The Best Underground Burgers in L.A. | The Burger Show

It’s no exaggeration to say that we're in the midst of a Burger Revolution. Get ready for a tour of L.A.'s best backyard, underground burger operations! In today's episode, Alvin will be hitting two special backyard pop-ups-Yellow Paper Burger in Monterey Park to try their classic double cheeseburger, and Hangaburs in El Sereno to try their epic Nayarit-style Smashburger.
As we all know, the past year and a half was gut-wrenching for restaurants. But in the wake of the pandemic's destruction, a beautiful thing happened in the food world. A vibrant pop-up movement took root in Los Angeles, made up of scrappy DIY food operations-many of them burger stands.
This episode is dedicated to the small business owners who took a risk to feed people during tough times. We salute you.
Thumbnail image courtesy Memo Torres
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First We Feast videos offer an iconoclastic view into the culinary world, taking you behind-the-scenes with some of the country’s best chefs and finding the unexpected places where food and pop culture intersect.

[@FirstWeFeast]

Salute to these burger heroes! Like if you support your local burger stand.

[@poopconsumer0]

Yes!

[@CasperInkyMagoo]

Alvin. Sounds. Like. He’s. Reading. From. A. Script. He’s an awful presenter. Please find someone else.

[@vikingrbeerdserkr8406]

I would love to support, but my burger standards are HIGH, and none of them are good enough near me......that said i will still throw down a fast food burger haha :P It's all about cost vs deliciousness, if a burger costs more than a fast food burg it BETTER be worth it, know what I mean?

[@phantomfade3398]

Where's George Motz? 🙂

[@xredkirbyx]

@@vearsan you’re a gnat.

[@miserycord0666]

When they start with “Where the fuck are we bro??” you just know the burger place is gonna be fire

[@bub305]

@@defwishfx4400 because fat people

[@BeyondDaX]

@@defwishfx4400 Because there is a method to making burgers that cannot be done at home or at least not without learning from the burger scholar

[@BeyondDaX]

Yep, this is a trolling thread it seems

[@bub305]

@@BeyondDaX Def WishFX deleted their comment

[@bub305]

@@BeyondDaX You must be trolling using the term "burger scholar"... thanks for the laugh

[@claytonjhaight]

These guys standing six feet a part like they haven’t been hugging off camera 😂

[@hapwn]

3:17 !SGAF

[@A_Balanced_Breakfast]

And they're probably vaccinated as well. Kinda just theater at this point, but whatever, some people still get upset about not distancing.

[@9929kingfish]

These blokes wouldn’t fare too well if they caught Covid. Breathing is probably labored with slight exertion already. Throw Covid into the mix and they’ll be in the ICU on ventilators.

[@vanessauosukainen7631]

@@A_Balanced_Breakfast being vaccinated doesnt mean u cant catch covid

[@flitcroftLA]

@@vanessauosukainen7631 being outside and vaccinated is damn near 100%. We should all celebrate that.

[@broerie]

Not hyping the big hipster foodie joints, but instead focussing on the local grassroots places, we gotta respect that! Well done, @First We Feast !

[@RandomRabbit007]

Family-owned, local, non-hipster/pretentious usually owned by 50-60 year old immigrants. Love to see it, usually not very expensive either (unlike these hipster options)

[@joeidaho5938]

IT's always the best product...at the grassroots..and most creative. When it becomes a full fledged business...with staff, it always gets watered down. In the end, the take I get is...be creative in your own backyard...and it will always be better than buying from an actual restaurant. They just don't have the flexibility that you have at home.

[@BigBoi658]

I know the baker is a G because she's working with pie dough outside in the heat. No small feat.

[@bingevintage8124]

For sure I’ve done my fair sure of it and I really don’t think bakers get enough credit on the finesse it takes to make a great empanada

[@b.calvinsaul1909]

Amplify this! Should be top comment!

[@mattincleveland6280]

“They put lettuce underneath the meat” Somewhere, Kenji feels a disturbance in the burger force.

[@tuckert9563]

hope this isn’t a woosh but he likes his toppings on the bottom right

[@oOZephyxOo]

@@tuckert9563 yeah, it’s to prevent the juices making the bread soggy

[@yvessaulnier8986]

@@oOZephyxOo If I'm not mistaken, having "bottomings" actually improves the taste as well due to the way the ingredients hit your palate compared to having toppings.

