The Oinkster

Pretty pricey for a "fast-food" restaurant. Keep an eye on your food. You get up to refill a drink and your table gets cleaned and your meal ends up in the trash. Avoid at all costs.

Pros: None

Cons: Price/Service

Posted 06/07/09

I know they say they are slow, but no one wants slow. A burger doesnt take 20 minutes. OK and the buns. They get soaked with the juicy burgers. Hey folks, TOAST EM. Add some butter garlic as well and they would be the bomb. Pastrami is great however.

Pros: good quality

Cons: SLLLOWWW for fast food

Posted 05/10/09

I'm a little confused how this place was considered cheap. My Pastrami sandwich which came with no sides was $9. I won't be going back.

Pros: Tasty

Cons: Expensive fast food

Posted 04/02/09

I took my family here recently (we have a two year old and a four year old) and we enjoyed it very much. The hamburger, shake, and fries we had were very good, but what I remember the most is the friendly service. It was sunny out and one of the waiters came out and put out an umbrella for shade. Another woman came by a couple times to make sure we were taken care of. So its definitely not your typical "fast food" place. And it is "slow" fast food, so be prepared to wait a little bit for your food. Loved it. Plan to go back.

Posted 02/16/09

Terrific "Slow Fast Food" ~ just great

I found this place just charming and the food was terrific. I am from New Orleans, so I take my fatty food very seriously; great fries (that super crisp twice fried Belgian style), yummy pulled pork (add he sauce, it's just a touch dry) and my boyfriend had a huge hamburger that he liked. The ketchup that was supposed to be special somehow just tasted like the regular stuff (and the one identified as chipotle tasted identical) but I don't really care about that; the food was satisfying and carefully prepared. They have sodas in bottles that are good and sort of obscure (ergo; fun) and cup cakes that looked wonderful, but we were too stuffed to contemplate them.

For some reason on a Saturday evening the parking lot was full of people with vintage cars so there was no place to park, which seems like an odd business decision ~ maybe they all eat a meal while they hang around, but it didn't look like it, more like a lot of people drinking beer in the parking lot. This seemed semi-official since there was one guy with a table set up on the patio selling car-related stuff (again, odd business decision).

I recommend this place. The idea of "slow fast food," while not original, is well executed here and the service is friendly and good. I didn't mind waiting, it's not some drive-through junk but real food.

Best sure to actually print the coupon if you expect to avail yourself of the "I found you on Citysearch" $5 discount. In spite of a link that says "mention" Citysearch be sure to bring the coupon because mentioning it will get nothing but a blank look. It's worth it.

* Mention Citysearch & Receive $5 Off Your Purchase of $15 Or More

Pros: Food, Service

Cons: Parking

Posted 02/02/09

cheap!

Posted 01/11/09

It was pretty good in the beg. but the last 2 times I have gone the service was bad and the food (Burger and Pulled pork) was not as tasty as before. The pulled pork barely had any well pulled pork and the burger was bland and over cooked when it should of ben med rare.

Hope the restaurant picks up its act as no one wants to pay their prices if the foods quality is not going to match.

Pros: homemade

Cons: falling quality

Posted 05/31/08

We've been there 3 times in the past 2 years. The "kids" behind the counter could care less. The pastrami, which has a great flavor is very fatty. When you ask if they can trim it, they just say no because it's all been sliced and is in a steam table behind the counter. Most places trim that huge hunk of fat off the brisket before slicing it, but not here. The ketchup containers were almost empty, so my son encountered an air pocket and got covered with ketchup when trying to get some out. The crew behind the counter were too busy talking to notice the ketchup mess, or that the iced tea container was empty.

I read good reviews for the roasted chicken so I figured the chicken salad sandwich would be a good bet, but I was SO wrong. The chicken was tiny cubes and shreds of chicken. My sandwich also had a dime sized small bone, some gristle, and some skin in it. It was served on a dry crumbly roll with a large nest of strong onion, old tomato and mayo. The chicken had no way of staying on the roll since there was nothing holding the chunks together. It didn't help that the chicken tasted like the fridge. 3 of us, $32.00 later and never again.

it's funky, which is fine, but the lack of consistent quality coupled with the attitude of the kids working there takes it over the top. I know somebody tried very hard to do something different here, which it admirable, but they only got 30% of the concept and then gave up. You need to establish the quality, train the cooks and train the counter help. Somebody needs to ask the customers how the experience was. Nobody wants to ask that question of the customers leaving. Sorry.

