I really love this spot. Excellent smash burgers and the chicken burger is nice too! Sadly, they had the best sweet potato fries but took them off the menu please consider bringing them back read more

While I make no bones about being skeptical about fusion cuisine that does not make scene, that never applies to burgers. Burgers are the perfect vehicle to go a different direction and Ban Ban is right on course with its offerings. This place was good. A word on the service. It was on point and pretty much what you would expect. BUT We watched them go out of their way when a customer who appeared to be Neurodivergent came in and ordered. They were awesome and that kid had such a smile on his face when his burger arrived. I would give this place 6 stars if yelp would let me. Grapow Smash: Typical smash burger with a perfectly cooked egg. The resulting gooey yolk was glorious and the bun did its best till its structural integrity failed with about 2/3rds yet. The Grapow added quite a bit of heat but the sweet potato fries helped to tamp that down. The only thing that kept this burger out of the top 5 was the pickle. It simply was blown out by the onslaught of richness and the burger needed a briney element to provide balance. We are in nitpicky range here with this. This burger slides into a tie at #8 in my rankings and is the highest ranked fusion burger so far. Sweet Potato Fries: Not on the rotation currently according to reviews (lets face it I am behind in my reviews) but perfectly fried, and helped tamp down some of the heat. Burger standings as of June 18th, 2026 1) The Office Burger - Fathers Office - Los Angeles, CA 2) The Best Damn Cheeseburger - 4505 Burger and BBQ, San Francisco, CA 3) Tie: Bacon Cheeseburger with egg - Cafe Arbor, Stanford, CA 3) Tie: Burger - Moo's Craft BBQ- Los Angeles, CA 3) Tie: Burnout Burger + Pastrami: Hyphy Burger, Oakland, CA 4) Ed's Favorite, King City Grill, King City, CA 6) The Big Boy, Big Boy, Indian Springs, NV 7) The Hot Farmer, The Barn, Half Moon Bay, CA 8) Tie: The C&H Burger, Clove and Hoof, Oakland, CA 8) Tie: Grapow Smash, Ban Ban Burger, Sawtell, Los Angeles, CA 9) Cheese Burger, Sketchers Food Spot, Gardenia, CA 10) Burger, Dad's Luncheonette, Half Moon Bay, CA 11) Single Burger, Paper Plate, Long Island City, NY 12) Breakwater Burger, Breakwater BBQ, El Granada, CA read more

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Came here to try out this thai-fusion burger spot on Sawtelle on a Sunday around 2pm. I saw it on tiktok and liked the idea of thai flavors on burgers/sando. Its hard to spot when you look for it because the tuk tuk thai restaurant next to it stands out more. When you come in, it has a 50s/60s burger join feel to it. Service was good. They bring the food to you if you dine in. There is limited seating so you may have to eait for a spot to open up. There were only a few people when we got there so seating want a problem. They have a huge table that can probably fir 10 people, a counter against the window for another 5 and outsude they thad seating for maybe another 8-12 people. We tried the wagyu lamb smashburger, the Satay katsu sando, panang bang fries, thai tea shake, and pandan shake. Everything was delicious. The smashburger was as expected (7.5/10) The patty had thai flavors in it with the cheese giving it that American cheeseburger flavor. The panang fries were the highlight for me (10/10). I love panang curry and getting that flavor on skinny fries with some smashed burger patty on top was really amazing! The satay sando was just as good (9/10)! I think the katsu could've been seasoned better. Most of the flavor came from the satay spread. The pandan shake and thai tea shake were not bad (8/10), I just wish they were thicker. read more

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The most unique burgers I have ever tasted! I am a big Thai food lover and combining it with burgers and fries is something I would never have imagined. The flavors were all on point and had no notes whatsoever. My party got the 3 top popular burgers and the fries which were a perfect combination of thai flavors and American fast food. The portions are perfect in my opinion and do not leave you feeling disgusting. Parking is street parking with meters. There are tables indoor and on their outdoor patio. read more

Ban Ban Burger - Burgers Near Me - Los Angeles, California

This place was sooo good! Smash burger w Thai hint. I got the chili jam smash it was soooo good. A great casual spot for a quick bite to eat and I loved the vibe of it too esp for a casual spot. Service was great. Wagyu beef & onions w laab powder, Thai pickle, American cheese it was bomb. Loved the sauce. My friend got the Wagyu laab smash and also said it was delish. We shared the garlic parm fries which were also great and a shareable portion. I got the Thai tea which was yummy too and em got the coffee. Cute casual spot read more