[@tuckert9563]

@@oOZephyxOo that's really smart because i hate when the bottom bun gets soaked. i have to cook thick burgers to medium to stop them from being too juicy

[@sabahbubbler]

Didn't Kenji also put Lettuce underneath. He's the one that said so the bun won't get soggy

[@johndoe6860]

I never comment on videos but that Hangaburs original looks like an absolutely perfect burger. Those gals seem like they could easily build a massive franchise. Fuck yes for them! And fuck me, because now I'm starving.

[@MrVovansim]

6:44 Alvin: you don't see popups selling foie gras burgers Friends: exactly! F** that sh!t Alvin: cries, remembering that time he put caviar on a burger.

[@SuperRaoulinho]

Caviar AND a ton of truffles!

[@MudhaffarAdhwa]

Good thing that wasn't his restaurant

[@craigelsalpaca1194]

Feel like if you make a pop up burger joint the dude with sunglasses will just magically appear

[@brethren111]

All you need is a burger or a joint, and a big papi gonna show up 🤣

[@Rottidog68]

"When you hit a Fuck It point." Everyone can relate to that.

[@alexcastrejoncm]

Every "mexican burguer" in youtube is like,: guacamole and jalapeños, a real mexican burguer is ham and panela all the way

[@JoelDashReed]

Grilled panela rulea el mundo!!!!

[@oAgL214]

I love a place in Mexico where they put ham, jalapeños, chopped up bacon on the actual patty 🤤 and avocado slices 😩 I'm craving it now!

[@pedrov1385]

the shitty too sweet ketchup makes it all work

[@joshsilva8242]

And the hot dog weenie cooked to a crisp.

[@albertoivanhernandezminjar707]

Y estan hechas al carbón 👌🏻

[@charleschemtob7263]

Hey! Hangaburs is what my three-year-old calls burgers.

[@CasperInkyMagoo]

Hopefully your three year old doesn’t feel oppressed by the male-dominated hamburger scene. It forced the one ugly girl into shelving her dream!

[@ninekain3475]

@@CasperInkyMagoo ...huh?

[@Themuffenthusiast]

I call em hamberders. Lol

[@blorblin]

@@CasperInkyMagoo shitty bait.

[@marijoseLG91]

Yup, the owners are my aunties and that's kind of how the name hangaburs originated

[@bryanpscolka7423]

That yellow paper burger looked simple yet delicious!!!!!

[@emanvans]

Have tried it and met George motz both were amazing

[@thecoryguy]

This episode has sad "pandemic hit me with" vibes all over it - but it's good to see a few folks out there flipping it and putting smiles on hungry faces.

[@benf8706]

IDK, the “pandemic” only hit as hard as you let it- then *poof* ….”gone”…. I changed jobs making the same 3x days as 5 on increased hours, so no complaints here. Barely even seen a mask here in the midwest…. Nothing ever stopped- just went “members only” to keep out nosy government. As it should be 👌

[@tyde4610]

@@benf8706 yeah but you live in the midwest dude like four people live there, this is la of course the pandemic hit them the hardest

[@bramvandenabeele7298]

I am also a single boy, but not in the hamburger way :(

[@lrrr9734]

#im14andthisisdeep

[@TylerBrigham]

That Yellow Paper was two of the skinniest people feeding 3 of the fattest

[@multifariousgemini]

Genetics/Metabolism

[@migara1]

@@multifariousgemini caloric intake

[@jadenrice1494]

@@migara1 agree

[@danialimran7720]

Wat da dog doin

[@ramencurry6672]

They’re not fat. They’re thick boned.

[@goodBEan]

I want to try that tepic burger.

[@jamesiyer4937]

It looks unreal

[@arjunkakkar952]

ahhh Microsoft, my favourite burger sponser

[@2false637]

Spronsor* learn engrish pls

[@north6948]

@@2false637 its spaunser correct urself first

[@americannightmare2109]

Is everyone drunk? You're all wrong.

[@evs251]

Kakka means poop in Finnish just saying..

[@neilsawyer3098]

@@north6948 quit foolin' we all know its Spawnsir.

[@DigitizedChaos]

"we're not working in the healthcare industry" I definitely lold at that. 😂

[@CriticalEatsJapan]

This is amazing ---hope there are more episodes in this series!👍🍔

[@Mattshea13]

Dude Hangaburs is my favorite burger in LA right now!!! So happy they’re featured, incredible!

[@user-yy2zk1ni8t]

Wh..a..t..s..a..p..p....m..e +=1=7=8=1=3=6=9=5=1=0=4 G..e..t...I.n...t..o..u..c..h.

