We have driven past this place numerous times while in the Hampton, VA area and decided to stop by. Smitty's has been around for a minute, specializing in traditional fast food: burgers, fries, hot dogs, onion rings, etc. The ambiance reminded me of those 50's style drive up food places where a waitress on roller skates would bring your food out on a tray and hook it on your car window for you to enjoy on the lot! We pulled into the lot and we saw folks eating in their cars. I got out to go in to place an order when I saw a sign on the door that said "staff only" and realized that you stay IN your car the the wait staff will come to your car to take your order! We were greeted by a pleasant young lady and she took our order: double cheeseburger with fries and a side order of battered onion rings. After taking our order, she placed a pink tag on our windshield. Our order was done in no time. When the young lady brought it to us, we paid her then. She had a traditional metal change dispenser on her waist too! The burger was SO good: the bun was fresh, the burger good with melted cheese and fried onions. The fries were crispy and fresh. The battered onion rings were SO good: whole onion slices surrounded in a nice crispy, non-greasy batter. All in all, I'm so glad we finally stopped by Smitty's. It has definitely made it to our go to list of food places to visit while in the area. read more

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Unfortunately the quality was not great this time. Still good prices but about $2 more per item than advertised. My double burger was charred so much that it was hard to eat. 12'hotdog was yummy but didn't fill the bun. The waffle fries were cooked nicely. read more

Smitty's Better-Burger - Tater Tots with Cheese and chili - American Near Me - Hampton, Virginia

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Drove by Smitty's Better Burger and decided to stop since the parking lot was packed. It's an old-school car-hop spot where they take your order right at your car. I got the Better Burger lunch special and upgraded to chili cheese fries. My husband had the Super Burger with battered onion rings. Everything came out hot, fresh, and delicious--especially the fries and rings. Definitely worth a try! read more

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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. read more

Smitty's Better-Burger - American Near Me - Hampton, Virginia

Just ordered the wing dinner and some clam strips sorting another review the best chicken we have eaten in the last 10 years good stuff

Been coming to Smitty's for years and have never experienced what occured today. Pulled in for lunch....waitress with the glasses didn't even speak when she approached, just asked me what I wanted with a nasty attitude even after I spoke...gave me the menu. (I should have just left due to her nasty energy) I turned my lights on roughly 5 minutes after she walked back in and waited 15 min for someone to notice, but no service. *it wasn't busy* Another waitress came out and serviced a car who was there before me which is fine. The 2nd car she serviced turned their lights on after me...I let it go. About 20 minutes of waiting and another new car pulls into the parking lot. That same waitress went to that car and took their order, literally ignoring me. My original waitress came out to give another car ahead of me their food.. fine, but that took a while. So, when the other waitress left the car that came in almost 20 minutes AFTER me, I let my window down and asked if I can be serviced. She told me to wait on my waitress. Mind you, the car that came in after me parked a few spots down from me, so why did I have to wait?? I watched her take thay cars order...their windows were down. My waitress finally came to my car, I expressed my disdain for being ignored and shunned, and being serviced after a differnt car came in...her exact words to me was "Well, thats her boyfriend!!" I said, so what! Y'all play favorites now? You can have your menu back....she proceeded to talk smack after the fact. I started to drive off, she grabbed the sign from the windshield, and both of them started to yell at me...I yelled back because what? I don't care who/what/when/where/how, but the abhorrent ignorance/favoritism/disrespect towards a paying customer displayed by the staff at Smitty's today was disgusting! First time I've been treated like this at this establishment, and it's definitely the last. read more

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! read more

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. read more

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Come back for some more for the family and everyone enjoyed their burgers and fries. The super burger is the way to go over the better burger (two small patties vs one big patty). Fish sandwich was also really good. read more

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I have been going to this place since I was in high school and I'm in my 50's now. I have moved away from Hampton but whenever I'm in town I have to go at least once for nostalgia sake. The prices have increased over time as you can probably imagine but the quality of the food is the same. One negative I might have is $3.50 for an apple turnover is excessive. I just won't order that again. read more

Just ordered a BBQ platter. Not even halfway through it. I felt something hard in my mouth. Thought it was maybe a piece of bone from the bbq. I pulled out two staples!!! I was still in the parking lot. Called the restaurant and asked for someone to come out to my vehicle. She stated she was busy. I explained what I just had to spit out of my mouth. She promptly came out and wanted the styrofoam tray, offered me a 25$ credit, apologized and said she's glad I didn't swallow it. Wow! read more

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. read more

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. read more

Smitty's Better-Burger - Fries - American Near Me - Hampton, Virginia

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Excellent burgers and fried chicken! Give it a try. Give them 30 minutes on the fried chicken. read more

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! read more

Smitty's Better-Burger - Parking Lot - American Near Me - Hampton, Virginia

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.

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

Smitty's Better-Burger - Better burger with a side of fries. - American Near Me - Hampton, Virginia

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. read more

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. read more

Smitty's Better-Burger - American Near Me - Hampton, Virginia

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. read more

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! read more

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. read more

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. read more

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) read more

Smitty's Better-Burger - Turkey burger w/ cheese & French Fries - American Near Me - Hampton, Virginia

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

Smitty's Better-Burger - Menu - American Near Me - Hampton, Virginia

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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. read more

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. read more

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! read more

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!! read more

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. read more

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. read more

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. read more

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! read more

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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. read more

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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. read more

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. read more

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!!! read more

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! read more

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

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. read more