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    Al's Big Burger

    4.1 (527 reviews)
    ModerateBurgers
    Open 11:00 am - 8:00 pm

    Order Al's Big Burger Takeout or Delivery

    Al's Big Burger Photos

    Business Info

    AL'S BIG BURGER ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Good for kids
    Dogs allowed

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    Recommended Reviews - Al's Big Burger

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    Keita S.

    A burger spot popular with locals! The old-school feel gives the place an amazing atmosphere. The staff are friendly, and the burgers are absolutely delicious. I especially loved the fried mushrooms.

    Before I did the damage ribeye steak sandwich with grilled onions and regular house fries
    Samir A.

    I know big Al's back when I used to go to Berkeley high school when you want something that's fast and simple with flavor. They have the same original taste. The food is always good. The service is unique. They have the same ladies usually family ran business. The ambience is the same since high school nothing has changed, but it's not dirty but you can tell it's a vintage and old school and been around for a long time. Look at my photos I always like the bigger stuff so I got a ribeye steak sandwich with everything in it if you want something good and simple if you're in Albany, always give that big al's a chance.

    Leonardo D.

    Total American burger satisfaction experience. Al's is not your $30 dollar gourmet place, but the burgers are simply delicious and will do the trick every time. Al's is the real burger place that's been there forever. The atmosphere is friendly and made me feel at home; people talk to each other, and the staff is great. What else can you ask for?

    Tiffany S.

    This place hits the spot if you're in the mood for a charbroiled burger! Got the cheeseburger, large fries, and a strawberry shake. Strawberry shake was good, very thick. Gotta try the other flavors. Everything was delicious and will be back again. Seating inside and outside- a bit tiny but I like the vibe.

    Photo 1: Montage of images from Al's Big Burger
    Ed U.

    Now how did that Paul Simon song go? Oh yeah... "If you'll be my bodyguard, I can be your long lost pal. I can call you Betty, and Betty, when you call me, you can call me Al...Call me Al!" Remember that catchy 1986 song? OK, probably not, but when I see the sign for this burger joint, I want to start singing the song to the order taker's face. She looked about 16, so I figured I should pass. Jamie W and I had never been here before, so as we strolled on San Pablo, we thought we could stop by before common sense got the best of us. Jamie went for the $9.50 1/3-lb Char Burger with American Cheese and the bargain-price $3.50 Corn Dog (Photo 7). I also had the 1/3-lb Char Burger with American Cheese and added Mushrooms which brought the price up to $11.50. I also added a small side of Fries for $5 (Photo 8). Our verdict? We both thought the medium burger meat was reasonably good. The bun, however, was strangely stale. The standard fixings were fine, even the barely meltable American cheese. The corn dog was the meal deal with immaculate breading. The fries were the surprising highlight, nice and crispy with a bit of seasoning. All in all, it was what we expected it to be... and Betty, when you call him, you can call him Al. FOOD - 3 stars... pretty standard cheeseburger, but the fries and corn dog sing AMBIANCE - 3 stars...the wraparound patio seating is good SERVICE - 3.5 stars...attentive enough TOTAL - 3 stars...a fresher bun would've gotten me more excited RELATED - Exploring Albany? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://bit.ly/3ebRKbk

    Outside looking in
    paula c.

    Al's has changed ownership but what they're sticking to the simple, great burger shack type of menu, service and quality. Nothing fancy. Just great basics. Living nearby, I usually call in my order and bring it home, but sitting at one of the few casual tables gives you the experience of feeling like a local at a neighborhood burger joint.

    2/3 Lb Double Burger With Cheese
    Kevin C.

