Val's Burgers

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!

These guys do it great! They keep going. Covid tried to take em down but their burgers are just THAT good that they remain standing. Salute to this family.

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.

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.

This is my first time eating here. It was worth every penny. The guy who took my order was patient and very helpful. The best burgers and fries I've had in Hayward, hands down. 👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽

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.

Amazing burgers! Great service can’t compare to any burger spot out there ! Thank you for taking an order before you opened, that is amazing service if I could I’d rate this 10000000/10000000

We've come a long way since COVID but Vals remains in the past and not In a good way. They have always been Cash only but still not having the inside open is pure lazy! The old school diner ambience was half the experience. There is no shortage of business to justify not opening the interior.

This is the best hamburger in the East Bay. The service is fast, friendly, and efficient. No, eat in your order. Park in the parking lot and wait for them to bring you your food. The only con is the parking lot is right on the corner of a turn that cars fly through. Oh, and CASH ONLY! Only open Friday and Saturday, but so worth the wait. One order of fries is enough for a family of 4. We ordered two momma burgers (1/2 pound each) and added bacon. The bacon was $8 total ($4 per burger). I definitely should have went with a baby burger, I wasn't ready (in best Kevin Hart impression).

Went there for the first time in about 10 years today, expecting to be disappointed. I was reluctant to go because I don't remember the burgers being all that great before. Take out only and cash only, with limited hours. Prices are really expensive. BUT, the burgers were phenomenal (with tomato, relish and grilled onions) and the extra crispy fries were extra delicious. We had one order of fries and two burgers, but the fries portion was so large that we still have enough fries for another meal. Friendly service. Recommended for a bit of a splurge!

Heard so much about this place and finally went to try it today. I really enjoyed the food! The burger was flavorful and cooked well and the fries were nicely seasoned!

Val's is my favorite spot every Saturday. I have been coming here for over 50 years and it never disappoints. Fun fact is that the hamburger here is always fresh and never frozen. Shakes are great and the extra crispy fries are the best. Post Covid, Val's is open Friday and Saturday for pick up only. The family that operates the restaurant are the best to boot! I recommend you give Val's a try. Unbelievable that they have been in Hayward since 1958. I heard that today is the last day for milk shakes for the season so run on over and enjoy!

Mama burger and fries was $25 before tip Mama burger - big, juicy, and all American cheese, ketchup, mustard, relish. Tastes like a kraft and heinz poster child. Soft white bun. Overall good standard American burger Fries- steak cut and large portion however some were unevenly cooked or left over from another batch. Hearty and standard For almost $30 , I would expect a super gourmet burger or like a fine dining experience. However I felt a little cheated. Shake shack or in n out would be half or even one quarter of the price and still be a better pick Gonna give it up to the local business though, everyone's tryna survive out here, however a better business practice would to post the prices clearly or have a menu outside

It is the best burger in the bay; I ordered a half-pound burger, fries, and bottled water 10 minutes before my arrival, which is recommended since the restaurant is not open for indoor dining. Still, they did have a canopy with chairs and tables set up outside in the parking lot on this beautiful sunny summer day, which was nice to see; the service was terrific, quick, and easy; all you have to do is call the restaurant as soon as you arrive and tell them which car you are in and they will bring order out to you. The burger meal was pricey but worth every penny! I am so glad I was able to stop by. It was a wonderful treat to myself on this busy Saturday afternoon, so as I was finishing up my meal, I saw the owner/ cook. I told him it was a fantastic burger, and he offered me another one on the house. Am I dreaming? I am sure I found my new favorite hamburger spot, so this is a farewell to all the fast-food burger joints I have supported throughout the years. You have all been dethroned. 5-stars

Old town staple. Burgers are good. Milkshake are great, old school diner style. This is an old style burger place, not the new age avocado bacon mushroom and fancy bun style place.

