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    John's Char Burger

    4.1 (484 reviews)
    InexpensiveBurgers
    Closed 11:00 am - 8:00 pm

    Order John's Char Burger Takeout or Delivery

    John's Char Burger Photos

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    JOHN'S CHAR BURGER ATMOSPHERE

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

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    Recommended Reviews - John's Char Burger

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    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

    1/8 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.

    Turkey burger
    Reba Jane S.

    Want an ol' fashioned delicious burger and fries? We did and that's what we got! Hubs and son had double cheeseburgers and I had a really good turkey burger. We all enjoyed thoroughly and if we come back to Livermore, we won't need to be asked to come back!

    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.

    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.

    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.

    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.

    Alejandra D.

    Their burgers are so good! They have that char broiled taste. Best burgers in Livermore :) I wish their fries were salted, then the meal would be perfect! Service, needs improvement still. We decided to dine-in to have our burger fresh. Staff wasn't that friendly. Our waters were forgotten and weren't checked on. Table felt sticky, ketchup bottle was sticky, I grabbed it with a napkin. The restroom is right next to a couple tables, I wouldn't want to sit there. Limited seating inside.

    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.

    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

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    4 years ago

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    3 years ago

    Good burger. Great for take out. The inside is a little rough. Pretty quick service and the employees have always been nice.

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    3 years ago

    Just a great old fashion hamburger joint. Good value and nice staff. will be back for sure.

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    2 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Great tasting charred burgers, made fresh and made to order. Consistent quality at a good price! It's my go to burger joint.

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    Page 3 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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    First Street Alehouse

    First Street Alehouse

    4.0
    (2.4k reviews)
    0.4 mi
    $$

    Came here for dinner on a weekend night and this place was packed - quite busy, but we got a table…read morefor 6+ of us without much issue! The place was loud and lively - great ambiance for watching a sports game or a casual night out. Menu had typical Americana and good came out in a reasonable amount of time - overall, solid food and drinks. The sandwich I got was a bit expensive and the salad was nothing special, but otherwise it was a nice experience. I wouldn't be roaring to come back, but I enjoyed the meal and it was nice to connect with friends.

    It saddens me to have to leave a bad review, since I frequent this place quite often... but the…read morequality of their to-go orders has gotten so bad. In-house we haven't had much issue, but I don't know what's going on with door dash/delivery orders. Almost every time, there's an issue. My littles absolutely love the mini corn dogs, and even though the listing says "with fries" they've suddenly stopped delivering with fries for the past few months ( and don't allow customer notes.) It's also a 50/50 chance the mini corn dogs will be dark and hard... I have a sensitive stomach with dietary restrictions, so I find great comfort that I can get the seared ahi tuna tacos while my husband enjoys a hamburger... but the last few orders have been so wrong. Once I was missing avocado, next I was missing the sauce, and this time my tuna was completely raw, not seared with hard jasmine rice and very tiny avocado slices. I always put input in to DoorDash, but I don't think it's getting to the restaurant... and it's reached a point where I feel like I have to leave this review and maybe find a new go to for quick family dinners. I enjoy visiting, the staff is always so kind and the kids like the back patio. Perfect vibe for a laid back dinner.. but why are the to-go orders so terrible suddenly? Absolutely heartbreaking.

    Photos
    Inside
    Inside
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    Bavarian Pretzel
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    Ben's Burgers

    Ben's Burgers

    4.0
    (257 reviews)
    1.0 mi
    $

    The food itself was excellent. I ordered their burger accompanied by both onion rings and french…read morefries, and I must say the execution was superb. The flavors were robust and well-balanced, the kind of honest, satisfying fare that reminds one why certain establishments endure despite their shortcomings. However, I must note several deficiencies that prevented me from awarding a fifth star. The pricing structure seemed rather ambitious given the overall presentation. The location lacks any pretense of aesthetic appeal, though perhaps that's part of its unpretentious charm. More troubling was the staff's attitude, despite ordering at the counter and my leaving a gratuity (perhaps unnecessary in retrospect), I detected a certain coldness, even dismissiveness, that struck me as peculiar and unwelcoming. Most concerning from a hygiene perspective: I cycled through multiple tables before settling, each one bearing crumbs, residue, general uncleanliness suggesting the surfaces hadn't seen proper attention in quite some time. My considered recommendation? If you're seeking takeaway or can overlook the ambiance and sanitation lapses, the food alone merits the visit. Just perhaps don't linger too long at the tables.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

    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
    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)
    Banana split!

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    Banana split!
    Hops & Sessions

    Hops & Sessions

    4.1
    (295 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.

    Photos
    Tap and Pour
    Tap and Pour
    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.
    Ice berg Salad

