One of the best chili burgers in the world I've been going here since I was 16 and I'm now 65 love the chili fries with onions. It is just a fantastic place. read more

Sad. Gross. Overpriced. Unfriendly. As someone who has been a fan of the original Tommy's for over 50 years, I'm very sorry to say that the quality of this location has steadily gone downhill, (really ever since they've opened many years ago). With rare exception, the majority of the time especially at the drive-thru the employees never greet you with a smile. They look very unhappy, and almost never utter a word unless it's absolutely necessary. The quality of their food reflects the attitude of their people. I can't imagine so many people would be so unfriendly unless management is making them unhappy because I am always friendly when I go there and it doesn't matter, I'm always greeted with a frown. My double chili cheeseburger was okay, but the quality of the chili was, in a word, terrible. Literally a two or three out of 10. It tasted old as if it was burnt or had been sitting there for a long time. This is not the Tommy's that I grew up with. The soda I had was flat from the first sip. I would have expected at least a decent mix of syrup and carbonation, but not here. The downward progression of this location continues with every visit. I think this will be my last. Until management does something about this long-lasting trend of decreasing quality and unfriendly staff, I highly recommend you avoid this Tommy's location. There are way better alternatives, even a Del Taco double Del cheeseburger and certainly an In-N-Out Double-Double which are both less expensive and are much more tasty (and are always fresh). It's too bad, really, because Tommy's was set up to be the chili burger version of In-N-Out decades ago and they just went in the wrong direction. I'm betting it's just terrible leadership at the corporate level trickling down, but who knows. read more

I'm so sick of this location. I will not re-type what I already typed in my correspondence to Tommys, so here is a copy and past. "Order #27, approx 11:30am Oct.13. Always been a fan of Tommy's. Unfortunately due to a lack of locations, i cant go that often. I used to frequent your Fountain Valley location. Now I live in Mission Viejo and am unfortunately stuck having to use the Lake Forest location. I will say I have not used this location that often as I usually forget its there, but I have used it 3 times in the last 2 months. Let's start with today and move backwards. Today i used the drive thru. Male took my order. My order was chili cheese fries just chili and cheese, chili cheese boat just chili and cheese, large Pepsi. I stated my order exactly as typed above with the male repeating the fries and boat back to me. I stated to him, AGAIN, after he said both of my items JUST chili and cheese only on both, this was stated 2 times for each item at this point since his repeat he did not say just chili and cheese, on either. This time he repeated each back, one by one and he even said just chili and cheese, on each. He did not mention my large Pepsi, so i told him again, "and a large Pepsi". He repeated back to me "and a medium Pepsi". OMG, seriously? I told him large Pepsi, again. He finally repeated correctly. I get to drive thru window, get my Pepsi, after a lengthy wait i get my food. I checked my fries as they were in an easy to open box, but i did not check the boat as it was all wrapped up which is messy in the car. I figured it would be correct as he repeated it back correctly, finallly. I get home and not surprisingly there was onions, pickles and tomatoes on my boat. The flavor alone from the onion and pickles soaked in is disgusting enough, but the fact that the onions are finely chopped and now embedded down in the chili, means I'd have to remove half the chili to get this crap out, this is why i specifically ordered it the way i did. I will mention I ate literally 7 fries and stopped as i decided to return it. There was not a lot of chili on my fries, again why i order a chili boat, with the chili boat I always have more than enough chili and cheese and never have to worry or care about how much an employee does or does not put on my fries. Because this happens every time, unfortunately, I had to take my long drive back to Tommys. I brought my food inside and the same girl who gave me my food at the window helped me. I explained to her and she said, somewhat rudely, "but you ate half the fries". I told her i literally just ate 7 of them". And as was evident there was no chili left on the fries, because the little bit of chili they put on my fries was eaten with those 7 fries, FYI I counted what I ate. If 7 fries is only half of what they give you (which would make it 14 fries total), then i guess I ate half. LOL. Anyways, they remade my order, in less than 2 minutes.......interesting, my drive thru wait has always been at least 5 minutes. Last visit - I went through the drive thru about a week and a half ago. Same thing. Got home and onions, pickles and tomato on my boat. I did not drive back, rather i took all the nasty off the boat. This of course removed about half the chili in the boat, but i dont care as long as there was enough chili for the fries. But I still had to deal with the nasty onion and pickle flavor. 3rd visit ago. SAME THING. Order drive thru, get home......ONIONS, PICKLES and TOMATO. Again i did not drive back to return it. I'd like to also mention the girl that helped me was fairly rude when i got to the window today, as she was when i returned the nasty food. The other times ive visited this location in the last 2 months, Ive also had the same rudeness from the window employee, dont know if it was the same one or not. I must say, for a popular fast food place such as Tommys, that has barely any locations, you would think that quality and customer service would be above and beyond, or even just OK, but its not. COVID is also not an excuse as I have randomly had the same issues, at the same Tommys in the past few years. Feel free to call me, or email me, or not, doesn't really matter, up to you. My issue was solved, of course I had to make a long drive back as I dont exactly live around the corner from the only location in my area." read more

