Rocky's Charcoal Grill is a hidden gem right in Downtown San Leandro next to the history museum. It's a cozy, old-school joint that does things the right way. They use high-quality, natural beef, and you can absolutely taste the difference that cooking over real, white-hot charcoal makes--it gives the patties an incredible, authentic smoky flavor that propane or flattops just can't replicate. The Oakland Burger served on a toasted sourdough bun is a personal favorite, but you really can't go wrong with any of their 18 different burger combos. read more

Patty melt 2 out of 5: I'm used to my patty melt being like a grilled cheese with a burger patty & grilled onions but this had lettuce, tomato & pickles which I didn't like so I took it off. Burger patty was bland & was smaller than the bread. Aloha burger 4 out of 5: Cooked well, tasty, good flavor from the pineapple & teriyaki sauce. I think there was mustard on it which it didn't need. Rockys Char burger 3 out of 5: Bland burger patty. Bun was fresh, veggies were fresh. Garlic fries, onion rings & garlic spicy fries 4 out of 5: Good though I think they forgot to add garlic to my spicy fries. The garlic fries were loaded with garlic but none in the spicy ones. Cherry shake 2 out of 5: Too thin & tasted like strawberry instead of cherry. read more

Been meaning to come to Rocky's for a while but could never seem to make it before their 7pm closing time. No more build your own burger bar - each burger comes with tomatoes, onions, pickles, and lettuce - although there's still a small condiment bar. Burger overall was solid and is a good option if you want to support a mom and pop instead of going to the chains. read more

Rocky's Charcoal Grill - Aug 2025 menu - Barbeque Near Me - San Leandro, California

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When you want that Real Charcoal grilled burger, this your best if only option. Had Onion rings and are delicious!

We left Sonoma looking for a burger spot. Passing through San Leandro we found Rocky's Charcoal Grill on yelp with 4.2 stars. We came in customer service. Awesome. I love the family energy. We ordered our burgers and were pleasantly surprised. This burger is off the charts! YummThis burger is delicious! We're giving this place five stars! read more

Rocky's Charcoal Grill - A double charcoal grilled burger! - Barbeque Near Me - San Leandro, California

[IN A NUTSHELL] good burgers, great fries, good zucchini fries [VERDICT] - APPROVED [RUN-DOWN] A small burger shop that has a home feel to it. There was nothing that was special about this place but I think that if you want some homemade burger for decent price, this is a good spot. They also have a lot of options in their menu. I would come here again if I was in the mood for some home made burgers. [SCORE & ORDER] OVERALL: 3.52/5 Cheeseburger w Pepper Jack Cheese $7.90 (3.75/5) -A really good cheeseburger for a more home feel to a meal. The burgers are juicy and it had flavor. There was no wow factor to it, but getting a homemade burger and for the price, I would say that this was worth it. Simple toppings to the burgers but overall helped with the flavor. Garlic Fries $4.65 (3/5) -The garlic fries were meh to me. They were basically the normal fries with garlic and there was not much mix into the fries. It was as if they just topped off the fries with garlic. I honestly used the garlic from the fries and added it to my burger haha. Zucchini Fries $6.65 (3/5) -Zucchini fries were ok in my opinion. They were good but I could tell that they were covered in the Panko Italian Seasoning, which isn't bad but it made the flavor really strong. Also, the zucchini was very mushy in the middle on some of them and I think they just left it i there too long. [SERVICE & ATMOSPHERE] (not reflected upon review score): Overall a nice home feeling restaurant. We went during lunch time and there were not that many people. Service was good and they bring the food out fresh and hot. They have some seating so if you are looking to eat inside, there are options. [TIME STAMP] MARCH 2025 read more

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Rocky's is hands down one of my favorite burger spots in town. With all these burger joints in the city, this place is simply the best price wise and quality wise. The patties have that perfect char-grilled flavor, the buns are always toasted just right, and everything tastes fresh. Nothing fancy, just a solid, locally owned spot that never disappoints. The owner is always so friendly and welcoming, just makes you want to go back again and again read more

Rocky's Charcoal Grill - Barbeque Near Me - San Leandro, California

Tried the double cheeseburger. Very good with the backyard charcoal flavor. Yum. Staff very friendly and helpful! Going back for sure. read more

