Actually, it had my name on it.

But since it was so good, I’ll graciously take my name off and you can put yours on it and pretend like the burger belongs to you. Sure you eating my burger might be a little weird, but considering how good it is, we’ll just disregard that part.

I was sitting in Everson Royce Bar in the Arts District for the third time. While previous visits I was with unfortunate company that made it hard to focus on the food, this time I was with my friend Gian. I looked over the familiar menu as if I was reading a favorite poem. I pretty much knew it line by line, which meant I knew exactly what I wanted. Since it was Gian’s first time at the bar, he took a few moments scanning across the page and then came to a decision.

We both started with a bag of complimentary Chips and Salsa. As you would expect traditional chips to be, they were two things: crunchy and salty. What’s important to note is they weren’t salty to the point that you would need to drink a gallon of water to re-hydrate yourself. Instead, they were sprinkled with just the right amount of salt to entice you to eat a few more until the bag was completely empty. Not to disappear on its own, the green salsa that came with it would serve as a cool and refreshing companion to see the chips off.

Off into your stomach that is.

As the chips and salsa that kept us entertained were removed from the table, our orders arrived. I went with the Single Burger and Kennebec French Fries ($10). The most modest looking of burgers sat in front of me and if I hadn’t had it before, I would have questioned what the humble plate could have offered me. Considering that this was the third time I’ve held this burger, I already knew the answer. The prime beef chuck was placed between two of the softest egg brioche buns and Tillamook cheddar. The buns had to be the softest I’ve ever had and biting into it fell like my lips were falling across a pillow. Wait, was my mouth going to bed? Apparently, yes. My tastebuds would quickly be sent to sleep as I took bite after bite of the richly spiced patty. The moment the warm cheddar and the flavor that oozed out of the burger combined with the almost weightless buns felt like I was eating a burger of my dreams. I grabbed handfuls of fries and dipped them in the aioli, then the ketchup, and ate them enthusiastically. The fries tasted like the potatoes were plucked from the ground the moment I asked for them and then made just for me. They were delicious. As both the burger and fries began to vanish between my mouth and hands I tried to relish in the taste of it all. The flavors managed to linger a few seconds longer as I licked my lips and fingertips with glee. My food was perfect.

That’s when I looked at Gian’s plate with envy laced with a tinge of sadness. “What did you get?”

Although I was full I couldn’t get the thought of tasting Gian’s food out of my head. Maybe it was the color that radiated from his burger or the scent that wafted my way, but I had to try it! He so chivalrously let me take bite his Grilled Pork Chorizo Burger and Kennebec French Fries ($10). I tried to steal a few more, but he caught onto me quickly and pushed me away. I don’t blame him. The taste of the grilled pork burger that was topped with cabbage, red onions, lime, a chipotle aioli, all on the same egg brioche bun as my burger was amazing. I was shocked to say that it was actually better than the one that I ordered for myself. I wanted to put his in my hand, but he held a tight grip to it. As he bestowed one last bite to me, I savored in the vibrant flavor that it exuded. The lime gave it a gentle accent of citrus while the chipotle brought a casual kick. The patty itself was juicy and had mouth-watering taste that made it easy to escape into the same dreamland that was in my burger. It was everything I wanted and more—in the hands of someone else unfortunately.

I did watch him as he devoured it and for a moment, just a moment, I pretended I was eating it instead of him.

My third visit to Everson Royce Bar brought me the same delicious yet unassuming burger that I’ve had before, but also introduced me to a new one that I thoroughly enjoyed. I know I had my own, but the moment the pork burger was in reach, I was so glad that I tasted it. Both burgers were delicious in their own way and didn’t overdo it in appearance. To have such an excellent and simple burger of my own and a portion from my friend, I wholeheartedly urge you to get to the bar and do the same.

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Address: 1936 E 7th St, Los Angeles, CA 90021
Phone: 213-335-6166
Hours: Daily – 5:00pm to 2:00pm
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