When a burger stand survives 79 years on Route 66, temporarily closes, and comes roaring back stronger than ever, you know the burgers are worth the wait. 🍔
Irv’s Burgers first opened in West Hollywood in 1946 as Queen’s Burgers—one of the original roadside burger stands in Los Angeles history—before legendary owner Irv Genis renamed it in 1970.
After beloved owner Sonia Hong and her family operated the iconic stand from 2000 to 2018, creating unforgettable memories with her famous “Just for you” paper plate doodles, the restaurant temporarily closed. ✨
Thanks to entrepreneur Lawrence Longo and Hollywood agent Brad Slater’s investment, plus massive community support, Irv’s reopened in 2022 and has since exploded to multiple locations across California and Nevada.
The Malibu location at Cross Creek Road brings that legendary Route 66 experience to beachgoers who crave juicy pressed-to-order burgers made from fresh-ground chuck and brisket daily.
How Irv’s Burgers won locals’ hearts
The secret to Irv’s nearly eight-decade dominance lies in fresh-ground chuck and brisket pressed to order on a hot griddle—creating crispy edges and juicy centers that captivated celebrities from Jim Morrison to Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. 💙
When Queen’s Burgers opened in 1946, it caught attention with a cheeky sign declaring “No Lobster, Just Burgers”—establishing the no-frills, quality-focused approach that continues today.
Through the golden era of Laurel Canyon music in the 60s and 70s, celebrities like Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix, and Linda Ronstadt hung out at Irv’s, cementing its status as a cultural landmark beyond just food.
The restaurant survived devastating challenges—eviction in 2013, relocation in 2014, and closure in 2018—because devoted customers rallied around Sonia Hong with such passion that fans literally signed up to work there for free. 🙌
Longo’s 2022 revival brought Sonia back behind the counter where she belongs, preserving her iconic hospitality while modernizing operations with culinary director Armen Piskoulian from Oui Melrose.
The unbeatable value proposition delivers Irv’s build-your-own burger at just $1.38 per ounce—nearly half the cost of In-N-Out’s $2.10 per ounce with double the meat.
Customer reviews consistently praise the seasoned-to-perfection patties, fresh vegetables, generous portions, and reasonable prices that make Irv’s feel like discovering a secret locals have protected for generations. 🍟
The signature Irv’s sauce—tangy, creamy, and perfectly balanced—elevates every burger into something memorable without overwhelming the quality beef flavor.
Brady’s Way burger option donates proceeds to Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, allowing customers to enjoy incredible food while supporting sick children—a perfect embodiment of Irv’s community-first values.
The restaurant’s rapid expansion to 1041.9% growth from 2022-2024 earned them recognition as LA’s #2 fastest-growing company, proving quality and history create unstoppable momentum. 🚀
Food Highlights
Irv’s Original Roadside Burger: Fresh-ground 4oz chuck and brisket patty pressed to order with American cheese, Irv’s sauce, lettuce, tomato, onions, and pickles on a butter-toasted bun—the classic that started it all and keeps customers coming back for 79 years
Best Burger on “The Menu”: Double 4oz patties with American cheese, Irv’s sauce, grilled onions, and pickles on a toasted sesame bun—customers describe this as seasoned to perfection with an incredible crust that rivals any gourmet burger joint 🥩
Patty Melt: Double burger patty with American cheese, grilled onions, and Irv’s sauce on toasted rye bread—a customer favorite that transforms classic diner comfort into something extraordinary
Turkey Burger: Turkey patty with cheddar cheese, onions, hatch green chiles, Irv’s sauce, lettuce, and tomato on a toasted sesame bun—perfect for health-conscious diners who refuse to compromise on flavor 🌶️
Pastrami Sandwich: RC Provisions pastrami with mustard and pickle on toasted rye bread—generous portions of quality pastrami that customers rave about in hundreds of glowing reviews
Chili Cheese Fries: Crispy golden fries topped with RC Provisions chili con carne and melted cheddar cheese—customers praise the solid chili that’s flavorful without being greasy
Atmosphere
The Malibu location captures Route 66 roadside charm with a walk-up window format that evokes 1940s California burger culture in the heart of modern Malibu.
Outdoor patio seating provides pleasant ocean-breeze dining perfect for families, friends, or solo diners enjoying burgers after a beach day. 🌊
The casual, welcoming vibe encourages quick lunches or leisurely meals where you can savor every bite without pretension or rush.
Counter service keeps things efficient, with friendly staff who genuinely care about creating positive experiences for every customer who walks up to order.
Bottom Line
79 years of Route 66 history serving celebrities, locals, and travelers with unwavering commitment to quality since 1946.
Fresh-ground chuck and brisket pressed to order daily creating crispy crusts and juicy interiors that justify the legendary reputation.
Best burger value in America at $1.38 per ounce—nearly half In-N-Out’s price with superior quality and double the meat.
Community-first values exemplified by Brady’s Way option that donates to Children’s Hospital Los Angeles with every purchase.
Iconic Irv’s sauce and butter-toasted buns that transform simple ingredients into unforgettable flavor experiences. 🏆
Address: 23401 Cross Creek Road, Bldg 1, Malibu, CA 90265
đź“ž (310) 300-1946
🕔 Open Mon-Sun, 11:00 AM–10:00 PM