One of my favorite challenges as a parent is to integrate my three-and-half-year-old’s needs and wants with my personal needs and wants, wherever and whenever possible.

This past weekend, June desired beachside fun and sun, while I craved a really good burger, so we headed to Santa Monica, where all could be found in abundance.

After spending the morning at the original Muscle Beach and then at Pacific Park, lunch was in order at HiHo Cheeseburger.  Opened last summer by a few folks also behind Sugarfish, HiHo serves grass-fed Wagyu beef cheeseburgers that have been garnering the heartiest of raves. Needless to say, expectations were primed sky-high.

The Astronomer and I both ordered the Double HiHo Cheeseburger made with 1/3 pound of  house-ground, mustard-grilled beef ($6.95). The fixings included American cheese, ketchup, onion jam, lettuce, and house-made pickles, all on a house-baked bun.

My first bite was so good that I immediately forgot how terrible traffic was driving from Altadena to Santa Monica on a Saturday morning. My second bite was so good that I forgot how difficult it was to find parking in the area. My third bite was so good that I forgot how much I forked over for the previously mentioned difficult parking.

By the time I polished off my double-decker cheeseburger, any and all ill will that snowballed from earlier in the day was melted into sublime burger bliss. Mmm…

The hand-cut fries ($4), golden, crisp, and lightly salted, were a fantastic accompaniment. Just a swipe of Heinz and we were good to go.

To finish, a chilled slice of house-made Key lime pie ($5). From the crumbly graham crust to the perfectly balanced filling, this slice o’ pie was terrific.

I’d make the trek to HiHo again in a heartbeat.

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HiHo Cheeseburger
1320 2nd Street B
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Phone: 310-469-7250

One year ago: {swoon} Tuna Tostada at Contramar – Mexico City
Two years ago: Shake Shack – Las Vegas
Three years ago: Maude Restaurant – Beverly Hills
Four years ago: SLACKER
Five years ago: Breakfast at Good Girl Dinette – Highland Park
Six year ago: Sweethome Grill – San Gabriel
Seven years ago: Rhubarb and Raspberry Crostata
Eight years ago: Buy Me Some Garlic Fries and Dodger Dogs…
Nine years ago: The Donut Man – Glendora
Ten years ago: Vegetation Profile: Durian
Eleven years ago: Pecan Spice Layer Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting