HACHÉ LA
SILVER LAKE BURGER FAVE TURNS ONE-YEAR-OLD

No matter how fancy we think our foodie tastes may be, there’s something special about a good burger. A damn “tasty burger” as Quinten Tarantino is fond of scribing just hits the spot. It’s the ultimate comfort food when done right. There’s your simple burger and your gourmet eats and they both have their special place in our hearts. Silver Lake upstart Haché LA is a burger stand that just gets it right.

A beloved American staple, the hamburger is as red, white and blue as it gets. Billed as a “new age burger stand,” although I don’t know what that means as there are no crystals abound, Haché LA on Sunset Boulevard in Silver Lake is definitely a neighborhood favorite winning over new fans every day with its adventurous burgers and delicious custards.

“Haché LA is my take on the burger,” says Executive Chef Michael “Mick” Schepers. “It is what I think a burger should be.”

Schepers’ burgers are stacked with fresh ingredients, from the ground gourmet steak patties and fluffy baked bun to the homemade secret sauce recipes and local farm-picked produce.

During our recent visit for a burger feast dinner, I was taken by the stand’s quaint and welcoming charm. There’s the indoor walk-up counter flanked by an outdoor, partially covered patio draped in reclaimed woods. There are wooden benches, bar stools and community tables that help foster a chill vibe. The menu is simple. There are five signature burgers, two homemade sides, six fresh-squeezed drinks, five flavors of frozen custard, as well as beer, wine and sangria.

With a cold Allagash in hand, we started with the Karma Burger prepared with karma sauce and American cheese and we added an egg for good measure. This, alongside Chef’s triple cooked fries, is as comforting as it gets. Between the secret sauce, cheese and egg, there’s a creamy and tangy layer of flavor to this popular burger.

The indulgent Roaring Fortiesburger, which is stacked with a grilled Portobello mushroom, blue cheese and horseradish, hits the spot. We added bacon to this bad boy to really make it soar. While you can pair your burger with wine or sangria, I’m a fan of Allagash and the two just worked so well together.

If you’re looking for a not so decadent or hearty burger, the Mediterraneanincludes spicy hummus, roasted red peppers and feta. For those who prefer their burgers with some heat, go for the Habanero, featuring a spicy four-chili mix of red bell pepper, habanero, jalapeño and Anaheim peppers with garlic mayo and queso fresco. FYI, you can make any burger a veggie burger and there are also gluten-free options to choose from.

Desserts are a specialty at Haché LA as their homemade frozen custards are a real treat. Our favorite was the Cookie Butter custard—and absolute revelation, decadent and delicious.

“The frozen custardsspeak for themselves,” says Schepers who brings these creamy ice-cold concoctions to life by whipping up his signature recipes and adding a little liquid nitrogen. Currently, there are five flavors to indulge in, including Cookie Butterdusted with chocolate cookie bits; the classic Bananas Foster; Strawberry Cheesecakewith chunks of cheesecake swirled into the blush-colored berry mixture; and the classic Vanilla Custard.

“When it comes down to it, this is not your typical burger joint,” says Schepers. “Not only are we mindful of every last ingredient that goes into our product, we are conscientious in regards to hospitality and we truly strive to give the customer what they want every time.”

HACHÉ LA is located at 3319 West Sunset Boulevard. Open every Sunday through Thursday from 11:30am to 11pm and every Friday and Saturday from 11:30am to Midnight. Call 323-928-2963.

Story by Jose Martinez

Some Photography Courtesy of: HACHÉ LA