Rocky's Charcoal Grill - Double cheeseburger - Barbeque Near Me - San Leandro, California

It all started with a craving for a good old fashioned burger. And I got that craving fulfilled with a stop over at Rocky's! Pretty good burgers be flipped on that charcoal grill I got the Oakland burger and man did that smack! The fries were also fire I really enjoyed my meal. I ordered the kids a jr burger and a corn dog for my youngest and that all ate it up! The chicken club I got for my mother in law was very good as I got a bite of that one. I will be trying that next time around. The service was nice it was an older gentleman and lady working both very nice people! I got that mom and pops burger joint feel with the decor inside and made me feel like I was about to get some food home cooking! So if I'm the area stop on by or order ahead and pick up and eat at home they offer pick up if your on the go. read more

Burgers are flavorful, very underrated in San Leandro. Customer Service gets 100/10 very generous & kind hearted people. Good burger spot to eat for lunch or stop by after work. Highly recommend read more

Rocky's Charcoal Grill - Very charred toasted bun, crispy fries - Barbeque Near Me - San Leandro, California

A fine, solid (if no-frills) Burger. Ordered online for pickup, somehow they knew it was my order without me even saying anything. Maybe it's because I had my phone in my hand, I don't know. read more

I love Rocky's! Solid honest food. All the good stuff. Zucchini sticks, onion rings, beer battered mushrooms, chili, corn dogs, shakes w real ice cream and the burgers!!! Don't sleep on this place... read more

Rocky's Charcoal Grill - Side orders menu - Barbeque Near Me - San Leandro, California

1-31-2024...2p.m. I've been wanting to stop by for a while...2day was the day... Greeted with a luvly hello...how can we help you... Quickly ordered a cheeseburger with all the cheeses, garlic fries Xtra garlic & a banana shake. Not a lot of places have banana shakes with fresh banana these days...kudos for that...Food was perfect, burger was good a juicy with the perfect char...fries where good but, sliced very small...the place is quiant and perfect for a good char burger read more

Rocky's Charcoal Grill - tasty juicy cheeseburger & xtra garlic fries with a fresh banana shake - Barbeque Near Me - San Leandro, California

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Best tasting burger around, very friendly folks. So good I make it a point to stop in regularly

YUM! I ate a burger here many moons ago and didn't like it. I felt like the meat tasted more burnt than of charcoal. I didn't understand the hoopla. Although I can admit they have some good milkshakes. On this particular day i wanted a 'real' burger. I wasn't in the mood for a fast food chain. Truthfully, the places i wanted to eat at were closing soon and I wouldn't have been able to make it in time. So i decided to give Rocky's another shot. 1st I would like to acknowledge the prices. Somehow they are still able to maintain reasonable prices compared to their mom & pop competitors! I ordered a cheeseburger and a regular fry. My burger was flavorful and juicy. A mild charcoal flavor, not overpowering. Overall I was pleased with my meal. read more

Rocky's Charcoal Grill - Condiment Station - Barbeque Near Me - San Leandro, California

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Provided good friendly service The food very fresh and prepared to your liking. Friendly service, everything fresh, clean read more

Rocky's real burgers. Not that smashed bs. ! Stay strong Rocky's !Always will my SPOT! read more

Rocky's Charcoal Grill is located in downtown San Leandro. My fiancé would come here after school because he would tell me they would serve a whole meal to students for $5 when he was younger. This was my first time coming here to grab some charcoal burgers for lunch. I love taste of charcoal burgers - it makes burger more smoky and flavorful. The service was quick and the lady was so sweet. Would definitely recommend if you haven't been here before. read more

Rocky's Charcoal Grill - Menu - Barbeque Near Me - San Leandro, California

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Solid burger option in downtown San Leandro area. Get the Oakland Burger. Bacon, meat, cheese, on sourdough. What more can you ask for?