4++ and old school neighborhood type diner/grill. Seems to be a favorite among locals and people who grew up in the area. And for very good reason. The burgers are delicious. The service is friendly, and the shakes are fantastic. Note: this place is cash only (I believe - it's been a while) I came here a few years ago with my brothers and their families so we had a bunch of kids in tow. It was a big hit for everybody. Such a great time in a family friendly environment. I came here with my girlfriend at the time and we split a mama burger, a milkshake, and fries. I remember everything being really delicious and the kids loved it as well. Nothing too fancy just the delicious well-made old-school favorites. The location itself has that neighborhood charm to it and the parking isn't bad because they have their own lot. Honestly, I've been dreaming of a day where I can come back and have a burger here it's been a while. I probably will hit this place up next time I visit my parents.

SAD! I love this place. I'm afraid it doesn't look, like everything else, it'll be around much longer. Very Sad! DO SOMETHING!!!

$25 burger 7.50:fries and $10 shake. Oh and you can't eat in our place...cash and take oout only. Family of 4..that will be $200 please...

It had been years I have came to Vals and decided to order from them. I checked their website which is outdated and gave them a call. A Lively gal answered the phone and told me they no longer have their little burgers so I opted for 3 mamá burgers, fries and onion rings. She told me $70 bucks with no lettuce, onions, tomato or a fountain drink. I felt like canceling it but gave them the benefit of the doubt. Arrived and see why their burgers are soo expensive. Please avoid and drive down the strip where theres Bouvelard, Nations and a few other spots to grab a burger with fries and soda. Not again

Review date Sept. 9 2023 Val's has always been a great spot for a burger. Wanted to leave a review to inform folks that there is currently no dine in. See attached photo.

Val's burgers used to be the spot. The service was absolutely great. The lady that answered the phone was just so polite and, and had very good energy. This is what I remember about the service from Val's in the past. There's not really any ambience right now because they only do takeout. The food in comparison to price was absolutely horrible. I hope they really use some of these reviews, as a learning experience. Our food was really bad. Cheeseburger bun was soaked in mayonnaise and mustard and ketchup literally the buns are drenched the sodas are coming in cans. We basically paid $50 for fries, two burgers and two cans sodas. I understand that inflation is up but there's no need to gouge off of your customers. I hope Val's comes back to the way it used to be.

This place is classic and iconic. I hope they open up to pre-pandemic service and hours. It's the one place where you can get a burger that's bigger than the bun. They have a wide variety of toppings, which makes the tasty burger all the better. Keep in mind their servings are large so order accordingly. Sharing fries or a milkshake is highly recommended.

Just FYI, so you don't make the mistake we did, THEY ARE CLOSED FOR DINE IN!!!! I heard great things from others so hopefully one day I'll get to try it, but coming from San Jose I'd have to say I'm more than bummed it's take out only.

I just finished the mama burger. It was sooooo delicious that when I took the first bite, I got goosebumps. I felt like I was in heaven. How they make their burgers so delicious is a mystery to me. Sophia is always friendly and nice to me. Val's is truly the best burger you'll ever have in your life. I'm 54 so I know what I'm saying.

I had a really good burger, but basically everything else was very bad. Expensive: basic burger was $16 and fries were $7. Seems ridiculously overpriced. Ambiance: Horrible. The restaurant is shut down and they force guests in an actual parking lot. Gross and definitely unappetizing. Service: Very Bad. We showed up and they asked us to call a phone number written on a piece of cardboard on the window, rather than taking our order themselves. Additionally it was cash only and we had to physically walk to a 711 to retrieve cash. Overall the vibe was very unwelcoming like they didn't really want customers.

Best burgers and milkshakes, bar none. Cool, old-time spot. Bring cash, and be prepared to wait for a seat.

Came to try this place and super hungry too! Not only it is closed for dine in - but super damn expensive burger!!! $26 dollars for a damn burger plus $7.50 for a french fries?!?!!! What in the world!!!

Neighborhood burger spot open for over 40 plus years! Thanks to covid only open 2 days a week. Friday & Saturday. Call ahead they will bring to your car. Simple menu not like before covid. But still delicious! Mama Burger (1/2 lb), Papa Burger (1 lb) and fries... And the kindest staff still fast & friendly. No more dine in, but Thank you Vals for still being open!

