Original Tommy’s World Famous Hamburgers Menu with Prices is exactly what you need if you’re planning a visit to this legendary Los Angeles chain. Original Tommy’s World Famous Hamburgers has built its reputation on a simple formula: fresh ingredients, a secret chili recipe, and prices that haven’t forgotten their working-class roots. Since 1946, this family-owned spot has served the same classic burgers to hungry customers across Southern California, and the menu remains refreshingly straightforward.
You won’t find complicated gourmet options or trendy fusion items here. What you will find are honest, filling burgers topped with that famous all-beef chili. The menu focuses on doing a few things perfectly, and the prices reflect that same no-nonsense approach.
Original Tommy’s World Famous Hamburgers Menu With Prices
Before you order, it helps to understand how the menu works. Everything is build around the chili. You can get it on burgers, hot dogs, fries, and even tamales. The chili is thick, meaty, and has a slow-building spice that keeps people coming back for decades.
Here is the complete breakdown of the current menu with estimated prices. Keep in mind that prices can shift slightly by location, but these figures are accurate as of the latest update.
Burgers And Sandwiches
The burger is the star of the show. You have two main choices for the patty: regular hamburger or cheeseburger. Both come with the option of adding their signature chili on top. The chili is not a side addition; it is a core component of the experience.
- Hamburger – $3.49 (Plain, with mustard, pickles, and onions on request)
- Cheeseburger – $3.99 (Adds a slice of American cheese)
- Chili Burger – $4.29 (The classic, topped with their red chili)
- Chili Cheeseburger – $4.79 (The most popular order on the menu)
- Double Chili Cheeseburger – $6.29 (Two patties, double the chili)
- Triple Chili Cheeseburger – $7.99 (For serious appetites only)
You can also get a plain hamburger without the mustard and pickles. Just ask for it “plain” at the window. The patties are thin, smashed on the grill, and have crispy edges. That texture holds up well against the heavy chili.
Customization Options
Do not be afraid to ask for extras. The staff is used to regulars who have their own specific orders. You can add jalapeños, extra cheese, or even a fried egg to any burger for a small upcharge. Most locations charge about $0.50 per extra topping.
Hot Dogs And Tamales
If you are not in the mood for a burger, the hot dog is a solid second choice. It is a all-beef frank served on a soft bun. The chili dog here is messy in the best way possible. You will need a fork for the extra chili that falls off.
- Chili Dog – $3.79 (Topped with mustard and chopped onions)
- Chili Cheese Dog – $4.29 (Adds melted cheddar)
- Plain Hot Dog – $2.99 (Just the dog and bun)
- Tamale – $3.49 (Beef tamale smothered in chili and cheese)
- Tamale With Chili And Cheese – $4.19
The tamale is a hidden gem. It is a traditional corn husk tamale that gets completely covered in chili. It is not fancy, but it is filling and comforting. Many long-time customers order this when they want a break from bread.
Fries And Sides
The fries at Tommy’s are crinkle-cut and crispy. They are not seasoned heavily, which is good because you will likely dump chili and cheese all over them. A side of chili cheese fries is almost a meal by itself.
- Small Fries – $2.49
- Large Fries – $3.29
- Chili Fries (Small) – $3.99
- Chili Cheese Fries (Small) – $4.49
- Chili Cheese Fries (Large) – $5.49
- Onion Rings – $3.79 (Available at select locations)
Pro tip: Order the chili cheese fries on the side and eat them first. They get soggy fast if you let them sit. The heat from the chili softens the crinkle cuts within minutes. Eat them hot for the best texture.
Drinks And Shakes
Tommy’s keeps the drink menu basic. You have standard fountain sodas, iced tea, and bottled water. The real treat is the hand-dipped shakes, which come in chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry.
- Fountain Soda (Small) – $1.99
- Fountain Soda (Large) – $2.49
- Bottled Water – $1.79
- Milkshake – $4.29 (Thick and old-fashioned)
- Chocolate Malt – $4.49
The shakes are made with real ice cream, not a mix. They are thick enough that you might need to wait a minute for them to soften slightly. If you want a lighter option, the iced tea is brewed fresh daily and unsweetened.
How To Order Like A Regular
Ordering at Tommy’s is not complicated, but there is a system. You walk up to the window, look at the menu board above, and tell the cashier what you want. There is no indoor seating at most locations, just a walk-up counter and some outdoor picnic tables.
Here is a step-by-step guide to getting your order right the first time:
- Decide if you want chili on your item. Most people say yes.
- Choose your protein: burger, hot dog, or tamale.