    I had never been here before, but after asking several locals where to find a good classic burger joint, many recommended Al's Big Burger. I was excited when I arrived. The place has a charming old school vibe with window ordering inside, plenty of natural light, and a simple setup that feels nostalgic. It is also conveniently located next to one of my favorite Goodwill stores, which made it seem even more appealing. There is a good-sized parking lot, seating both inside and outside, and a self-serve water station. The tables are stocked with all the usual condiments. The staff were friendly and welcoming, which left a positive first impression. Unfortunately, the food did not meet my expectations. The prices were noticeably high, but since they advertise big burgers, I figured it might be worth it. I ordered the double char cheeseburger, which is two thirds of a pound of beef. The base price was $12.50, and each slice of cheese was an additional $1.25, making the total $15 for the burger. The burger was large, but the flavor reminded me of a slightly more well-done version of a Sonic burger. It was fine, but it did not stand out, and it felt overpriced for what it was. I also tried the onion rings and a corn dog to sample more of the menu. The onion rings were $6.25 for a large, but what I received was a small portion of nine rings. They tasted more like frozen store-bought onion rings rather than freshly made. The corn dog had a similar mass-produced taste. When I asked about the portion size of the onion rings, the staff apologized and mentioned that this is how they are now. After checking some older Yelp photos and reviews, I learned that the restaurant had changed ownership. From what I could see, the previous version of Al's offered much larger, hand-breaded onion rings and food that looked more freshly prepared. It was disappointing to realize that things had changed, especially since it seemed like the original concept had a lot of local support. In total, we spent just over $42 for two burgers, an order of onion rings, and a corn dog. For the price, the quality just was not there. If you like that style of burger, it might still be worth checking out, but I would definitely skip the sides.

    Jocelyn C.

    Born in SF, raised in the EastBay: (El Cerrito,) in the many years I have lived here, I have actually never dined into this restaurant, until recently 2025. lol I always drove past in the many years, but just never had a chance. Now that I could say that I've been here, here's my review. Local spot, small place, yet they have lots of seats to dine in. Lots of burger, options, and they even have other food to choose from, such as chili, cheese, dog, etc. I got the regular char burger, and that was really good. Got a side of large fries. It was enough to feed both my husband and I. Good deal! Good burger, and fries! There is a parking lot, but it's kind of small. It's OK, there's street parking. I will definitely come here more often now. Will not forget. Gotta represent my hood! (Albany) lol!

    Milk Shake
    Patrick C.

    Food here is always good but they have their off days. Burgers are exactly what it says A big smoked burger that's always good however you get it. I've never had an issue but today went just for a shake while rolling through. Got an extra large and still well worth it. Staff are friendly and quick. Place is small but you'll usually find some type of seating if you're there when they open or in the early hours after opening. However it's always clean and awell kept up building!

    Double bacon cheeseburger
    Monica Bianca N.

    Al's Big Burger is definitely a local spot that has some favorites and can give you a bang for your buck. The burgers were pretty good, but I didn't think it was as juicy as I wanted. The chicken nuggets tasted pretty similar to McDonald's. The fried mushrooms were a nice surprise, and I enjoyed them. My favorite thing that I didn't get a picture of was the milkshake. It was delicious and pretty thick but I like that.

    Edison H.

    Reminded me of a good backyard BBQ burger. The prices aren't ground breaking but I did expect more. The staff all seem very nice. This is definitely one of those local favorites. I am intrigued by their other offerings though. I saw items like fish and chips, steak sandwich, fried chicken burger, etc. Risky picks?

    Viki N.

    I heard this was a very popular local spot with the best burgers in town, so I had to check it out! I ordered a 1/3 lb Cheeseburger with American cheese ($9.50). The wait was a bit longer than I would've liked, but food was nice and warm still when I got it. The burger had an overall smoky flavor to it, like what you'd get from a classic backyard BBQ. It was overall nice and tasty, but I personally find it overpriced for something that can be done at home if you had a backyard. I guess this appeals to locals more for the nostalgia. I also probably should've ordered the double patty instead because I was still hungry after my single patty burger.

    Outside seating
    Liz G.

    Was able to bring my dog and sit outside on a perfect 73° day, slight breeze while sitting outside! The smell of the char burgers was heavenly and delicious as we walked up to order at the window. They do burgers well! Ketchup and mustard are on the tables, mayo is on the burger. Will be back to try their shakes!! Might skip the fries on the next visit.