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If you're looking for an Asian fusion burger spot, Ban Ban Burger is the spot! This is located in a typical packed area of Los Angeles with metered street parking. Went here at around 2:00 pm on a Saturday and found a parking spot on Iowa Ave. The store has a small interior and outside patio. It's ideal for smaller groups of 4 or less. It was a nice day outside so we sat outside and waited for our order. It was a nice spot to enjoy our dishes and the weather. I asked the staff for a recommendation and they advised on the Grapow Smash burger. This was one of the best burgers that I had in a while. It was packed full of flavors in the beef, grilled onions, eggs, and bun. Most importantly, it comes with a nice spice level. It wasn't spice to the point where you won't enjoy it. However, my girlfriend has a lower spice tolerance and said it was spicy; I'd encourage lower tolerance folks to proceed with caution! The second we got on the menu was the Satay Katsu Sando. Another item that didn't miss from their menu! It's not a spicy dish but it has a nice combination of flavors from the pickles, peanut sauce, and katsu. You cannot go wrong with either dishes. Grapow Smash is the recommendation for the spicy food lovers. Without a doubt coming back here to try other items on their menu. American Express is accepted here. read more

Ban Ban Burger - Satay Katsu Sando - Burgers Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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What a delightful surprise..my friend is Thai and I wanted to give her a little surprise..she took her Grapow burger home, so I can't speak to how the burgers taste But the Sando sandwich was So flavorful..I truly enjoyed the differently light-spicy flavors and their spin on aioli is a perfect combo..and the textures that crunch with every bite will have me coming back.. But I'm taking taking a smoke break before returning!! read more

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Ban Ban Burger is a Thai-inspired smash burger concept, and I'm a fan! Enjoyed a nice lunch while out in town, ordering the signature Grapow Smash with papaya fries. A bit expensive at $24-25 total, but portions are large. Service was super nice as well, and I got my food within 15 minutes. Grapow Smash was heavenly, with crispy edges on the patties, yet still tender and juicy inside. Buns were solid and held everything together. Also love how it was so flavorful, with the Thai flavors (i.e. grapow) and fried egg complementing it all. A unique take on the smash burger, and honestly, one of the best smash burgers I've tried so far! Papaya fries was served in a large basket, and while tasty enough, I found it too heavy on the batter. Perhaps papaya isn't as starchy as the potato, but I would just stick to potato-based fries. Glad I got to try it, though! Overall, an excellent smash burger spot worth checking out; I'd happily return to try their other burgers! read more

Ban Ban Burger - Grapow Smash and papaya fries - Burgers Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Full disclosure I had them during the Hollywood Thai Town New Year Festival on April 26. I can't attest to the in-store experience so this review will solely be on food. What did I order? GRAPOW SMASH $16 Free range beef, onions, SPICY grapow mix, fried egg, Thai pickle, American cheese, and wild garlic aioli on a potato roll. AND I added an extra patty. What did I think? OMG how are there not more people talking about this burger. This is fusion at its best. It reminds me of the first time I had a Korean BBQ taco. The burger had the perfect lattice crust to it, the Thai herbs and spices worked harmoniously with all the ingredients. The textures were contrasting and welcomed. This burger just melt into your mouth with each bite hugging and coating your tongue with a mixture sandwiched between a soft pillowy potato roll. My only qualm is the egg was a little too runny and popped in my container. I'd be super stoked if they ever did a deep fried Thai egg instead that comes out a little over medium. It's also a little pricier than standard smash burgers, but I think it's all spent on what you see in your burger. One of the best things I've eaten this year. This burger is in my top 5 in LA as of today. read more

Ban Ban Burger - Grapow Smash - Burgers Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Amazing chili jam burger and wagyu laab burger! We always drive by this cute burger spot and decided to pop in and try - it did not disappoint! Orders are efficient with the kiosk and food was hot and fresh. So much flavor and nods to the thai fusion. It's a casual joint with indoor and outdoor seating. I would definitely return and bring friends! read more

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Smashed burger but make it peculiar? Probably that's the best way to describe Ban Ban. It offered the recently hyped smashed burger but with a twist of Thai! Located at the heart of Sawtelle, the cutesy pinkish venue featuring their signature characters looked so vibrant and welcoming. The mini outdoor patio could be an option to enjoy your burgers while watching people passing by. Following the attendant's top reco, we tried their Panang Fried Chicken Sando, serving crispy chicken thigh in curry-based sauce. It's soooo delicious with the chicken being juicy and thick, cooked in not too thick curry which really suited my preference! Having their sweet potato fries on the side, omg just flawless weekend treat combo. read more

