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    John's Char Burger

    4.1 (486 reviews)
    InexpensiveBurgers
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    JOHN'S CHAR BURGER ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Divey
    Moderate noise
    Good for groups
    Good for kids

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    Recommended Reviews - John's Char Burger

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    1/8 burger
    Veronica A.

    The burgers and fries were fantastic. Clearly a hole-in-the-wall type of vibe, which oftentimes turns out to be THE best spot! Their customer service was friendly and prompt. Can't wait to return!

    Leeza D.

    My friend loves grabbing a shake from John's so we went for a walk and grabbed a shake. Happiness abound. Please come and create your own adventure.

    Kiddie burger, quarter pounder, fries, banana milkshake
    Victoria R.

    My bf and I come here very often! We love the food, it's always fresh and quick, (such delicious shakes) the service is kind and efficient, and the ambiance is relaxed, good smelling food and good music

    1/2 double burger was grilled to perfection
    James R.

    Came here before seeing a movie after seeing the reviews and it was a very enjoyable experience. Food was fresh, shake was delicious. I would definitely come back here! Loved the diner vibes of it all.

    Chris M.

    Before I visit an unfamiliar town or city, I like to find interesting sites and good restaurants. I was planning a shopping trip to the factory outlet stores in Livermore, so I searched Yelp for a good lunch spot. I found John's Char Burger. After a morning of shopping, I headed over for lunch. WOW! Just.....wow! John's Char Burger is one of those wonderful dining spots that you wish existed in every town. It's the type of food, location and ambiance that you see in various movies that just oozes with quintessential "Americana" vibes. The burgers here were really good. In fact, they reminded me of some of the burgers you get at a backyard barbecue or from a restaurant that specializes in char grilling. Unfortunately, most of the existing restaurants just don't really char them long enough to give that fantastic char flavor. Thankfully, John's Char Burger emphasizes that "char" experience. The burgers were cooked exactly as I like them -- and the flavor was fantastic. The fries were good too. However, the onion rings raised my elation for this place quite a bit! The location is a little difficult to find (as it was my first time driving through Livermore). In fact, the place was very busy -- even for a weekday lunch. Still, I found a parking space and ordered through the enclosed patio window. I could see the restaurant and counter inside. It just reminded me of seeing an old fashioned burger diner that you see in movies or TV shows. The staff was very patient and friendly too. The prices were surprisingly affordable too. My food arrived very quickly. I took the food to a local park in order to enjoy the nice weather. The food was just amazing! I'm looking for a reason to return to Livermore just so I can great another meal at John's Char Burger. It was one of the nicest culinary surprises that I've experienced in quite a while!

    Oh, John's Char Burger, you had me at Onion Rings!  Nice big rings with the perfect crispy crunch & seasoning.
    Stephanie D.

    Oh, John's Char Burger, you had me at Onion Rings! Nice big rings with the perfect crispy crunch & seasoning. I ordered mine for takeout and mixed up a yogurt dipping sauce at home. If you enjoy really good onion rings without that pesky beer-batter-flavor, visit the friendly team at John's Char Burger.

    Char burger with jalapeño and bacon

    Ordered a 1/3lb char burger with jalapeño and bacon. Delicious!!! It was great to visit again after 18 years. Cook and serving staff were so nice.

    Slow, poor service.
    Pete F.

    Been coming to John's for over 30 years. Always loved it. I've noticed a decrease in quality since ownership change. As I sat for my meal today, I saw no seasoning being applied to the meat. The cheese was tasteless, moved away from shredded lettuce to big chunks of iceberg. Seems like a move to make it as inexpensive to make as possible sacrificing quality. Service was very slow today as well. Food came out cold, and fries and onion rings arrive 20 minutes later and then we're burnt.

    Single 1/3lb burger with mushrooms and a double 1/2lb on French bread
    Karin H.

