The Bucket
Los Angeles, CA 90041-3214
Phone: (323) 257-5654
- Cross Street:
- Avenue 45
- Hours:
- Mon-Sat 12pm-7pm
Editorial Review for The Bucket – by Randi Schmelzer
In Short
Though it's had different owners over the years, this pint-sized eatery has tended to Angelenos burger cravings since 1935. In all that time, the restaurant's decor--consisting of little more than beer-promotion banners--hasn't changed much. Happily for patrons, neither has its menu: The focus is strictly on sloppy sandwiches and on-tap beer. A house specialty, the Cardiac Burger, is two patties with lettuce, tomato, pickles, grilled onions, mushrooms, bacon, ham, cheese and mayo; it's impossible to eat it without making a mess. Another special, the Wet Style Bucket, comes topped with "secret-recipe" spicy mustard sauce; a fork is mandatory, as the bun practically disintegrates upon arrival. On the side, fries come traditional or round cut; either way, they're served ample, hot and greasy.
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Insider Tips
Know Before You GoThe restaurant only accepts cash. You won't need a whole lot of it, but do come prepared.
The ExtrasVegetarians, too, can experience the legend that is The Bucket. The menu's meat-free option, the Mushroom Burger, is a bun topped with sauteed mushrooms, onions, cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles and ketchup.
Where to SitThe tiny indoor space is just big enough for the grill and a few seats at an L-shaped counter. Outside, there's plenty of room on the trellis-covered porch.
User Reviews for The Bucket
06/03/2008 Posted by camtom
Ate their last week and cannot understand the excitement. 6 of us went for lunch on a Friday. There were maybe 10 other people at the restaurant but it took 15 minutes before they took our order. Burger was unevenly cooked (well in some areas and medium rare in others) and the verde salsa was slopped all over and made the bun soggy. Must say the fries are probably the worst I have ever had -- how can fries get soggy? Onion rings are way overly breaded but still lacked taste. That being said, of the 6 of us: 3 voted "bad" 1 voted "ok" 2 voted good Guess that is what makes America, America
Pros: Nice Patio
Cons: Slow service to receive horrible food
05/21/2008 Posted by feastorafamine
Ok...So i finally tried what some foodie reviewers were describing as LA's best burger. I stopped in for some lunch and luckily they were open. I guess their hours are a bit vague. I ordered the Bucket burger w/chedder and fries. First up let me address the fries. They are described as something between regular fries and a chip. Sounds great but nowhere close. In fact they were soggy, no crisp at all. You do however get a ton of fries, practically an entire white styrophome to go container in fact. I was dissapointed as i was looking forward to some piping hot crispy fries. Perhaps they simply rushed frying them up?? Oh well onto the burger. In short is a typical restaurant burger. Mine was undercooked and slightly raw in the center. Its huge though, large 1/2 pound patties and the toppings were relatively fresh. The burger ordered after me had two slices of cheese on it and mine was adorned with only one. This might have been due to the fact that the fry cook was on a lunch break when i arrived and my order was started by who i assume must have been the owner. I liked the quaint atmoshpere, its a tiny room but it has a nice patio. They also serve beer so i imagine if the food were better, i could see myself drinking a brew outside on a hot day. Bummer. I hoped to like this place because its not far from my work. Truth be told i prefer Rick's burgers to the Bucket. I am not sure if i will go back. Had everything been cooked better and the prices a tad lower it would be on my regular lunch routine. Sadly for $10 and high praise from reviewers i expected more. Happy eating folks.
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