Gate-side burgers near Terminal 1 security at LGB
Long Beach Burger Bar sits airside in Terminal 1, after the single main security checkpoint, so you’re eating within 5–10 minutes of most gates. It’s a fast-casual setup: order at the counter, grab a seat, and watch the short-board flights cycle through the screens. Food comes out in about 10–15 minutes when it’s not peak morning or early evening.
As the name promises, the menu leans hard on burgers, plus fries, onion rings, and a couple of chicken options. Expect airport pricing: burgers generally run in the low-to-mid teens, with add-ons like bacon or avocado pushing it a couple dollars higher. Portions are big enough that one burger and a shared side usually works for two people on a short LGB–OAK or LGB–SLC hop.
Quality is decent for a small regional airport. Patties come out medium to well-done, and the bun usually holds up better than what you get at the national chains in many other terminals. Sides are standard: fries are crisp when fresh, and onion rings travel better if you’re headed to a gate like 4 or 5 and plan to eat there. Sauces cost extra in some reports at other HMSHost spots, so expect a dollar or two for extra dips.
Drinks cover the basics: fountain soda, bottled water, and a few canned beers typically in the $9–$12 range. If you’re on a tight boarding window for a 60–90 minute flight, order everything at once so you’re not stuck in line twice. Seating is limited and fills quickly during the 6:00–8:30 a.m. bank, when Southwest and Delta push their early departures.
Tip: If your gate is in the lower numbers (1–4), order to-go and walk your bag down before unwrapping the burger; that keeps you within sight of boarding while you finish the fries.