Original Tommy's - Chili Boat, with onions, pickles and tomato, not ordered like this. - Burgers Near Me - Lake Forest, California

Honestly we need an option no stars. This place definitely deserves negative stars. It's way priced for one. The quality of the food is the lowest grade of food you can get. Service was awesome. Onions taste like water. Chili taste just how it looks mush!! They use sliced cheese for everything. Sliced cheese on fries though I think not!! I'm ok on having that ever again my life. read more

Love the chili cheeseburger plain with fries and Pepsi. Clean fresh and inexpensive. Good and friendly service! read more

I now live right in the neighborhood yet it's been years since I've been to Tommy's. And wow! What I've been missing! Fresh and tasty burger with chili, pickle, tomato, onion. And did I say chili? Damn it's good. And for the first time in my life: chili fries. These can't be done with just any fries, or just any chili. But their combination of the two made this heaven on a fast good tray. Was it messy? Hell yeah! Was it fattening and loaded with calories? What do you think? Of course it was!! Was it fast food nirvana? By all means! Would I return? In a heartbeat!! I just won't mention it to my cardiologist!! read more

Solid 3 stars. I came to L.A. when I was 6 & grew up not terribly far from the original Tommy's. I have fond memories of going there in my 20s late-night after getting off work (or really late-night after playing pool and downing pitchers of beer), and my Mom (RIP) also liked heading out to "the shack" once in a while for a burger. When I moved to Eagle Rock in the early '80s I was pleasantly surprised to find out there was a Tommy's on Colorado & although I no longer live in ER I still go back to the old 'hood occasionally to hit Tommy's up. The burgers are great and the hot dogs (although I think tomatoes and pickles on a wiener are an abomination) are fine too, as are the chili fries and the tamales. For me what makes a Tommy's burger or red-hot special is the El Rey mustard they use, it's like no other. Try this: order your burger or hot dog with the chili on the side & taste it with just the mustard; add chili if you must, but I think you'll find it's and "add-on" rather than a "must-have". Of course, if you like the chili on your order that's cool too, but try it my way first; maybe you'll "get it". Tommy's is an L.A. classic and it's nice they've expanded all over town and even in Las Vegas, but for authenticity nothing beats the original location on Beverly & Rampart. True Angelinos will remember the "Space Cat" topless joint across the street; my understanding is that Tommy's bought the other three corners and installed an annex where the Space Cat was; I also dimly remember a Mexican food place called "El Tomasito" on that corner (it didn't last very long), and they put a Taco Bell (which nobody in his or her right mind would patronize given the choice bet'n it and Tommy's) and a car wash on the other corners. Wise moves. If you're still reading you obviously need to get out to the original Tommy's, so get going. read more

I stopped to ear at Original Tommy's World Famous Hamburgers on 24310 Swartz Drive in Lake Forest' The place was clean. The cashier was super friendly. I was allowed to take photos. This was the first time I have eaten in a Tommy's. I ordered the Double Cheese Burger; fries and a medium drink. Hamburger: Two beef patties, cheese, tomato, onions, pickles, and Tommy's chili sauce. The hamburger was flavorful. Fries; lightly salted & crispy. They were tasty. I drank a medium Diet Coke with my meal. I ordered; A Breakfast Burrito; scrambled eggs, cheese, and Tommy's chili sauce. It was vert tasty. I thanked the manager for my taking photos. I went outside to take more photos. I left to find another place for a review. Robert H. read more

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Love this place amazing chili burgers. Great people food is great yelp is annoying for making me type more what do u want these burgers are bomb are we done typing now Jesus. read more

Love the food and management was awsome.spoke with Melinda had a few questions regarding the menu..she was polite and outgoing we really enjoyed our vist and will be back for more. Josh and jasmin read more