Posted 05/16/08

it's not that cheap and the bbq is far below pat and oscars (which i consider pretty bad). did someone pay for this review? there is never a crowd there for a reason...it's just not that good compared to the selection you have all around that area.

Posted 05/15/08

I have to admit, when Oinkster first opened, we were somewhat disappointed, but over the last 6 months or so, the food has just gotten better and better. The pastrami is made from high quality meat and is moist and very spicy. The cheese burgers are fabulous and you can even choose from a variety of cheeses. While I'd prefer thicker-cut french fries, the garlic-mayonaise dip is wonderful. They also have added a selection of beers on tap. And, if you even have room, their desserts are fun. It's one of our favorite "special-treat" places.

Posted 03/30/08

Pastrami was not all that. (very dry) The Hat is much better for pastrami. Fries were like In-n-out fries, nothing too special.
Place is okay but not worth the steap prices for a city search "Cheap Eats" pick. The Chef has a restaurant called Max that's in the Valley. That's an upscale restaurant that is pricey however worth every penny. Not so much with the Oinkster.

Posted 03/29/08

The first time I came here I almost cried b/c the fries were soo good. Now as Ive broadened my selections Im still happy. The rotisserie chicken is really good (but I'd ask to make sure it is fresh out of the oven, its been dry a couple times) and so are there black beans. The pulled pork is of course the best, though. Yum!

Posted 03/20/08

Living only a couple miles away from Oinkster, I regret waiting so long to finally try it. Their burgers are the best burgers I've had from a fastfood restaurant and their garlic sauce perfectly complements their amazing belgian fries. I have to say it is a bit pricey, as you'll have to spend about $10 for a burger combo, so try going in between the 3-6pm M-F for their happy hour special. You can get their burger and fries for $4 which is a bargain. Their costumer service is excellent and the outdoor patio is a perfect area to sit and eat with the California weather.

Pros: Service, Happy hour special, Quality of food

Cons: Pricey (non happy hour)

Posted 03/16/08

So, I registered here just so I can proclaim the Oinkster has the best burgers in this damn city. I'm born and raised in Los Angeles and have been to my fair share of burger places, but this takes the cake.

The meat is absolutely perfect, and filling. One burger with an order of fries will fill you up for at least the whole day.

If that isn't enough, the customer service here is beyond amazing. Everyone here is the nicest person in the world. Customer service does make a big deal to me, and here the people are always happy, but not phony Coldstones or Jamba Juice happy.

Finally, I must say, the garlic dip they give with their fries is incredibly tasty.

So, I'm happy a place like this is nearby where I live, and I don't have to travel anywhere ridiculous far for good burgers.

Pros: Everything

Cons: The seating may be a little small, but at least they have a patio

Posted 03/05/08

Since we lost 'Jay's' on Santa Monica and Virgil I have been on the hunt for that perfect burger experience. I LOVE a good cheeseburger, but they are not so easy to find, Too big, too greasy, wrong kind of bread, its always something! But at Oinkster's its just purrrfect! Just the meat alone is tasty but you can get it with Grueyer cheese. The fries are good as well and they come with a yummy garlic aioli. I know the place is primarily BBQ and my friend always tries something different and has never been dissappointed. I've tried the pulled pork and it bares comparison with any I've had in North Carolina (the judgement standard!) but I just can't help it, if I'm there (and I will go out of my way to go there) there's no question, I'll have a cheeseburger, please!

Pros: the perfect cheeseburger, you can sit outside and smoke, the UBE SHAKE!

Cons: classic rock gets on my nerves, the proximity of CO BLVD

Posted 03/04/08

They have excellent food, staff and service! Met my family there for dinner, order up our food, I realized I was short one Pastrami and they immediately place another order for us, and we didn't even have to leave our table. You couldn?t ask for better service than this and you have to try the Belgian Fries! I wish they could build one in Monrovia.

Posted 03/04/08

I love their foods and the people are very nice here. You definitely get what you pay and more. Eight bucks for a pulled pork sandwich, I was like "wow, quite pricy!" I end up walking out a happy customer after having their delicious fries with great garlic sauce. Very juicy and FRESH burger and I also go back and try their Ube milkshake. If get fresh food, it could tell and sing in your mouth. Those food they serve in Oinkster are certainly THE BEST. Thaanks for the good food!

