Stopped by this neighborhood burger joint during CicLAvia, that brings thousands into Boyle Heights and creates a significant business opportunity for local restaurants like Jim’s. Unfortunately, this place was not prepared and made it very clear that outside customers were more of a burden than a welcome presence.
The food was good. The bacon cheeseburger was solid, though noticeably light on lettuce — likely rationed due to the crowd or simply being stingy. The chili cheese fries were great. If I were reviewing food alone, this would be a positive review. But service and customer experience matter — and this place failed badly on both.
The person taking orders — one of two more mature women at the counter — was visibly frustrated with customers. If you weren’t already familiar with their specific ordering system (combo first, drink next, THEN any modifications), you were met with attitude and impatience. Asking if you could substitute regular fries for chili cheese fries was treated as an annoyance. No effort to guide new customers, no patience, just outright rudeness.
Then the staff took turns shouting order numbers into the speakers and getting more irritated when people didn’t hear them. This was during all the event music, noise, and people having a good time — yet instead of adjusting to the environment, they just got louder and more aggressive. It created a stressful, chaotic atmosphere that made eating there unpleasant.
To top it off, they charge $0.25 to use the restroom — a petty and unwelcoming policy, especially on a high-traffic day when they were clearly benefiting from the event turnout. I’m surprised they didn’t charge for squares of TP.
Here’s the real issue: If you’re going to stay open during a major event like CicLAvia, you need to be ready. That means bringing in your full staff, paying overtime, and putting your most capable and welcoming employees at the front. If that’s too much to manage, then don’t open that day. The alternative — staying open underprepared, visibly overwhelmed, and actively rude to paying customers — isn’t acceptable. If you can’t provide basic hospitality and keep your operation running smoothly, you should take the day off. And maybe consider a display system that shows ready orders and direct guest to watch that.
People chose to support this local business over a chain, and instead were met with disorganization, hostility, and poor service. The food may have been good, but the experience ensures I won’t be back.
(The video doesn’t show the worst of the yelling but gives you an idea of the experience.)
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 3
Service: 1
Recommended dishes: Chili Fries
Sam Wilsenson
Classic local burger stand. The burgers are juicy, and the chili fries are loaded. Staff are quick and efficient. Parking is limited, but service is fast. Always hits the spot
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
gene gilbeaux
Best grilled cheese in LA
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ri Pe
Who makes a bean and cheese burrito with AMERICAN CHEESE?! THINK OF THE LAST TIME YOU MADE A BEAN AND CHEESE BURRITO AND THREW A SLICE OF AMERICAN CHEESE IN IT, NO ONE DOES IT!! It's not even real cheese, legally you can't even call it a bean and cheese burrito. You need to rename it to BEAN AND PROCESSED CHEESE PRODUCT BURRITO! I'm not sure what other corners these people are cutting to make their food but I won't be back to find out!
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Aaron Cabral
You can’t beat Jim’s Burgers for a classic charbroiled old style burger. Good fries as well.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Michael Rodriguez
I ordered the Pastrami Combo they gave me lots of fries and was flavorful, so far #1 best tasting. the Pastrami itself taste like it was cooked with a beef broth and make the sandwich itself every more delicious 10/10 will come back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Reyes Gallardo
you can not get free refill,other restaurants charge around $0.50 cents for refill but i was asked to PURCHASE another drink.C'mon
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 3
Cynthia Arevalo
Delicious Combo Breakfast of Pancakes!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Breakfast
Andres Martinez
Hispanic woman was rude, you can tell she hates her job.
THEY TAKE FORVER! You’ll be in the drive-through for almost an hour just to get your food.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 3
Ben Aqi
They changed their frys. I don't like them
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Super Soaker
I've been coming here for years, never remember having a bad meal and the staff have ALWAYS treated me amazing. Even the manager has been really nice. Would recommend.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: French Fries, Chili Fries, Hamburger, Breakfast, Burgers
Stopped by this neighborhood burger joint during CicLAvia, that brings thousands into Boyle Heights and creates a significant business opportunity for local restaurants like Jim’s. Unfortunately, this place was not prepared and made it very clear that outside customers were more of a burden than a welcome presence.
