BEST BURGER IN TOWN!! I love this place, when I moved to Livermore I was told to give this place a shot if I wanted a burger. So I gave it a shot and will never go anywhere else. Go old fashion hamburger, actually looks like the picture they have posted. Just remember to bring cash, they don't take credit card. read more

We went here last night as my friend had heard good reviews about John's from some computer splash page. It's ironic that I have stabled my horse in Livermore for the last 17 years and never heard of John's before. We are BIG hamburger fans, despite the recalls on ground beer, the fear of Ecoli, Botulism etc. I have been going to Val's in Castro Valley/Hayward since I was a kid, I love In N' Out, The Habit, Barney's, Roam in San Francisco, and all of the hole in the wall places in between. Val's and Roam being at the top of the list. First, I disagree with some of the negative feedback. We had a good experience. This is NOT a fancy burger joint. Far from it. It is also not a fast food joint, so it does not have the fast food prices. We sat in the enclosed patio. It was clean enough. There is a counter on the other side of the building that you can sit at. It looked a little dingy, and 50's-ish, but I didn't think it was horrid. Val's is, after all still stuck in the 50's as well. The girl who took our order was quite pleasant and friendly. We would have left her a tip, but there was NO tip jar like there is everywhere else you go. (Cripes, people have tip jars when you just pick up your dry cleaning, which I find sometimes offensive). To compare burgers, one must always stick to the same things...a hamburger or cheeseburger, fries and a milkshake. Sometimes, onion rings. So, that is what we had. My friend had the double char, I had the single. Neither had cheese, and we shared a small order of fries and a chocolate milkshake. The fries came first...and they were SCRUMPTIOUS. Hot out of the fryer, not the big old steak fries (which I personally dislike), not shorties (like at In N' Out, which drives me nuts), and not overly salted like MOST places. They were nice and crispy without being over cooked and you could tell that the oil was fresh because the taste was like butter. The burgers and shake came almost immediately after. Okay, so maybe the burger could be thicker, but I didn't mind...it wasn't a hockey puck like the fast food chains (and I AM a fan of a couple of those), it was nicely charred and the sesame bun was perfecto! It fit the hamburger, it didn't overwhelm the burger, and it wasn't soggy/stale. Both burgers had everything on them lettuce, PURPLE onion, tomato (Val's charges EXTRA for those...also wrong IMHO), pickle, mustard and mayo (I could do without the mayo, but for evaluation purposes, this was fine). If you like a lot of meat, you might want the double char! The milkshake was heavenly. It was nice and thick and tasted like a good grade of ice cream. Val's, The Habit and Roam all have wonderful chocolate shakes and I'd put this one right up there with them. It's a bigger shake than Roam or The Habit, and it didn't have whip cream, which I don't care for anyway, and it is certainly worth getting for oneself instead of sharing! I was wishing for my own! Would we go back? YES. There are other things on the menu as well. Fish and Chips, a steak sandwich, hot dogs...but it's all about the burger for us. To top that off, we love to support a small independent business owner. So if you are looking for fancy schmancy, or a cheap meal..this place is NOT for you. If you want a simple good burger that isn't from a chain, a quiet atmosphere without TONS of people or children running (free range chickens) around uncontrollably, and blaring music (and I'm a rocker)...then, by all means, try John's and see what you think! read more

This place never fails me! I've tried three different burger places and in n out and I have to say this place is the best! The people are friendly and I like how small the place is. You can tell it's been here a while just do to the wear and tear but it never sent me away the first time. I always order the char burger with everything no mayo but with ketchup and mustard and its perfect. Sometimes I order a milkshake which are pretty good as well. When I have a choice to pick a burger place in Livermore this is it. Never going to the ale house again! It was too noisy and the food was not worth the price. DEFINITELY recommend this for anyone who is looking for a good burger place here in Livermore. read more

My older sister used to work for the owner. He made her clean a lot. But they have really good burgers and korean steaks. Would recommend. read more

