Smitty's Better Burger

I used to love eating here as a kid through my young adult years. I don’t know what happened, or if maybe today was a bad day, but the food was inedible. The gilled cheese was a joke, and the tater tots were mushy and greasy. Definitely won’t be going back. Such a shame.

They almost had me; But then they lost me! My service was very fast and friendly, my food was hot and my drink was great, but the food. I’d say no. The fries aren’t going to have any seasoning on them so, add salt and ketchup, but at least they were hot and crispy. The burger is where it’s shaky. The toppings override the entire burger and the flavor of the burger is subpar at best.The meat kind’ve becomes an afterthought since the flavor is missing and your really only tasting the toppings. The bun was also a tad firm and dry for me as well. Not the best but, I can say it was cheap and quick so it give them a try and see for yourself🤷🏾‍♂️.

Super disappointed with our order today. Came and spent $48 for 3 chicken nugget trays and our burgers. We love Smittys chicken nuggets but when we got home to eat and opened the chicken nugget trays, they were literally Tyson dinosaur chicken nuggets and over fried. I literally have dinosaur chicken nuggets and fries in my freezer. I could’ve just saved the money and made them at home if I knew that’s what we were gonna be served and not the usual chicken nuggets. This is the 4th time in a row our food has been over fried also, I stopped getting the burgers because they have been burnt that last 3 times. Super disappointing

I recently dined here and was thoroughly impressed! The burgers were juicy, flavorful, and perfectly cooked, with a diverse menu that caters to all tastes. The service was lightning-fast, and my meal arrived hot and fresh. The friendly and attentive staff provided excellent suggestions, enhancing the overall experience. If you love burgers, this place is a must-visit and I can't wait to return!

I been going here since I was a kid. It's not one time that I have come to Virginia and I don't make it my business to stop here. The best burgers hands down.

The food was fresh and hot, very good quality for a low price. It's a drive up car hop type restaurant.

After all these years I finally got to try Smitty's. My father used to eat when he was a kid in the 50s. And I'm delighted to report that this place is amazing. The food is excellent and the service is absolutely wonderful. I highly recommend the barbecue sandwich. It's the best I've ever had! Also it's a unique experience due to it being a drive-in. Love it!

I feel like it's biased to ask a Smitty how Smitty's Better Burger is... Even if it wasn't Smitty's, it's still the best burger you can get in Virginia, not to mention that the Cheeseburger lunch special is under $8... Can you say Smitty's? I know you can...

Service and food is a staple in Hampton. The women who serve us are always nice and helpful. Plus smitty gives the dive in / drive in vibe.

3.5/5 Customer Service- wait in your car service. Service was friendly and prompt. However, I paid with cash and the server kept my change without my permission. 3.5/5 Food- Overall my cheeseburger and fries were good. The fries could've used salt. Everything was pretty standard, I'd return.

First time here at this establishment that has been operating since 1956 in Hampton and had a good meal. Their cheeseburger lunch deal with fries and a soda is a great deal and very tasty. Food did not take too long and our server was very nice. Fun old school drive-in type establishment!

Ample parking! Had to get the signature Super Burger and small cole slaw. Curb service is awesome and sprinkled with a personal touch. Enjoy your meal in the car while parked! A great getaway for a peace and quiet lunch.

Worth the drive over the HRBT. Don't judge a book by its cover. The burgers were juicy, well made and real meat. The fried chicken was ok, the packaging for the chicken caused the chicken to become soggy (if you're taking it to-go). Another Hampton favorite.

I have to say, for the price, it's a pretty good hamburger. For $7.70, you get a cheeseburger with pickles, lettuce and tomatoes, drink and seasoned curly fries. The patty is a little dry, but for the price, it's a deal.

Really great experience! My wife and I went around 630, so we thought it was going to take a little while but were very happy and surprised with the quick service and delivery! Within a few minutes, the waitress came to our door side and we ordered food/drink. We both purchased the classic better burger and were very happy with it! I was very satisfied with the size of the burger; half expected a mediocre size burger. Will definitely be coming back to this local family owned business!

