Macdad,
If you're in Orange County, definitely hit The Hat(Lake Forest) for their Pastrami Sanwiches, fries, etc. Haven't tried their burgers, but their sandwiches are classic, old-style, meat bombs. Their hot dogs/chili dogs are great.
If you make it to downtown LA, Nickel Diner for burgers and deserts, or Wurstkuche for exotic sausage sandwiches and Belgian fries along with imported beers.
If you're in Orange County, definitely hit The Hat(Lake Forest) for their Pastrami Sanwiches, fries, etc. Haven't tried their burgers, but their sandwiches are classic, old-style, meat bombs. Their hot dogs/chili dogs are great.
If you make it to downtown LA, Nickel Diner for burgers and deserts, or Wurstkuche for exotic sausage sandwiches and Belgian fries along with imported beers.