After growing up in Livermore and literally a 3-minute bike ride from the house, I finally got into John's (mostly because mom wanted a dinner that she didn't cook... though admittedly, talking her into an "out" meal is about as difficult as coercing the sun to rise in the east). We were the only folks the place (though more trickled in as we ate); just the guy behind the counter (whom the waitress/hostess/M.C. called John, handy) and her. Quick with the order, the drinks and yummy shakes* were out almost instantly, and the food wasn't too far behind. Not necessarily the healthiest of options, and who cares -- just good, sinfully delicious Americana burgers, hearty portion of "large fries" and shakes. What could be better? (And yes, cash or ATM, with a 50¢ transaction fee.) * Enough so that the little one hardly took a breath that didn't involve the straw from grandma's banana shake in her mouth. read more

Finally made it here, and we were not disappointed. The burgers were awesome, and the fries were good. Onion rings were ok (they are my boyfriend's cup of tea, not mine). Cute old burger joint feel, you can go in the to go entrance and order to go, and the other door leads to the bar and dining area. Despite being an old place, it seemed pretty clean. We will definitely be back! read more

John's Char Burger - 1/4 charbroiled burger, no onions - Burgers Near Me - Livermore, California

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It reminds me of Hawaii, and I appreciate the local walk up. It's so hometown and classic. I love that they are still around since I was a kid and would highly recommend the ribs. They are the best thing on the menu. I will always come back and if they ever sell it ...I'll buy it. It's apart of Livermore and should be around for future generations. Support this local business and get the ribs, salad and rice.... TRUST ME! read more

Pretty good burgers for a local Livermore dive. The burgers remind me of a hybrid between "In-N-Out" and "Burger King". Not the cheapest place but reasonable for what you get.. Also a convenient place to go to after you get your car washed next door. read more

This is one of the nicest most inexpensive mom and pop stops for a hefty sized burger home cooking at its finest really quaint environment nothing to overwhelming. read more

If you want a great burger, John's is absolutely the place to go. This place is a cornerstone of Livermore cuisine. The juiciest burgers, crispiest fries, and the greatest milkshakes come out of John's. If you're looking for an upscale eatery with elegant atmosphere, then John's is not for you. But if you just want a good old fashioned burger and either like an old style, simple atmosphere, or don't really care, John's is a great choice. Prices are pretty reasonable and the owner is very nice... I've known him for a while and he always greets me if I come in. read more

Took my boy out for lunch, wanted to try a new burger place & we were happy we decided to go here! Food=GREAT!!! My son had the double cheeseburger w/bacon-VERY HUGE! Price=reasonable Decor=everything I hoped it would be!! ;o) Why 4 stars?? -Asked for no onions, but would occasionaly crunch down on one...they were mixed in with the lettuce, so I couldnt spot them..or I wouldve just pulled them out. WILL BE BACK!! OH...had a REALLY NICE girl waitress! She knew it was our first time & was so nice! read more

One of the best burgers you can ever hope to have pass your taste buds. John is fantastic and so are is the wonderful staff. He was one of the first to support our school (LVCS) via Restaurant fundraisers when we first opened. For that he will always get our business as well as the deliciousness of their burgers and fries. read more

Legit, straight-up old school burger. Excellent value (lunch for two under $15 easy) , fresh ingredients, hot fries. Take out or dine in, this place does both well. The menu is thoroughly explained, right down to "All burgers come with mayo. Please ask if you want ketchup or mustard." Staff is friendly and efficient, and the food gets to you quickly. if you find yourself driving through Livermore, hit this place up. read more

It was just as good as it smelled. Wanted to post pictures but it was so good I ate it before I could take one. I will come back for sure!!! Didn't care for the chili fries but everything else was great! read more

Quick, affordable, home cooked tasting burgers. Nothing fancy. Home in wall spot, easy parking, quick service,10-20 min wait for food. Definitely a regular go to spot for Livermore. read more

John's Char Burger is in a sketchy area of Livermore, but I can overlook a lot if that food speaks for itself. That it did not. The burger was nothing special, fries were greasy and too crispy. I think it's worth a stop if you're craving a burger and nearby. Otherwise, a special trip for this meal is not worth your fuel. read more