    Please excuse the half eaten burger but I wanted to show how juicy this burger was. I got the 1/4 lb single with pepper jack, mushroom, grilled onions and jalapeños on the side. It was ABSOLUTELY AMAZING! I'm not a burger type of gal and probably only had 3 different burger joints in my life but this place takes the cake, hands down. Such a classic diner. The feel inside, the vibe and the food. Simple burgers but can add a lot to it and make it whatever you want. Fed myself, partner and dog, all for $32.

    a man standing in front of a restaurant
    Chris D.

    Updating my review as I've become more and more a regular. These are the best burgers in Livermore paired with the best service in town. I like to sub onions for bacon and jalapeños and the fries are crispy and come in a big quantity. I can't rave about the kindness of the owners enough: they're the kind of folks who recognize their repeat customers and seem so genuinely happy to see you arrive. And let me say they are incredibly generous and thoughtful (including doing things like gifting my toddler free ice cream). Great location right in downtown Livermore just steps from Livermore 13 Cinemas and the rest of First Street. Love this place. Great old school burger spot.

    Car lunch today
    Michael Z.

    Burger was fresh and pretty good. $16.30 after tax for a small fry and the double char also not bad. Nothing spectacular just all pretty good from customer service, cleanliness and food. Fries weren't as crispy as they could be and they bag them right from the fryer so you have to salt them yourself. I will be back again I liked the burger and it wasn't messy at all to where I could eat in my car during my lunch break 100% better than other small burger joints in Livermore

    Strawberry shake

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    1 year ago

    Great burgers, nice guy, pretty quick service. Prices have gone up like everything. Pretty good amount of seating and an old school vibe.

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    2 years ago

    Good burgers and fries, little mom and pop place. Very clean and good service. The prices are about average.

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    2 years ago

    Food is tasty and not greasy service is quick . Small little old fashion type of restaurant .

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    2 years ago

    Be careful, if they're out of veggie patties they give you turkey without knowledge. Not ideal if you're vegetarian or have allergies!

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    2 years ago

    Excellent burger and fries. You won't be disappointed with this local Ma and Pa restaurant.

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    2 years ago

    Good standard burger. Nothing fancy about this place, just a regular American burger place good burgers good fries good shakes.

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    Page 2 of 13

    Ask the Community - John's Char Burger

    Can I order a plain hamburger with only ketchup and bun and meat (well done)? The menu says the "all burgers" come only with mayo and produce.

    Yes my husband ordered only mustard and cheese and ketchup only for our kids

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    CaliKid Burgers N Shakes

    CaliKid Burgers N Shakes

    4.5(912 reviews)
    4.2 mi
    $$

    From the first bite, I was impressed. The burger was perfectly crispy, packed with flavor, and…read morepaired with a rich, creamy sauce that brought everything together. While the burger was a bit smaller than expected, it was satisfying and not overly messy to eat. The service was just as impressive as the food. Everyone was friendly, welcoming, and efficient. One unique touch I loved was the megaphone system outside--they call out your name when your order is ready, so you can relax and sit wherever you'd like without worrying about missing it. The food came out quickly, and the salad my friend ordered looked fresh and delicious. With great food, fast service, and a fun, laid-back atmosphere, this spot is definitely worth checking out.

    I wanted to give this place a try since I'm staying in the area. I'm a fan of In-n-Out, and I was…read morecraving a burger--but I wanted to try a new spot. I found this place on here about month ago and bookmarked it. Today I came here to get lunch to go. I ordered there with a staff member. I got the Cali Kid burger (w/ Angus beef), Garlic Fries, and a Chocolate Shake. The guy asked what sauce I want which I asked for his recommendation since it was my first time there. He recommended the Cali sauce, and I said "Okay, I'll go with your recommendation." I didn't know that he was going to charge me for the sauce--$.75. The total with a $1 tip came out to $27 something. Pricey!!! I waited for about 8-10 minutes til my order was ready. The chocolate shake didn't have the pretty chocolate drip like in their pictures, but it was decadent. It is better than In-n-Out's chocolate shake. The mini donut is a cute touch. The Cali Kid burger was pretty delicious, but I still like In-n-Out's Double Double a lot more still. The Garlic Fries was garlic overload. If you're super into garlic, then you might be a fan of this. After a few bites, I got tired of it. The Cali sauce was just okay. I wasn't a fan of it. The place was clean, bold, with plenty of seating indoors & out. In my bag, the gave me a fork, but no napkins. Luckily I was going to go back to the house to eat it, but it kinda sucks that they didn't give any napkins. It was nice to try, but I'll stick with my beloved In-n-Out.

