Verdugo Hills Hospital workers in O.R. scrubs sit beneath palm tree paintings and surfboard ceiling fans with a wistful look in their eyes. The wall-sized map of Oahu’s famous North Shore looks down at them as if to say, “Someday … your life will include balmy breezes and salty surf … someday. But for now, have a Waimea burger.”
Out on the wind-protected, heated patio, diners of all ages bask in the glow of the La Cañada United Artists theater marquee while wolfing down salads, sandwiches and fries before their films start. All in all, everyone seems to be having a good time at this new casual-style eatery. But to keep these customers, North Shore Burgers will have to kick it up a notch.
Co-owners Craig and Mike, a.k.a. “the two old dudes that don’t surf,” set out to create a Hawaiian burger joint. The final product has a more corporate franchise feel. The interior design and seating arrangements are studied but nonetheless pleasing. There’s peppy service, fun music, a slick menu, reasonable prices, and a decent wine and draft beer list. North Shore Burgers (or NSB as they call it) fulfills a need in this neighborhood for a family-friendly spot that’s more upscale than In-N-Out but not as thematically committed as Islands.
