Val's is a local hidden gem! Great greasy burgers and fries but no place to sit. If you order a fries, be prepared to have a bag full. The standing room only in the small building is typically filled. The was one of the first places that had automated ordering to help with how many people fit in this small building. Highly recommended by everyone. I generally take people here that are from out of town to introduce them to an awesome hole in the wall. read more

Val's, it's been awhile and I missed you oh so much... Just as greasy as I remember it. I could've done without the mustard on my double cheeseburger ($3) but everything else was marvelous. Their burgers include ketchup, mustard, pickles, and onions so if you don't want one of the toppings, remember to request that. Fries? Still fill up the entire bottom of the bag so trust me, a regular size will be plenty to share ($2). They were perfectly seasoned this time and freshly fried. For all of you coffee lovers, the cappuccino milkshake was excellent. Not too sweet and delectably creamy. Overall, prices have gone up a bit since the last time I was there, but Val's quality food are worth it. I appreciate the "self-serve" electronic ordering system, makes things simple and convenient for customers. Service is speedy fast and yes, there's always customers coming in and out, but you never have to wait for long, so if you are in a rush, Val's has you covered. One thing I wish Val's would get is MAYO. Mayo is my favorite condiment and I'll have to bring my own next time I come in because unfortunately, Val's does not have it as an option for "extra condiments." read more

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I've read about Val's in various articles about best burgers and establishments to experience. We made the hour and a half road trip to taste what Val's is all about. We found that Val's is all about over a half century of burger, fries and shakes. They had an efficient system to create delicious food in a taystee freeze type, drive in restaurant. Val's is a small building with enough room for a kitchen, a standing room only place to order and pick up your food and a tiny little bathroom. As we watched, there was a steady stream of people walking in and out of the tiny building. We walked in and found that there were touch screen monitors to order your food, you get a print out of your order number, you pay for your order at the counter and wait for your little white sack that is filled with goodness. Our burgers were nestled in a buttery top bun and wrapped in white paper. The fries were so good, comparable to, if not better than McDonald's fries. The shakes were OK, I heard from the fam that they weren't big on flavor. We were all satisfied with our food and didn't regret the road trip to give Val's a try, we will be back. read more

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This is my favorite place to eat in Saint Cloud the chicken sandwich is one of the best I've ever had and the burger is the only red meat I will eat. If you are in Saint Cloud and want to enjoy what you eat and have the best fries in the world eat here. read more

Icon fast food dive shop that is part of the culture in St Cloud - ask anyone who's from the area if they would choose vals or any other fast food and they will say vals!!! read more

Food was a bit salty , milk shake was good overall not a bad experience. Good customer service . Parking was a nightmare.

Val's is sooo good and it's very cheap it's the best I've ever had 10/10 would definitely recommend we have been there a few time because it's so delicious read more

I've been coming here since college but about a month ago the food took 30 minutes. Yes 30 minutes. I made my family wait in the car with my 4 year old niece outside this place because I was bragging about how nostalgic and tasty this place is and no one was happy by the end. Mom's fish sandwich was dry and boring, end so were the burgers. You have to doctor everything up with sautéed onions and ask for extra pickles to have any flavor. I get Covid but seriously 30 minutes for rapid service? Very disappointed, won't be stopping through anymore on our way through town. (Insert sad face) read more

The menu at Val's is small, but everything is super tasty. Burgers, fries, fish sandwiches, and shakes - We enjoyed some of all of the above! I especially liked the fish sandwich - flaky fish surrounded by a super crisp perfectly cooked breading, served on a bun with tartar sauce. During covid there is no walk up service, instead you call to order and then pick up your food from a window. read more

Val's Rapid Service - Fish sandwich, fries, and a shake, enjoyed covid-style, aka in your car! - American Near Me - St. Cloud, Minnesota

Personally, I've never understood the appeal of Val's. I believe it's partly due to their longevity/history as they've existed in St. Cloud for so long. It's also probably due to their generosity when it comes to french fries. As many have noted, order the small as you get plenty. It may also be due to the strange way of ordering. It used to be that you picked up a telephone and placed your order. Now they have touch screens. It's an odd little place. The fries are seasoned, extremely salty, and good. The burgers? It depends on the day. I'd say that on most days Val's burgers and fries taste very much like what the fast food burger joints burgers used to taste like before they became so large and commercial. They'll remind you of McDonald's from many, many years ago.. The shakes are good. They have a variety of flavors, including candy mix-in shakes, like Butterfinger. Everyone should have the Val's experience at least once because it's historical. It's a reminder of fast-food before the chains. read more

Val's never disappoints! Our family appreciates the extra lengths of safety they are taking during the pandemic. Try a banana shake!

