Los Angeles’s Highland Park neighborhood discovered exceptional burgers when Jose opened The Beast Burger food truck in 2021.
The owner worked as a chef during the pandemic before the movie Chef inspired him to quit and open his own mobile operation.
Three years later, his bison burger with black peppercorn aioli and bacon onion fig jam earns praise from customers who grind their own chuck at home.
Why Burger Snobs Call This Better Than Umami and Nepenthe
The Beast Burger’s signature bison patty arrives juicy and flavorful with perfect cooking that self-proclaimed snobs rank among the best anywhere.
Customers who grind their own grass-fed chuck and trim connective tissue call this definitely the best food truck burger they’ve encountered.
Even well-done orders emerge surprisingly juicy thanks to thick patties and Jose’s technique developed through years of professional chef experience.
How a Movie Inspired a Chef to Build Highland Park’s Burger Destination
Jose and his family operate the truck at 5042 York Blvd in Highland Park’s walkable area near vintage shops and parks.
The menu focuses on four consistently great burger options plus rotating monthly specials that keep regulars curious about new creations.
House-made Piri Piri wings complement burgers while Beast Style fries get topped with melted cheese, Beast sauce, and bacon like souped-up animal fries.
Food Highlights
- The Beast Burger: Bison patty with black peppercorn aioli, bacon onion fig jam, smoked cheese, and arugula on soft buttery brioche.
- Stinky Bacon Burger: Blue cheese dressing, caramelized onions, bacon, gruyere, and arugula create bold flavor combinations food trucks rarely execute.
- California King: Classic beef burger with Beast sauce, lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions, and cheddar hits familiar notes perfectly.
- Anti-Beast: Grilled portobello with sofrito, arugula, and vegan chipotle aioli satisfies vegetarians without compromising flavor.
- Seasoned Garlic Parmesan Fries: Well-seasoned fries with plenty of cheese that customers occasionally scrape off due to generous portions.
- Breakfast Burrito: Loaded with eggs, cheese, hashbrowns, and optional bacon for morning or drag brunch crowds.
Atmosphere
The food truck operates from Highland Park’s walkable York Boulevard corridor near vintage shops and parks for post-meal exploring.Small outdoor seating area accommodates guests who want to eat on-site rather than taking orders to-go.
The surrounding area stays clean with no garbage strewn around, maintaining pleasant vibes despite food truck operational limitations.Limited parking during busy times requires street hunting though the walkable neighborhood makes finding spots less critical.
Chef Gabriel and Chef Jose personally run the truck with kindness and passion that customers specifically mention in glowing reviews.Orders take less than 15 minutes typically, with fresh preparation that never feels rushed despite efficient service.
Bottom Line
The Beast Burger proves food trucks can compete with brick-and-mortar burger joints when chefs pour heart into every order.
The bison burger with bacon onion fig jam justifies seeking out the Highland Park location despite limited parking challenges.
When the movie Chef inspires a pandemic chef to quit and three years later burger snobs call it better than Umami, you found something special.
Address: The Beast Burger 5042 York Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90042
📞 (316) 618-6599
🕐 Wed 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM | Thu 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM | Fri-Sat 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Sun 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM | Closed Mon-Tue
Highland Park | Outdoor seating | Dogs allowed | Catering available