Finally, I made it over to Smittys Better Burger yesterday. I stumbled upon Smitty's a couple of years ago after doing some photography up in Poquoson and made a mental bookmark for when I was back in the area. I'm glad I did. Since I was already going to be in Hampton on an errand I added Smitty's to the list for lunch. Also, for those who don't know, Smitty's is an old drive-in burger stand located near the south gate of the Langly AFB. It's been owned and operated since 1956 by the Smith family. The awning next to the building was mostly full when I arrived however I was immediately able to find a parking space. Due to my parking location, near the front, and the rain, I was unable to see the posted menu. Within maybe two minutes a server was at my car window. I explained it was my first time there and didn't want to have her explain the menu in the rain and get soaked I just said can you give me a bacon cheeseburger and fries. She asked if I wanted the usual condiments, lettuce, tomato, onions, pickles, etc. I said yes. She also asked if I wanted a drink as well, and then off she went. Super fast and efficient. Less than 10 minutes later she came out with a bag and my drink. The cost was $9.13 before I generously tipped her and the transaction was over. I opened my bag and the fries were on top. Wrapped in wax paper, they were thick crinkle-cut kind and the portion was generous. The photo I'm including doesn't do it justice as I had probably eaten a 3rd of them before I remembered to take a picture. Next was the bacon cheeseburger, wrapped in foil paper. The burger was a tank. Full of condiments and a well-proportioned patty. Again the photo doesn't do it justice. This was a dense juicy burger that tasted wonderful. I enjoyed my lunch. Sadly due to the weather, I was unable to get out and take some photos of the location, however, there's already plenty to see on the restaurant's profile. After reading other reviews it seems that their onion rings are also held in high regard, so that will be on my list during a future visit. Another easy five-star visit.

I always wondered what the hype was about this place so boyfriend and I decided to check it out for lunch. You pull up and a waitress takes your order from your car. The prices are great and the quality of the food is amazing. I had the cheesesteak sub and he had the better burger. We then shared a chili cheese tater tots. Those were yummy! Somehow they managed to cook them perfectly crisp and they didn't get soggy from the chili and cheese. We will definitely go back. The atmosphere is retro and welcoming. Now I understand what the hype is about. And a huge shoutout to Cindy Lou. She was an absolutely great server.

You talk about mad waitresses fussing with customers. Attitude was so bad I decided to leave. I knew me being hungry would have turned into Hangry quick. Food I don't know. Ambiance needs some serious work. I know it's a staple in community but it could use some painting. To improve it get some people that wanna work with better attitudes.

So I take my mother to smittys often but today we had the worst service. First the young lady waited on 3 cars that came in after we did because we were parked further to the back and it was a little rain. After I honked my horn she comes and said she thought I was gonna move. We told her the order name then she brings out the order it was 12.69 I gave her a $20 she handed me $7 and Saud have a nice day. So yall can't count now. If you can't count change you shouldn't be doing that job. It may seem petty but if I was short when it's time to pay they not gonna give me my order. So you just rounded my order to $13 without asking. I will not return. It's seems like a little but how many people you doing that to in a day or a week it adds up. To many people and organizations are getting over I'm over it.

By far the best burger spot in Newport News! The burgers taste super authentic along with the fries are great and not oily. The way the drive in is set up is very old school, they come take your order from your car and bring you your food so you don't even have to get out of your car! Cindy is a great server, she was super nice and welcoming and gave us the history on the burger spot. They also have a variety of food options other than burgers such a hot dogs, chili fries, & dinner plates! 10/10 recommend and would come back again!

This place took my by surprise my first bite. I was not expecting this. Fast but fresh! As this was my first time I was a little lost but it was easily explained by the friendly staff "Sit in your car and turn on your hazards and someone will be w you". They were friendly and fast. It almost feels like this place should be a drive in.

This place is nostalgic. The food is good. Not fancy, served in a manner from the past. The servers are knowledgeable and efficient.

A fun experience that's not duplicated! Good fast food- burgers, hot dogs and corn dogs with fried accompaniments. We read the menu on the wall but there may be more items based on the physical menu I saw on here (Yelp). Not too expensive but could cost you more than McDonald's.

