Val's Burgers

I grew up in Castro Valley and really didn't know what a good thing I had right in my back yard until Sunset Magazine named Val's Burgers "The Best in the West" several years back. Val's is one of those places that has probably been the same for 40 years, but you do not go to Val's for the atmosphere. The seating is kind of tight, there is always a line, and the parking lot is small and narrow, but do not let that deter you. There are several things on the menu, but Val's has the best burgers around, so choose from a Baby (1/4 lb.), Mama (1/2 lb.) or Papa (1 full pound!) burger. You can choose how you want your burger cooked, pick the cheese. Lettuce and tomato come on the side and onions and pickles are on the table. Don't forget to order one of their milk shakes. Each shake, brought to you in the metal mixing cup, is enough to fill two huge glasses. The other fun thing about Val's is the staff. I imagine that some of them have been working there since the beginning days. If you go with any frequency, they will remember you and are super friendly. If you love burgers, Val's will NOT disappoint. more

Everyone Loves Val's. It's hommie and 50's look'n. Makes you think your back in the day the way it used to be. They make their own milk shakes mmmmm. The food is cooked to view and they way they decorated it just old school. The food is GREAT! You say Val's and people perk up! more

Val's is by far my favorite diner/hamburger joint. Val's has been around for years, and you can see that in the massive display of pictures and articles and awards on the wall when you walk in. Run by the same family today as when it originally opened, Val's is classic Americana. Big, juicy hamburgers with all the fixings (there's a burger size for everyone including the normal "baby," the large "mama," and the gigantic "papa"). Large baskets of fries made for sharing. Thick, delicious milkshakes (the best I've ever had, actually) served with the tin, which holds at least one and a half additional glasses worth. If hamburger's aren't your fancy, they serve up a variety of other dishes (diner fare). The wait can be long, and parking is very tight. Plus, they only accept cash. They're closed on Sunday's, and can get very busy during peak hours. But, regardless of how busy they are, you'll always see the same familiar waitresses, with the same friendly attitude, and get consistently good, no great, food. more

Val's Burger's located on Kelly Street (where B and Kelly meet, near the Castro Valley border) has the best burgers in the East Bay bar none. Val's is situated in a classic old-school, 1950's wooden lodge. Nothing has changed inside the restaurant in fifty years it seems like. They have old pictures of people from the 1950s, whom I don't know because I am way too young. They also have several old Coca-Cola and Berkeley Farms signs on the walls. The burgers are what you should order at Vals. I have only had their burgers and milkshakes and nothing else. They are #1 in my book. However, I believe that their burgers are a bit pricey, about $5-7 each, and they really aren't that big. My only other gripe about Val's is that service can be slow and unpersonal, and parking can be tight. Overall, Val's is still highly recommended. It's an East Bay institution for sure...perhaps even a California institution. If you are in this part of Bay Area, Val's is definitely worth checking out! more