Irv's is Saved

The news actually broke a few weeks ago, but I haven't had time to mention it till now. Irv's Burgers, a burger stand on the corner of Santa Monica and Sweetzer has been saved from the talons of the Coffee Bean.

Until recently, The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf was threatening to buy the space that now houses Irv's and build a coffee shop there instead. Evidently, the West Hollywood City Council has deemed Irv's a Cultural Resource allowing it to stay open. Only in LA.

Irv's, besides making a damn good burger, has been host to John Cassavettes, Shelly Winters, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin and many more during their formative years. The stand even made it onto the gatefold of Linda Ronstadt's Living in America album. First Opened in 1950, Irv's is a perfect example of Hollywoods dwindling burger shack that, along with the drive-in, thrived in the town until coorporate fast-food took over the landscape.

Currently owned by the Hong family, who play gracious host to everyone who stops by. I'm not kidding, these people are the nicest humans to ever put a meat patty in front of your face. In fact they hand sign each one with a big thanks on the styrofoam plate.

Their hours are limited (closed sundays and only open till 8 on weekdays, but stop on by for a treat and discover why this place deserves to stay.