For many years, I had driven by Marty’s Hamburger Stand and had seen the tiny blue stand with people hovering around it, ordering or waiting for their food. A week or so ago, after running a lunchtime errand in the area, I told myself that if I could easily find parking, I would finally stop by and try their burger and fries. Lo and behold, there was a metered parking space right in front! Taking the cue from the universe, I parked and ordered my first meal.
I had a hankering for a double bacon burger lettuce wrap and was torn between tater tots and curly fries. It was a good omen when I was told I could get both. I watched as the burger patties were grilled and as the bag of packaged fresh lettuce wraps were brought from the back of the stand.
Everything came out perfectly. The lettuce was crisp and fresh, the burger patties were juicy and lightly seasoned and the bacon was crispy but not oily.
The tots had a fluffiness and lightness to them while the curly fries were enveloped in a delicious seasoning coating each curl.
It wasn’t the cheapest casual meal but considering the quality, it was totally worth the cost. I can’t believe it’s taken me 20 years to try out Marty’s Hamburger Stand, but if it makes things right, I’ll definitely be coming back for the next 20!
Marty’s Hamburger Stand
10558 W. Pico Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90064
https://www.restaurantji.com/ca/los-angeles/martys-hamburger-stand-/
I have driven by Atmosphere and its predecessor many times in the past several years. It seemed more of a breakfast or brunch place but I was surprised that it had a nice dinner offering. In the spirit of trying out new restaurants every week, I made a reservation for this evening and off we went.
When we arrived, we were able to find street parking on Venice half a block away. We entered the restaurant and were immediately greeted by our would-be server, Dennis. The main dining room was a third of the way full so plenty of seats were available. We chose a nice half booth, half table halfway into the dining room.
We started off with a nice glass of Chardonnay and a draft beer.
Our appetizers included a margarita flatbread which was crispy and delicious, a light and piping hot macaroni and cheese and a large delicious helping of a Brussels sprouts salad, sans raisins with crispy bacon on the side. The trio made for a nice welcoming treat to the bohemian vibe of the restaurant.
Our entrees arrived shortly after our appetizers were finished. I ordered the steak and Parmesan fries with mushroom sauce. The steak was quite juicy and tender and the mushroom sauce added a layer of complexity. Sadly, the Parmesan fries were flavorless and were the weakest part of my dinner experience.
My husband ordered a burger and his order came with the garlic fries which were far superior to my order of wimpy Parmesan fries. He seemed to enjoy his burger though admittedly, I didn’t partake so I cannot truthfully vouch for it. However, his plate was practically licked clean so there’s that.
Overall, for the price, ambiance, casual vibe and great service, Atmosphere is a solid choice in a neighborhood which has fancier and budget busting eats like The Mar Vista and Little Fatty which are both fine restaurants but take serious commitment to deal with the large and loud crowds and the much fatter dinner check.
We were quite happy with our unpretentious and delicious dining option and would recommend to all who are looking for a quiet, solid dining experience on the Westside.
Atmosphere Mar Vista
12034 Venice Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90066
https://www.atmospheremarvista.com
Grace Gambin
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