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    1 month ago

    Haven't seen any burger place around this area that does better, and almost all do worse.

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    Al's Big Burger Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Al's Big Burger

    Are the crinkle fries coming back or are the new fries here to stay?

    From what I understand the crinkle cut fries are gone for good. :( but the new ones are okay.

    When will they fix the soda machine?

    Thank you for bringing up the question. Despite our request for a replacement to Coca-Cola Company months ago, there have been long delays. We have finally received an answer that they will be replacing the machine on January 7th. Hopefully, they… Read more

    Is their beef grass fed and finished and antibiotic free?

    I would imagine absolutely not. Not that kind of place.

    Does Al;s still cook the burgers over open flame charcoal? as opposed to a gas grill.

    Oh Yes .. That Old School Street Fighter Flame Grill .. LoL

    Are the burgers big?

    1/3 lb patties, bigger than any fast food burger.

    Is there anything but meat in the burger? Sounds like a weird question, but I'm on Whole30... Thanks.

    Just meat

    Does the garden burger patty contain egg or milk product?

    I asked them once the same question. I'm 99% sure that they said yes, that it contains cheese and dairy. So it isn't vegan.… Read more

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    310 Eatery - The "Detour" 405 Traffic Jam Burger!

    310 Eatery

    4.6(1.2k reviews)
    0.3 mi
    $$

    Flavors, textures and character…read more Thank you for a great lunch experience. The owner's service was wonderful and made it all that more welcoming. Tip: get the Tamarind seasoned fries. Fun added twist to the seasoning.

    We decided to give this place another try after having a bad experience with their takeout 5 years…read moreago - it was during the pandemic so we figured maybe by now they'd found their footing. Unfortunately the food was just as bad and overpriced as the first time, I really don't understand how this place is so well reviewed. We both ordered 310 Burgers, one on the regular brioche bun and one on a lettuce wrap. The lettuce wrap came in two steamed, wilted pieces of iceberg, while the brioche bun was untoasted, foamy-textured and soggy. Both medium burgers had the consistency of boiled meatballs. The bacon jam was decent, but the overall experience was wildly unappetizing. We also both got plain fries, which were somehow greasy and dry at the same time, and instantly turned stale as they cooled down. We really hoped for this place because it's conveniently located, and all the other decent burger spots nearby have closed, but sadly we won't be giving 310 Eatery a third try.

    Photos
    310 Eatery - The "Detour" Tokyo Po'Boy Sandwich!

    The "Detour" Tokyo Po'Boy Sandwich!

    310 Eatery - Mothers Day 2022 could easily look like this again - Accepting RSVPs by phone, text or email at 310eatery@gmail.com. Open by 10A Sun, May 8

    Mothers Day 2022 could easily look like this again - Accepting RSVPs by phone, text or email at 310eatery@gmail.com. Open by 10A Sun, May 8

    310 Eatery - Larger groups find The 310's space highly amenable at Brunch time or any time-One of Yelp's Top 100 Places to Eat, in America - call to RSVP

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    Larger groups find The 310's space highly amenable at Brunch time or any time-One of Yelp's Top 100 Places to Eat, in America - call to RSVP

    A+ Burger - California Burger

    A+ Burger

    4.3(971 reviews)
    4.0 miRockridge, North Oakland
    $$
    Locally owned & operated
    Family-owned & operated

    My wife and I tried A+ Burger last Friday for dinner. I'd read good reviews, so we gave it a try…read more Wife decided on the fish burger and I went straight for the A+ burger! The fish burger was crispy yet juicy and savory. The bun was soft, but not bready. Not a fillet-o-fish sandwich, but it stood on its own and the portion was enormous! What can I add about the A+ burger that has not already been said? It's the complete burger...and the fried eggplant is its secret weapon! Thankfully I was hungry when I ordered it because by the time I took my last bite, I was extremely full, yet satisfied! And I MUST add that the service here is exemplary! Courteous does not begin to explain how nice the order taking experience was for me as a customer. It was nice, accommodating, and genuine. I love this level of service. Washed down a side a French fried bean with a cold Coke. What a meal!