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This place doesn't get as much love as the other restaurants on Sawtelle but it should! They offer a unique menu of thai fusion sandwiches, you wouldn't know which one to pick. I had the Panang chicken sandwich and it was deliciously made! Wish there was more chicken though, especially for $17! Friendly service! There is outdoor and indoor seating, but no A/C even on a warm day. There have a parking lot in the rear which is a plus! Also there is a 3% service fee. read more

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I think their flavors are very unique and for that alone I'd say it's worth checking Ban Ban Burger out. Otherwise as burgers, they're alright. I got the Wagyu Laab Smash and my fiancé got the So Cali Smash. We didn't think the flavors were 'wow' as they were more on the subtle side but I enjoyed the way they cooked the wagyu. For being more expensive burgers, they are pretty small. Sadly, the fries were done way too crispy because they came out like potato chips. read more

O. M. G. This burger was one of the best I've ever had! Ban Ban Burger is a Thai fusion burger spot that spun off from its parent restaurant, Tuk Tuk Thai located right next door. Given my favorite fast food burger chain is In-N-Out and my favorite Bay Area burger is the famous blueberry bleu cheese au poivre bacon cheeseburger from Scolari's, I tend to fall back on my staple burgers and don't branch out much. But Ban Ban Burger's Wagyu Laab Smash was DAM DAM DIVINE!!! The reason why I'm hesitant on trying self-proclaimed smash burger spots is because many have disappointed due to their burgers' non-existent protein skirt, resulting in an unsuccessful Maillard reaction (think The Habit and Smashburger chains). IMHO, a true smash burger must have the skirt! Ban Ban is tuck tucked (lol) adjacent to Tuk Tuk Thai, and is a walk-up order spot with limited seating, and self service/bussing. No frills, but hands-down worth a trip! Even if you're just getting fries -- their shoestring fries are so skinny and crispy, lightly dusted with their tasty laab powder. After I finished my Wagyu Laab and fries, I had to get another burger and fries for round 2. The second burger was the Chili Jam Smash, which I enjoyed but not as much as the Wagyu Laab. The Chili Jam had a good funky, fermented taste to it, but the laab powder from the Wagyu Laab Smash was the winning component! I want want Ban Ban the next time I am back back in SoCali SoCali! read more

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This burger is so good, I will say this is definitely one of the few times where I felt like Asian fusion was done correctly and with pricing that didn't make you want to absolutely cry. The burger is super flavorful and has some of the distinct Thai flavors and the fries were a popular dish to share among friends. The restaurant itself is very fast casual so you can quickly be in and out of the place and be satisfied after eating here. read more

Ban Ban Burger - Burgers Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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If you like Thai flavors and smash burgers then it's easy. Go here and be thankful there's no lines spanning down the block. Mainly the burgers are what I go for and if it was just burgers then it would be a 5 star review. Alas, their fries are just shoe string leaning well done with not a lot of flavor, whether you got the spicy garlic parm or the regular. I'd appreciate a slightly thicker fry with some texture outside of crunchy. The drinks that are available do the job and the service is quick and easy. Limited seating inside with 4 small tables outside. I'm not opposed to walking down the strip eating one of their burgers so I'm not too upset. I highly recommend this place! read more

Ban Ban Burger - Wagyu smash and a Thai tea shake. Good combo but the shake isn't as sweet as I'd like but it's close! - Burgers Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Finally got to try ban ban burger and it lived up to the hype. This review is based on a delivery order, but everything arrived hot and fresh with no issues. My friends and I enjoyed everything we ordered which is always a good sign. I ordered the panang fried chicken sandwich with shoestring fries and it was a great Thai fusion take. The garlic aioli sauce is a must to dip the fries in. Easily one of the more unique and flavorful fried chicken sandos I've had in LA. I'd give it a strong 8/10 and would definitely order it again. read more