Such good food and fast service. Well lit and feel safe Reminds me of a small town burger joint

Well after a year of being closed due to an unexpected fire, Smitty's Better-Burger is back open. Its been back open for a little over a month now but I just made it out. As expected, the place was busy. For those of you who do not know, Smitty's Better-Burger is a car-hop restaurant. Its been in Hampton VA. since the 1950's, serving the same food (plus a few extras) and made the same way. Alway fresh, hot and delicious and with customer service second to now! This place is an original landmark in Hampton...... which is why I find tonight visit a bit out of character for Smitty's. Arrived at 5:00 pm and was greeted by a friendly service a couple of minutes later. Not sure what we wanted at the time, she came back later. My wife had a few questions and our server answered them all. I had the flounder dinner and my wife had the fried chicken wing dinner to eat there. I mean, whats the use of going to a car-hop for to-go food? This was at 5:09 pm. I found it odd that we did not get a choice of sides for the dinners, nor did the server offer us a choice. She came back later to give us the status of the food and I ask. She told us both dinners came with fries and slaw as sides, ask us if that's ok? I was think sure but that would have been a nice offer when we initially ordered our food. Now Smitty's has really good fried chicken and they cook it to order. So you can expect a wait of at least 15 mins if you order fried chicken - i was good with that. 15 minutes past, then 25 minutes...... no food. 30 minutes passed and our server came and told us it would be right up. She ask us if we wanted to take it with us instead of eating it there. I told here no, we'd like to eat there in our car. I felt like she was trying to get rid of us. I watched car after car on both sides of us pull up, place an order and leave. Still we did not have our food, 35 mins passed then 45. As we approached an hour wait for our food, I ask the wife if she wanted to go some place else. Just then, our server came up to our car and said the kitchen staff informed her they are running behind on chicken orders and they are working on our order now. 50 minutes and then 55. At this time, I went inside. I told our server to make our food to-go because we had been waiting an hour (almost). She acknowledge me and apologized for the wait. Our server came to the car, told us the manager was given us a free meal because of the long wait and it would be up shortly. 1:05 minutes than 1:15 and finally, after waiting an hour and 20 minutes after we ordered, our food came out. Took our food and went home to eat. Everything was fresh, hot and delicious as always from Smitty's. Our experience tonight is not normal for Smitty's. They normally serve food in a timely manner. Tonight some mistake was made where our food may have been served to someone else. I can see that happening considering how busy they were. This is why I hate eating out on the weekend. Hey Smitty's is an original, similar to Dumars in Norfolk. No matter where you are in the state, it's worth a trip to the fine establishment.

Been eating there for 50 years. Have never been disappointed. Best food and service.Everyone that works there is pleasant. You will be back. Good prices for good hot food. Great ice tea.

This place is a treasure - the Doumar'a of the Peninsula. Hampton always feels like a time warp in a shabby, endearing way - it's not all chains and a Walgreens on every corner. The food is good, service is friendly and leisurely (don't come if you're in a rush). Get a chili dog and some tots! Only bummer is they don't really have desert - seems like a place that should have banging cones and shakes!

I'm new to the area... My co-worker was grabbing lunch to go, and he said he was going to go to Smitty's.. I never had it before, so I went to Yelp to see the reviews (good)/menu. I ordered a turkey burger w/ cheese and fries When he returned w/ the goods..Everything smelled good, but upon review and taste.. I couldn't help to think back to my childhood, at a baseball game or high school basketball game The turkey burger seemed like a frozen turkey patty (nothing special) Fries were normal crinkle fries (nothing special) Did it satisfy my hunger? Yes Was the burger good? Not really.. Nothing special, and lacked flavor Was the fries good? I guess, nothing special, freshly fried in grease fries I don't think I will be back... It wasn't nothing to go back to/for a turkey burger.. Now if someone was to say, "Hey, I'm going to Smitty's, you want something?" And If I'm hungry, yeah sure (w/ a slightly disappointed look)

