When you pull up to Original Tommy’s Hamburgers, the aroma of chili and grilled beef hits you before you even see the menu, and the prices keep loyal customers coming back for decades. If you are looking for the Original Tommy’s Hamburgers Menu with Prices, you have come to the right place. This guide breaks down every item, the current cost, and what makes this Los Angeles staple different from every other burger joint on the road.
Tommy’s has been serving since 1946. They do not mess around with fancy buns or truffle aioli. They serve simple, messy, chili-covered burgers that you eat in the parking lot. Let’s get into the specifics so you know exactly what to order and what to pay before you walk up to the window.
Original Tommy’s Hamburgers Menu With Prices
Before we list the items, you need to understand the core concept. Tommy’s is famous for one thing: the chili. It is a beef chili, and it is slopped on top of everything. You can get it on burgers, hot dogs, and fries. You can also order it on the side for dipping.
The menu is intentionally small. That is a good thing. It means the kitchen focuses on doing a few things perfectly. Here is the complete breakdown of the current menu structure, followed by the exact prices.
Burger Selection And Costs
The burger is the star of the show. You have a few choices here, and they are all built the same way: mustard, pickles, onions, and chili. You can add cheese, but the classic way is “plain” with just chili. Here is what you will pay.
- Hamburger (Single): This is the classic. One patty, grilled onions, pickles, mustard, and a heavy ladle of chili. It is messy and perfect.
- Cheeseburger (Single): Same as above, but with a slice of American cheese melted under the chili.
- Double Hamburger: Two patties for the bigger appetite. This is the most popular order for regulars.
- Double Cheeseburger: Two patties and two slices of cheese. This is a serious meal.
Prices fluctuate slightly depending on the location and the current cost of beef. However, the standard pricing across the chain sits around these numbers. You should always check the board at the specific location, but this gives you a solid estimate for your wallet.
- Single Hamburger: $5.45
- Single Cheeseburger: $5.95
- Double Hamburger: $7.45
- Double Cheeseburger: $7.95
You will notice the prices are significantly lower than other fast-food chains. That is because Tommy’s does not spend money on marketing gimmicks. They spend it on the beef and the chili recipe.
Hot Dogs And Chili Fries
If you are not in the mood for a burger, the hot dog is a solid backup. It is a standard all-beef dog, but again, the chili is what makes it sing. The fries are also a crucial part of the experience. They are crinkle-cut and crispy, designed to hold up against the heavy chili.
- Chili Dog: A steamed bun, all-beef hot dog, and chili. Simple and effective.
- Chili Cheese Fries: A generous portion of crinkle fries covered in melted cheese and chili.
- Plain Fries: If you want to skip the mess, you can get them plain with ketchup.
Here are the estimated prices for the sides and dogs. The portions are generous, so you can easily share the fries between two people.
- Chili Dog: $4.75
- Chili Cheese Fries: $5.95
- Plain Fries: $3.25
Beverages And Shakes
You need a drink to cool down the spice from the chili. Tommy’s offers standard fountain drinks, but the real treat is the shakes. They are thick and old-fashioned. You can get chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry.
- Fountain Drinks: Coke products are standard here. You get a large cup and can refill if you are dining in.
- Shakes: These are hand-dipped and very thick. They take a minute to make, but they are worth the wait.
- Fountain Drink (Large): $2.50
- Chocolate Shake: $4.95
- Vanilla Shake: $4.95
- Strawberry Shake: $4.95
Understanding The Tommy’s Chili Recipe
People often ask what is in the chili. The company keeps the exact recipe a secret, but we know the basics. It is a meaty chili, not a bean-heavy one. There are no beans in the Original Tommy’s chili. It is purely ground beef, spices, and a slow cooking process.
This is important because the chili is not a topping. It is the main flavor profile. The burger patty itself is thin and griddled, so it gets crispy edges. The chili adds the moisture and the spice. The combination is why people drive across town for this food.
You should know that the chili is also gluten-free. If you have dietary restrictions, you can order a “chili size” which is just a bowl of chili with crackers. This is a hidden menu item that many people do not know about.
How To Order Like A Regular
There is a specific language used at Tommy’s. If you walk up and say “One plain,” the cashier knows you want a single hamburger with everything (chili, onions, pickles, mustard). If you say “One cheese,” you get the cheeseburger. Here is a quick guide to ordering like a pro.