    Ordered the crispy onion BBQ burger, garlic fries, and the oreo cookie and creme milkshake online…read morefor pickup. There's street parking in front and a parking lot in the back. I ordered the food knowing I would be there in 20 minutes and low and behold the food was scheduled to be ready right around the time I got there. The food was coming out as I got there. Quick service. I didn't eat outside but there's a few tables there. Nonetheless, I ate my food and it was good. The garlic fries weren't oily or soggy. The burger was massive, though I would suggest not playing the piece of lettuce on the bottom. The shake was good too. I'll be back soon to try out other menu items.

    Photos
    A+ Burger
    A+ Burger - California Burger

    California Burger

    A+ Burger - Patio seating

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    Patio seating

    Barney's Gourmet Hamburgers - Barney's Chicken

    Barney's Gourmet Hamburgers

    3.4(660 reviews)
    1.0 miBerkeley Hills
    $$

    We weren't planning on going in. We were just on a walk, and the smell of burgers beckoned. I…read morehadn't been to Barney's in ages - granted, I've been out of Berkeley for nearly a decade now - but was on a staycation, and my kids love Gott's in Palo Alto, so I was curious to see how this stacks up. Bless Berkeley eateries for having kids menus. It's like this automatic given at every place we went to this week, crayons and all, and Barney's is no exception. Kids feel seen. I feel seen (why waste food by making the kids buy something too big for their bellies?). We didn't end up getting the burgers after all, but the hot dog and the chicken tenders. My 4 year old claims that it was the first hot dog he has ever eaten. I have no idea if that is true, and if true, how that is even possible, but by golly, he ate the whole thing. Yay! My 9 year old saved his tenders and enjoyed heated up leftovers over the course of two other meals... so they stayed good, as did the curly fries which I think were his favorite. Here is why I am writing a review. The service. I was both blown away and touched by the quality of our server. I can only guess - though it would have been possibly rude to ask - that she is also a mom. She had the attentiveness that I feel I am required to have every meal at our house: we had barely said hello and she noted that she was going to refill our ketchup jar because it was looking a little low. She told me she was going to brew me a fresh cup of coffee when I ordered mine. She made sure I had refills. She whispered to me "do you want the milkshakes before the meal or after...?" because she is a pro and she knows that this could ruin the meal, but of course, it MAKES the meal for the kid consumer. She made me feel relaxed. Like I wasn't the one running around (I wasn't) for once. The glory of eating in a restaurant once in a while, or when in Berkeley, as often as possible. The burgers that were floating around me looked indulgent. I'm a vegetarian anyway, so what do I know, but I could tell the company in the place that day were all satisfied and happy that they were at Barney's. Thank you for the AMAZING service. You are a role model for people in the food industry.

    One of my fave joints for an upscale burger. The staff is attentive and makes sure you're taken…read morecare of. My go-to is the voodoo burger medium. I love the mushrooms smothered in their special voodoo sauce accompanied by bacon and blue cheese crumbles. Their milkshakes are also top tier, perfect thick consistency. I recommend the strawberry shake or the blackberry shake. They have plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, not overcrowded and open space to eat comfortably.

    Photos
    Barney's Gourmet Hamburgers - 2 staff working out an order issue

    2 staff working out an order issue

    Barney's Gourmet Hamburgers - Voodoo Burger

    Voodoo Burger

    Barney's Gourmet Hamburgers - Guy waiting to be helped at counter

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    Guy waiting to be helped at counter