[@FirstWeFeast]

*Like if you think Martin's Potato Rolls are the best burger buns!*

[@infinitycg]

no

[@dpellek74]

Yea. But we dont want alvin

[@spikespiegel8089]

Alvin’s gotta go. He is dead weight, and lots of it.

[@CasperInkyMagoo]

I think Alvin’s rolls need to find a new channel. That’s just me though.

[@freezingCode]

I got no beef with Alvin. Also don't have Martin's Potato Rolls here.

[@seanshea7531]

I’ve been watching your YT show since inception. I have to say as a filmmaker on the east coast that I love what you are doing. Passion and love can take you to places beyond the dreams that you fist placed for yourself. Don’t know you but super proud of you. Keep it up and I’m gonna cook a hamburger now.

[@QuestioningYourSanity]

Love the admiration for the "fuck it!" point in your career.

[@mindbomb2000]

Bravo! Great episode. I'm currently living in Brisbane, Australia, and while I love it here, this video really makes me miss that special vibe that only L.A. County has. I moved a lot as I grew up so I got to see many different communities. Gardena, Lawndale, Harbor City, Torrance, Redondo Beach, Hawthorne, San Pedro. Subscribed.

[@user-yy2zk1ni8t]

Wh..a..t..s..a..p..p....m..e +=1=7=8=1=3=6=9=5=1=0=4 G..e..t...I.n...t..o..u..c..h.

[@buhshmuh]

I remember i used to clown my homie saying he would frequent underground buffets in downtown LA warehouses that met up like fight clubs. Didn't know there were really fat dudes that actually live that life. Sick.

[@aymoshrooms6416]

why the fuck would you make fun of something so awesome

[@buhshmuh]

@@aymoshrooms6416 i guess it was just wishful thinking on my end 🤷🏻‍♂️🤣

[@mr.romero8955]

I want that life! And getting paid!

[@buhshmuh]

@@mr.romero8955 but for how long? I guess some people would rather burn out fast

[@mr.romero8955]

@@buhshmuh true. Always thought about that.

[@SpirusFilms]

BRO THE HANGABURS LOOK SO GOOOD

[@hollywebb2944]

Somebody get this man a gavel!

[@karaleighkirk]

So happy for Hangaburs! Their Tepic burger is my favorite burger in LA right now.

[@vivianamora7505]

So cute. A burger place after the way kids pronounce it. Super cute! 🍔 the Tepic looks like it slaps

[@fypd88]

I watch this channel/series every time I’m making or waiting on a meal 😂 great appetite builder!

[@Run_GMD]

Best “Burger Show” episode in a while. Thank you!

[@Febulights]

Yo! Both of these places spoke to me. Crazy levels of respect to all the people doing what they have to, expressing themselves thorough their craft to make it through this pandemic. Good job by you. I wish you nothing but success.

[@LaneHouse]

It's 9:25 AM, I just finished this video, and my stomach is angrily demanding a burger. Thanks Alvin.

[@sethsoderman2731]

Thank you for all the shelves who's always working give them their shots open for the awesome food from everywhere thank you so much for the hard work

[@chi7072]

oh jesus this is the best episode ever when Alicia and Cecilia talk about how they compliment each other and they had burgers at their wedding!

[@b.calvinsaul1909]

I, for one, didn't watch this for some sappy soap opera. SHOW ME THE BURGER

[@hungryhan]

cool af to see some representation for nayarit mexico, my motherland !

[@darkantidote]

The size of these guys back necks rolls, damn....

[@jaydenoutdoors]

respect the rolls 😂

[@darkantidote]

@@jaydenoutdoors I always respect the bacon 🥓

[@bernitaldown9136]

burgers

[@jeffward1106]

I love this channel for years from the beginning and I really hate my dinner tonight thanks guys LOL

[@mostlyknowasmka9729]

I remember watching those brothers and alvin's episode of "chefs night out" way back. Been a fan of these primos ever since!

[@jfjhjpmusiclove6149]

Man, I enjoy Alvin, but I dread the day I hear about him losing a leg to diabetes; or worse, dying of a heart attack.

[@davidcarrillo7181]

I feel ya, a matter of time if habits aren’t changed 180 😑

[@strategicscientificreserve]

wtf?? just mind your own business, he didn't ask for ur opinion, no one wants to hear it and it doesn't matter.

[@Mackersarasa]

@@strategicscientificreserve You're part of the problem.

[@strategicscientificreserve]

@@Mackersarasa wow that's ridiculous. what problem? even if it seems like an unimaginable concept to you that your opinion isn't always asked for, that's exactly what's going on right here.