Pulling up to this vintage looking burger spot, my expectations were kinda high..I just looked at it and went yeah, they'll have a great burger. My boyfriend and I went and ordered two lunch specials (a burger, fries, and a drink) both with fried onions and bell peppers and an extra side of onion rings. Our total was $18 and some change. Customer service was good, the weather was gloomy and rainy so everything was understandable. Our order came out in decent time however, when we got home we were missing our onion rings. The lunch special itself wasn't anything to rave about. If there were somethings to improve on, it would be the fries. I figured with all the other options of fry substitutes there must be better options. I wouldn't mind returning again, but I would have to try something else. The burger fell below my expectations; patty not really seasoned or charred like it was on a grill.

Smittys is a hidden gem for those that go eat here. The food is good and I love their better burger meal! Servers are great and always are nice. It's drive and dine (like sonic) so the ambiance is what you make it!!!

Banging food and good! Old school all the way! Burger was excellent loved the onion rings and corn dogs! Service was fast! Looks sketch on the outside, don't hesitate and just park and eat!!!! I am not a huge fan of the fries but my boys love them, so that's all that matters!!

Nostalgia Alert! My buddy and I stumbled across this gem and soon discovered that it was a local icon of all things delicious. Smitty's Better Burger is a Drive-in time machine, where burgers are made to perfection and served with a carhop smile. The atmosphere conjures up Happy Days images of such classic movies as Grease and America Graffiti. From the moment you drive up and the waitress takes your order, you know that you are experiencing a disappearing slice of Americana. But there is more to Smitty's than just atmosphere; my burger was cooked to perfection, an old school masterpiece that was loaded with flavor. Oh, and our onion rings and fries were light and crispy.. yum! Yup, from now on whenever I'm in Hampton, Smitty's will be my first stop.

Loved it. Used to come here when I was stationed at Langley many years ago. Glad they are still in business. Had a chili dog and burger. Both were great.

If you're looking or old school burgers, come to this drive up. They offer quick hearty meals. Great for lunch time. Friendly staff and ambiance. Great Service.

I love mom n pops spots . I forgot to get before pictures but it's a cool spot for quick bites. I wish they had more greens or veggies on the menu.

The food is usually ok, but today's customer service was disgusting! I orderd a steak sub, no lettuce, add grilled onions...an order of onion rings & a Lg Lemonade. I get all the home and my steak sub is a burger. I called to make them aware, the person who answers the call gets very defensive and says order mix ups happen, I agreed and asked to be compensated as I was not driving back 15 mins. 10 mins later the car hop who took my order calls yelling about a previous order that had nothing to do with them getting this order incorrect. I will not patronize them again.

Great portions size well seasoned food. Our server was friendly and quickly made sure our order was correct and to our satisfaction

Best burger around! Good cheese, good bun. I got the single burger and fries. It reminded me of growing up as a kid eating those good ole cheap simple America Cheeseburgers!

Good food portions. Very quick service even when it appears very busy. Reasonable prices.

What a gem! Stopped at this place on a whim and was surprised to find such a classic fast food restaurant from the 50's. Loved the crinkle-cut fries, the super burger, but the onion fries took the cake! We'll be stopping here again should we be passing through! We talked to the car next to us and this is definitely a place the locals go. There are few places like this left!

So this is your classic drive-in where you eat your meal in your car. The prices are very affordable for your hotdogs and hamburgers and different sandwiches and such. They have basic sides like onion rings and french fries and waffle fries. The prices are super affordable, and all the food tastes pretty good. I would like to come back again and try the subs.

Smitty's is the best classic burger joint at the best price in Hampton. Never disappointed with the food, price, or service. Very reliable.

Lived in the area on and off for about 20 years and this is the first time I have eaten here. Service was friendly and there was little wait for our order to be taken. Food was out in less than 10 mins - it was hot and delicious. For me it's important that food comes out hot as I prefer my food steaming hot. I can see myself returning when I'm back in town.

The food is great! I love how my food is served to me at my car and how lovely the waiters are and the vintage look.