Stopped here while on a road trip. The service is quick and the food is fantastic. The burgers were filling and I absolutely love their fries! One tip: the patties are kinda thin (1/8 lbs) and the fry serving is big. With that said, the average person could be filled with a double size burger and a regular fry. read more

BEST CHEESEBURGER IVE EVER PUT IN MY MOUTH!!! We're on our way up north to go hunting and stopped here for a quick and DELICIOUS lunch, my parents took me here for my first time and i'm definitely going back, i live in becker so thankfully it's not to far away cause tbh i would drive 50 miles just to have lunch here, no downsides except the fry's were just the tiniest bit to salty but they were so good no complaints about the fry's and it was such a big serving we were so full but all the food was finished. the burgers are AMAZING i'm a small girl and can't eat that much but the double burger filled me up (what i mean is that the patties aren't the biggest so i got a double, a big guy would want a triple and a little kid would want a single) the burger was so good and greedy jus the way any normal person would want it!! and the milk shakes are amazing!!!!! 100% GOING BACK HERE read more

Fabulous triple burgers and only 4.50 if you like them cheesy greasy goodness this is the place . Old fashion shakes . Doors open at 11am be ready read more

I don't really understand the hype behind this place. Like every burger ranking list in Minnesota has it pretty close to the top. The fries are where they really stand out. However the burgers are extremely mediocre. Super small thin patties usually cooked to death. read more

Great experience! Excellent service !! French fries are the best !!! Wish we had a Val's Rapid Service in North Carolina, we"d eat there all the time. read more

For years I've heard about Val's and finally had the chance to try it on a work event in St. Cloud on 10/2. The hype was deserving. A great burger at a great price that made me wish I had another. The fries were seasoned with what I'm pretty sure was movie theater popcorn seasoning. Wow! They were perfectly fried too. They lasted me about half my trip home to St. Paul. Without ketchup too, which kept things cleaner. I can't wait for my next trip up Hwy 10 so I make a pit stop at Val's. read more

Great blast from the past taste! This place is definitely putting out the quality that you should expect from a small burger joint. Juicy burgers simply done with good quality buns and the proper amount of cheese. Order at least 2 burgers. They are the thinner smash burger style patties. That means they are really tasty just not super substantial. That also helps with them being super quick to fill your order without food sitting in a warmer. I will personally do 2 triples with cheese and bacon. read more

Too classic to pass up. The burgers are gas. The fries slap. The milkshakes are beautiful. Prices are cheap. You have to have it.

Every single person who complains about Val's would undoubtedly make it onto the 'World's Most Insufferable Human Being' list I'm creating, which, before seeing all the bad reviews criticizing a burger joint that offers anything other than a cup of ketchup for $2, did not exist. I did not feel the need to compile such a list before two days ago, when my coworker suggested we get our company dinner here and I stupidly decided to check out Yelp, hoping for pictures of the menu. What I found, in addition to a few helpful menu pictures, was a trove of pretentious reviews for this tiny burger spot that offers a double cheeseburger for $2.85. These are the people who buy store brand canned green beans and get mad when they find a stem. You get what you pay for - maybe review accordingly instead of expecting the world of what is probably the best cheap fast food joint in town. It is better than McDonald's, who for some reason thinks that they are capable of making a burgers worth $6 dollars. Val's is the answer to an increasingly frustrating fast food market. I don't want more things, I want cheap food, fast. Isn't that the point? Bottom line, if you want a cheap cheeseburger and paper sack of hot french fries, go here, where it doesn't end up costing $25 to get a burger, fries and shake for 2 people. read more