The food was good. The bacon cheeseburger was solid, though noticeably light on lettuce — likely rationed due to the crowd or simply being stingy. The chili cheese fries were great. If I were reviewing food alone, this would be a positive review. But service and customer experience matter — and this place failed badly on both.
The person taking orders — one of two more mature women at the counter — was visibly frustrated with customers. If you weren’t already familiar with their specific ordering system (combo first, drink next, THEN any modifications), you were met with attitude and impatience. Asking if you could substitute regular fries for chili cheese fries was treated as an annoyance. No effort to guide new customers, no patience, just outright rudeness.
Then the staff took turns shouting order numbers into the speakers and getting more irritated when people didn’t hear them. This was during all the event music, noise, and people having a good time — yet instead of adjusting to the environment, they just got louder and more aggressive. It created a stressful, chaotic atmosphere that made eating there unpleasant.
To top it off, they charge $0.25 to use the restroom — a petty and unwelcoming policy, especially on a high-traffic day when they were clearly benefiting from the event turnout. I’m surprised they didn’t charge for squares of TP.
Here’s the real issue: If you’re going to stay open during a major event like CicLAvia, you need to be ready. That means bringing in your full staff, paying overtime, and putting your most capable and welcoming employees at the front. If that’s too much to manage, then don’t open that day. The alternative — staying open underprepared, visibly overwhelmed, and actively rude to paying customers — isn’t acceptable. If you can’t provide basic hospitality and keep your operation running smoothly, you should take the day off. And maybe consider a display system that shows ready orders and direct guest to watch that.
People chose to support this local business over a chain, and instead were met with disorganization, hostility, and poor service. The food may have been good, but the experience ensures I won’t be back.
(The video doesn’t show the worst of the yelling but gives you an idea of the experience.)
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 3
Service: 1
Recommended dishes: Chili Fries
Classic local burger stand. The burgers are juicy, and the chili fries are loaded. Staff are quick and efficient. Parking is limited, but service is fast. Always hits the spot
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Best grilled cheese in LA
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Who makes a bean and cheese burrito with AMERICAN CHEESE?! THINK OF THE LAST TIME YOU MADE A BEAN AND CHEESE BURRITO AND THREW A SLICE OF AMERICAN CHEESE IN IT, NO ONE DOES IT!! It's not even real cheese, legally you can't even call it a bean and cheese burrito. You need to rename it to BEAN AND PROCESSED CHEESE PRODUCT BURRITO! I'm not sure what other corners these people are cutting to make their food but I won't be back to find out!
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
You can’t beat Jim’s Burgers for a classic charbroiled old style burger. Good fries as well.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I ordered the Pastrami Combo they gave me lots of fries and was flavorful, so far #1 best tasting. the Pastrami itself taste like it was cooked with a beef broth and make the sandwich itself every more delicious
10/10 will come back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
you can not get free refill,other restaurants charge around $0.50 cents for refill but i was asked to PURCHASE another drink.C'mon
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 3
Delicious Combo Breakfast of Pancakes!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Breakfast
Hispanic woman was rude, you can tell she hates her job.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Recommended dishes: French Fries, Burgers
Best burgers in East LA!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
THEY TAKE FORVER! You’ll be in the drive-through for almost an hour just to get your food.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 3
They changed their frys. I don't like them
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I've been coming here for years, never remember having a bad meal and the staff have ALWAYS treated me amazing. Even the manager has been really nice. Would recommend.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: French Fries, Chili Fries, Hamburger, Breakfast, Burgers
kitchen staff should wear gloves !
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 2
Service: 1
Exelent service and delicious hamburgers
Loading...