25 Degrees of Burgeration

I think I've found my favorite burger in Los Angeles. At least for now.

25 Degrees has won my heart until another burger sweeps me off my feet. Don't hold your breath. I'm a whore when it comes to burgers. I fall in lust easily.

Mr. Monkey remains faithful to Umami. He liked 25 Degrees, but he wasn't head-over-heels like I was. Still, he had no complaints and was very happy with our meal. Look at that smile!

But me? I became a raving lunatic for 25 Degrees after just a couple bites.

Arnold Palmer.

Our usual classic half lemonade, half iced tea. Quite a nice version.

Number 2 -- roasted tomato, crispy prosciutto, burrata, pesto ($12 with a side).

Enjoyable. How could it not be? Did you read those ingredients? But I don't think burrata belongs on a burger. It has too much water in it and inevitably soaks through the bun. I probably wouldn't get this again, but it was a valiant effort. If you can't resist this attractive combination of toppings, I recommend eating this burger as quickly as possible to avoid a soggy bun.

Number 1 -- caramelized onion, prelibato gorgonzola, crescenza, bacon, arugula, thousand island (I subbed garlic aioli instead) ($12 with a side).

This is called Number 1 for a reason. This is the burger that made me swoon. Big. Meaty. Juicy. Two delectable cheeses. Bacon. Packed with flavor. It's Number 1! It's Number 1! sinosoul was right, down to the detail of asking for garlic aioli in lieu of thousand island dressing. He is probably smirking as he reads this.

25 Degrees is a pretty good deal for what you get. Sure, you can build your own burger and add whatever you like. But why would you when, for $12, you can get one of three signature burgers and a very generous side?

And the sides are damn good.

Half & Half.

Overflowing golden onion rings and French fries. As awesome as they look.

Chopped vegetable salad with avocado, grapes, tomatoes, beets, pine nuts, white beans, ranch, and parmesano reggiano.

A most excellent salad. Yes, I just called a salad "excellent." Perfect for a summer day.

The sweets at 25 Degrees don't disappoint either.

Strawberry milkshake ($6).

Mr. Monkey ordered this, but there was plenty extra for me to try in the metal cup.

Warm apple crustade with vanilla ice cream ($9).

We didn't expect much, but this warm flaky dessert pleasantly surprised us! Loved the caramel and the ice cream, too.

There wasn't one thing that I didn't like at 25 Degrees. That doesn't happen often.