The Double Burg’r at Hart House tastes as good as it looks. (photo by Jill Weinlein)

Hart House is a dream come true for comedian, actor and entrepreneur, Kevin Hart. He along with CEO Andy Hooper; head of culinary innovation chef Mike Salem; and director of brand and marketing Marcus Byrd are helping to change the overall well-being of people and the planet, with a mission to bring “Plant-Based to the People.”

When Hart appeared on the talk show “The Late Late Show with James Corden” in August 2022, he shared how he wants to open Hart Houses next to fast food chains such as McDonald’s, Burger King and Chick-fil-a.

“I have dabbled in plant-based for quite some time,” Hart said. “I want fast food that tastes as well or better than the fast food chains.”

In 2022, the Hart House team opened their first brick and mortar location in Westchester near LAX. With its success, they opened in Monrovia and, on May 23, in Hollywood.

Located on the corner of Sunset Boulevard and Highland Avenue, it sits directly across the street from a Chick-fil-a and Hollywood High School.

The location offers a drive-thru window for those on the go, as well as 16 seats inside the colorful casual dining room and 24 seats on the outdoor dining terrace.

Last week I met with Marcus Byrd for a tasting before the grand opening. As he guided me through the various choices on the informative menu, he enthusiastically said, “Wait until you try one of the burgers, shakes and nuggets.”

First timers will want to start with a Double Burg’r, fries or tater tots and an Oreo Shake.

“If you want a combination of fries and tater tots, you order ‘frots,’” Byrd said. “Guests can also substitute these fried sides for a small kale salad. We eat the cost.”

One of the best drinks on the menu is the dairy-free Oreo shake. Other shake flavors include vanilla, chocolate and strawberry. The organic soda dispenser offers cherry cream, lemongrass and Kola Cola. Other organic beverages include unsweet black tea, organic hibiscus, berry patch and lemonade.

“All ingredients are 100% plant-based and are free of cholesterol, antibiotics, hormones, artificial colors, preservatives, high-fructose corn syrup or trans fats,” Byrd said.

When my order was ready, I picked up the wrapped ‘Burg’r’ comprised of a thick patty nestled in between crisp lettuce, grilled onions and a slather of Hart House Signature sauce. The slices of cheese tasted very similar to dairy cheese. The patty is made with soy, chick-pea and pea protein. It’s not an Impossible or Beyond meat patty, but new, better tasting plant-based patties made in Canada and Brazil.

For those who love hot and spicy, the Deluxe Hot ’N Spicy patty is enhanced with “Hunny” Mustard sauce that gives this sandwich a pleasing sweet kick in flavor.

The new Summer Lovin’ combo special, available at all three locations, is a Smokey BBQ Burg’r with crispy Nashville-style hot and spicy nuggets and an organic lemonade. The spicy nuggets delivered, offering a “I can’t believe it’s not chicken” flavor with every bite.

In addition to providing a healthier alternative to its guests, Hart House leads with care for its employees, offering living wages and benefits. They are committed to bringing positive change to the lives of those who serve and those who they serve.

During the ribbon cutting ceremony with the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, Hart House honored the Assistance League of Los Angeles by donating 10% of the opening day proceeds to the organization. When the Hart House team learned that one out of every four children in Los Angeles lives below the poverty line, they adopted this worthy organization to help make a difference. Daily hours are from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.  myharthouse.com. Stay up to date on Instagram @myharthouse. $-$$ The Westchester location is at 8901 S. Sepulveda Blvd., and the Monrovia location is at 602 W Huntington Drive. Hollywood is open now at 6800 Sunset Blvd. Next to open this summer is at 3726 S. Figueroa near USC.