Posted 02/22/08

this place... like... there aren't words. i'm from kansas city and my mom is from memphis. i know bbq. i grew up with the best pulled pork sammy this side of the whatever. but holy candy bean nuts, oinkster stepped it up a notch. i can honestly say it was the best pulled pork i have ever tasted in my life. i want more. i want a sandwich right now. oh my god seriously someone bring me one.

for dessert, boy and i tried the brownie and a ridiculous peanut butter and jelly cupcake. i could pass on the brownie if i ever go again (... i will. probably tonight) but the pb&j cupcake? to. die. for.

bottom line up in this piece: eat at oinkster, save a baby.

just do it.

Pros: Easy parking, good service, delicious food.

Cons: Eventual heart disease.

Posted 02/07/08

I left wondering what the big fuss was about. I had the Oinkster pastrami sandwich,$8.50 with Gruyere cheese,Caramelized Onions and Red Cabbage slaw the cheese was cut so thin and what Onions and Slaw???????????? which Jonathan gold raved about, Stick with the $7.50 sandwich if you go. I did have the fries, which he also raved about, I have to call them as I see them French Fries What a joke. "Belgian Fries" I didn't like the way they service my French Fries I order a side of Fries and they service them on my plate with my sandwiches and there was two of us.The Pastrami sandwiches is OK Average I have a lot better. This place is overrated

Cons: For Three dollars I such get more than a hand full of fries

Posted 12/12/07

I first heard of this place on ESPN's site of all places. I sports writer mentioned it in one of his articles. I'm always looking for great sandwich places so when my girlfriend and I were going to visit a friend whose new store opened in Eagle Rock, I decided to give the place a try. It was AMAZING. I had the pastrami and she had the pulled pork. We both had the fries and everything was great. We even took a sandwich home and it was delicious even after warming it up hours later.

Pros: Food

Cons: None

Posted 11/07/07

I hope their greatness isn't going away. This place is so unique and has so much potential that I want it to do well, but I feel like they are starting to do worse. I initially tried this place a little after it opened up and was really impressed by the food (especially the pastrami and the belgian fries), the enthusiasm, and the effort of the staff. I just went back to find the the pastrami was still awesome, but the fries had gone cold and the tables left greasy. I still would go back again, but think that they ought to try and put a little more effort into it.

Posted 11/02/07

Based on the other citysearch reviews, we decided to give The Oinkster a try. The pastrami was heavily peppered (as in salt&pepper), but lean and tasty. I enjoyed it more than The Hat, although the portions were smaller. Fries were good, and my friend enjoyed the pulled-pork sandwich. I'm very interested in coming back and trying some of the other items on the menu.

Pros: Good Food, Good Prices

Cons: Not a fan of the ketchup, maybe it's just me

Posted 10/16/07

I have been to this place twice now and have had the pastrami - which was different but very good and the pulled pork which was ok - the pork was very good but the sauce wasn't very good - I am from another part of town where bbq means something totally different - so my expectations where off on that day. I like this place for the ambience and their twists on the American classics. I look forward going through the whole menu and finding a favorite dish. Although the two times I visited I didn't bring my kids, this place seems to be extremely child friendly. Plus they serve beer - what's not to love about that?

Pros: An interesting twist on American classics and kid friendly

Cons: A little on the expensive side for thier interpretation of the American classics

Posted 09/07/07

Some of the people here must be insane* (citysearch blocked out my original language), because this restaurant rocks! I absolutely love this place. Just like an overhyped movie, I can see someone being dissapointed when they get here. But what do you expect? Just because a Pulitzer Prize winning food critic had great things to say about Oinkster, does not mean this place is going to look like or have the same kind of service as Patina or Spagos. This is a freakin' Fast Food burger joint with a touch of class for crying out loud. Homemade Ketchup? 2 week cured Pastrami? Slow cooked pulled pork? It is by far one of my favorite places to eat quality food for such a cheap price. I recently brought a guest over from North Carolina and she loved the pulled pork sandwich, it reminded her of home. My mouth is watering just thinking about the Pastrami sandwiches. The Belgian Fries and Garlic sauce will give you a heart attack though. :) And the Ube Shake....slight coconut taste, taro root flavor, Fosselman ice cream bliss. Even the quality of the napkins and the original unique soda flavor are a far cry from what looks like an old Foster Freeze building.

Pros: The Food!!!!!!

Cons: Service

Posted 08/20/07

Jeez Louise! I can't understand why there has been anything positive said about Oinkster. I live close by, so was also waiting for the reopening some months back. We've given it two tries, and there won't be a third.

The food's been dreadful and the service abysmal on both occasions. The pork and chicken were both as dry and flavorless as white toast. Actually, on our first visit the food was non-existant for 1/2 of our party, as they'd run out of every meat on the menu by about 7:30. NOT that there is a lot of variety to the menu in the first place. And no, I'm not grousing "just because I miss Jim's Burgers." I only wish that CitySearch allowed zero stars.