After all the great reviews, my wife and I went over there the other day. Don't worry about the decor or the old menus or the old paint, it's all about the burgers, fries and shakes. We got the cheeseburger and a special cheeseburger on a french roll (highly recommend) and a basket of fries. The fries were a winner, hot with oil dripping from the basket but very tasty and incredibly hot. I liked the burgers more than In and Out but my wife thought In and Out was better. You can get a 1/3 or 1/4 lb burger depending on your appetite. We also got a pineapple shake and it was great. The shake was made with pineapple topping with chunks of pineapple, which was hard to get through the small straw and soft serve ice cream. Sometime, soft-serve ice cream shakes are better for some flavors, pineapple is one of them. I love pineapple shakes. Service was homey with lots of "How are you doing honey" thrown in. We got our food extremely quick that our baby did not have time to get tired of the place and scream. Prices are very reasonable, more expensive than In and Out but less than Giant Burger in Pleasanton. Overall good burger joint with very nice service and great food. However, I think grease is still coming out of my skin after 2 days. read more

Good basic burger. Smokey and greasy. But the biggest they got was 2/3 lb. I asked for a 1lb. but didn't get it. The fries and onion rings were not so good. read more

I've been coming here for the last 20 or 25 years. They may have won my heart over as a little kid. I have fond memories of them giving me free ice creams when I came in with my parents and my brother. Vanilla soft serve in a cone, without even asking! He must have seen it in my eyes. I imagine it was John, but really I don't remember the name of the man who bestowed upon me such righteous gifts. John's is still my preferred greasy burger joint in the area. My favorite thing here is the steak sandwich, followed by the milkshakes/malts, and the fries...and the burgers. If you're a fan of a solid burger, I definitely recommend trying out this hole in the wall. read more

John's Char Burger is the best burgers for miles. Great fries, shakes, and everything else....superb.

When I think hamburger I think Johns 1/4 pound. You want the ultimate John's experience: you and a friend; Super burger on a french roll with grilled onions and barbecue sauce; order of fries; order of onion rings; chocolate malts. Do this once and you'll be ruined on fast food for life. Also bring plenty of cash because they don't take cards and they aren't the cheapest in town, but well worth it. read more

OMG! All I can say is this is my FAVORITE place to get a burger from!!!!! When I to commute through Livermore back in 1990, I used to go. When I live in Livermore, I'd go! Even now, over 20 years later, when I travel through Livermore I swing through here if I can. My wife has even been kind enough to bring me back a burger from this place if she goes through here. This place is just the best! The staff are friendly and the last time I was there, they had just opened up and while we waited for our order, the owner brought both my kids around the counter and helped the get an ice cream cone that we didn't even order! That is something that you just don't see anymore. Love, love, LOVE to go here any chance I get. If I could get them to open one of these out here in the valley or teach me their ways of doing these AWESOME burgers, I'd open one out here in a heartbeat. read more

Good old fashioned American burger joint. I work at a gourmet burger place, and I still freaking loved it. They cook the burgers on a char grill. We found this restaurant through Yelp and I'm from Vegas. It's a little small burger joint, probably fit 30 at the most there's also a ToGo window. The bathroom was not cracking I felt like the water was dirty but it wasn't... I hope but The dinning area was clean and the kitchen. The service was okay, couple youngin working there. Also try the malt... It was my first time I'm more use to milkshake but the malt was bomb. read more

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Love this spot! It is old fashioned and that's what makes it so cute. Tasty hamburgers ( our family's favorites and the best for our taste), excellent quick and friendly service. read more

Eat at John's. They should have simple t-shirts made up and sell them! Hats too! No number, no address, just the slogan "Eat at John's". The simpler the better. John's Charburger is one of those places that you know you shouldn't eat at because it just can't be good for you, but you eat there anyway because it is good food. Everyone needs to lube the pipes once in a while anyway. The burgers are always hot and the toppings are fresh. Good tomatoes, shredded lettuce, yummy pickles, fresh buns. Their fries are hot and crispy! (Dear John's, please put salt on your fries! That is the only thing they are always lacking! I know I can put it on myself, but the fries that burn my mouth on the way home are too plain. Hot and crispy, but plain.) A large order of fries is a LARGE ORDER of fries! Try the chili cheese fries. Gluttony at it's finest. BLT is super duper. John's is good old fashioned food and it is served with a smile and a "Thank you" every time. The thing that makes them great is that they are genuinly happy to serve you at John's. Forget the chains and any other places in town. If you want a burger, grilled sandwich, BLT, fries, you know, burger joint food, then you have it here. John's serves a good burger, good fries, and best of all, good service with a great attitude. You just don't find that too often these days. Eat at John's. read more

