Decor Is Paper, Plastic, but Burgers Are Classic

The truly romantic guy of the ‘90s must know where to find the candle-lit tables, fine French cuisine and restaurants that boast ocean views.

But when wooing that special woman, what really seals the deal is mutual admiration of a great burger joint.

Since 1974, any serious relationship of mine has been tested at T & S Burgers in La Habra. They only have to visit T & S once. From then on, it’s Cheap Date City.

T & S Burgers is a basic, no frills eatery. The tables are made of well-worn linoleum and the napkins are paper. But the hamburgers are classic.

Just what makes them so good is somewhat of a mystery. True, the beef is high quality and the char-broiler sends the burger out hot and juicy, with that smoky flavor seared inside. But most charbroiled burger places do that, and few produce a burger this tasty.

But then, some things you don’t question. I just order a double-cheeseburger ($3.10), dressing only, gorge myself into a stupor and leave it at that. (The burger regularly comes with a thick wedge of tomato, fresh lettuce and onion.)

Service here is fast. Real fast. I’ve never waited more than 10 minutes, which is amazing considering that the burgers are not cooked ahead of time, a la you-know-who.

The decor is strictly video games and funky plastic plants. The indoor dining area has about a dozen tables, most of which are filled during the dinner rush.

Other items on the menu include a cheesy, cheesy sourdough melt that is stuffed with roast beef for $3.20, and a good shish-ka-bob plate--a long skewer of flame-broiled, marinated beef ($4.20) and mounds of onion rings, french fries and cole slaw.

The onion rings are made fresh on the premises, by the way. And if your order doesn’t already come with them, for a measly $1.40 you can get a huge stack of the big rings heaped onto a large paper basket.

T & S Charburgers, 650 W. La Habra Blvd., La Habra. (213) 697-2281. Open Sunday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Friday and Saturday till midnight.