Their Burgers are the best in town!! I can only eat a baby burger because they are so filling! And their fries....oh my goodness! My mouth is watering as I type! Delicious steak fries go perfectly with the super delicious burger make for the perfect combination!! Keeping it real and simple. I love them and pray for their business!

I miss the Dine in the place is 10/10 I would recommend it to anyone the shakes are to die for don't come with a half full stomach or else you won't finish your meal

Just like a remember excellent burger. Mama burger with fries. Miss the inside dinning.

Our go to best burger place with an out of this world milk shake offerings. Love this place and been going for years and George and his family along with the staff are the nicest people you will ever meet. Thank you Vals Burgers !!!

I still Love this place!! It's a bummer that this business has been hit hard as other businesses after the Pandemic. Some businesses have closed their doors completely. At least at Val's, you can order burgers & Fries TO GO ONLY on Fridays & Saturday's from 11:00. Am- 5:00 pm. There is no better burger in the bay, Nowhere. Our family has been to all of the"best" burger spots in the bay, none of them have that taste from a Val's Burger . This post is from my visit on Friday May 3rd 2024, I had a Mama Burger & Fries, I haven't been to Val's since the Pandemic, that first bite brought back so many wonderful memories and my tastebuds were telling my heart & brain how much the taste of this hamburger had been missed. VALS is TO GO only, but this Burger is still the best in the bay, and well worth the drive on a Friday Or Saturday afternoon. Bravo George, you're still making many people happy with the best Hamburger in the bay, this current business model is working for you, I'm sure I along with many thousands across the bay hope one day, Val's will again become a place of destination to go sit down have that Val's experience that has yet to be duplicated anywhere here in the Bay Area.

I don't get the appeal of this place at all. The burger isn't bad and you get a lot of meat, but the prices are absolutely ridiculous. $48 for 2 burgers, an order of fries, and a can of soda is just unreasonable, especially given that you can't get mayo or lettuce. There is no option to dine in and the out door seating is just folding card tables with cardboard boxes standing in for trash cans. Nothing about the experience is nice enough to justify the price. Go literally anywhere else.

Burger was ok. A bit pricy. Fry portion is massive, probably good for 3-4 people. We asked for medium burgers and ended up with very well done burgers. Burger was a bit dry. It could've used some lettuce. Nothing about it really stood out to me. Take-out only. Call in your order ahead of time.

Best burgers, fries and steak sandwiches anywhere! The choc malts are to die for too.

Before we start know this *CASH ONLY* so there's a 711 across the street if u need to make a run to the ATM. First time coming here but it won't be the last! Heard a lot about this place so I had high expectations. Ordered the Mommy burger and it was amazing. Great char and seasoning on it, reminds me of a great backyard BBQ burger with plenty of fresh ingredients and great protein used! The fries are basically a WHOLE POTATO SACK! Haha so good and VERY generous portions. I see what all the hype is about not! Highly recommend and will repeat!

This burger place holds a special place in my wife's heart. Growing up in the Bay Area, she went to this place and insisted that it was one of the best burgers she ever had. She wanted to share the experience with me and I agree, it was a phenomenal burger. Unfortunately we couldn't sit inside but they were open so we ate on some small tables they set up in the back. We both got their big mama burgers and a single order of fries. The single order of fries could literally feed four people. The burger was amazing! Flavorful and cooked exactly how I wanted it. Service was friendly. We had to call from outside and place our order. They brought it out us when it was done. Val's was a great place and made a delicious burger. If you are ever in Hayward, give it a try. You won't regret it.

Val's hasn't reopened their dining room since the pandemic; you have to call a number posted on their front door and place your order over the phone. Though they have limited hours (Fridays and Saturdays 11-5) and their menu is limited to Papa and Mama burgers, a huge order of fries and drinks. Despite all this, I still feel that they have the best burgers around. I say this even though they got my order wrong. A good burger is a good burger, even with mustard and pickles (AND sweet relish--yuck!!).

