The historic cross-country route known as U.S. Route 66 runs across the entire state in Southern California. In the 1940s and 1950s, the popularity of this highway led to the establishment of many gas stations, motels, roadside stops, and restaurants. Though much has changed along the route, there are a few significant pieces of Route 66 history that can still be enjoyed and this hamburger stand in West Hollywood, CA, is one of them.

Irv’s Burgers first opened in West Hollywood, along Route 66, in 1946 with the name Queen’s Burgers. The burger stand captured the attention of passersby with a sign that said, “No Lobster, Just Burgers.”
Irv’s Burgers
Irv’s is a Route 66 icon and one of the first roadside burger stands in the city of Los Angeles. It has gone through changes of ownership, name, and location, but has never lost the love and esteem of the community.
Creeping_Death_LA/TripAdvisor
This hole-in-the-wall burger joint has been visited by many celebrities through the years including The Clash, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Jim Morrison, Drew Barrymore, and others. Perhaps the real stamp on the restaurant’s place in Hollywood pop culture was it being featured on the album cover for “Living in the USA” by Linda Rondstadt.
Bryan Holly/Google Reviews
Sonia Hong purchased Irv’s Burgers in 2000 and quickly earned the affections of locals with her signature doodles, usually including the words, “Just For You,” that she would personally draw on paper plates before they left the kitchen.
FreiBeto/TripAdvisor
These days, the endearing phrase is printed on paper placemats.

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There were internal and external challenges for the owner that led to the burger stand being moved down the road in 2014, and then to the sad (thankfully temporary) closure of this longstanding Route 66 institution in 2018.
Management/TripAdvisor
With new backing and an enormous rally of devoted customers and fans, Irv’s reopened in 2022 - still on historic Route 66, one door down from the second location.
The dining area now features a wall of history full of newspaper and magazine articles, photos of celebrity guests, awards, and more memorabilia.
shahdom sepehri/Google Reviews
Since the beginning, Irv’s has been known for juicy handmade, pressed-to-order burgers and crispy golden fries.
Jeff Daly/Google Reviews
S N/Google Reviews

There is something comforting about the existence of an iconic piece of history like this West Hollywood burger stand. Have you ever eaten at Irv’s Burgers? Do you know of other historic Route 66 places in Southern California worth visiting? We would love to hear from you. Find more history, menus, and merch on the Irv’s Burgers website. This cool spot just might inspire you to take a Route 66 road trip! If so, make sure you check out our Ultimate Road Trip Packing List before you head out. 

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