When asking yourself about something to do near me in Los Angeles with a group of friends or family, consider
Original Tommy's
Why Original Tommy's is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Original Tommy's is an iconic fast-food restaurant founded in 1946 by Tom Koulax, the son of Greek immigrants, starting from a small stand at the corner of Beverly and Rampart Boulevards in Los Angeles. What makes Original Tommy's a fantastic place to meet up with friends is its rich tradition of serving world-famous chili-topped hamburgers and hot dogs known for their bold, hearty flavors. The casual, fast service atmosphere allows for quick gatherings where you can indulge in comfort food that's a beloved part of Los Angeles culinary culture.
Over the decades, Original Tommy's has grown from a humble stand to a chain of 32 locations mainly in California, with a few extending into Nevada. Highlights include the famous chili burgers, chili hot dogs, and the unique ability to put their signature chili on nearly anything—fries, tamales, or alone. The original location still stands as a testament to its enduring popularity. The venue is great for enjoying greasy, flavorful food with friends who appreciate a nostalgic taste of a Los Angeles institution. The clean, often not overcrowded locations with fast service add to a relaxed meetup environment where the focus is on good food and good company.
Here's what people think of Original Tommy's
As of recent, Original Tommy's holds a 4.6-star rating based on 9941 reviews.
Reviews of Original Tommy's consistently praise its chili burgers as the best in the Los Angeles area, celebrated for their rich, flavorful chili and satisfying portion sizes. Positive reviews highlight the quality and taste of the food, fast and friendly service, and the comfortable, clean environment at many locations, particularly the Hollywood Boulevard store which is noted for its spotless and well-managed setup. Customers appreciate the variety offered beyond the chili burgers, including hot dogs, tamales, shakes, and soft drinks. Many reviewers stress that while the food is indulgently greasy and not health-focused, it's perfect for comfort food cravings and casual meet-ups.
On the critical side, some mention that the food's heavy and spicy nature may not suit everyone's dietary preferences or health considerations. A few note that some locations can be busier at peak times, affecting wait times. However, the overall sentiment remains strongly positive, rooted in the authenticity and tradition of Original Tommy's chili recipe and its role as a local favorite.
In conclusion, user reviews depict Original Tommy's as a beloved fast-food destination with a loyal following. The positives overwhelmingly center on the unique chili-driven menu and customer service, while negatives are minor and mostly relate to the indulgent nature of the food and occasional crowding. Original Tommy's maintains a reputation as a great spot for casual, flavorful dining experiences with friends.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Everardo Reyes
I have fond memories about this place, been coming here since around 2004... The chili burgers and fries are delicious and it the history and hype that this venue has is well deserved. Wether you are hungry at night and decide to grab a late night burger or coming with friends this is a must stop when you visit Los Angeles. Service is a little lacking but I understand that its probably the amount of people they get.
Aush Jerez
For once I wanted to try something new. The caliente burger , and they got my order wrong. CHARGE ME for a regular burger, all because the old lady cook flirting with the old man cashier. Worse costumer service. I been coming here since I was 10 years old. It’s been 20 years of my loyalty. But I’m done. They’ll lost me. If they put more effort into making sure the order is done correctly instead of flirting. Maybe they would get it right.
Richard Buttery
Classic Tommy's in downtown Beverly and rampant location.. I waited in a line at the original stand on the corner .. I liked the old days where soda came of out a cooler and no fries back then but chips but times have changed still being there took me back to a time where there wasn't all the locations as there are now and you had to journey to get the taste that is the original Tommy's
Jon P.
We stopped by Original Tommy’s late one evening after arriving at LAX, and it was nice to see it still bustling with customers and delivery drivers at midnight – a real testament to how iconic and long-standing this place is. The chili burgers were good, as were the fries, but honestly, nothing about the experience stood out as amazing enough to make us want to visit again. Unfortunately, the staff weren’t the friendliest. Even though there was no line when we decided what we wanted to order, they ignored us for a good couple of minutes without greeting us, which didn’t set the best tone. It’s a solid spot for a late-night bite, but there’s nothing here that will leave you craving a return.
Eric Peralta
Serving since 1946. I attended the local high school from 9th-12th grade. Tommy's was always my favorite hamburger. Graduated in 1975 and moved away to the East Coast in 1979. Now every time I visit LA I have to get one.
