Rod's Char-Broiler Is Low-Key Spot

is another low-key, no-frills local favorite on busy Artesia Boulevard. The dining area is typically full at meal times with an assortment of clientele from blue collar workers to teenagers. The menu is as eclectic as those who walk through its doors on a daily basis.

This restaurant should really be called Rod's Burgers and More; they really do offer everything under the sun from breakfast sandwiches to their namesake burgers, as well as sandwiches and Mexican food. Aside from one breakfast sandwich, you can only get breakfast during certain hours, but there's plenty more to choose from.

The menu does seem very daunting with so many choices, but the restaurant also offers combo platters, which keeps the menu a bit simpler. The whole restaurant was kept clean—always a plus—with workers sweeping the floor and wiping off tables. The counter staff seemed genuinely friendly to the point where I felt like I was at someone's home versus a busy restaurant.

A server brought my Junior Burger Combo shortly after I ordered. The burger itself was thin, but a fairly large size that was just enough for lunch. The lettuce was fresh, and my only qualm was that the cheese was not melted all the way. With that being my biggest issue, overall, the burger was good. The fries, in contrast, were thick and on the chewy side. The whole meal was still very warm when it came to my table, so that’s also a plus.

The restaurant stayed busy as I enjoyed my lunch, but the staff was able to keep up with the orders, which is all-important at the busy lunch hour—or at any hour.

This is not one of those gourmet burger joints by any means; however, if you just want an old-fashioned burger and an alternative to the golden arches, Rod's is a good place to start.