10801 W Pico Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90064-2105
(310) 475-3585
Old-skool... I love places like this. Been around for eons (since 1947), always crowded, outdated decor that has gone out and come back in style 3 times, cooks and waiters dawning aprons and those white hats of yesteryear... scampering around each other inside the U-shaped counter filling orders with a no non-sense pride (or don't care). The Apple Pan was first on my list on burger joints to try while in California... I always hit In-N-Out, but have never ventured into the other well known places till this trip. With Hamburger America's comment of "Best Burger in America" how could I not try it.
(waiting for a stool)
Meeting 4 West Coast fans and traveling with a pose of 3, I was a bit nervous to try and get seated as a party of 7. No worries. With speedy service and a couple seats already taken by our group, we were able to throw down our order in a matter of minutes. Hickory burger, or steak burger... I felt that BBQ sauce on my burger would be too much, but all I've heard and read about recommended the Hickory. So a Hickory it was, with cheese... Tillamook Cheddar (from Oregon) and a scampering of french fry orders for the group. You see the cooks in the middle of the countered area busy like beavers building a damn... only they're busy hand leafing mounds of iceberg lettuce, and frying up beef. This feels good.
My hickory burger came wrapped, as most burgers out here do, in wax paper with melted cheese and sauce no match for the healthy amount of green lettuce. A seed-less bun, pickles, mayo, and i think a relish, brought the wrapped jewel together. I'm a fan of the crispy contrast, and the hickory wasn't as overwhelming as I imagined... slight hint of cinnamon... either in the sauce or in the meat? not sure, but a tastee touch. The not so thick not too thin juice filled patty and well melted mild cheese along with well toasted bun made for a happy burgerseeker... to the last bite.
For desert I ordered the banana cream pie. Yeah, I know, the place is called APPLE Pan and they serve apple pies too... but I love the banana. I'm glad I did too... a fine not so filling sensation which washed down the burger just fine. A slice of pie will set you back $5, more than a Double Double combo meal at the "In" but worth the happiness my tummy experienced.
I don't think I will go as far as "Best in America" but I will definitely do the In-N-Out, Apple Pan visit together when given the chance and call it a good day.