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    CaliKid Burgers N Shakes - Their soda selection!

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    Ben's Burgers - Mushroom swiss burger with avocado. French fries and nuggets

    Ben's Burgers

    4.0(260 reviews)
    1.0 mi
    $

    There are a lot of old school burger places in California. One offs or small chains who fill a…read moreneighborhood niche. Ben's fits firmly in that category. They offer burgers, fries, onion rings, hot dogs, milkshakes, etc. The space is no frills. they have about 1)2 dozen tables inside and a few out. They have a small staff and five off those mom and pop vibes I love. The burger was solid ( fresh toppings, good sized patty) and the onion rings were wonderful. They were crispy and had just the right amount of crispy ness. And the prices? More like 2006 than 2016. I got lunch for under $15 bucks ànd couldn't eat it all. Although Ben's is in a small strip mall, the area is mostly residential. So if you don't happen to be in the neighborhood, you might never find it. If you are a burger fan, you should visit. It might be off your beaten path, but small, local places like this should be cherished. Recommended.

    TL:DR - solid neighborhood joint…read more Parking - huge lot. Located in what looks like a partially closed strip mall in a neighborhood Service - Focused. What da ya want? LOL. Love it. Some may call it rude. It just is people. Ambiance - Man old school charm. Love places that are throwback burger joints Food - decent burger. Needed a bit more seasoning (salt and pepper) which is available on the counter. Fries freshly cooked!

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    Ben's Burgers
    Ben's Burgers - Onion rings, Hawaiian burger and bens burger (all comes in a french roll)

    Onion rings, Hawaiian burger and bens burger (all comes in a french roll)

    Ben's Burgers - Banana split!

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    Hops & Sessions - Grab a seat at any of our communal tables!

    Hops & Sessions

    4.1(298 reviews)
    0.2 mi
    $$
    Family-owned & operated
    Outdoor seating

    Needed a nice meal on a patio with a beer after a long hike, and this is where we ended up. It…read morechecked every box. The inside and patio are both casual and open, similar to a brewery, and they have a self-serve tap wall, which is awesome. First time using one, and despite the self-service setup and ordering at the counter, the service we did get was great. Wait time for food wasn't long at all. I ordered the Sessions Burger, and it was lowkey one of the best burger's I've had in a while. I love blue cheese on a burger, and the caramelized onions had a deep, rich flavor. I also liked that it wasn't obnoxiously large for no reason. The fries were perfect, and the ranch was excellent. Honestly, ranch is a good way to judge a place like this, and theirs was rich and smooth. Also really enjoyed the beer I chose. Pouring it yourself is a fun experience, I could spend all day trying different beers. Great spot. Would definitely come back if I'm ever in town again. And no, it's not just the post-hike hunger talking, this place is serving seriously good food.

    New fav sports bar! Been on the hunt for a fun place to watch basketball games at during the…read morefinals, so it's nice to find one nearby that is both inviting and large group friendly. There's self serve beer on tap that you pay per ounce using a card they give you. Looked like a wide selection from IPAs to stouts. They also had a fun cocktail menu and plenty of food options from tacos to burgers. The hostess was really kind to explain to us how their restaurant works in terms of the self serve beer as you pay at that front beforehand. Whereas, food items and cocktail drinks are ordered at the back left corner. We ordered the "Such a Gemini" and "Paper cut". Both were more on the sweeter side and you couldn't taste the alcohol at all. Quite dangerous really. The "Such a Gemini" was a hibiscus agave drink. The "Paper cut" was more of a fruity mix with the elderflower and lemon mixed in the whiskey, which I was a HUGE fan of. Gorgeous presentation as well! As for the food, we got the Sessions burger (cheeseburger) and cod tacos both with truffle fries. And maaan. Cod tacos were cooked well and super fresh. Big fan of that red salsa on the side. The Sessions burger was juicy and not dry, but I really enjoyed how it served on a pillowy pretzel bun! Would love to bring my family and friends here! I'd recommend this place if you need a space to hangout at.

