Bill Elwell has been plugging away on the flattop grill since he bought this Van Nuys burger stand in 1965. Regulars from the early days know it as Bill’s Hamburgers, while newer fans refer to it as Bill and Hiroko’s. The latter addition is a nod to Hiroko Wilcox, Bill’s lovely wife who helps him run the place.

Grab a seat at the L-shaped counter to watch the master at work—the best spots are the two stools closest to the grill. Patio seating away from the meat and grease is also available for those who prefer some solitude with their lunch.

With hamburgers, sandwiches, and hotdogs on hand, the menu is extensive for a two-man show but not overly so. Most everyone orders a burger.

Bill’s signature burger ($4.20) is a simple but immensely satisfying creation padded with iceberg lettuce, a thin slice of tomato, a couple of dill pickles, chopped onions, and mayonnaise. Commercial buns are toasted till crisped and browned, while patties are cooked all the way though. Thick slices of American cheese and additional meat patties can and should be added to build a better burger. I regret not making mine a double.

While Bill’s signature burger is a simple and satisfying creation, it’s his double-decker patty melt that deserves your attention. Two slices of rye are buttered and griddled ‘til crisp-golden, while a duo of patties are cooked all the way though. Thick slices of American cheese and a smattering of chopped and grilled onions add the finishing touches. Meat, cheese, bread, onions…what more do you really need?

Bill’s Burgers is open Tuesday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. To learn more about the man behind the flattop, check out his profile on Eater LA.

—

Bill’s Burgers
14742 Oxnard Street
Van Nuys, CA 91411
Phone: 818-785-4086

One year ago: Pho Hai Kieu – San Gabriel
Two years ago: Fair Oaks Burger – Altadena
Three years ago: Suburban Years: Lessons Learned in Home Buying
Four years ago: Knuckle & Claw – Los Angeles (Silverlake)
Five years ago: Flour + Water – San Francisco
Six year ago: Xiao Long Bao in Shanghai: Xiao Jin Ling
Seven years ago: Proof Bakery – Los Angeles (Atwater Village)
Eight years ago: Dinner at Farmshop – Los Angeles (Santa Monica)
Nine years ago: Flour Bakery + Cafe – Boston
Ten years ago: Corton – New York City
Eleven years ago: Cơm Gà Xối Mỡ – Vietnamese Fried Chicken
Twelve years ago: Chuối Nếp Nướng
Thirteen years ago: Irish Pub – Philadelphia