Ban Ban Burger - Panang Chicken Sando - Burgers Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Ban Ban Burger is a Thai-inspired smash burger spot serving up some delicious eats. This spot is located in Sawtelle where there is street parking all around the area. For seating, they have some seats inside as well as additional seating on their outdoor patio. For their menu, they have a unique selection of different Thai-inspired burgers and sandwiches to choose from. I got the Wagyu Laab Smash Burger, wifey got the Panang Chicken Sando, and we got the Sweet Potato Fries and Pandan Shake to share. Overall, everything that we had was delicious with unique flavor profiles. All of the staff are very friendly and welcoming here. This spot is definitely one of a kind and I would highly recommend stopping by if you are ever in the area. read more

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Ban ban means flat but their food is not flat but quite the opposite bursting with explosion of different flavors with a thai twist. Service is top notch n friendly and they have indoor n outdoor seating. The chix sando is yummy n quite filling, grapow burger is perf with a fried egg and has a spice to it. Wagyu burger is minty think of mint leaf. Sweet potato fried yummy with curry ketchup. Papaya fries is unique and healthy version of fries if u like papaya highly recommend and beef panang is thai version of loaded fries. Everything was delish n full of flavor. read more

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I was craving a protein-heavy meal after the gym and had to stop by this Thai burger fusion spot that I've been eyeing on my feed. Boy, after visiting, was I so happy that I had the opportunity to try it! What I Ordered: - Grapow Smash - Based on the menu and recommendations from the server, I decided to try their famous Grapow Smash. I will tell you upfront that it is a delicious, hearty burger filled to the brim that may or may not be very messy to eat. It's an explosion of flavor with crispy, aromatic beef and a runny fried egg. I loved the addition of grapow, which added some tasty spice to the overall meal. So yummy! - For Next Time: I didn't have the opportunity to try the fries or shake, but I'll attempt to try them when I'm in the area again. Service: Fast, quick, efficient, and friendly. Ambiance: Cute vintage shop with a decent amount of seating (bar and common table) and a vintage diner feel. Being in Sawtelle, parking is very limited, however it wasn't that difficult for me to find free street parking across from the establishment. Final Thoughts: Will come again. Recommend visiting for a delicious Thai twist on a smash burger, with incredible and unique flavors! read more

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Is it weird to want to give them 5 stars just for their fries and pandan shake? We dropped by on a Sunday evening, and it wasn't very busy. While the seating isn't very comfortable, there was plenty available. Parking isn't fun, but there was definitely street parking available (closer than we thought). No bathroom here, but the owners also own the Tuk Tuk Thai restaurant two doors down, and you can use the restroom there. Now, for the food: -Grapow Smash: The burgers were definitely a bit wet/oily on the bottom bun, but my partner thought this one tasted exactly like pad kra pao in burger form. Good enough to get again, for sure! A little spicy! -Wagyu Laab Smash: This was good enough to finish, but I didn't quite get as much tang as I thought I'd get from a laab burger. -Shoestring Fries: Our favorite! I love shoestring fries as they are, but these had a slight tang to them - almost like a tom yum salt. So good!! I almost had to fight my partner for these - we'll need to get a large next time. -Pandan Shake: if you like vanilla shakes but want something slightly more interesting but not too sweet, this is it! We were inspired. I won't pretend it's not pricey, because it's $8 for one drink, but it was definitely good. The little pandan jelly bits were fun, too. Overall, this was a really solid fusion burger spot that we'd definitely come back to! read more

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The smash burger was pretty good! The thai tea was solid and the shoestring fries were yummy. I wasn't wowed nor do I think that the steep price was justified based on my ok experience. I liked the vibes of the place and the solid meal but I wouldn't come back again. For the area this place is in, there is a lot of competition with a lot of great restaurants, which is another reason why I don't see myself coming here again. But I imagine this could be tough for newer businesses like Ban Ban. Still wishing this business lots of success! read more

Ban Ban Burger - Burgers Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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My favorite Thai restaurant on the West side of town is Tuk Tuk Thai (amazing). Each time I walk out the door, I remember that they also have a burger joint right next door.. Kids were home from school and they were craving burgers so this was finally the time to give it a try... Small place with some covered seating outside, a big table inside and a few bar stools. It looks like they were doing a solid delivery/to go business while we were there. We decided to share, so we could try a few things at a time Chili Jam Smash - Super tasty smashburger that was surprisingly sweet as we expected the heat from the name but really good. Panang Chicken Sando - Imagine having a chicken curry sandwich with a tiny bit of heat, some pickle and cilantro. We love curry so it was great, if not strange, the only complaint is it comes with provolone cheese which we thought just didn't work well Grapow Smash - Another super tasty smashburger but this one did have the heat. The only complaint is just that it's hard to eat as it's so messy with the fried egg, delicious but hard to eat. Will go back to try the Wagyu smash and the Satay Katsu Sando next time.... Quick tip - Just like the rest of Sawtelle, parking can be an issue so be ready to circle. read more