[@chonchoshole6950]

@@strategicscientificreserve that mindset is what leads to obesity, it’s ok to be fat but if you’re at a point where your health is at serious risk you need to get medical help, the same could go for being anorexic

[@CarinaRenner]

So proud of Colin and Katie!! Wish I could be there to taste that deliciousness 🤗 saludos desde Peruuuuu 🇵🇪

[@NYFalconman]

Yellow Paper Burgers are now on my Bucket list

[@the_familyjules]

Definitely rooting for both of these pop up spots

[@voiden3338]

that Hangaburs special burger looks too damn good. If I ever get a chance to get one you know I’m taking it 😂

[@3kE.]

This lady did not just say she likes the Burger King impossible burger, right?

[@alimon89]

I think she did. It's a decent faux meat burger, though I'd rather eat a Dunkin Donuts Beyond Sausage patty myself.

[@americanmade-1]

Bet you haven't tried it.

[@theholygrass19]

Shits good tho

[@Swerve456]

It's fire

[@julysanchez8580]

people willingly eat at Burger King... 🤮

[@quadcannon]

Cheers for doing this video Alvin. I'd love to see more similar ones in the new year, 2022.

[@kathyerickson9402]

I realize this is The Burger Show...but that hand pie looked FANTASTIC! Great looking burgers and good stories. Thanks TBS!

[@jameskatu6339]

Those Ladies are killing it too. Damn. Ok just popping some Filipino Garlic corns coz all these Burgers making me Hungry!! P.S I’m rewatching this

[@TKae421]

One of the best episodes ever. Real talk, local burgers.

[@micro11.]

Fuckin bussin

[@floerwd]

so glad they brought those brothers back. theyre amazing

[@Memeamyoto621]

They gotta do more of these. I love all these pop up burger stands hell yeab

[@Porkswordactual]

Keller’s in Dallas is just fine Y’all! I ate there last week. It has always looked run down, it’s part of its charm!

[@keiper12]

When I eat burgers like that, I eat it upside down so the burger juice drops through the condiments and into the bigger bun on top

[@SaiSreeKanandhaSwamikal]

Wise technique 👍🏽

[@thetruegham6378]

How are you so wise?

[@thetruegham6378]

I love you

[@Ortex313]

Facts

[@cardhitman89]

Watching this makes me wish I could start vending again. Man I miss getting out to events and making people feel good with bbq.

[@calebd7371]

I started a whole Central Texas barbecue operation here in Lafayette LA out of my back yard... got laid off last April and had to take a job that was really the only thing available... I started doing what I loved in my free time, word spread around and now I sell out every cook

[@spencermoore7547]

Yo what’s it called. I’ll come check it out!

[@calebd7371]

It’s my KZbin name lol Cajun Barbecue... easiest way is to follow me on Facebook

[@chrisneyman]

Dude. Alvin has the best food show.

[@b1k2q34]

Debatable

[@Redeemedblood]

Don't forget about Pizza show and Fuck that's delicious

[@axiumgfrey]

El Sereno let’s go 🔥

[@tss3393]

"Community over competition." I love that!

[@eric_welch]

It makes me so happy to see how in love the two at the second place are :)

[@colddevilfilms9646]

oh yeah i needa hit yellow paper burger. that shit look classic and iconic

[@robertrico7598]

Best episode in a long time

[@gradybrowning3976]

Always ready for a burger show!!!

[@topher4251]

That hanguburs burger with the ham looks life changing!!!!!! What a phenomenal community!

[@CHEVYCAMARO4GEN]

A Fn Burger with Panela! Fkkk I need to make a 1Hr trip to LA

[@Numbzy14]

That tortaloco style burger DAMN feels like I’m in Mexico

[@bunnyshmurda5772]

This was beautiful can’t wait to go to LA and try these places

[@doctorteethomega]

8:20 When you roll up to a food stall you're always getting Dad's food or Mom's food. It blows my mind that anyone would discriminate between the two. All respect to these two Moms for their community.

[@Bigmbrennan]

God damn those look so good.... fucking starving, these shows leave me with like a watering mouth and enraged that I live in the middle of no where...

[@ComaToastBear]

Thug burgers from the street 💯

[@nah3314]

Hell yea. I need some noms now

[@johnmarvinscott]

My partner and I love your show! We're learning tons about burger culture in America, plus...you're hilarious! Is there any chance you might do an episode or two on Canadian regional burgers? We're from Canada and would love to learn about Canadian burger culture from an expert!