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    iniBurger - Gourmet Burgers

    iniBurger - Gourmet Burgers

    4.3
    (777 reviews)
    6.0 mi
    $$

    Our iniBurger Review…read more We came hungry and definitely didn't leave disappointed. MexiCali Burger Packed with flavor. The pepper jack cheese, jalapeños, and sauce gave it a nice kick without being overwhelming. If you like a little heat with your burger, this is the one to order. Falafel Burger As someone who doesn't always gravitate toward beef, I was excited to try this one. The falafel had a great texture, the toppings were fresh, and it felt like a complete meal rather than an afterthought vegetarian option. Kids Cheeseburger Meal Honestly one of the best values on the menu. Wally approved. The burger was a great size for kids, and pairing it with onion rings made it feel like a meal he'd actually get excited about. Sweet Potato Fries Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and seasoned just right. These disappeared quickly. Onion Rings Crunchy coating, sweet onion center, and cooked perfectly. Definitely worth adding to your order. Loaded Spicy Garlic Fries These stole the show. Crispy fries loaded with flavor and just enough spice to keep you reaching for another bite. If you're sharing, order one for the table. If you're not sharing, order one for yourself. Mac & Cheese Bites Golden, crispy, cheesy comfort food. These were a hit with both kids and adults. Habanero Mango Wings Mike's favorite item of the night. The perfect balance of sweet and heat. The mango brought a touch of sweetness while the habanero delivered just enough kick to keep things interesting. These were sticky, flavorful, and impossible to stop eating. Fried Cheesecake A fun surprise. Warm, creamy cheesecake inside with a crispy exterior. It's rich enough to split, but you might not want to. Strawberry & Chocolate Milkshakes Thick, creamy, and made for burger night. The strawberry was refreshing and sweet, while the chocolate was rich and classic. A special shout-out to Farrah. You were an absolute delight. Your hospitality was world-class and made our experience even more memorable. Exceptional service is hard to find, and you made us feel genuinely welcomed from the moment we walked in. We can't wait to come back and work our way through more of the menu. Overall, what stood out most was the variety. Whether you're craving a classic burger, something spicy, a vegetarian option, loaded fries, or a sweet treat, there's truly something for everyone.

    It was my first time coming to an iniBurger. The workers were super nice and the food was tasty…read more We ordered the family box of 12 mini burgers, which was cheaper than ordering the 2 or 3 ini combos. Our favorite was the Hawaiian Spice, then the Americano. The iniload fries were also super good. The fries were really crispy. The sweet potato fries were good too, but I prefer regular fries. We had plenty of leftovers for 3 people.

    Photos
    iniBurger - Gourmet Burgers
    Mini Burger
    Mini Burger
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    Let's go
    Sons of Liberty Alehouse

    Sons of Liberty Alehouse

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

    Came into Sons of Liberty Alehouse and had a really great experience from start to finish. You can…read moretell right away this place is well managed and runs smoothly. Service was honestly one of the highlights--everyone was friendly, attentive, and on top of things without being overbearing. Drinks and food came out in a timely manner, everything was accurate, and we never felt like we were waiting on anything. Huge shoutout to the General Manager, Zak. It's clear he takes pride in how the restaurant is run, and it shows through the staff and overall atmosphere. It's not easy to keep a place consistent, but they definitely have it dialed in here. Between the great service, solid atmosphere, and overall experience, this is definitely a spot I'll be coming back to. Highly recommend checking it out if you're in the area

    I was excited to try this place for the first time. Welcoming tables outside and comfy seating…read moreindoors. The bar area is popular for people to grab a drink and a bite. Leather seating and small tables where you can relax and meet up with friends. Our server was friendly who checked on us periodically. Their menu has an interesting blend of choices. They even offer deviled eggs that I hear are pretty spectacular. We ordered the Thai chicken salad and fish tacos. The salad looked quite good and my friend enjoyed it very much. The tacos are on petite, single shells with a piece of fish, avocado and cabbage slaw on each. I happily ate every bite. A side salad would have enhanced this dish. I wish I had ordered an appetizer, like the deviled eggs or brussels sprouts, as it would have rounded out my lunch well and it would have been more filling. I noticed a steady flow of people coming and going. It was a relaxed atmosphere and we were not rushed out by any means. I hadn't seen my friend in person for at least a year so it was nice to sit and just chat in a calm environment. Located directly across First Street from Sauced. This place is another positive addition to downtown Livermore.

    Photos
    House-churned, seasonal, all organic ice cream
    House-churned, seasonal, all organic ice cream
    Seasonal Old Fashioned anyone?
    Seasonal Old Fashioned anyone?
    The best spirits selection around:)

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    The best spirits selection around:)
    Sauced BBQ & Spirits - Livermore

    Sauced BBQ & Spirits - Livermore

    3.8
    (2.8k reviews)
    0.2 mi
    $$

    Amazing food , the three meat meal is incredible. Burnt brisket ends are to die for , either beef…read moreor pork! The service is spot on and quick- the place is really loud and everyone is loud to hear each other. The bar has some killer special scotch picks and beer selection is amazing .

    I want to start off by saying that I have been coming to Sauced for probably a decade now. The…read moreservice has always been great, the wait time and order to table time have never been bad. The ambience always is great, good music, good crowds, always something to watch for those who just want to kick it and have a drink. The reason for the three star review is that I cant help but notice that the quality and portioning of food has diminished from prior experiences i had here in the past years. To make it worse, prices have only gone up due to inflation. We had the rednexican nachos, burnt ends, sliced brisket ends and fried oreos. The nachos and the fried oreos were great as usual, but the entrees, not so much. The temps were off and the taste was not there, it has not been for the past two visits for us. Not sure if it's the product itself or the preparation of it, but it's just not the same quality i was used to. It's still a good spot to visit, but I wouldn't recommend it as a go to BBQ spot in the Livermore area.

    Photos
    Two Old Fashioneds
    Two Old Fashioneds
    Hella Cali Salad no blue cheese
    Hella Cali Salad no blue cheese
    Rednexican Nachos "Runt" size

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    Rednexican Nachos "Runt" size

    John's Char Burger - burgers - Updated June 2026

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