I will never understand the hype this establishment receives. Locals swear by this place and I say it's not worth the time. Val's as a whole is neat idea; small corner shop, walk in, punch your order in a computer, and you can watch the staff whip your food together in record breaking time, but once you receive the food you understand why it only takes two minutes to prepare this slop. The burgers are prepared using the lowest quality beef I have ever consumed and it comes in the most non-discrete white sack that is now see through from all the grease. I'm always amazed these bags somehow mange to hold together; they're better under tremendous pressure than myself. The burger is such a disaster you'll need to take a shower after your first bite. If you're going to have one, it should be consumed naked otherwise you'll need to burn your clothes. The fries would be good if they weren't topped with a shovel sized scoop of seasoned salt. If you want to have a heart attack before the age of thirty, please order a large fries because the sodium will quickly kill you. If you wish to experience the truest expression of "America" by all means eat here because it is nothing more than a large portion of cheap garbage that will kill you quickly. read more

An absolute classic old time burger joint. Fresh made burgers to order, fries per order and top it off with a super shake with a giant straw to freeze your throat quicker! This place is the same today as it was 50 years ago (except the quick and easy self ordering computer). Not a better quick burger place anywhere! read more

Val's is on point for a local fast food burger takeout joint. I was very impressed that this tiny shack of a location can turn out quality american burgers. These burgers are crafted in the Mcdonald's style but with a lot more class. The patties are thin but the beef has a nearly perfect ratio of protein to fat. I got the works toppings which was a good choice, but you can customize as well. The relish was unique and very good. The small cuts of pickle are much larger than your average relish.The acidity of the pickle brine cuts nicely into the savory flavor of the fat and cheese on the meat. The only slight downfall on the burger which prevents a perfect 5 star rating, is the bun. The center of the top bun was slightly dry. This gives some bites an ever so slight chalkiness. I also ordered the large fry. These fried spuds are straight dope. They are generously dusted with salt and served in heaping portions which fill the take out bag. They are similar to McDonald's but slightly thicker and more authentic to a natural potato. For some sweetness, I tried the strawberry shake. It was a good counter balance to the saltiness of the fries but I detected some iciness on the texture rather than just pure cream. Great quality, quantity and value overall. I'll be stopping by again. read more

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Some of the best french fries I've ever had, and the poition is massive. You wouldn't think such a simple cheese burger could be so flavorful. It must be the old grill! A Central Minnesota tradition! read more

I love some of these reviews. Do you think this place deserves a Michelin star? (Actually, it should get one for consistency of food). You are ordering an American burger, from a robot. This did not exist 20 years ago - but guess what? It did at Val's. I'd actually call them a pioneer at automation ordering. (Dude....I don't have to talk to anyone? Google FEBO). read more

This was a find! I'll start by being very clear: The 5 stars I'm giving to Val's is for everything it is not. It is not a chain burger place. It is not widely known about outside of the local area. It is not a place for vegetarians, hipsters, low-fat dieters or snobs. It is a little shack in St. Cloud, MN frequented by the local working class salt of the earth people with standing room only where you place your order (by high tech touch screens) and then wait around until it gets made to order and put in the window. Then you get the hell out of the way so that others can take your spot to get some carry out grub. The menu is not big but the food is soul-satisfying, greasy, and reminiscent of heartland, Americana dairy queen style eats. It's also pretty cheap and is definitely a place to check out if you are in the area just because it is not like everywhere else. I loved the white paper bag your order comes in that shows the grease stains proudly from the oozing food before you even get out the door. Walking out with that badge of courage in front of the other salivating slobs waiting for theirs is a special kind of blue-collar elitism all on its own! read more

Val's Rapid Service - American Near Me - St. Cloud, Minnesota

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One of our favorite college restaurants. We stop by when ever we are in the area. Nothing has changed over the years! Double cheese with everything and an order of fries. The amount of fries for a small order is ridiculous, I can't imagine how many you get with a large. Some of the best fries I've ever tasted. read more

Alway love Val's, been a loyal customer for 25+ years. Unique old fashioned malt shop experience with consistent top notch quality.