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I've had this place on my radar for awhile and finally made my way towards West LA this past Sunday. I wasn't exactly *close* to Ban Ban Burger, but it probably the closest I'll ever be for awhile, so I said screw it. Send it!!! Pa kra pao/grapow is seriously the ultimate comfort food for me. It was pretty much my gateway drug into Thai cuisine. What's not to love about it? Ground meat, big bold flavors, a little spice, loaded with aromatics, and a fried egg all accompanied by rice? Tell me that isn't the definition of comfort food. BUT! Ban Ban taking it one step further and incorporating those flavors into a bite sized delicious smash burger with melty cheese and a potato bun? Absolutely BRILLIANT and such a unique idea too 'cause let's face it: Everyone and their moms all do smash burgers nowadays. Props to coming up with something new and interesting. Only minor gripe is that it could've used a bit more salt and it wouldn't hurt to punch up the flavors just a bit more. My first few bites weren't anything too special until I hit the pickled stuff. That's when all the different components of the burgers and their flavors worked together and finally set off the, "Oh damn. This is GOOD" alarm in my head. I want to try their other burgers and especially the fries next time, but with Ban Ban Burger being 82 miles round trip for me, I kind of don't see myself coming back for awhile unfortunately. Until then, I will be thinking about the grapow smash burger. read more

Ban Ban Burger - Burgers Near Me - Los Angeles, California

In a world full of boring old burgers, Ban Ban Burger does a bang up job. Smash burgers have come and gone, but the Grapow Smash is here to stay. That spice mix is spectacular. The Wagyu Laab Smash is subtly sweet and significantly softer for those who don't want to burn. A nice choice if you're not feeling the spice. The burgers are great, but this Satay Katsu Sando is SO GOOD. The panko cutlet is perfection, but it's really how that peanut sauce sinks into the milky bread for an extra layer of umami. Try a side of Papaya Fries as well. Gooey sweet-sticks with varying levels of ripeness with a delicious dipping sauce. Despite having had many a delicious burger, these are the only ones I remember. Where do I want to go for my next burger? Back to Ban Ban! read more

Had lunch at Ban Ban Burger yesterday. Had a Panang Chicken Sando. The sandwich was very large and very good, other than the chicken being a little tough. It was probably just the piece of chicken used to make the sandwich. Went to Ban Ban Burger for lunch yesterday since I was working a block away for four days. After I mentioned Ban Ban Burger to my coworkers, some of them also went there for lunch. They all had various smash burgers and they all said their smash burgers were very good. One of my coworker's mother also went to Ban Ban Burger and enjoyed her smash burger. We all wished we were working a block away from Ban Ban Burger for more than four days so we could have gone there for lunch more times. read more

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I've been wanting to try this place for a while now and I'm so glad I finally got to!!! The grapow smash is melt in your mouth good and jam packed with FLAVOR. It truly is a beautiful fusion of Thai and American food:) I loved their beer selection as well. Wil def be back to try the coconut pandan shake and other burgers :) read more

Ban Ban Burger - Knapp Grapow Smash Grapow Smash - Burgers Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Heads up, if you are not into rich, spiced, flavorful foods, this place is not for you. Bf found this randomly searching for burger places to try and picked this since he knew I love Thai food and holy f- this freaking hits. First off, this place is so adorable from the inside out. Their logo and paint job is really cute and well done. Service is standard, the staff is friendly. The menu is also digestive with great options. Price is average between $9-$12 for a smash burger or $16 for sandwiches (which is pricey for a sandwich but expected given the location). They also have great fry options and unique shakes! We ordered the Grapow Smash, Chili Jam Burger, and the Panang Gang Fries. Grapow came with a sunny side egg and I enjoyed every part of this burger-loved all the toppings it came with. The Chili Jam is meant for someone who likes sweet with savory since the wagyu meat is savory but the chili makes it sweet. My bf gave it a shot but didn't prefer the sweetness and as someone who also loves to eat sweet foods, I prefer a savory burger (but it was still delicious). The fries were incredibly rich. The curry can be heavy for those who haven't had this type of curry before or ever so proceed with caution. As someone who's eaten these flavors before it was pretty rich but I wouldn't change a thing about it. It was still tasty to eat. The fries are slightly thinner than average shoelace fries and they are crispy (which I prefer). I would eat here again in a heartbeat. Never had a fusion burger like this before and their recipes are incredible. I can't wait to try their shakes next time! read more

