Burger City Grill: Taking on In 'n' Out in the South Bay?

Burger City Grill, or BCG as it prefers, is spreading across the South Bay, bringing fun burger and fry concepts through Lomita, Downey and [coming 2017] Torrance. The growing fast-casual chain offers a simple, yet substantive menu that includes specialty burgers and fries, milkshakes, beer on tap and more than 100 soft drinks [thank you Coca Cola Freestyle machines]. 

BCG speaks to those looking for fresh ingredients and a bit of ‘hip and trendy,’ with a lot of affordability. Burgers deliver beautiful flavor, with the kicker on each being a crispy, buttered brioche bun. Fries are thick and hearty, and shakes are made in-house. BCG has about a half-dozen beers on tap that include Fat Tire and Firestone Walker 805 among others, which go well with sports broadcast on TV’s across the clean-cut dining area. Not a bad setup for a place where burgers start at under $5 with most hovering around $6 – 7.

The Cali is a natural favorite, topped with applewood smoked bacon and avocado, as well as the city slicker, with bacon and BBQ sauce. The shroomer features excellent grilled mushrooms, and would be a prime candidate for BCG’s turkey or veggie patty substitution. The BCG fries should be a top priority, clearly constructed to mimic In ’n’ Out’s animal-style fries…though at BCG you can't argue with the added bacon.

The biggest critiques here come with the chili—just not that into it—and the shakes—which are a bit overpriced compared to everything else and need some mix-in options like oreos, chocolate sauce and caramel to elevate the selection. 

In the end, Burger City Grill joins those looking to rise above traditional fast food and offer fresh, fun food with sound prices in mind. 

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