- Pick your cheese preference. American is standard, but you can ask for pepper jack at some spots.
- Decide on sides. The chili cheese fries are the go-to, but onion rings are a lighter option.
- Order your drink. A large soda pairs well with the salty, spicy food.
- Pay at the window. Cash is accepted, but cards work too.
- Grab your food from the pass-through window and find a spot at the outdoor tables.
Do not forget the pickled jalapeños on the condiment counter. They are free and add a bright, vinegary kick that cuts through the richness of the chili. There are also packets of hot sauce if you want extra heat.
What Makes The Chili Special
The chili recipe is a closely guarded secret. It has been the same since the first location opened on Beverly Boulevard. The texture is ground beef in a dark, seasoned sauce. It is not soupy like canned chili, and it is not chunky like a stew. It sits right in the middle, coating every bite evenly.
The spice level is mild to medium. You taste cumin, chili powder, and a hint of garlic. There is a slight sweetness that balances the heat. It is not spicy enough to make you reach for water, but it has enough kick to keep things interesting.
If you are sensitive to spice, order your burger without chili. But honestly, you would be missing the point. The chili is what makes Tommy’s different from every other burger stand in Los Angeles.
Locations And Hours
There are now over 30 Tommy’s locations across Southern California. The original stand at 2575 W. Beverly Boulevard in Los Angeles is still operating and still has that classic, no-frills vibe. Most locations are open from 10 AM to 11 PM daily, but some drive-thru locations stay open until 2 AM on weekends.
You can find locations in the San Fernando Valley, Orange County, and even as far as Riverside. Each location follows the same menu and pricing structure. The quality is consistent, which is rare for a chain that has expanded this much.
Is The Value Worth It?
Compared to other fast food chains, Tommy’s prices are very reasonable. A chili cheeseburger costs about $4.79, which is cheaper than a comparable burger at In-N-Out or McDonald’s when you factor in the extra toppings. The portion sizes are generous, and the ingredients taste fresh.
For about $10, you can get a chili cheeseburger, a small chili cheese fry, and a drink. That is a full meal that will keep you full for hours. In a city where a basic lunch can easily cost $15 or more, Tommy’s offers real value without cutting corners on quality.
Nutritional Considerations
Let us be honest: this is not health food. A chili cheeseburger has around 600 calories, and the chili cheese fries add another 700 or so. If you are watching your sodium intake, this might not be the best choice. The chili is high in salt, and the cheese adds even more.
That said, Tommy’s uses fresh, never frozen beef patties. The produce is delivered daily, and the chili is made in small batches throughout the day. It is fast food, but it is fast food done with more care than most.
If you want to lighten things up, skip the cheese and ask for extra onions and mustard. The mustard adds flavor without calories. You can also order a lettuce wrap instead of a bun at some locations, though this is not advertised.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Original Tommy’s have a secret menu?
Not officially, but regulars know a few tricks. You can order a “double chili cheese dog” or ask for your burger with extra chili for a small fee. Some locations will make you a “chili cheese tamale” if you ask nicely, even though it is not on the board.
Are the prices the same at every location?
Prices are very similar across all locations, but franchise owners can adjust slightly. The difference is usually only a few cents. The menu items themselves are identical everywhere.
Can I order online or through an app?
Yes, many locations now accept online orders through third-party delivery apps like DoorDash and Uber Eats. However, the prices on those apps are higher to cover delivery fees. If you want the true menu prices, you should visit in person.
Is the chili gluten-free?
The chili itself does not contain wheat, but it is prepared in a shared kitchen. If you have celiac disease, you should be cautious. The burgers can be ordered without a bun, but cross-contamination is possible.
What is the spiciest item on the menu?
The chili is the only spicy element. There is no “extra hot” version, but you can add fresh jalapeños or habanero sauce from the condiment station to kick things up.
Final Thoughts On The Menu
Original Tommy’s World Famous Hamburgers menu with prices is a testament to simplicity. You get a few core items done extremely well, at a price that respects your wallet. The chili is the glue that holds the whole experience together, and it has been winning fans for nearly eight decades.
Next time you are in Los Angeles, skip the trendy burger joints and head to a Tommy’s. Order a chili cheeseburger, a side of chili cheese fries, and a chocolate shake. Eat it outside, let the chili drip down your hands, and understand why this place has survived while so many others have closed.
The menu has not changed much since 1946, and that is exactly why it works. When something is this good and this affordable, you do not mess with the formula. Just show up hungry, order fast, and enjoy one of the most honest meals you can find in Southern California.