Val's has always been my go to burger joint. Even though it is dine out only right now they still are the upper echelon of burgers. Their rib eye steak sandwiches aren't any slouch too. The owners daughter tells me they will be reopening in the future. I for sure want to be one of the firsts through the door. Oh, and the fries and shakes are great too!!

It's still NO DINE IN. Husband and I drove by last week saw the OPEN sign. Today we checked the business hours on Yelp. Looks like they're open for another 2 hour so we get in the car and drive the 20 minutes drive . Soooo disappointed AGAIN to find out no dine in. Ok folks.. try at least to point out in your Yelp page that you are a TAKE OUT ONLY business.

I'm not sure what changed, but the prices at Vals have become ridiculous. I called an order in for a Papa burger with no cheese, fries, and a drink. They charged $38. That is ridiculous. I canceled my order. Vals make a good burger, but they have become way overpriced!

I grew up on Val's burgers. A mama burger with a milkshake, while we shared a basket of fries on a hot summer day, is something ingrained in my childhood memories. And even as a kid, I always felt welcome. The staff was kind, the food delicious, and the owner, George, would give you a smile on the way out. I haven't been able to go back in recent years, but I heard they're open for takeout only on Fridays and Saturdays. So if you're able, head out to Val's and order out a mama burger (1/2 lb) with a milkshake for me. Because the classic old diner feel of Val's doesn't just bring back nostalgia for the older generation. It used to be home for me too.

I wish they would bring the restaurant seating back! Why did they get rid of the restaurant seating?

Sad that we cannot sit inside due to COVID, I believe. But the food is still super yummy!!

Best burger in the Bay Area! Family owned and run American restaurant tucked away on the hills of Hayward, like a hidden treasure, literally and figuratively speaking. George and his family are great! Their food reflects this same trait.

Greatest Burger in town made by great people! Friendly size of fries. The papa burger is two meals in one!

Been there many times, over the years with long periods in between. The in between, I thought their foods would improve. NO! Their different hamburgers do nothing for me. Bland lookin. Served on a beige plate, make your burgers like other restaurants, piled high with fresh veggies. The cost is high, for baby burger, mama and daddy burger too. You can eat at any restaurant for their prices.

Amazing burgers, loads of fries and a wonderful owner the food is great and the shakes are awesome. I will be glad when they go back to full service.

I don't get the hype about the burgers here. The meat needed seasoning. $15 for a mediocre hamburger.

My husband and I have been wanting to try this place for months, literally months but they are always close. What is up with their hours and their availability. I feel like it's such a project just to go and eat there.

Really enjoy the old fashion shakes and burgers. Also great service and family oriented

A pound of meat is hard to come by, especially in a between some melted oily cheese and soft buns. The Papa does the impossible, rationing the perfect colossal amount of beef and cheese. Though only open for 2/7ths of the week, only one can wonder the patience an ordinary human can take to wait for a delicious meal. The Papa, side of whatever else you want, and a cold beverage is the perfect getaway to feel what a true vacation is really about.

We came from Pleasanton to have lunch here. We were disappointed to find out there is no indoor dining. Orders need to be called in ahead of time (orders brought to you outside). They only accept cash. The menu is very limited. If you go, plan ahead. Call in your order and have your meal at a nearby park.

Classic joint! Been going there for many years. They never fail. Great service and great food. If I say. Val's to any friend that has moved away... they will hand up the phone call. It's that good that you will cry if you can't get it.

If you're interested in a good old-fashioned real burger than this is your place. I'm not talking microwaved patties. I'm talking real meat on the grill burger mouthwatering the best burger I've had in a long time! It was a staple growing up, been going here for over 20 years! I have moved away and gone and raised my kids in another town but our family still , makes the drive when we have a craving for a burger! Definitely happy and full

Vals has sustained some damage from the big rains. BUT THEY ARE STILL OPEN!!!! There is a phone number on the window, for pick up and they have some tables in the rear parking lot. I just got out of there and had a delicious mama burger and onion rings, damn was it good! You can drive up, park, order and they will bring it to your vehicle. Let's help our favorite hamburger place out in their time of need. The people that are still there are working very hard, don't forget to tip well. Remember They Are Cash Only.