They should really remove the frozen fish and chips from their menu, it's sucks! It should be called fish sticks and crappy fries! Additionally the hot link sandwich, it's your typical hot link from Costco, not worth the price. I wouldn't order these items if I ever come back here again. read more

Rocky's is a San Leandro gem with it being one of the only places that I know that actually serves charcoal grilled patties! Before COVID, you would see the smoke and them lowering the patties into the grill. Post-COVID, you have to order at the door and you can't experience those diner feels. It is a super no frills type of place where you can get a classic burger. You pick your burger type and there is a toppings bar that you build the rest of your burger at. COVID times, you tell them what you want and don't - it gets built for you. Their fries are absolutely delicious and not too thick like steak fries. Coated in a good layer of grease and well salted for that crunch to go with your burger. My favorite is bacon burger + cheese (a la carte), add some pickles and lettuce is my ideal burger! You can really taste the difference from a flat top vs a charcoal grilled patty. They have a good variety of burgers and name them after some Bay Area classics (Goldenburger, Oakburger, Bayburger). Something for everybody, even those that do not eat meat or you're into sandwiches. Garlic fries or chili cheese fries, or better yet onion rings! You can't go wrong just coming here for a decent burger and supporting a local business. They just don't make them like this anymore! There are 2 tables outdoors if you want to dine on site. Paid street parking during week days. read more

I have lived in San Leandro many years, but only discovered Rocky's recently. The Hamburgers are charcoal grilled and taste great. They have many different Hamburgers. The owners are friendly. Great little place to eat!​ read more

Solid burgers for a craving you might have. Fries and onion rings are good as well. Nice little corner spot, clean restaurant, and the people that work here are extremely nice and offer good customer service. I'm sure I'll hit this spot a lot this year. read more

Was looking for a local burger spot instead of fast food and found this place. The prices looked pretty affordable so we ended up trying it out. It's a corner shop that seems like it has some history. I got the Oaklandburger (~$11), which comes on sourdough, spicy fries (~$5), and an oreo milkshake (~$7). I was actually expecting a bun for the Oaklandburger from other Yelp photos, but it came out on a loaf instead. That was completely fine because it was super soft but it didn't have any distinguishable sourdough flavor, which was kind of disappointing because you don't run into sourdough burgers usually and I'm a huge fan of sourdough. The burger came with melted cheese, bacon, red onions, tomato, and the patty. I thought the patty had good char flavor but was pretty dry overall. I had to add quite a bit of ketchup and hot sauce to make up for it. The spicy fries came out super hot and freshly fried. The fries had a spice coating, with a nice crisp exterior and fluffy interior. It comes with a side of ranch but it's honestly not needed. The oreo milkshake was a bit disappointing to me. It definitely had actual oreo pieces inside but seemed watered down/not creamy enough. I would have liked a more prominent oreo flavor. Overall, the place seems to be run by friendly people. They have really decently priced food and have lots of condiments for the burgers. They also have other kinds of burgers and milkshakes. Seems like a decent place but I just wish the patty itself was juicy. read more

Rocky's Charcoal Grill - Oaklandburger, Spicy Fries - Barbeque Near Me - San Leandro, California

Decent but then again you can't mess up plain fries and fish. But I don't think 3 pieces of fish and chips this size should be $14 read more

Rocky's Charcoal Grill - Fish and chips - Barbeque Near Me - San Leandro, California

This is a family business. Every time I come they're cherry milkshake is to die for always have a great burger. Their ribs are delicious. Definitely tell everyone to come here for a burger in town. read more

They only had to go orders when I visited. I haven't been here in a while and I'm happy to see it's still open! I like that you can order online and it tells you when it will be ready. My dad and I ordered a cheeseburger with Swiss and grilled onions, a vanyburger, garlic fries, and onion rings. The burgers were good and well put together and didn't fall apart. The onion rings had the perfect crunch and onion to batter ratio. The garlic fries were okay, a little soggy but that could have easily been because they were to go and sitting in a box. Whenever I want a burger this is my go to place in San Leandro. read more

Rocky's Charcoal Grill - Cheeseburger with onion rings and garlic fries - Barbeque Near Me - San Leandro, California

Recently went to Rocky's. Food was good, fresh ingredients, friendly service, family business, quick & lots of options. read more

Best burgers..reasonable prices...second only to the Smokehouse in Berkeley...if you're in San Leandro go there immediately!