Their chili is a must-try! We ordered the following: 1) Cheeseburger with chili - the chili definitely compliments the burger very well 2) Tamale with chili - the tamale and the chili make such a good combination. I have not tried the tamale by itself but I have no doubt that it will taste good 3) Chili cheese fries - i had the fear of the chili making the fries too soggy, but that surprisingly did not happen! it did make the fries soft instead of crispy, but it's not a bad kind of soft. 4) Regular fries - tastes fresh and crispy, better than most fast food places 5) California classic - i recommend getting it with the chili instead To be honest, the burger without the chili just tastes like a regular burger, nothing special, but not bad. The fries taste fresh and tastes like real potatoes. All in all though, it's definitely their chili that makes the food taste amazing. It's almost like a cross-breed of Southern chili and Mexican-style frijoles (refried beans). The consistency is thick and spreadable, it's not the type that's too messy and makes everything soggy. The chili compliments everything. I highly recommend. read more

First time going to this location. I asked for a 2 cheese burgers no onions no pickles and 2 large orders of chilie cheese fries. I did not get 2 cheese burgers. I got 2 chili cheese burgers and my orders of chilie cheese fries. The chili looked like canned meat and burgers had the same looking mystery meat cake layered on top of their patty. The fries and mystery meat tasted like there was sliced cheese on top of the fries with caked piled meat. I will never go to this location again. Just to clarify the location was empty and only 1 car was in front of me at the time. read more

Original Tommy's - While I like chilie this is not chilie. I would not even consider this meat dog food. - Burgers Near Me - Lake Forest, California

We did the drive through and the person taking the orders was out of it as we kept having to repeat the order. We ordered the Chili cheese burger and the normal burger with fries and drinks. Food was good, fries were on the cold side and no salt. The guy at the checkout looked like he was on something and had a hard time and the woman that handed us our food did not say thank you or even give us a smile and no napkins. This was our first and last time we will go here. read more

This place is not only a landmark in California but the food is awesome as well I was raised in Los Angeles was there since 1968 and left California last year in 2021 but came back for a wedding in Temecula and had to eat at Tommy's no place like anywhere else on n the states still love the original one in Rampart but this one sure did filled the spot loves it as usual read more

One of those guilty pleasure spots. I usually go all in and order the double chili cheeseburger and the chili cheese fries. Their chili is flavorful but subtle enough to let the other ingredients come through on the burger. They also have a slightly thicker fry that does well at holding up with the chili and cheese. Whether you're on a cheat day, or just looking to treat yourself, I'd give Tommy's a try. read more

I just love their chili. It's not as chunky as most chilis, and it as a thicker consistency too, but the flavor is just so -- MMMMMM!!! Their chili cheese dog is my favorite; the dog is al dente and I love all the toppings. Their chili cheese fries are damn good, too. They actually put enough chili for the amount of fries they give you. Both are perfect uses of American "cheese". And they're consistently good, all of it. Oh! I also discovered last year that they do 2-for-1 chili dogs every summer! Don't mind if I do! read more

Food is good, but the service sucks. The lady that always works there makes an ugly face when one walks in. I've been here a few times months apart ans she always has a face. She also doesn't seem to take your order, you will say what you want and end up giving the opposite. Food slaps but the service not so great from this lady. The other staff are nice and chill. read more

Yummy chili burgers. Recommend ordering the chili cheese fries with fresh diced onions on top. Be brave and order a double... or better yet, a mega burger! read more

I ordered food from this place on February 3rd of this year. When uber delivered the food it was in a box and taped down. The driver left and I opened the package. I found out that some of the food was missing and the fries were not as good as they should be. I called the place right away and spoke to Carlos, he told me to call the corporate office so I did. I have left multiple messages but no one has gotten back to me. I waited to see if they get back to me before doing an review. This was my first time ordering from this place and it will be my last time. We pay high prices for everything now so the least this business can do is give us great customer service. Thanks for ruining my experience with you. ps. Uber Eats #128D6 read more

How are they even in business. I asked for a double cheeseburger and it don't come with double cheese nor do they melt it. I'm paying a premium here vs goin to in n out and getting a quality product. Last time i will ever visit this location read more

its just like all the other tommy's...but a different location! nothing will beat the one in hollywood...that location is a must try just because of atmosphere! parking is easy... the place seemed to be having a senior meetup...there were quite a few and they all knew each other! sweet. we were stopping on our way up to six flags...this was about half way from home. kids had hot dogs...adults had burgers...remember that all orders come loaded with chili and other yummy toppings.. i took a bite then another of kids hot dogs...omg ...while i loved my burger...that hot dog was amazing!! i am totally getting it next time!! yum yum Make sure you get the chili cheese fries!! That's the best thing on the menu glad there's a tommys in SD ...i can make a trip there soon read more

I was visiting Los Angeles 2 days ago, just happened that there was a Tommy's near where I stayed in N. Hollywood, it brought me memories of some 50 years ago when I used to go to the original, now in Murrieta (CA); found one, and more certain will go eat one chilly burger just to walk the memory lane, Love It. read more