    Cal's Fried Chicken & Burgers

    Cal's Fried Chicken & Burgers

    4.2(144 reviews)
    2.4 miDowntown Berkeley
    $$

    Small place with a few tables and good food decided to give them a try…read moreI ordered: Spicy Chicken Sandwich With Pepper Jack cheese (4 Stars). It came with a side of coleslaw (3.5 Stars) and spiced honey (3 Stars). They fried a whole breast, it was so large that it over flowed the toasted brioche bun. The only thinking that made it spicy was the homemade spicy mayo, so it wasn't that spicy. I noticed on the menu they have sauces, like Nashville and buffalo. I think next time I'll try one of those sauces to kick up the heat. The cheese I add was not needed, I should have left off. The Fries (4 stars) were coated with potato flour and seasoning, which made a great crispy crust, served hot. Mac N' Cheese (4 Stars $6.49) I ordered the small 8oz, it was corkscrew pasta covered with a cheese sauce that was awesome with some Cajun spices, a like dirt Mac and some extra cheese on top. Until next time...

    I stopped by Cal's Fried Chicken & Burgers in Berkeley this afternoon, and I went straight for the…read moreDouble Smash Burger with a side of onion rings, a Jarrito, and some habanero mayo on the side (they offered ranch, but I'm not a ranch guy). The burger was fresh and flavorful--you can taste the quality in every bite. The onion rings were on point too: crispy, not greasy, perfectly cooked. Dipping them into the habanero mayo gave it just the right kick. Definitely recommend that combo. The staff was friendly and kept things cool even though there were only two or three people running the place. The spot itself is small, just a few tables and chairs, with a little bit of Latin music playing in the background, which gave it a nice touch. When I first got there, it wasn't too busy, but by the time I finished, it was filling up. Walked around the block to stretch out, came back 15 minutes later, and the place was packed. What's also impressive is that their fried chicken sandwich was voted one of Yelp's Top 50 Fried Chicken Sandwiches in California, ranking #33 in the state. That's what I'm definitely trying next time. Final verdict: Great burger, great onion rings, friendly service, and a spot worth checking out if you're around University Ave in Berkeley. Two thumbs up from me.

    Photos
    Cal's Fried Chicken & Burgers - My cousin ordered a Single Smashed Cheeseburger with egg and bacon! Still thinking about that egg yolk!

    My cousin ordered a Single Smashed Cheeseburger with egg and bacon! Still thinking about that egg yolk!

    Cal's Fried Chicken & Burgers - Berserk Burger w/seasoned waffle fries! This thing was massive! ‍

    Berserk Burger w/seasoned waffle fries! This thing was massive! ‍

    Cal's Fried Chicken & Burgers - So much meat it was overflowing! Never a bad thing!

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    So much meat it was overflowing! Never a bad thing!

    Super Duper Burgers

    Super Duper Burgers

    4.0(400 reviews)
    3.1 miTelegraph Ave
    $$

    Super good chicken sandwich at super duper, thank you Brenda, good customer service, I will be…read moreback soon, Emery ville , ca

    We were in Berkeley for a basketball game and had some time to kill and hungry tummies. I forgot…read morethat there was a Super Duper Burger on Telegraph - score! It's on the main corner near campus - Telegraph and Durant. There is street parking and also a large parking lot on the next block with reasonable parking rates. If you're strolling Berkeley for the day, this is a good spot to hang for yummy lunch. The prices are reasonable and the service was fast. Our order was perfectly made to our specs. The employees are friendly and helpful. First of all, the inside is huge! I was surprised by how much seating there is. Also, there is an upstairs area with MORE seating! You order at a computer screen at the front, but employees are there to help you if you need assistance. It was easy to order our food. They text you when it's ready and you go pick it up at the counter. Burgers - perfectly cooked and hot - and delicious. SO many toppings you can choose from. Fries - hot and crispy. Served with ranch, and lots of other sauce options. We are not soda people really, so we drink water usually. Two burgers and two fries was $25.00 which isn't bad for downtown, freshly made food. This is a great option for campus.

    Photos
    Super Duper Burgers - 8/24/25 FYI. Complimentary pickles.

    8/24/25 FYI. Complimentary pickles.

    Super Duper Burgers - JALAPEO CHEDDAR FRIES, MINI BURGER

    JALAPEO CHEDDAR FRIES, MINI BURGER

    Super Duper Burgers

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    Al's Big Burger - burgers - Updated May 2026

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