I have been eating here since I was a kid, when the signage showed Tam's Burgers No. 8, before the Flintstones-like red and yellow rebrand, so I was around to see the prices increase, the portions decrease and the quality dip over the years, the same as most places that have survived around here. During the riots in the early 90's, the Asian owner sat menacingly on the roof with a gun, protecting his business, as it continued to operate unfazed. In the 00's, he enclosed the dining area with glass and installed flat screen TV's to improve the ambiance, as the burger patties became thinner and thinner and the regular salt on the fries was replaced by the same seasoning used at more than two dozen other Tam's locations. In the late 10's or early 20's, a website and online ordering was introduced, at which point getting through on the landline to place a phone order became hit or miss. EBT is accepted, and the area isn't exactly the safest, so there could be some unsavory characters hanging around on any given day or night. I still pick up food here from time to time: a bacon burger, shrimp dinner, or small order of fries. It's worth the money to get a meal here when Shorty is manning the front. He is a good humored man with a moustache and big friendly eyes. But when he's not there, good luck getting your food in a timely manner. My bad rating is based solely on the lady who takes orders when Shorty isn't there. She is like a prison warden who treats customers like common criminals while doing everything in slow motion. She allows the new female cook to slack off, using only one fryer, instead of multi-tasking, with the obvious attitude that she doesn't get paid to supervise, maximize efficiency, or even smile. The last time I was there, I paid $3 and waited twenty minutes for a small order of fries. This can't be sustainable when McDonald's offers large fries for $1.29 through its app daily just down the street. Never has this lady attempted the slightest apology for her perpetually terrible service and rude demeanor. If you catch her in an error, you will receive nothing but her disgust and disdain. I will consider updating my rating for old time's sake once they get rid of this harpy.
P.S. Although the new signage for this location lost the "No. 8," it is retained in the name of its website, and curiously, a couple of years ago, the owner opened a clone burger joint named Tam's 8 on Pacific Blvd. in Huntington Park. I suppose he didn't want to pay a franchise fee for the next number in sequence. I submit photos of both the old sign on 28th Street and the restaurant in HP, which has since failed and...
Read moreBeen coming here since I was a baby with my parents, today was the worst experience I have ever had there. Cashier is the worst, as I have seen in the comments i'm not the only one who thinks so. She kept insisting that I ordered a chicken burger when I told her 3 times I didn't she then grunted loud smacked her lips and said "oh my god", she kept trying to argue with me so instead I told her to give me my money back. She's been rude to my mother before as well, never coming back. Should really check that cashier if she can't handle customer service then she shouldn't be working...
Read moreBeen coming here for over 10 years and all I can say is that this place has not lost its touch. Tam’s has a 60’s diner vibe and the food is made fresh to order. I ordered the patty melt combo that comes with fries and a drink for only $10. The only thing I don’t like about this place is the fact that you have to go up to the employees every time you want a refill for your drink. They accept both cash and card and they also have a drive thru. Dining area is ample with lots of booths and each table is decorated exclusively with sports such as LA Kings, Lakers,...
Read more