All in all, don't waste your time. Or your money. Lots and lots of your money. Go about 8 blocks east to Pete's Blue Chip for real variety and real value in Eagle Rock.

Pros: Nothing comes to mind except proximity to home. Not a good enuf reason

Cons: Everything else.

Posted 06/12/07

i've been here twice and both times i left wondering what the big fuss was about. granted, i haven't had the pastrami sandwich, which jonathan gold raved about, but i have had the fries, which he also raved about, and they were mediocre at best. the service was slow and confused. the one good thing is the patio, which is a great spot on a sunny afternoon. i live in eagle rock, so i want to see this place succeed, but they really need to step it up-- food and service-wise.

Pros: outdoor patio, parking

Posted 05/20/07

Okay so it wasn't terrible, as some reviewers have said, but in all honesty it is not worth the price/hype. There are better places that are cheaper and that is the bottom line. Do I frequent this place? Sure, but only occasionally since it is not in my food rotation. Maybe try eating here if you run out of other options or are curious, but lower your expectations first.

Posted 04/27/07

I finally got around to trying The Oinkster and I was pleasantly surprised by how good it was. I can honestly say that I am a huge Andre Guerrero fan! Although it is in a completely different realm of cuisine than his other two restaurants, he has managed to twist the out dated concept of fast food with a more modern concept of slow cooking classics. The pulled pork sandwich was flavor packed and tasted quite fresh. I had the rotisserie chicken which was decent but the black beans and plantains were just the way I like them! The only disappointment was the rants and raves over its Belgium fries...they are typical French fries only crispier. They are good but are nothing out of the ordinary. I thought the outside of the restaurant looked very good with its retro design however the lighting inside the restaurant needs some brightening.

Pros: Good American Classics

Cons: lighting

Posted 04/22/07

Great pulled pork sandwiches, and great pastrami and fries. Prices however, leave much to be desired.

Pros: great food

Cons: prices are high

Posted 04/02/07

I think Oinkster's chicken salad is definitely one of the best in the area. I tend to be picky when it comes to chinese chicken salad dressings, which I have found to be too oily or just plain lacking something for my taste. But Oinkster really has done it well. The salad consists of cabbage, romaine, toasted candied chopped almonds and of course the won ton strips and their wonderful chicken. The only downside (if it even is one) is that the service has been slow each time I have been, not overly slow but just not as fast as you might imagine with a walk up counter (even when we were the only 2 customers it took about 10 min to get the food). That aside I would definitely recommend checking it out. I have also enjoyed the garden burger and veggie fries. I didn't see the wines or beers and am not sure they have those yet. But they did have a notice to sell alcohol on the window last time i was in. I am sure that will come soon!

Pros: parking, food quality

Cons: Being a walk up counter the wait for food seems a little slower than other similar places.

Posted 03/01/07

Like another reviewer, I was anxiously awaiting the opening of the Oinkster, especially after Dante's (fantastic bbq) closed too soon.

I have been in several times, as the hamburgers, pulled pork and chicken are tasty. The pulled pork is not what I expected--but the tangy sauce is good if not traditional. The hamburgers have terrific flavor.

I do think that for as much as they put into the outside appearance (nice modernistic take on the old fast food place that was there) the inside appearance is cold and unappealing. I even made suggestions in the first month or so, but other than some tacky plants no changes.

Also, several times recently they seem to have problems having the food you want- out of chicken, or the plantains way overdone and took 10 minutes extra to do.

The milkshakes were good, but at 4$ terribly overpriced. A brownie was not very extradordinary, either, even though they emphasize that these are homestyle desserts.

Beer will be a great addition to go with the food, but if the atmosphere inside doesn't change, I'll wait until summer to eat there. Until then, I'll do take home.

This place could really zing with just a little attention to the interior, and getting the system down right for having food ready in a reasonable amount of time.

Pros: pulled pork, burgers, chicken

Cons: Interior, timing of food readiness

Posted 03/01/07

I love fried and greasy foods. I love burgers. When my roommate told me that this was the best burger in LA, I was like, ok, sure. But when I finally had a cheeseburger with gruyere cheese. OMG. It was juicy, and flavorful. I was licking the paper that the burger was wrapped in. And the fries are fried twice and are o, so good. The cupcakes-aren't that great. But soon they will have beer on tap! It does take about 20-25min for them to make the food, but it is well worth the wait. I would stick with the burgers and fries at this place. And unless you're STARVING, there is no need to get the oinkster combo.