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Ban Ban Burger, nothing compares to you. I am seriously in love with this store. The Thai twist to classic smash burgers is absolute perfection. I cannot emphasize how much I love this spot - seriously some of the most unique burgers ever. The store itself is adorable - it has a decent amount of seating and a vintage feel. Service is efficient. Everything is delicious here. The grapow smash and wagyu laab smash are phenomenal. The shoestring fries are fried to perfection. My absolute favorite dish: the fried papaya fries are crispy and pair with this incredible sauce. I need to come back. Looking at these photos is making me salivate. read more

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This is the best smash burger I've had so far. The quality of the meat is top notch and the Thai flavors are incredible. I definitely would eat here any chance I get. read more

Ban Ban Burger - Outside - Burgers Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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THIS PLACE IS A TRUE GEM OF WEST LA AND EASILY MADE ONE OF MY TOP 5 BURGER JOINTS!! I love that they combined smash burgers with Thai flavors to make such a punch of flavor in your mouth. My friend and I couldn't resist trying a couple of their things on their menu! We ended up getting the panang chicken sandwich and their wagyu laab smash burger and honestly both were really quite delectable and the chicken was so surprisingly juicy! The loaded fries were equally as extraordinary as was the Thai tea freeze that had just the perfect amount of flavor even after it had melted! Have already and will continue to come back here! read more

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This place is small but mighty. My brother and I brought my mom here as her final dinner with us before heading home and we were so glad we did. I got the Pandan shake and ugh I'm in love with it. My brother and I both got the Grapow smash and POW it did. I enjoyed it but definitely overestimated my spice tolerance and had to suffer through. That being said the flavors of the burger were great and the fusion of Thai and American food has never been so good. I will say it is a bit hard to find searing as it's so limited so definitely be on the lookout for people leaving their tables read more

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This used to be my go-to burger place recommendation, until they removed their amazing sweet potato fries from the menu... That used to make this place special! read more

First, what a unique flavor combo on literally everything. There is plenty of commentary already here about the food, so I'll add that it's unexpected and maybe not for everyone, but really delicious. The portions are nicely sized (smashburgers) and even then, it's heavy: fatty and salty and full of flavor. We got two baskets of fries - shoestring and papaya - for three of us and that was totally unnecessary but we wanted to try both! Really cute spot. Colorful and fun and nice to outdoor seating even if it's busy traffic nearby - like Thailand! read more

Ban Ban Burger - Burgers Near Me - Los Angeles, California

I'm no burger connoisseur, but Ban Ban serves as good a burger as I've ever had. These little things pack a punch. I got the Grapow smash with double patty. I loved the caramelized onions, fried egg, and Thai jam sauce, held together by the buttery, soft bun. Delicious experience. The sweet potato fries were also light, fresh, and tasty. I do prefer a bit more salt on my fries, but I am far from conservative when it comes to salt. I also appreciate Ban Ban's cute, pink, artistic, hole-in-the-wall aesthetic. It's a very small and fun setup, but I would not recommend coming with a large group unless your group is okay eating in their cars or along the curb--no judgment if that's the case! I knock off half a star as the prices are steep for the amount of food you get. Although the quality is top-notch, I still felt the prices were a bit high for a small smash burger. So, I land on 4.5 stars, which we'll round up to 5 :) If you are a burger fan, specifically a smash burger fan, then adding Ban Ban to your list should be a no-brainer. read more

Ban Ban Burger - Grapow Smash double patty, sweet potato fries - Burgers Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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2* Food 3* Service 2.5* Ambiance I was really hoping to re-experience the delicious flavors of the Ban Ban burgers we enjoyed on our previous visit. Unfortunately, this time it did not live up to that memory. The burgers seemed noticeably smaller with higher prices and were extremely salty and greasy. While the flavors were still unique and bold, the overall execution made it difficult to truly enjoy our burger. We ordered the Wagyu Laab, Grapow and Chili Jam Smash burgers. Of course the Wagyu laab was the least greasy and spicy but most flavorful. The Grapow and Chili Jam was slightly spicy but equally delicious. Thankfully, the Panang fries were not as salty or greasy; howevrr, they fell short in flavor. The sauc leaned more toward creamy than bold, lacking the depth and punch I was expecting. I understand that restaurants can have off days, but this visit was disppointing compared to our last experience. I hope this was just an off night, as the concept and flavors have so much potential. read more

