You’re standing in a brick-and-mortar temple of meat in Alhambra, California, and the first thing that hits you isn't the smell of searing beef—it’s the wall of sound. High-voltage heavy metal. This is the house that Ryan Harkins and Matt Chernus built. If you followed the first season of Food Network’s The Great Food Truck Race back in 2010, you know these guys. They didn't just win; they basically steamrolled the competition with a truck named after Metallica’s debut album. It was loud. It was aggressive. It was exactly what the food world needed when everyone else was trying to be "artisanal" and "delicate."
The Grill 'Em All restaurant is a survivor. Most food truck legends from that era faded away or got bought out by corporate shells, but this place stayed weird. It stayed loud.
The Valhalla of Burgers in Alhambra
Moving from a truck to a permanent spot is usually where the soul dies. Not here. When they opened the Alhambra location in 2013, they leaned into the aesthetic of a teenage metalhead’s bedroom, if that teenager happened to be a world-class chef. You’ve got murals of icons, wrestling memorabilia, and a menu that reads like a setlist from Ozzfest.
People think the "gimmick" is the metal. It’s not. The gimmick is that the food is actually, terrifyingly good. You can put a burger on a glazed donut and call it the "Luther," but if the patty is dry and the donut is stale, people only come once for the Instagram photo. Grill 'Em All gets people to come back because they treat their ingredient sourcing with more respect than some Michelin-starred joints.
They use a proprietary blend of beef. It’s juicy. It’s seasoned like it’s about to go on stage.
Why the Behemoth Still Terrifies Newcomers
Let's talk about the Behemoth. If you haven't seen it, it's essentially a burger where the buns have been replaced by two grilled cheese sandwiches. Honestly, it sounds like a cardiac event waiting to happen. It's ridiculous. But when you actually bite into it, there’s a weird logic to the madness. The bread is buttery and crisp, the cheddar is sharp, and the burger itself provides this savory anchor that keeps the whole thing from being just "stunt food."
It’s about the texture. Most "crazy" burgers are a mess of soggy bread. These guys understand that a burger is a structural engineering project.
More Than Just Metallica References
The menu is a tribute to the gods of rock and wrestling. You have the "Dee Snider," which features peanut butter, jelly, bacon, and sriracha. Sounds gross? It’s arguably their most popular item. The saltiness of the peanut butter cuts through the fat of the bacon, and the jelly provides this acidic sweetness that mimics a high-end gastropub onion jam.
Then there’s the "Napalm Death." It’s hot. It’s actually hot. Most places give you a "spicy" burger that’s just a few pickled jalapeños. Grill 'Em All uses a habanero salt and jalapeño poppers that will actually make your eyes water. They don't pull punches.
- The Power Move: Don't skip the fries.
- The Fries: They come in massive portions, often loaded with everything from blue cheese to buffalo sauce.
- The Vibe: It's loud. If you want a quiet place for a first date to discuss your 401k, go somewhere else.
They also have a rotating "Burger of the Month" that usually celebrates a specific wrestler or band. It keeps the locals coming back. You might find a burger topped with fried chicken skin one month and a gourmet mushroom ragu the next. It’s unpredictable, which is exactly why it works.
The Cultural Impact of the Burger Commando
When you look at the history of Los Angeles dining, the Grill 'Em All restaurant represents a specific turning point. It was the moment the "Street Food" movement proved it had legs. Before them, food trucks were either "taco trucks" or "roach coaches." Ryan and Matt proved that you could build a brand based on a specific subculture and people would follow you from a parking lot in Hollywood to a storefront in the San Gabriel Valley.
They’ve faced challenges. The pandemic hit the restaurant industry like a freight train, and plenty of Alhambra staples folded. But the "Burger Commandos" (as their fans are called) are a loyal bunch. It’s a community. You see people in Slayer shirts sitting next to families who just want a really good cheeseburger.
What People Get Wrong About the Price
You’ll see some reviews complaining that a burger costs more than a McDonald’s Value Meal. Well, yeah.
You’re paying for beef that hasn't been frozen since the Clinton administration. You're paying for sauces made from scratch. You're paying for a kitchen staff that actually knows how to sear meat without turning it into a hockey puck. In the world of "premium" burgers where some places charge $25 for a burger with truffle oil that tastes like chemicals, Grill 'Em All is actually a bargain for the sheer volume of food you get.
Real Talk: The Limitations
It’s not perfect. The wait times can be brutal on a Friday night. Because everything is cooked to order, and because the burgers are the size of a small toddler, the kitchen can get backed up. If you’re in a rush, you’re going to get frustrated.
Also, the noise. I mentioned it before, but it bears repeating. It’s a heavy metal burger joint. If you have sensory issues or just hate loud drums, this is your version of hell. But for those who find comfort in a distorted bass line, it’s home.
How to Conquer the Menu
If it’s your first time, don't try to be a hero. Don't start with the Behemoth. Start with the "Waste 'Em All." it’s their take on a classic cheeseburger but leveled up. It lets you taste the quality of the meat and the bread before you start adding peanut butter or grilled cheese buns into the mix.
- Check the Specials: Always look at the chalkboard or the Instagram feed before ordering. Some of their best creations are only around for 30 days.
- Parking: Alhambra parking can be a nightmare. There’s a structure nearby—use it. Don't circle the block for twenty minutes.
- The Beer List: They usually have a solid craft beer selection that leans heavily on local California breweries. A heavy IPA is the only thing that stands a chance against the salt and fat of these burgers.
The Grill 'Em All restaurant has managed to do the impossible: stay relevant in a city that constantly chases the "next big thing." They didn't pivot to smash burgers when those became trendy. They didn't start offering kale salads to appease the masses. They stayed true to the mission of "Burgers, Fries, and Metal."
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
If you're planning a trip, here's the play. Go on a weekday around 2:00 PM to avoid the lunch rush and the dinner crowd. You’ll actually get a seat and won’t have to scream your order over the sound of Pantera. Order the fries for the table—do not try to eat a full order by yourself unless you've skipped breakfast and lunch.
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Specifically, try the "Hatebreed" if you want something savory but not over-the-top, or the "High on Fire" if you want to test your spice tolerance. Keep an eye out for Ryan or Matt; they’re often around, still deeply involved in the day-to-day chaos.
Ultimately, this isn't just a place to eat. It's a piece of Los Angeles culinary history that refuses to grow up or sell out. Grab a napkin. You’re going to need it.