This burger place is so good. I went with a buddy of mine and we both got super double with swiss cheese. The service is really good, the asian owners made me feel home at this american food place. LOL. The burgers are huge, I literally heard my jaw pop when I try to eat it. the fries are fantastic as well, we share a large orders and it was more than enough. The fries are beautiful with salt and pepper, and taste delicious. The cheese is so stringy that I had trouble chewing. Usually I eat really slow, but I was chowing that burger down. Definitely go to this place. The decor is so old school and it's reasonably priced. read more

What can I say, I'm a burger fanatic....and this is a good burger spot! I do my best to stay away though. If I eat here everyday I don't think I would live much longer! The burgers are awesome! One of the few places that know red onions are the way to go on burgers. It compliments the flavor so well its making me crave for some right now! The fries are good too when they are nice and crispy. Only down side is they don't season them. I hate having to add salt myself because its always best to season when the are fresh out of the oil. I was happy to see that they do have an ATM option now. Before I would have to skip going here because I didn't have cash on me and I was too lazy to go to the bank! read more

Great burger every time.. something about the "charred" process of being on a fire grill makes for a unique taste and a bit addictive.

This place is great! I drive by it all the time and finally decided to give it a try. I'm big time into great food, especially burgers. I tried the garden burger (it's a chickpea patty) and DAMN that was a great burger! It was so fresh tasting, the bun was soft and fluffy, everything about it was just really great. The girl working the front who took my order was really nice and attentive as well! I'll be back probably once a week haha read more

My husband and I were looking for something to eat before going to Livermore 13 cinema. And so found this humble place, and was greeted by the owners ( I assumed) They are friendly and so accommodating. Burger's awesome. Grilled just right. Definitely will come back read more

This place is always good. The original on French roll!! Hard to go wrong.. it's a 50's style American classic spot. I'm sure it's under new owner ship. But the current owners are as American as it gets!! Doing their part to keep our history alive.. read more

EXCELLENT! Like Donut Wheel this is a Livermore landmark. Great Prices and excellent service!!! Keep it up John. read more

OMG. My search for the best cheeseburger has ended. A cheeseburger, I have learned, is a very personal thing, so, John's may not be your favorite. However, if you are like me, if you like thin patties, with tons of beefy flavor, and intense char grill awesomeness, you will fall in love with John's. I suggest the double cheese, with everything. Owned by lovely people. They make everything to order, so it's not the perfect spot if you're in a hurry. Order ahead by phone for quick pick up. read more

BEST BURGERS HANDS DOWN!!!!! We travel across the county to have these burgers. They can not be compared to any other fast food establishment as these are not fast food but great burgers. You get the great Burgers without the Flash Buttons and cheezy Happy Birthday song vibe. Just Cheezy Burgers and crispy fries....... read more

John's Char Burger - A true cheeseburger - Burgers Near Me - Livermore, California

Great place for Burgers. Nothing special to the place, Cinder block 50-60's building. Inside, a somewhat run down 70's -80's Soda/Burger joint. Food however is very tasty fried/charred/deep fried food. 1/3 pound burger is my go to staple coupled with fries and onion rings. Wife is also a fan of the 1/3 burger, but will order the fish sandwich as well which she claims is very good. read more

We sat at the counter and we were welcomed there (even with 3 young children. The staff was really nice and the food was quick and not too greasy. My v young son wanted fish and chips, I wish they did a kids portion as we took most of it home!! read more

John's has been in Livermore for along time. Often described as a hole in the wall, the inside eating area is simple and pleasant. The burgers and fries are the highlight for me. I hadn't been to John's for at least 15 years. It's still great. So fresh and flavorful read more

The burger was really good, the fries not so much. They taste like pure oil. They were so gross that not even my dogs wanted to eat them.

We were in Livermore to see the awesome Christmas lights and found this place on yelp. The service was great and they were busy. Burgers were juicy and messy just the way I like em! Priced pretty good also read more

In for a late lunch, I was cravin' a burger and onion rings. They delivered the goods. Since it was about 3:00pm, I was able to see my food cooked right in front of me. Cheeseburger (with out onions) and a order of onion rings, hot a from the fryer. Both were delicious! They miss one star because it's really in need of some maintenance and cleaning. Although they really hit the "hole in the wall" feel! I'll be back when the burger craving returns! read more