Val's Burgers

I grew up at this diner and so did my grandmother. It’s truly a hallmark in time. It’s absolute comfort and family. I’ve since moved away, but Val’s still has a special place in my memories. Every time I visit I make sure I order a mama burger and a mint milkshake. The food is incredible and so is the family that keeps this place going. There will never be another like it.

I grew up at this diner and so did my grandmother. It’s truly a hallmark in time. It’s absolute comfort and family. I’ve since moved away, but Val’s still has a special place in my memories. Every time I visit I make sure I order a mama burger and a mint milkshake. The food is incredible and so is the family that keeps this place going. There will never be another like it.

At the suggestion of a friend, who grew up here, I decided to drive to Hayward, CA and try a burger place called Val's Burgers. They've been in business since 1958, but like many small Mom & Pop places, Covid restrictions has them almost down and out. They no longer have any dine-in options and will only accept cash. I spoke with George, the 2nd Generation owner (Val's son) and his daughter. They both had a sad aura about them. Like they're witnessing the last dying breath of a cherished loved one. It broke my heart. Such nice people being run out of business by greedy heartless politicians. My friend was right, it was the best burger and fries I have had in a very long time. If you're in the area, support these very nice people and have possibly the best burger you've ever eaten.

At the suggestion of a friend, who grew up here, I decided to drive to Hayward, CA and try a burger place called Val's Burgers. They've been in business since 1958, but like many small Mom & Pop places, Covid restrictions has them almost down and out. They no longer have any dine-in options and will only accept cash. I spoke with George, the 2nd Generation owner (Val's son) and his daughter. They both had a sad aura about them. Like they're witnessing the last dying breath of a cherished loved one. It broke my heart. Such nice people being run out of business by greedy heartless politicians. My friend was right, it was the best burger and fries I have had in a very long time. If you're in the area, support these very nice people and have possibly the best burger you've ever eaten.

My grandma, great aunt, and great uncle went here for dinner today! They prefer that you call your order ahead, but we didn't and the girl who took our order was SUPER nice! Their menu is much more limited than before COVID, but according to my grandma, they're still the best burgers on the planet. My readers, I'm inclined to agree! My burger was the perfect medium rare with plenty of toppings, just the way I like it. 2 mama burgers and 1 order of fries was more than enough food for 4 people. At $41, that means $10.25 per person for dinner and plenty of leftover fries to make home fries for breakfast tomorrow. Val's is unfortunately only open 2 days a week and is take out only. They do however have a few tables out back that you can eat at. Between the takeout only rule and folding tables out back, there's not much in the way of ambiance, but it was hopping with the parking lot crowded with customers' cars. Totally worth it and I hope that their dining room will be open the next time I come to California! Once the dining room is open, I'll give them the 5th star!

My grandma, great aunt, and great uncle went here for dinner today! They prefer that you call your order ahead, but we didn't and the girl who took our order was SUPER nice! Their menu is much more limited than before COVID, but according to my grandma, they're still the best burgers on the planet. My readers, I'm inclined to agree! My burger was the perfect medium rare with plenty of toppings, just the way I like it. 2 mama burgers and 1 order of fries was more than enough food for 4 people. At $41, that means $10.25 per person for dinner and plenty of leftover fries to make home fries for breakfast tomorrow. Val's is unfortunately only open 2 days a week and is take out only. They do however have a few tables out back that you can eat at. Between the takeout only rule and folding tables out back, there's not much in the way of ambiance, but it was hopping with the parking lot crowded with customers' cars. Totally worth it and I hope that their dining room will be open the next time I come to California! Once the dining room is open, I'll give them the 5th star!

The parking lot is open and there is outdoor seating! Someone even cam out and took our order. Burgers still the best. French fries are still big and out of this world. As always, need a big appetite and CASH only!

The parking lot is open and there is outdoor seating! Someone even cam out and took our order. Burgers still the best. French fries are still big and out of this world. As always, need a big appetite and CASH only!

The environment was very classic as well as the food. Mama-burger is the right side for me and the taste was good... but can't say outstanding.. Fish and chips was ordered too according to some comments. Fish is nice but chips weren't attractive to me. (not hot enough, not crispy at all). Milkshake was definitely a must try item as it's get the rich flavor of chocolate and good mix of milk. However, the portion and price is not for one but three.

The environment was very classic as well as the food. Mama-burger is the right side for me and the taste was good... but can't say outstanding.. Fish and chips was ordered too according to some comments. Fish is nice but chips weren't attractive to me. (not hot enough, not crispy at all). Milkshake was definitely a must try item as it's get the rich flavor of chocolate and good mix of milk. However, the portion and price is not for one but three.

Let's see. The other reviews have said a lot already, we went based on those. The burgers are clearly hand-made and good, the single order of fries is enough for 2 people to get well-stuffed, and the drinks are limited to cans of Shasta and bottled water. They have a couple little tables out under a tent in the parking lot, and there's cardboard boxes nearby for trash cans. I wouldn't call that atmosphere.... but the waitress who happened to find us was nice. They do ask that you call in your order ahead, but we just went and it wasn't a problem. For 2 mama burgers, one order fries, a bottled water and a soda was $45. I would go again in the spirit of supporting a truly indie local place.

Let's see. The other reviews have said a lot already, we went based on those. The burgers are clearly hand-made and good, the single order of fries is enough for 2 people to get well-stuffed, and the drinks are limited to cans of Shasta and bottled water. They have a couple little tables out under a tent in the parking lot, and there's cardboard boxes nearby for trash cans. I wouldn't call that atmosphere.... but the waitress who happened to find us was nice. They do ask that you call in your order ahead, but we just went and it wasn't a problem. For 2 mama burgers, one order fries, a bottled water and a soda was $45. I would go again in the spirit of supporting a truly indie local place.

I grew up going here and always make it a stop when I'm in the area. After being away for so long I was sad to see that they have a limited menu, are only doing takeaway and are cash only now. Go before you can't!

I grew up going here and always make it a stop when I'm in the area. After being away for so long I was sad to see that they have a limited menu, are only doing takeaway and are cash only now. Go before you can't!

Here’s all you need to know: THIS PLACE IS STILL THE BEST. Absolutely stellar char-broiled burgers and wonderful service. Please support this lovely family.

Here’s all you need to know: THIS PLACE IS STILL THE BEST. Absolutely stellar char-broiled burgers and wonderful service. Please support this lovely family.