Kosher burgers were not really the highest priority on my list but living in LA, near me, they are a reality. Never being more than a wild hair that intrigued me, especially after I have embraced cheese as another level of fat to add to the flavor (an unpermitted contradiction for this style), I did not seek this out. However, a few nights ago I was looking to have a late night burger at a place close enough to me, where I would not have to spend too much, and chose to dine at a spot that seemed to be a relatively safe choice, according to Kosher/Food enthusiasts.

Judging by the amount of traffic at 9:30 p.m. on a Tuesday evening it seemed that Jeff’s Gourmet Kosher Sausage Factory was genuinely a hit with the locals, boating more in even after I left. Good omens abounded.

I surveyed the menu affixed to the wall, tracing over the multitude of sausages served with obligatory accompaniment (i.e. mergez sausage with cucumber and other veggies) on French Rolls that were offered and, instead, remained resolved, by ordering the burger. My buddy had ordered the sausage, so my curiosity would be assuaged, if only vicariously…unless he shared.

The meals arrived shortly thereafter, true to style. Sitting in a paper basket a seeded bun filled with a thin patty of meat (roughly ¼ inch thick) abed shredded lettuce, with a ring of tomato, a pickle and chopped white onion. It was simple and enjoyable, and for not pretending to be anything other than a burger for five dollars, I was happy. There was nothing distinguishing this place from many of the other places that I liked so much but it nailed that classic context that I hold dear. Honestly I think the hotdog looked more exciting and my buddy said it was pretty good but the burger held up its end of the bargain.

We left, only to watch more patrons take our place in an endless rush on kosher fast food. I was thrilled that Jeff’s lived up to its esteemed reputation, delivering value with a kosher seal.