I’m Staying at the Ritz in the Marina — Where Can I Find an Honest Burger?
THE QUESTION: Erin of Santa Monica is tempted by a weekend rendezvous at the Ritz-Carlton in Marina Del Rey (great bathrobes). Yet she’s a lover of burgers and is craving one for Sunday brunch. What’s nearby?
Photo: A Hamburger Today
THE ANSWER: Two wonderful options exist nearby. One is an authentic bar burger served with Doritos. The other is semi-upscale diner with endless burger toppings — plus, fries and milkshakes (and booze). Both are terribly close to the Ritz — so Erin will be able to return to her plush robe in under an hour.
Hinano is a beach dive with burgers grilling just behind the bar. It’s classic and without frills — bacon withstanding. Venice locals of every variety swear by this burger — thanks to its charred, meaty reliability.
The Counter is a beloved L.A. burger chain (now national; Oprah might’ve said something about it), and the Marina Del Rey spot is just a few yards from the boats. The gimmick here is build your own burger; a small clipboard of an infinite amount of toppings listed — you check off what you want. Everything from your bun type, your meat poundage, then little things like jalapenos, dried cranberries, apricot sauce, a fried egg, dill pickle chips, hot wing sauce, greek feta — really, anything you want. Choose your toppings thoughtfully, tell ‘em how you want your meat cooked — and your burger will be perfect, no doubt about it.
Hinano Cafe, 15 Washington Blvd., Venice, 310-822-3902
The Counter, 4786 Admiralty Way, Marina Del Rey, 310-827-8600
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