I love Ricky's burgers. Great onion rings!! Service is fast & the burgers ha e a great charbroil taste

Found this place from Yelp today. Currently there is no access to the inside of the establishment. It is located on the corner and the entrance doorway has been set up as the order station due to Covid-19 so, no indoor dining and no restroom access which was disappointing because I couldn't wash hands before eating. They do have two table benches with umbrellas for outdoor dining. I was not disappointed in the food though. In fact my Chubba burger w/out the guacamole was a very tasty burger. My only critique on the burger is that the condiments (mustard, ketchup) were on the side in packets and my grilled onions and mushrooms were as well. All the other produce was fresh and assembled on the burger. Nearly $16 dollars for a double burger...I don't want to do any work assembling it. I just want to eat it. My fries were average not horrible, not disappointing but, not the best I have had either. All in all the char grill gives the burger a delicious flavor that blows any fast food joint out of the water. Giving 4 instead of 3 because I can't blame them for trying to keep safe during a pandemic. My review is primarily about the burger. Had there been no pandemic and still no access to inside, it would have been 3 stars. read more

Rocky's Charcoal Grill - Chubba Burger w/out the guacamole. Legit! - Barbeque Near Me - San Leandro, California

Rocky's is freaking delicious. Love that charcoal flavor to the patty. I got the cheeseburger and added guacamole and sautéed onions along with my condiments of choice. I also got a side of the spicy fries and a banana shake. I was definitely not hungry by the end of this meal. The spicy fries have a really good kick of heat and are just so good, and it's also a really generous amount of fries to an order. The banana shake was thick and made with real fruit. The burger is really sizable and juicy -- no dry patties here. My only complaint is that the bun wound up getting soggy and falling apart really fast. We live only a handful of blocks away from Rocky's and walked the food home, so I was kind of surprised by how quickly the bun disintegrated. Food came out quickly after ordering and the guy taking our order was super nice. Everything is pretty reasonably priced, too, especially given how filling a meal here is. I like supporting Rocky's and love walking by and smelling the charcoal from the grill. Makes me nostalgic for childhood summers. I'll happily keep giving them my business. read more

I ALWAYS know I'll get a good burger, kind and thoughtful service, and that the place is clean and well-managed. It's a friendly small business with a straightforward GREAT product. Today is Burger Day and that's where I'm going! read more

Rocky's Charcoal Grill - I usually get the Sam Leandro Burger (with Ortega chilis) - Barbeque Near Me - San Leandro, California

Looking for a quick burger, but something that feels homemade? Come to this place. A little hole in the wall that should stand out. Friendly staff and good food plus them combo fries/onion rings hit the spot read more

Rocky's Charcoal Grill - Single patty, double melted cheese, grilled mushrooms - Barbeque Near Me - San Leandro, California

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Nothing fancy her, basic walk up with some indoor seating. Food was basic but tasted great (good fries and onion rings). Service was OK, not the friendliest crew when we came by for lunch mid-week but our orders were made fresh and quick. $7 for a milkshake seemed a bit much for the size you got but it was delicious. Saw note they have indoor seating which is correct if you only have a party of 2, there was only one table I saw that could seat 4. That said if you sat across aisle from other tables it would work. read more

Burgers are dried out and overcooked. The rest of the ingredients are fresh. The bread is soft. Disappointed in burger.

Amazing food a true standout among burgers! Hot dogs dinners it's all good. The nicest people work here. Highly recommend!

Holy cow! I know you probably can't tell by the picture, but the burger is HUGE. It is stacked so high and almost the size of my hand. I got the Oakland Burger and I have absolutely no regrets. The patty was really flavorful, and the sourdough bun gave it a really great twist on a traditional flavor. You could really taste the charcoal flavor in the patty, what a great find and a local favorite! The garlic fries are also extremely garlicky which I also love. Lastly: THE PRICE. These are basically in n out prices but twice the size and twice the flavor. If you're craving a burger in the area, I definitely recommend you check this place out! read more

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Who's down for some delicious charcoal grilled with ample of charflavor burgers?!? I am!!! Great hole in the wall joint that offers yummy burgers with a build your own burger salad bar where they offer lettuce, onions, pickles, spreads, banana peppers, etc... which is great for me because I'm on keto so I order a bacon cheese burger and add my own veggies! They also have ribs that look so delicious, I'm going to give that a try next time. My hubby loved their patty melt and my son enjoyed their corn dog kids meal. Fries, garlic fries, chili fries just fried sides galore! Great mom and pop shop! Support them and keep delicious food in the community!! read more

Rocky's Charcoal Grill - Menu - Barbeque Near Me - San Leandro, California

Real char-grilled burgers. Big portions for sides. Tasty, affordable, and good service.