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    Hops & Sessions - Tap and Pour

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    Hops & Sessions - 30 Taps. 28 beers and 2 white wines. Find the updated list on our website.

    30 Taps. 28 beers and 2 white wines. Find the updated list on our website.

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    Sons of Liberty Alehouse - Date Night Spot!

    Sons of Liberty Alehouse

    4.3(419 reviews)
    0.2 mi
    $$
    Outdoor seating
    Full bar

    We had such a lovely dinner at Sons of Liberty Alehouse in downtown Livermore! The atmosphere is…read morecozy and welcoming, with comfortable seating that works well for both date nights and group dinners. We tried the Guava Margarita, Old Fashioned, and Espresso Martini--all were delicious. For food, the Artichoke Dip, Deviled Eggs, Southwest Salad, Fish Tacos, and Summer Pasta made for a great spread. Everything was flavorful and beautifully presented. A wonderful spot for dinner, cocktails, and a relaxed night out in Livermore. We'll definitely be back!

    Sons of Liberty has become one of my go-to spots in downtown Livermore--not just for happy hour,…read morebut for brunch and dinner too. I'm usually a creature of habit and always order the ribs and Brussels sprouts, but the chicken wings and jalapeño mac & cheese are also favorites. This time I was extra hungry and got the fish and chips, and the portion was huge! I've also stopped by for brunch, and the chicken and waffles are absolutely delicious. I usually sit at one of the high-top tables to catch whatever game is on TV, but this visit I grabbed a regular table and it was surprisingly cozy. Even when it's busy, the staff are always friendly and attentive. Definitely one of my favorite places to keep coming back to.

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    Sons of Liberty Alehouse - House-churned, seasonal, all organic ice cream

    House-churned, seasonal, all organic ice cream

    Sons of Liberty Alehouse - Seasonal Old Fashioned anyone?

    Seasonal Old Fashioned anyone?

    Sons of Liberty Alehouse - The best spirits selection around:)

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    The best spirits selection around:)

    Sauced BBQ & Spirits - Livermore - Brisket and Pork Belly Burnt Ends

    Sauced BBQ & Spirits - Livermore

    3.8(2.8k reviews)
    0.2 mi
    $$

    Weeknight. After a high school game. Glad they were still open late to accommodate us and gave us…read moreservice with a smile. Nice western feeling inside. Lots of tables for big parties, small parties, and tall tables at the bar. Food arrived pretty timely. Our party of 10 got our plates roughly about the same time. I ordered the 1-meat combo with 4 ribs. Decent size for a solo eater that comes with 2 sides. Garlic mashed potatoes were tasty. The side salad was good and the dressing came on the side. The ribs were on the dry side and a little burnt to my liking. Needed a steak knife to cut the meat off the bone. Otherwise, it tasted good. Burger was moist and flavorful. I'd love to come back when I'm more hungry earlier in the evening.

    Sauced BBQ & Spirits in Livermore was an okay experience overall. The surrounding area was fun, but…read morethe restaurant itself was very loud, making it difficult to relax or have a conversation. The staff was not very attentive during our visit, and the service could have been more consistent. The brisket nachos were the highlight and had good flavor, but the rest of the food was not especially memorable. I have had better barbecue at other restaurants and even at home, so the meal did not stand out enough to justify a return visit on its own. This seems like a better place to visit for happy hour, drinks, and a lively atmosphere than for the barbecue itself. Beyond happy hour, I probably would not make a special trip back.

    Photos
    Sauced BBQ & Spirits - Livermore - Interior

    Interior

    Sauced BBQ & Spirits - Livermore - Hella Cali Salad no blue cheese

    Hella Cali Salad no blue cheese

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    John's Char Burger - burgers - Updated September 2026

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