Joyce “Mom” McLaurin opened Mom’s Burgers over three decades ago to bring simple yet immensely satisfying fast-food style fare to the neighborhood. Stroll up to the window to place your order, and then wait for a gentle tap on the Plexiglas window to signal when it’s ready to be picked up.
Waits can be a bit long since everything is made to order, so call ahead for a curbside pickup or better yet, bump to the slow jams blasting from the speakers or partake in an impromptu game of chess. Both work up an appetite quite nicely. Once the goods are in hand, grab a seat at one of the stools along the counter or at the umbrella-shaded tables hidden beside the building.
The shop’s most popular burger and my personal favorite is “The Chronic,” a double patty situation with thick-cut bacon and a fried egg in addition to the regular cast of toppings—shredded iceberg lettuce, chopped white onions, ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, pickles, and a slice of tomato. The bun is of the squishy commercial variety, while the meat is hand-formed and well-seasoned with salt and coarse-ground pepper. Griddled on a flattop, the patty is cooked through and beautifully caramelized.
The Chronic’s flavors and textures come together like few others can, flooding each mouthful with cheesy, savory, and tangy satisfaction. Mom’s Burgers never fails to hit the spot.
—
Mom’s Burgers
336 West Alondra Boulevard
Compton, CA 90220
Phone: 310-632-6622
One year ago: Peppermint Sandwich Cookies with Candy Cane Bits (or Homemade Candy Cane Joe-Joe’s)
Two years ago: Sweet Lady Jane – Los Angeles (Santa Monica)
Three years ago: Pumpkin Gingerbread Trifle
Four years ago: Din Tai Fung – Arcadia
Five years ago: Hủ Tiếu Bò Kho
Six years ago: The Great American Detox Diet – Alex Jamieson
Crazy story time:
I have a friend who works as a legal intern at the DA’s office in Compton. He always asks me about places to eat down there, so one day I tell him to hit up Mom’s Chronic. Then he tells me that the DA employees never go there because the county has apparently traced funds from Mom’s to the Acacia Blocc Crips. Real talk.
Oh well, more burgers for me. If HSBC can get away with it, why shouldn’t Mom’s.
OMG that burger looks so good I just demanded my cousin go taste one! It’s on the list for the next trip to Cali.
You are really getting all over town in this project. Dunno if I would go to Compton for a burger, but it looks mighty fine.
I really want to gnaw on the crunchy bit of fried egg hanging out the edge of that burger. Or, more accurately, take a bite of it. Because, you know, I do that.
aww yeeeah. I love how smushed it is.