How to reach Original Tommy's
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Website: None
Why Original Tommy's may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Rallying at Original Tommy's with your friends is an unbeatable choice for several compelling reasons. First and foremost, Original Tommy's boasts a consistently high rating of 4.6 out of 5 from over 9,900 reviews, demonstrating widespread customer satisfaction and a strong reputation for quality. Its iconic status, especially at the original location in Los Angeles that opened in 1948, delivers not just food but a historic experience rich in local culture and nostalgia. This place is open 24/7 all year round, making it incredibly convenient for any meetup regardless of the time, day, or schedule conflicts your group might have. The atmosphere is casual and vibrant, perfect for relaxed socializing without the need for formal reservations or dress codes. Beyond just a meal, Original Tommy's serves up a sense of community with its famed chili cheeseburgers, fries, hot dogs, and an array of other favorite American fast foods that spark joyful memories and lively conversations among friends.
What makes Original Tommy's especially attractive for group meetups is not only the food but the ease of access and friendly, no-fuss layout. The restaurant offers free off-street parking, minimizing logistical hassles that can often spoil group outings. The seating is primarily outdoor and counter-style, promoting a bustling, communal vibe where groups can stand, eat, and chat comfortably or find nearby spots to sit with their food. This informal setup encourages spontaneous hangouts and easy mingling, which works for groups of all sizes. Furthermore, the affordability of meals — generally between $5 to $15 per person depending on orders — allows groups to enjoy quality food without worrying about breaking the bank. Taken together, Original Tommy's is a perfect venue for friends and family to connect over delicious, value-packed food in a lively, accessible setting.
What makes Original Tommy's a great spot for group dining and socializing?
Original Tommy's stands out for group dining primarily because of its iconic menu and casual environment that suits a range of social occasions. It specializes in hearty American fast food, offering world-famous chili cheeseburgers, fries, hot dogs, tamales, and assorted breakfast sandwiches that cater to almost any palate. The variety ensures that everyone in your group finds something they truly enjoy, from classic burger lovers to those craving late-night comfort food. Since the restaurant is open 24 hours a day, groups can plan meetups at almost any time — whether it’s a late-night bite after an event or an early breakfast gathering. This flexibility provides an unmatched convenience compared to other restaurants that close early or have restrictive hours.
Socializing at Original Tommy’s is enhanced by its casual, almost festival-like ambiance. The original location in Los Angeles features a classic outdoor counter-style eating area that fosters a fun, laid-back vibe, ideal for lively chit-chat and group bonding over shared plates. There’s no pressure to adhere to formal dining rules, which often allows groups to feel more relaxed, helping conversations flow naturally over great food. Additionally, the presence of free on-site parking eliminates common frustrations such as hunting for spots, streamlining the meetup experience. All these factors combine to create a worry-free environment for groups wanting to focus on each other and the joy of food rather than logistics or formality.
What activities can a group enjoy at Original Tommy’s?
While Original Tommy's primarily focuses on delivering exceptional food, there are plenty of activities and reasons why it’s a great venue to spend time with friends or family. One key activity is, of course, sharing the food experience—ordering and tasting fan-favorite items like the famous chili cheese fries or signature burgers sparks conversation and friendly debates about favorite menu picks. Especially for first-time visitors, the excitement of trying Original Tommy’s legendary chili and comparing it to other places can turn a simple meal into a memorable group event.
Given the 24/7 open hours, another popular activity is organizing meetups at unconventional times, such as late-night post-concert gatherings or early-morning brunches after an overnight adventure. This means groups can enjoy spontaneous hangouts that fit the ebb and flow of their social lives, not limited by standard restaurant schedules. Although there’s no formal dining room seating, the outdoor and counter settings promote standing or casual seating arrangements where groups can mingle with other patrons, potentially sparking new interactions. For groups who appreciate nostalgia and local history, visiting the original 1948 location adds a layer of cultural appreciation and storytelling to the experience. Lastly, because Original Tommy's encourages takeout and delivery, groups can also use it as a base to order in and continue activities like picnics or house parties, broadening the ways friends can enjoy their food together.
How does Original Tommy’s accommodate large groups in terms of logistics?