Wow! Had another good meal at Smittys. Decided to try the fried chicken wing dinner with a side of clam strips. I was amazed when I got real whole chicken wings instead of little wing sections. It's super hard to find restaurants that have that. Along with it came a nice size container of cole slaw, plenty of fries, and rolls. I also got a massive amount of clam strips not overcooked and rubbery with homemade tarter sauce. The price was so great. Excellent value. Well worth the drive across town. So glad there is a restaurant out there that's not over charging their patrons and using the pandemic as the reason. There was plenty of help given 2 small and large businesses. Some are just greedy.

It was good definitely tasted like old fashioned burgers but could have been a little better but I'd still recommend

Great little small business place in Hampton! Great place to stop in for lunch or dinner! Just pull up in your car, you don't even have to get out! The food is great! We get the fried chicken bucket and it's always really good.

Prices used to be low until inflation so it has increased but still better compared to anywhere else you would go. You really can't go wrong with anything that you order. Everything they offer to eat is great. I love that it's a drive in service rather than going in to sit. There's just something about being able to eat in the car right there so it's still fresh

Their food is out of this world. Everything is cooked while you wait. The staff is very friendly and attentive. Best fried chicken in the area!

Pretty tasty burger. I felt like it literally was thrown together Mambi pambi. The prices seem inexpensive until you start to add up. $3.50 for the burger 2.00 for fries and 1.50 for drink (which we asked no ice). So yeah seven dollars for a meal plus tax and tip. Not worth it to me.

My wife was reminiscing about this place, she said that she used to go here, when she was a school aged child, so over 30 years ago. Since we moved back to town, she wanted to check it out again. I had never been here previously. She got the burger combo, with battered onion rings and a diet coke. She said that it was as perfect as she had remembered it. I got the clam dinner, substituting battered onion rings for the french fries. I also ordered an unsweet tea. They gave me french fries instead of the of the battered onion rings that I had ordered, and someone had accidentally put sweet tea in the unsweet tea pitcher. The waitress was very hospitable, bringing me another "unsweet tea", but it too was sweet, so I asked for water. She later brought me the battered onion rings. The waitress Ashley was excellent, it was the kitchen that messed up the order.

Every time I eat there I get the runs! Someone is not washing their hands!! The food is good and presented well,but whoever is cooking it is not washing their hands.

So I finally got to stop by and try. Highly impressed. Everything was good and for the price. I will definitely be back! Local spots is where I believe we should continue to invest. Well worth it!

These hamburgers were AWESOME! This place is not a lot to look at as we almost missed it being visitors from out of town. After a quick U-Turn and pulling in the parking lot, I poked my head in the door to ask what the procedure for ordering was - old time drive in style - and we got into the menu. We ordered a variety of hamburgers and fries - everything came exactly as we had ordered and they were obviously freshly cooked. We will definitely return here when we're back in the area in the spring. Great food at a great price!

As always, a delightful experience with great service and good food. Mom and pop drive ins are the nostalgia that every town needs, but sadly a staple that not every town has. I'm thankful for mine. I always get the pizza steak -which is the weirdest concept ever! It's literally a country fried steak with melted mozzarella and pizza sauce but it's soooo good! And, I always get a root beer and tater tots. I literally dream about this meal. I've been eating it since I was young! I love my Smitty's! I'm so glad you guys are back in business, the fire was devastating- but, staying true to that Hamptonian spirit (the whole city was burned before lol), you bounced back!

They used to be a go to spot for some good old fashioned greasy spoon/ hole in the wall cooking. But since their most recent fire and reopening, they fell from grace. Burgers are crap, waffle fries are worse grease sponges then before and that has been the case more than once. Shame, I love the old Americana type restaurants that are still open. And I love to support them, this place just ain't worth it to me anymore.

This place is always busy, always backed up with cars, and a friend living near desperately wanted to try their food so we came here during a not so busy time to grab some food to go. Their chili dogs are really good and extra stinky ( the good onion kind of funk lol) The burgers are alright, the tots are alright, the onion rings were good but thats all we tried this time. Will we be back? probably, I wanted to try their dessert that people have mentioned in other reviews, but definitely for the chill dogs.