The City of Los Angeles is home to some of the most creative culinary institutions in the world—beloved restaurants that don’t scrimp on the flavor, the imagination, the elegance, or the class. But for as great a city as it is for fine dining, there are times when you don’t really want a silver-plated entrée or a tasteful appetizer. There are times when what you really want is to sink your teeth into a big, juicy burger—and on that front, Los Angeles doesn’t disappoint. In fact, it’s no exaggeration to call this a burger-loving city—and its culinary scene encompasses some of the country’s most notable burger joints.

In fact, the hard part is deciding which of Los Angeles’ decadent burgers you want to try first.

We can’t decide for you, but we can help you narrow it down. After the jump, we’ll list a few of our picks for LA’s best burger spot.

Contenders: The Best Burger in Los Angeles?

Pono Burger. A joint with strong California flavor and a decidedly tropical vibe, this is the place you turn to when the burger you’re after is made with organic beef, cooked on a wood-burning grill, and served on a brioche bun. The hippie undercurrents don’t do a thing to distract from the decadence and deliciousness of this burger. Turkey and veggie burgers are also available, and they’re unbelievable.

Umami Burger. Here’s another one that’s made with love and offered with a range of organic ingredients. Umami is so-named because it strives to maximize that beefy, meaty taste that makes burgers so addictive and irresistible—and in our opinion, they’ve succeeded mightily. Even the black bean burger is mouth-wateringly good.

Stout Burgers and Beers. Oh, yeah. Talk about a filling, flavorful menu! This burger joint is known for its beef, all ground in house and served up with an array of toppings that include various cheeses, bacon, arugula, and more. And oh yeah: This is also a great place to snag a beer!

Birch. This Hollywood establishment is at the higher end, but is a great place to grab a tasty burger and a classy cocktail. The one to order is the Birch Burger, which includes not just all-natural beef but also pork belly and even a red orange marmalade! Yum!

The Golden State. Many of the best burger joints are marked by their simplicity, and this one is no exception. It’s all about world-class ingredients and an unfussy presentation. The burgers are hand-shaped and the toppings are all picked fresh—nothing fancy, but it’s all oh so good.

There are plenty more great places to grab a burger in LA—so tell us: Which burger joint are we missing?