Pros: Burgers, Fries, Service-everyone is very nice, MILKSHAKES!!!

Cons: It's all the way in Eagle Rock

Posted 02/27/07

So I wanted to check this place out after reading the good reviews about it. I was disappointed. I ordered the pulled pork BBQ combo which came out to $10.83. The sandwich itself wan't bad at all, but it was very sloppy! I dont understand why people have commented that the fries were good, because they are not. The whole double fried fries doesnt work with thin sliced IN-N-OUT like fries, they simply taste overcooked and were unseasoned! The sauces were also mediocre at best. Wouldn't go back at all. With their prices I'd rather go to Islands!

Pros: BBQ sandwich

Cons: prices and fries

Posted 01/18/07

Seriously, the Oinkster's pulled pork sandwich is mindblowing, and I'm not usually a fan of cole slaw or onions (both of which come standard with a generous heap of tender, flavorful pork). As mentioned in other reviews, the Belgian fries are a must-order-- extra crispy but not too oily-- and excellent with their homemade ketchup and garlic mayo. Make sure you have plenty of napkins, otherwise you'll be doing a lot of finger-licking here.

The interior of the restaurant is simply decked out and super clean, and there's ample parking and patio seating outside for dining in better weather.

Pros: Great food, easy parking

Posted 11/18/06

The Oinkster is Eagle Rock's jewel. Their tagline is "Slow Fast Food" which means quality comfort food with great ingredients. You cannot find another place in L.A. that smokes their pastrami on site (nope, not even Langer's). Chef Andre Guerrero's idea of making food the old school way is a nice change from the fast food a lot of us have gotten used to over the years. The Oinkster has homemade ketchup, mustard sauces, and carolina bbq sauce. And the biggest reason to go there? The double fried Belgian style french fries! If you want, you can get your fries extra crunchy by asking for them to be done well.

If you're in the Eagle Rock area, make sure you stop by the Oinkster for a smoked pastrami sandwich, some fries, and some root beer in a bottle. The new joint is a throwback to how good fast food should taste. And if it's near Thanksgiving, order the Pumpkin Pie milkshake. It's really good.

Pros: Fries, Pastrami, Pulled Pork Sandwich

Cons: Pricier than places like the Hat but the quality is worth it

Posted 11/15/06

Went tailgating and brought the Oinkster Sandwiches and the Pulled Pork sandwiches. Both were really good, but the Pulled pork has an awesome mixture of flavors. It seemed to be the groups favorite. You can't go there and not get the fries. They are yummy. Served with a very garlicky mayonnaise they are to die for. Make sure you have some breathe mints though. We also tried some of their desserts. The peanut butter cupcake was very moist and not too peanut buttery. I really like the place and am looking to go back and try other things, if I can detour myself from ordering the Pulled Pork Sandwich. Also there are great homemade sauces that go on the sandwiches and fries. Try them all. Yummy!

Posted 11/13/06

Wow - who knew somebody could make a better fry than In-n-Out Burger? They're a great compliment to oversized and delicious sandwiches (they actually may be a little too oversized, but that's just me). I recommend both the pastrami and the pulled pork sandwiches (but I'm hoping they step up the dessert offering a little). I look forward to Spring when we'll be able to sit at the outside tables.

Pros: F R I E S

Posted 10/31/06

I should know better than to try a new restaurant in the first month of opening. It's more often than not a disappointing experience. This was no exception. After waiting more than a year for this restaurant to open, my husband and I got some take out. A couple of pastrami sandwiches and a pulled pork sandwich. The sandwiches were fine...but I tend to be very picky about my pastrami. I like it highly peppered and very lean. This pastrami was flavorful, but a little deficient on the pepper...and not quite as lean as I like. I have to admit, I'm very spoiled when it comes to pastrami and will go out of my way to visit a kosher deli just to get the quality I expect. Also, the red cabbage salad that came with my sandwich was just okay. Maybe I just got a bad batch, as the cabbage was nicely shredded but had large pieces of onion in it. It sort of overwhelmed me...the onion, I mean. As a result, I didn't eat more than two bites of the salad.

As far as the atmosphere goes, you can tell they've put a lot of effort into the remodel of this location (they worked on it for over a year), but it still seems like just a fast food joint to me. I suppose I'll wait another couple of months and try it again. Hopefully they'll change my mind, as I'd like to enjoy as many restaurants in my neighborhood as I can.

Posted 10/23/06