There is a special kind of mischief in following a friend’s pin out to a public golf course in Long Beach and discovering that the city’s most raved‑about burger is not in some glossy gastropub, but in a tiny spot called Crack tucked beside the greens. 🍔⛳
From the first smash of beef on the flat-top to the final drip of bacon jam down your wrist, this hidden gem burger joint has become the kind of place locals whisper about in burger forums and rave about in all‑caps group texts. 🤤🔥
How Crack won Long Beach’s hearts
Crack’s love story with Long Beach started with a simple, gutsy idea: set up serious smashburgers at the Bixby Village Golf Course and let word of mouth do the rest.
Chef‑owner David Trepanier built a lean, focused menu around just a handful of burgers and sides, and reviewers quickly noticed that when a place dedicates itself to being ridiculously good. 🧑🍳
The Bacon Jam Burger quickly became legend, with fans describing it as perfectly cooked, super juicy, and layered with a sweet‑savory bacon jam that hits like a cheat code—rich, slightly spicy, and dangerously addictive. 🍔
As more locals and food bloggers discovered the stand, the hype built fast: five‑star write‑ups, burger‑club pilgrimages, and constant chatter in food groups calling it one of the best burgers in Long Beach, CA.
Instead of pretending to be a traditional restaurant, it leans into the view over the course, dog-friendly outdoor seating, and a relaxed, almost backyard BBQ vibe that makes it ideal for grabbing a burger and beer after a round. 🍺⛳
Locals love that the menu is compact yet clever: just a few core burgers, like the Dirty and Ortega, plus additional items like mac and cheese, rotating sides, and occasional specials, such as pastrami tacos or smoked pulled pork.
Food Highlights
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Dirty Burger: One of the most‑ordered options after the bacon jam, the Dirty Burger stacks a smash patty with bacon jam, chipotle aioli, and cheddar, pushing all the rich, smoky, creamy buttons at once.
Regulars call it a must‑try for sauce lovers, praising how the combo of bacon jam and chipotle heat creates a layered, indulgent bite that still feels balanced instead of overwhelming. 🌶️🧀
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Bacon Jam Burger / Crack Smash Burger: The headliner that justifies the name, this burger features a smash‑style patty, melty cheese, and a house bacon jam with a sweet‑savory kick that fans describe as “OMG” and “lives up to the hype.”
It’s beloved because the burger stays incredibly juicy while the edges crisp up, and that sticky, slightly spicy bacon jam turns each bite into a full‑on flavor bomb that keeps people planning their next visit before they’ve finished the first burger. 🍔🔥
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Ortega Burger: This favorite leans into SoCal flavors with an Ortega chile, cheese, and Crack’s signature smash patty, creating a burger that’s comforting with just a touch of roasted pepper heat.
Fans appreciate the subtle spice and smoky chile aroma, saying it’s the go‑to order when you want something more interesting than a plain cheeseburger without straying into full fire‑breather territory.
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Dirty Fries: Originally, Crack skipped fries in favor of creative sides, but Dirty Fries have become a sleeper hit—crispy potatoes loaded with toppings like sauce, cheese, and sometimes bacon or burger bits, depending on the day.
Guests gush that they’re “delicious” and absolutely worth adding to any burger order, turning a simple side into a shareable, messy pile of comfort that eats almost like a second entrée. 🍟
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Dirty Girl Salad: A recurring favorite for those trying to lighten things up without sacrificing flavor, this salad gets shout‑outs for tasting “as good as a burger, if not better.”
It earns fans by delivering big flavor in a bowl, loaded with toppings and dressing that echo the burger menu, so you still feel like you’re in on the indulgence even when you skip the bun. 🥗
Atmosphere
Crack’s atmosphere is part golf‑course snack shack, part insider burger club.
You order steps away from the Bixby Village Golf Course, often within view of fairways and palm trees, then settle into casual outdoor seating that feels more like a hangout spot than a formal restaurant. ⛳🌴
The vibe is relaxed, dog‑friendly, and social—cold beer, root beer on tap, music, and staff who chat about specials and remember your favorites.
It’s the sort of place where you might roll up in golf shoes or flip‑flops and still feel like a regular, which only adds to its hidden‑gem charm.
Bottom Line
Crack is Long Beach’s worst‑kept burger secret, turning a golf‑course corner into a destination for insanely good smashburgers, creative sides, and laid‑back vibes.
Go for the Bacon Jam or Dirty Burger, stay for the Dirty Fries and mac, and leave plotting how soon you can come back. 🍔✨
Address:
6180 Bixby Village Dr, Long Beach, CA 90803
📞 (714) 561-7165
🕔 Typically open Tue-Sun 10 am-6 pm (closed Mon)