Im not sure what it is about this place but the burgers are amazing here. The shakes are phenomenal. My personal favorite is the blueberry cheesecake! read more

Absolutely love Vals!! We have been going for 20 years, since we were college kids in St. Cloud. We no longer live in the area, but stop by at least 3 times a year when we are in th area. Same great food, quick service and great people! read more

This place is amazing the fries were hot and had the perfect touch of seasoning to them. The BURGER!!!! Was so juicy and flavorful. In my opinion it is the best burger spot in town. A perfect 10/10 read more

The best burgers I've ever had. The pickles are like diced and spread in your burger and it's like the perfect amount of ketchup and mustard. Super cheap to and the fries are amazing even without ketchup because the flavor is sooo good. This place is a Saint Cloud classic so if you're not from here you definitely need to try it read more

Great and greasy food absolutely a great place to go and it's cheap also! I love the burger I had and the fries are the best fries around.

I do not like Val's burgers or fries at all. And I think I'm the only one in St Cloud to feel this way. Even my wife thinks I'm crazy. However, if what you want is fries that are so salty your lips swell after one fry, and a burger that reminds me of White Castles boiled burgers, but with tons of added grease, then you've come to the right place. I really wish I could come to the conclusion that I like this place. But I cant. I went again this spring just to see if my memory from 10 years ago was accurate, and it was. I still can't stomach it. I'm sorry. I'm glad everyone else likes the place. read more

Val's is great and cheap, it's really nice that they have the touch screens for ordering. I would suggest just sticking with burgers and fries which are excellent here and not much more than the dollar menu at McD's. I'll put a picture up soon so you can see it, but you can tell just from the old fashioned looking sign and the outside of this little shack that it's going to be good. I stop by here whenever I'm in the area. The malts are also pretty good. 4 stars instead of 5 because I don't know exactly what them burger patties are, but their damn good. read more

Val's Rapid Service - American Near Me - St. Cloud, Minnesota

Want a burger? Want it quick? Want to visit what has to be the smallest building in St Cloud? Then Val's is your place. Its a couple of blocks off Hwy 10 on St Germain. When you walk into the tiny lobby, You see computer terminals on the walls. They used to have a phone where you told the operator your order, but times change. Those touch screens let you choose your order with any and all options. I prefer the "light salt" option on the fries as they tend to make them a bit salty here. And speaking of fries note that a "regular" fry can easily feed three normal people. The food is good, the prices are low. Its carry out only so make it to go. read more

Awesome burgers, fries, shakes, you name it. VERY inexpensive. If you are in the area and trying to decide what to eat, go to Val's. Period. read more

This is the most unsuspecting place that you would use a touch screen to make your orders. From the outside, it looks like an incredibly small shack and once you get in, the place is even smaller. You have no place to sit down so it is simply a take out burger joint. The menu is very simple, burgers, fries, and shakes. After I took my order, they made it immediatley and I saw the kitchen was incredibly cramped. They had three people jammed inside working which looked hard to do. My order was a double cheeseburger with fries. When I received my bag I saw the grease already eating away at my bag. I don't normally eat this much greasy food but since I am on vacation I allowed myself to try Val's. When I got back to my hotel the french fries were extremely salty, way too much for my taste. Unfortunuately, I had to stop eating them. My burger on the other hand was very good. It was a small slider type and was worth the $4.50 I paid for the entire meal. The establishment is an iconic burger joint in the area. Even though my fries were too salty, I loved the family style place. LAY OFF THE SALT ON THE FRIES! read more

This place is a staple of Saint Cloud. The burgers are always cooked fresh, the shakes are yummy, and the fries are amazing! It can sometimes get a bit expensive but honestly it is well worth the money. Not exactly the type of place you want to go if on a diet; however, if you just want some great comfort food this place rules! read more

There's absolutely nothing special about Val's, it's easily the most overhyped food joint in this town. The beef used for the burgers is standard grocery store ground beef, it's not a mix made from ground short rib and chuck roast like what's used by burger joints that are actually upscale. People flip over the fact that they have many flavors for their shakes and let you mix them. Woo. Here, I took vanilla ice cream and added flavored syrup to it, somebody get me a Nobel prize. The fries are so, so oily. Their fries suck. It's not bad, except for the fries, it's just that everyone's looking at Val's through rose colored glasses. read more