- Decide on the patty count: Are you hungry? Get a double. Just a snack? Get a single.
- Choose your cheese: Say “cheese” if you want it. Otherwise, it is “plain.”
- Specify the chili: You can ask for “chili on the side” if you want to dip. This keeps the bun from getting soggy.
- Add jalapenos: They have fresh jalapenos available. Ask for them on the side or on the burger.
- Pay and move: The line moves fast. Have your cash or card ready. They are efficient.
Do not ask for lettuce or tomato. They do not have them. It is not that kind of place. You are here for the chili and the beef. Embrace the simplicity.
Location Hours And Accessibility
Original Tommy’s is a 24-hour operation at many locations. This is a huge selling point for the late-night crowd. After a concert or a night out, the drive-thru line is often wrapped around the block. You can get your fix at 3 AM.
The original location is on Beverly Boulevard in Los Angeles. However, there are now locations scattered across Southern California, including the San Fernando Valley and Orange County. You should check their official website for the exact hours of the location nearest you, as some close early.
Most locations have a small indoor seating area. However, the vibe is very much “grab and go.” You will see people eating on the hoods of their cars in the parking lot. That is part of the culture. It is not a fancy dining experience, but it is a memorable one.
Comparing Tommy’s To Other Burger Chains
You might wonder how this stacks up against In-N-Out or McDonald’s. It is a completely different animal. In-N-Out focuses on fresh, clean ingredients and a “secret” sauce. Tommy’s focuses on heavy, hearty chili.
McDonald’s is fast and consistent, but it lacks flavor depth. Tommy’s has a distinct, spicy kick that lingers. The texture is also different. The chili makes the burger soggy quickly, so you have to eat it fast. That is not a bug; it is a feature. It forces you to enjoy the food immediately.
The price point is comparable to other fast-food places, but the portion size feels larger. The chili adds weight and bulk, making you feel full faster. For the cost, you are getting a dense, caloric meal that satisfies a specific craving.
Tips For First Timers
If this is your first trip, you need to prepare for the mess. The chili will drip. It will get on your hands and possibly your shirt. Do not wear your best white t-shirt. Grab a handful of napkins before you even sit down.
Also, consider ordering the chili cheese fries to share. The portion is massive. You can easily split it with two or three people. The fries stay crispy for a little while, but they will eventually get soft under the chili. That is expected.
Finally, try the burger without cheese first. The chili has a strong flavor, and the cheese can sometimes mask the spices. If you want to taste the true Tommy’s experience, go with the “plain” hamburger. You can always add cheese on your next visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions people have about the menu and the pricing structure. This should clear up any confusion before you order.
Is the chili at Tommy’s spicy?
It has a mild kick, but it is not overwhelmingly hot. It is more savory and seasoned than spicy. If you are sensitive to heat, you will be fine. If you want extra heat, ask for the jalapenos on the side.
Does Tommy’s have a secret menu?
Not officially, but regulars know about the “chili size” which is a bowl of chili with crackers. You can also ask for a “burrito” which is a tortilla wrapped around chili and cheese, though this is not available at all locations.
Are there any vegetarian options?
No, there are not. The menu is strictly meat-based. The fries are vegetarian, but they are cooked in the same oil as the meat products, so there is cross-contamination. This is not a place for plant-based eaters.
Why are the prices so low?
Tommy’s operates on a high-volume model. They do not have a huge menu, so they waste less food. They also have a very streamlined kitchen process. The savings are passed on to you, the customer.
Can I order the chili to go?
Yes, you can buy the chili by the pint or quart at most locations. This is great for parties or if you want to make your own chili dogs at home. The price varies by location, but it is very reasonable.
Final Thoughts On The Menu
You now have the full picture of the Original Tommy’s Hamburgers menu with prices. It is a simple menu, but it is executed with consistency. The prices are fair, the portions are big, and the flavor is unique.
Do not overthink your order. Go with the Double Cheeseburger and a side of chili cheese fries. Grab a large drink and a handful of napkins. Find a spot on the curb or the hood of your car and dig in. That is the Tommy’s way.
Remember that prices can shift slightly based on the location and the economy. The figures listed here are accurate as of this writing, but it is always smart to have a couple of extra dollars just in case. The experience is worth the trip, and now you know exactly what to expect when you get to the window.