Tommy's has been a favorite of mine for 40 years. After not having been there during COVID, I finally returned, excited to be back (my visit was late February, and I'm just getting an opportunity to write this). I'd been to this location several times before since it opened. This was my most disappointing visit ever to Tommy's. The bun was not fresh - I've never had that experience before at Tommy's. The chili was thin, not as flavorful as usual. We went early, and it was chilly and windy outside, where we ate. My wife ordered some coffee, which wasn't ready, and took a long time to get. If I had never been to Tommy's before, I wouldn't be returning. That being said, it gets another try next time I'm near by. read more

An L.A. original located in Lake Forest. This Tommy's is not the only location in OC, but for its popularity why not span it further south? Coming in, I knew what I was in for two things, and that is their Caliente Burger and Chili Cheese Fries. In recent visits it comes to me that their beef isn't the real deal. However, their chili alone is tasty and it makes up from their shortcomings. "Caliente Burger" its topped with chipotle cheese and slices of casabella peppers. There's glob of chili between the buns, but the thin beef patty is hardly noticeable. The picture of that burger on the wall is misleading with a presentation of a beefier party. I wasn't feeling this burger like I did in the past. I did feel the spiciness from the picked pepper taste. "Chili Cheese Fries" They never go wrong with its thick French Fries and its seasoned, which Tommy's is tastier than "The Hat" but this won't beat them in portions. Its served in a small tray, for it being around $4 ordering two of these would be pricey. Service here is okay, the cashier offered me extra pepperoncini. I could tell locals come here to dine, as customers were walking out, they shout out their gratitude. This location is clean and has plenty of seating. The restaurant is a little hidden from the Main Street, but it's not too far from the 5 fwy. read more

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It was my first time at Tommy's and I was helped by a young gentleman at the Drive in by the name of Zack. He was professional and generous. He offered me a discount for being a LEO more than most places these days. I will definitely visit this place again for the customer service. read more

Well first of all, I was shocked to see that there was a Tommy's in the OC in Lake Forest. Apparently, I'm not the only one who doesn't know it's there as there was not a single soul in the restaurant aside from 2 teen workers. You'd think the place would be spotless since they have plenty of time on their hands but it looked as if 100 kids had just eaten there as the floors had soda spilled on them and were sticky and so dirty that you could see shoe prints throughout. That would've made me walk out of any other place but since I'm a diehard Tommy's fan, we still ate there. Food was good so that earned the 2 stars and also the young guys were polite. With it being in such an affluent area, I truly thought I was gonna walk into the cleanest Tommy's I'd ever seen but it was honestly one of the worst. Can't imagine they'll be around for long at that location if things don't change. Keep Tommy's alive and kickin business owner! read more

If there was an option I would have given them zero stars. They advertised on May 15 a double cheeseburger with tomato and lettuce for 73 cents all day long with a Max of 5 per car or customer. The picture showed that. After standing in line behind a ton of people, I get to the counter to be told it's only for a single patty, no cheese. This is fraud! Shame on them! read more

South OC folks should feel lucky to have a Tommy's down there, but I get the feeling it's underappreciated. The few times I've been here, I noticed there's hardly anyone! This Tommy's is cleaner than most locations and the service is good too. You can't go wrong with Tommy's chili fries, which I consider one of the best chili fries out there. As for the burgers, I usually go with the California Classic burger (which is an In-N-Out style burger that is not on their menu), since it's a little too heavy having both chili fries and a burger with chili inside. There's not too many Tommy's in OC, and I hope this one stays around! read more

Original Tommy's - great chili fries - Burgers Near Me - Lake Forest, California

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Such yummy chilli burgers! I dont understand why this place isn't more popular. Location is in a crappy spot but worth it.

Ordered 2 chili cheese fries but didn't get any cheese . 2nd time ordered and didn't get what I wanted stupid morons. DONT GO HERE read more

Tommy's has the best chili burger if you ever want to indulge! This is the spot to be.