[@nahles_]

Ain’t nobody gonna give you a better burger review than some big dudes

[@susangutierrez9878]

I love LA and this show!!!!

[@raulchavez5432]

Tell u what...I like how this show keeps it real AND how people have taken it upon themselves to keep making money even during the shutdowns.. they got really creative with theses burgers...they are looking really good right now..but I'm in Texas 🤤... great job guys..and god bless y'all 👍

[@snifey7694]

Shoutout to the mates who tirelessly runs society like these burger masters right now right here

[@claracolin8247]

Great episode! I need two single Tepics and an apple pie ASAP!!

[@El_Lu-Shin]

I absolutely loved this episode. Wanna go to L.A. as soon as I can travel.

[@jazminmascorro334]

It's not even worth it tbh. It's dirty and smells like piss everywhere.

[@El_Lu-Shin]

@@jazminmascorro334 So it is just like Valparaíso, Chile. I can handle it xD

[@ahf5471]

BLM is turning every major city into a shithole.

[@dhruvmehta7147]

Best episode! All the guests were epic

[@bilguunbulgan3402]

I just started watching this show and this is the most dude bro thing I’ve ever seen and I’m living for it

[@geekout368]

Yeeeeees! Knowing my home town of Tepic Nayarit was being represented was so unexpected I had to go back just to make sure I heard correctly. I’m also guessing the burger was a modified Or recreation of the local “hamburguesa especial” Ps: if anyone gets the chance to visit, locate the university “UAN” look for the bridge that leads to a little area with locales at the bottom and apartments on the second level, go between 9 pm and 1am (look for a little hamburger cart) ask the don for a heart attack, enjoy the most glorious burger that might well lead you to cardiac arrest.

[@ScratchMyNipple123]

THIS MAN SAID “THIS FOOOOD SLAPSSSSSS” Nawhhh man this show canceled now!!!

[@tootlesss]

Fr

[@pigeot911]

Prob a toronto boy

[@janoskopasz8618]

I love how the beeped out the name of the place but the left in the *impossible burger*.

[@leazyfpv5521]

Loved this episode.

[@Domdrok]

Alicia and Cecilia are adorable and I hope they do well.

[@aliciaw3347]

They have 18 years together and both BARELY look 30!

[@CHEVYCAMARO4GEN]

Yea I don’t believe it, but damn great for them

[@CasperInkyMagoo]

The one who’s oppressed by the male dominated hamburger scene?

[@lrrr9734]

@@CasperInkyMagoo Yeah the one who had "0% food experience"

[@KAR1492]

@@CasperInkyMagoo That really hurt your feelings huh?

[@GrmnMchn]

Lots of love to the LA Fat Kids, doing what Fat Kids do: Sharing the love that is NOMS.

[@mrhelvis07]

Loved loved loved!! This video! I’m hungry now!!

[@papapepe2232]

Just found your channel because of suggestion from the channel I was watching. The word burger was the bait and now I'm hooked. I'm on board and subscribed. 👍

[@giorgiosbovis6485]

I love how they show these hole in the wall spots, neighborhood treasures!

[@waldenh7668]

The quality just keeps going up, probably one of the best shows up right now

[@waldenh7668]

@@vearsan wanna bet 🥷

[@vearsan]

@Ross- A -Roni stop harassing me for enjoying Brads content

[@vearsan]

@Ross- A -Roni ur such a hero

[@RigSquad]

This is straight 🔥🔥🔥🔥 All Around 💪🏼

[@miserycord0666]

The 2 chefs from burgers 99 are freakin hilarious I hope they get more air time

[@keegs5632]

I used to say Hangaburs as a kid too! My brother said Hammerburger.

[@makeupgrl24]

There’s a burger pop up near me in OC called Hammer burger

[@Lil-Britches]

The attention to detail in the pies, damn picture perfect! I work in a restaurant its a fucking blast.

[@briandavis8698]

Love this show!

[@calvinthurston1441]

Wow ima hafta make that nayarit style!

[@MMMeza1026]

12:44-12:46 when D hits good 😂🤣

[@peetroar]

Alvin, good job bringing recognition to these local entrepreneurs

[@user-yy2zk1ni8t]

Wh..a..t..s..a..p..p....m..e +=1=7=8=1=3=6=9=5=1=0=4 G..e..t...I.n...t..o..u..c..h.

[@Alanmaycry]

Burger shows back on the road baby!!!

[@rmmm329]

“My most beautiful memories with burgers...” wait you have memories with burgers?