Ban Ban Burger - Burgers Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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I think their concept is great but it's not for everyone. I personally am a fan of Thai food and burgers but not together. That's not to say you might not enjoy it, just different strokes for different folks. Location lacks lots of parking so prepare to walk or do a pickup with a friend. Best to order ahead read more

Ban Ban Burger - Burgers Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Terrible disappointment - and I don't like to write these. After reading and hearing about Ban Ban for a while and the mostly stellar reviews, I decided to try it. I ordered the Grapow Smash and the mango fries. And took a bite, and--- Here is the AI / Google answer to my question about whether a smashburger is supposed to be dry and tough: "No, a smashburger is not supposed to be dry and tough; it should be juicy with a crispy, caramelized crust from the Maillard reaction, but it becomes dry and tough if overcooked or smashed incorrectly (like smashing it after the fat melts), so achieving that balance is key. Key factors for juiciness include using fattier beef (80/20 ratio), smashing only once right when it hits a very hot griddle (within 30 seconds), and cooking quickly to well-done without overdoing it." Grapow is made with Thai basil and spices. All I tasted was way too much heat and no basil flavor in the topping. And the garlic aioli? Couldn't distinguish. Melted cheese taste was non existent and even with the fried egg couldn't overcome and compensate for the hockey puck rendition of flattened tasteless cow kill. It's literally a 1/8" deep and 5" in diameter dried out ring of gristle. As for the french fried papaya - yes, it was different. Coated in some kind of veggie starch to get a crisp shell, it was decent. I didn't detect any papaya flavor, of course. The fish sauce salad dressing that came with it was pleasant to dunk in and gave it flavor, and there was a good amount. More of a novelty though, and perhaps healthier than actual french fries. But overall, doubtful I'll ever go back. read more

Ban Ban Burger - Grapow smash (soooo dry) and mango fries - Burgers Near Me - Los Angeles, California

If you're looking for lighter, healthier fare, this is not the place for you. Really inventive burgers and chicken sandwiches -- in terms of food construction, it's a pure Americana menu, but in terms of flavor, it's like you're transported to a classic Thai Town hole in the wall. I got the Panang Chicken Sando. The chicken is chopped rather than served as a single cutlet or patty, and this works well to soak up all the extremely flavorful sauce that's slathered in between. Careful not to drip on your clothes. The Thai basil adds a nice bit of contrast, but it's still a very rich, heavy sandwich. Shoestring fries are more traditional but nicely prepared. Only wish it came with a bit more curry ketchup which isn't quite enough for a regular portion of fries. I also got a add-on of wild garlic aioli for $2 to finish the rest of my fries, which comes in a bigger container. I took the rest of the aioli home with me. The Pandan Shake is nice, not too sweet, with a mild flavor like a floral vanilla, plus some jellies to chew on. I saw some reviews complaining it's too small, which I don't get. That's more than enough calorie count for one person... unless they're planning to share it with Uma Thurman and complain about the price of an $8 shake in LA? I hope to return to try their smash burgers, but it's definitely more of an occasional guilty treat than a place I could go to regularly. Would love to see the menu expand with some lighter fusion fare. read more

Ban Ban Burger - Panang Chicken Sando with Shoestring Fries - Burgers Near Me - Los Angeles, California

I liked: Grapow Smash Wagyu Laab Smash Sweet Potatoe Fries I didn't like: Pandan Shake The Grapow Smash and Wagyu Laab Smash are both good burgers. The Laab has a fresh minty kick that sets it apart in a good way, and the Grapow has a light heat that's pleasant without overpowering. That said, both burgers are extremely greasy. We had oil dripping down our arms just from picking them up, and the potato buns didn't really hold up or add much. The sweet potato fries were crispy and shareable with a good portion size. Unfortunately, the pandan shake missed the mark completely. The flavor was weak, the shake was more foam than anything, and the jelly just got in the way. It felt like drinking melted ice cream with none of the fun. The space itself is cute and vibrant with plenty of seating. Service was friendly and fast, and we appreciated the wet wipes they include with each burger. They are definitely needed. Overall, it's a fun vibe but the food doesn't quite live up to the look. read more

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