Just ate there last night (11/14/21). Ordered a chili dog and plain fries. The disappointment here is due to the fact that the chili was lukewarm. It should be constantly kept at a high/holding temperature for not only safety reasons but also for taste! The fries were hot thankfully. The hotdog itself was pretty good but also not hot - just warm. I did like the flavor of the chili. There were 2 other parties in the entire interior (we ate inside) so no excuse for being busy or whatever; only a few driveups. Their chili is one of their flagship items - should ALWAYS be hot as should the hot dog. There's no excuse for that. Wish I'd of had a thermometer then, like an inspector. read more

I stopped at this location at night for Christmas Eve 2021. 3 Ladies were working and I have to say they were the best!! I was the only customer and ordered a couple of chili cheese burgers and fries. The care they took into preparing the hamburgers was incredible. Every thing looked orderly and clean as they carefully stacked the burgers putting the chili and cheese on top while grilling it with on a bun. Was impeccable and a thing of beauty. A big mound of chili on top of the fries was the chef's kiss. Give these ladies a raise. Tommy's you guys rule!! read more

I really like In-N-Out, but given the choice, I am a Tommy's chili cheeseburger girl hands down. My dad started me young on their burgers. This is a pretty new Tommy's location and I have always driven thru. The people are nice here and it is right off the freeway in Lake Forest. Their combos are so cheap and they give you a gigantic drink -- which I am all for to wash all that chili down. I once tried to eat a chili cheeseburger and chili fries but have found that to be a little too much so I just prefer the combo with regular fries. Plus there is always chili that escapes from the burger on the wrapper so i scrape that up with fries. I don't care if my hands and car smell like Tommy's chili for hours, that's all part of the awesome Tommy's World Famous Hamburger experience. Make sure you get pepperoncinis too :) read more

Been going to Tommy's all the way back since high school days at the Rampart L.A. location. After moving to OC, used to make the midnight drive to the Westminster location from Lake Forest. While I'm glad that there is one so close to me now, I am sad to say that the quality of food is no longer the same. I find myself choosing better options. read more

What is there to say...the best chili burgers ever. Great chili dogs too. Always an easy going staff who care about what they serve. I love their food. Simple menu and everything is great read more

I mean this place is exactly what it needs to be --- the most delicious greasy spoon in all of history. As a Los Angeles, CA native, Tommy's is pumped and primed into us at an early age. Many family memories are tied to a trip to Tommy's growing up in this town. There are even more late night memories from my teens and twenties. Long nights at the club or bar would lead to a Tommy's run. The perfect food to absorb all that alcohol. That is also the age range when you can metabolize their food. As you get older and a new generation begins, Tommy's becomes a limited treat for you but a legacy to pass on to the next generations. This joint is an integral part of the LA story and the LA experience. Enjoy! read more

Every time I visit LA, I do make a visit to the OG place of Tommy's. It just makes this burger taste so good while u stand and eat at their stand only tables and feel the culture or LA. Well... its comfort food for me. After a late shift as an RN on call... this was my spot to get to go and eat in my car while I did my my notes or call in my reports. Then I realized... ahhhh.... I'm visiting this place waaaay too much with very strong cravings! PREGNANT WITH #3 WILL MAKE U COME HERE! I love their burgers with everything on it. And their fries are perfect. Also a great location to eat after playing with the kids at We Play Loud. I love how this place tries it's best to keep up with the one in LA. Their napkins that they serve is the same. Probably not the healthiest food to eat, but it is good. Always had friendly service. The burger does take awhile. The cook it when u order it! read more

Original Tommy's - I always ask for chili on the side for my burgers so I can dip the fries. And yes Extra pickles for this pregnant lady! - Burgers Near Me - Lake Forest, California

Just went here. Ordered chili cheese fries with extra cheese and onions with chili peppers! The best ever! Love this place!!

The original chili cheese burger shack has a location right here in Lake Forest. Their whole menu revolves around burgers, fries, hot dogs, and of course chili. I've been to many of Tommy's chain locations and this one is just as good as the others. GOOD 1: The chili cheese burgers are amazing. They're nicely portioned and extremely tasty. Pair it up with some chili cheese fries and a drink and you've got yourself one heck of a yummy meal. GOOD 2: This location has a drive-thru so getting in and out is fast and easy. They also have a wonderfully clean and comfy dining room and patio too. GOOD 3: The prices are very reasonable for what you're getting. A large combo meal with the burger, fries, drink will run you about $9. GOOD 4: The staff is very friendly and really seem to like their jobs. They're fast and accurate with the orders. In the past 3 years since I've been coming to this location I don't think they've made a single mistake at the drive-thru with my orders. BAD 1: Honestly, there really isn't any... I always like to point out at least one thing that could be improved but in this case I really can't gripe about anything. Overall this is great food from the iconic Tommy's that started in Los Angeles around the early 50's and now have something like 10 locations. This location serves up the same quality food with a smile that all the others I've visited do. I go out of my way to eat here at least once a month. Be sure to ask for the little green peppers when you order. They put them on the side and the contrast of hot spice to a bite of delicious cheese burger is amazing. Enjoy ! read more

Original Tommy's - Chili cheese burger and fries - Burgers Near Me - Lake Forest, California

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