Photo credit: Leani Al-Midani

Bold red lettering reading “For The Win” lines the wall of the restaurant, surrounded by vintage pictures on both sides. For The Win serves up a flavorful menu of smashburgers across its eight Los Angeles locations. My favorite is their classic smashburger with its soft bun and crispy patty that keeps me coming back.

I have never considered myself a burger person. In fact, for most of my life, I actively avoided them. Burgers were always uncomfortable for me to eat, as the fat-filled meat and overpowering grease were almost guaranteed to leave me feeling nauseous. I still vividly remember sitting with a half-eaten In-N-Out burger in front of me as a kid, unable to finish it. After that, I slowly stopped eating burgers altogether.  

These early experiences stuck with me for years, until For The Win, a smashburger restaurant, opened across the street from Archer in 2025. 

For The Win moved into the space previously occupied by Casa de Campo, a local favorite celebrated for its comforting burritos, tacos and delicious churros. Many wondered whether the new spot would live up to the reputation left behind.

One cold afternoon, tired of defaulting to my usual Starbucks order and Subway sandwich, I noticed this unfamiliar, empty place. The glass exterior offered a view of the interior, and I was immediately attracted to the fun atmosphere. Hoping for a change, I walked inside. Clean, white-painted walls, decorative picture frames, small tables and chairs and large red prints of the restaurant’s name decorated the space. It was exactly the kind of place that invited me inside.

Despite my long-standing dislike of burgers, something about this place felt different — the bright, cheerful colors and playful design made me curious to give it a try.

Entering the new space, their simple menu and wide range of prices caught my eye. There were a couple of other options besides their classic smashburger, which was $8.80, and their cheeseburger, which was $9.90. Their sides offered a variety of fries and vegetables, ranging from $5.25-$8.45 while their ice cream desserts were $4.50.

After placing my order for the traditional No. 1 smashburger at their kiosk, I sat down at one of their mini dining tables. I appreciated their seating layout, which let me enjoy the view of the restaurant’s lively interior, while I waited for my food to be ready.

When my burger arrived, it was surprisingly satisfying. The bun was soft and slightly oversized, holding everything together. The thin patty was tender and juicy, but not too greasy. The crispy edges added texture without being overly crunchy or burnt. Tucked inside the flavorful burger was their signature sauce: Subtle, yet noticeable, it added flavor without overpowering the rest of the burger.

Of course, a burger isn’t complete without a side of fries, and these did not disappoint. As someone who can get seriously picky about fries, I loved how evenly cooked they were. They were crispy without tasting burnt and soft on the inside without feeling underdone — striking the perfect balance. However, a tiny packet of fry sauce is available for an extra $1.75, which seemed unnecessary. Without it, the salt level was balanced just right, landing perfectly between bland and overly salty. These are definitely the type of fries best enjoyed hot and straight out of the bag.

To wash it all down, I picked one of their milkshakes. They had three classic flavors: chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla — each for $7.50. As a chocolate lover, I had to go with that. The drink was sweet, rich and topped with fluffy whipped cream that provided a smooth texture and extra sweetness to the overall experience. However, I would likely not order it again, as the chocolate base was a bit too sweet for my taste, but it definitely remains a solid option for anyone with a sweet tooth.

Overall, For The Win keeps its menu simple but intentional. The setting is casual, though it can get super busy during peak lunch hours. While some items feel a bit overpriced for their size, each item is thoughtfully prepared and satisfying. Although it had big shoes to fill after Casa de Campo, For The Win has carved out its own place as a dependable, delicious lunch option worth revisiting.