appreciate each burgers uniqueness. Quality over quantity. Take your time. Savor each bite.

Whats the most underrated burger spot in Long Beach?

Many locals swear by Dons Drive-In in Lakewood (just outside Long Beach city limits). Its a 1950s-style drive-thru with hand-formed patties and real ice cream shakes. Its not in the city, but its worth the detour.

Do any burger joints in Long Beach serve alcohol?

Yes. Belmont Shore Burger Co., Smokehouse BBQ & Burger Co., and The Spot all offer craft beer, local wines, and signature cocktails. Some even have beer pairings listed with their burgers.

Is it okay to bring kids on a burger tour?

Absolutely. Many spots like Barrys, In-N-Out, and The Veggie Grill are family-friendly. Bring snacks for younger children between stops, and choose places with outdoor seating or play areas. The Pike Outlets also has a playground nearby.

How do I leave a good review for a burger spot?

Be specific. Mention the burger name, what stood out (e.g., The cheese melted perfectly, The bun was toasted just right), and the service. Avoid generic phrases like It was good. Instead: The truffle aioli elevated the entire burger without overpowering it. Staff remembered my name and asked if I wanted extra pickles. Authentic reviews help small businesses thrive.

Conclusion

Planning a burger tour in Long Beach is more than a food adventureits a journey through the soul of the city. Each burger tells a story: of family tradition, cultural fusion, innovation, or simple, unpretentious joy. By following this guide, youre not just eating; youre connectingwith the chefs, the neighborhoods, the history, and the community.

Whether youre a local rediscovering your city or a visitor seeking authenticity, a well-planned burger tour transforms ordinary meals into extraordinary memories. Youll leave with a full stomach, a camera full of photos, and a deeper appreciation for the people who make Long Beachs food scene so vibrant.

Dont wait for the perfect day. Start smallpick three spots. Walk. Taste. Talk. Then come back for more. Because in Long Beach, the best burgers arent just foundtheyre experienced, one bite at a time.