Original Tommy’s understands the challenges of hosting groups and meets these head-on with smart logistical choices designed for convenience and ease. A strong plus for group meetups is the availability of free off-street parking. This means everyone in your party can arrive without the stress of searching for parking in busy Los Angeles areas, which is often a major headache in other popular dining spots. This easy access to parking ensures groups aren’t delayed or frustrated before they even get to the food.
The no-frills, outdoor, and counter service style means there’s no need for long waits or reservations that can be difficult to coordinate with multiple people. Groups can simply show up, place their orders at different stations, and gather at the outdoor eating areas. This fast turnover approach suits group dynamics perfectly, especially when people may arrive at slightly different times. Also, Original Tommy's offers takeout and delivery options, allowing even larger groups to order food conveniently and enjoy it wherever they choose, whether that be at a nearby park, beach, or one of the homes in your group. The entire setup eliminates many common barriers for group events, making Original Tommy’s an effortless meetup choice.
Why choose Original Tommy’s for casual and late-night meetups?
Original Tommy’s has built a formidable reputation for being a go-to spot for casual dining and late-night food cravings, making it perfect for spontaneous hangouts. Its 24/7 operation means your group can eat whenever the mood strikes — early breakfast, late lunch, dinner, or a midnight snack after a night out. This round-the-clock availability caters especially well to diverse schedules, accommodating night owls, shift workers, and late socializers alike. No other fast-food joint in the area matches this level of accessibility combined with quality and consistency.
Casual meetups at Original Tommy’s are also stress-free because there’s no dress code, reservations, or fancy etiquette to follow. People can come as they are, wear their weekend clothes or after-hours outfits, and focus purely on catching up and enjoying the crowd-pleasing menu. The casual, iconic feel of the restaurant also makes it a recognizable landmark where everyone knows the vibe is upbeat and informal. The option to stand or sit outside encourages casual interaction and laughter, while the affordable pricing means no one has to worry about breaking the budget. This balance of convenience, comfort, and great food makes Original Tommy’s an outstanding choice for groups aiming for relaxed, memorable meetups.
What food options make Original Tommy’s an ideal place for group meetups?
Original Tommy’s menu plays a huge role in making it a top pick for social gatherings. Their hallmark item is the chili cheeseburger—a juicy burger topped with savory chili and plenty of melted cheese, creating a rich and indulgent flavor that keeps patrons coming back. Beyond the chili cheeseburger, the menu features classic staples including crispy fries, hot dogs smothered with chili or mustard, and tamales for those who want a unique twist. Breakfast sandwiches add variety for early meetups, featuring eggs, sausage, and other tasty ingredients on fresh bread. This wide array of options satisfies a broad crowd with different tastes, from meat lovers to those looking for a quick snack.
The food is notably affordable, typically ranging from $5 to $15 per person, making it an economical choice for large groups. This pricing allows friends or family to order what they truly want without worrying about cost. The hearty portions also encourage sharing, which adds an element of food camaraderie to meetups. Whether your group is craving robust burgers, spicy chili, or simple but delicious fries, Original Tommy’s delivers consistent quality and bold flavors that fuel long conversations and frequent returns.
How does the history and atmosphere at Original Tommy’s enrich the meetup experience?
There is a unique cultural and historical dimension to gathering at the original Original Tommy's location in Los Angeles. Established in 1948, this spot has been a local landmark for decades, witnessing the ebb and flow of LA’s social and culinary scenes. Meeting here is more than just eating; it's participating in a piece of Southern California history. The heritage is tangible in the original signage, the classic ordering huts, and the well-worn communal spaces where generations of customers have gathered. For groups, it offers a meaningful backdrop that sparks nostalgia, storytelling, and a shared sense of place.
The atmosphere at Original Tommy’s is refreshingly informal yet vibrant. Unlike upscale restaurants that can stifle free conversation, this setting embraces a communal spirit with its outdoor counters and quick service style. The mix of locals and visitors, busy daytime crowds, and spirited late-night patrons creates an electric hum of energy, perfect for social groups seeking a fun, lively spot. The original location’s vintage vibe combined with the buzz of activity gives groups a dynamic environment where they can relax, laugh, and enjoy each other’s company in a uniquely LA way.
Together, these qualities make Original Tommy’s not just a restaurant, but a social hub that invites groups to create memorable moments grounded in great food, history, and community. Whether it’s a casual hangout, a late-night craving session, or a nostalgic reunion, Original Tommy’s offers everything needed for an exceptional group meetup experience.