I honestly don't understand how this place stays in business. The food was overpriced and low quality. The lettuce was wilted, the onions weren't fresh, and the meat tasted cheap. Nothing about the meal felt worth what I paid. We live in the Bay Area, where fresh produce is everywhere, so there's really no excuse for serving food like this. It felt like corners were being cut at every step. Maybe it's time to invest in better kitchen staff and higher food standards because the food coming out of that kitchen is not being prepared with care. Good food should taste like someone actually takes pride in what they're serving. Unfortunately, that wasn't my experience at all. Save your money and eat somewhere else. read more

We've been back a few times, basically anytime we are at nearby Joaquin Miller. This time, we were coming back from Chabot Space Center and my son requested burgers. Well, that was easy. Off to Sparky's we go! Their burgers still have that special mom and pop taste to it and it sure hits the spot. We got the regular fries this time and they were hot and fresh, perfectly seasoned. The winner was the banana milkshake my hubby snuck in. Our son loved it and we all agreed it was delicious. [[HIGHLIGHT]]It's nice to see how busy they are, especially on a holiday weekend.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Glad they're still around and we will continue to frequent them when we are in the area. read more

Sparky's Giant Burgers - Salmon burger - Burgers Near Me - Oakland, California

I still love the idea of this place, but the sparkle wasn't as bright as our last visit here. I'm pretty sure that I had written a review within the last two years but perhaps it had exceeded its lifespan. Anyway, we were in the area with the dog and wanted some lunch. We cruised up to Sparky's and while the pooch and I walked around, my wife went in and ordered through their kiosk: Hamburger Cheeseburger Deep Fried Mushrooms Deep Fried Onion Rings. Apparently, the option to order in person is still available but the kiosk keeps you from having to wait. I am not a fan of kiosk ordering. It is theoretically a labor cost saver and helps to keep prices reasonable, whatever that means. It also removes opportunities for guest engagement, up selling, suggested sales and any kind of personal contact. I will not use any self check-out either. If the service lines are too long, I'll just go without making a purchase. Okay, that's enough for that rant. Flavor wise, the Hamburger and Cheeseburger were okay. However, I'm not sure if the buns were toasted or not because they seemed to get soggy from the contents, which downgraded the experience. The Mushrooms and Onion Rings were in a batter that looked good but was either actually too thick or just simply undercooked. Still, the food here is still superior to any of the fare available from the major fastfood chains. read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]Delicious food and wonderful atmosphere.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] My husband took me here. He goes frequently and hangs out in the area with his friends. There is a large parking lot in front of the restaurant, so parking is not a problem. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The restaurant has indoor and outdoor seating, and the patio is lovely.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Now for the food, which was the best part. Everything we ate was delicious! I had the Teriyaki Chicken Rice Plate 5/5. It comes with rice, salad, and a jalapeño. The chicken and jalapeño are charred. The chicken is cooked to perfection. The ranch dressing for the salad is creamy and not overpowering. I ordered a side of beans, the only side that was meh. It tasted like black beans from a can. I would 100% recommend the teriyaki chicken rice plate. My husband ordered the Cheeseburger and added jalapeños and mushrooms. 5/5. It was delicious. It was a very old-style, simple, juicy burger. I've been craving it since he got it. We also had a side of fries 4/5 and they were good but a bit overly fried. My husband said he loves the fries here and it was just a bad batch. Last but definitely not least, we ordered a Strawberry Milkshake, which was 5/5. It was perfection! It was very creamy but not sweet. Overall, I think this place is a hidden gem. It is delicious, and I will definitely be back. read more

Sparky's Giant Burgers - Chicken teriyaki rice dish plus cheese burger and fries. - Burgers Near Me - Oakland, California

I love this place!! It's so mom and pop and the burgers taste like you grilled them at home in your bbq grill!! I usually order the Texas burger (jalapeños, avocado and pepper jack YUM!!). The bread is always soft and they are pretty big (I think they use the Texas bun on all their burgers) which is bigger than your usual bun. Add the curly fries and a shake - it's worth it!! They also have a REALLY good teriyaki chicken and rice plate (get the extra sauce)!! And their hotdogs (coney sized) are also really tasty and I added the nacho cheese on mine! You can order ahead, sit and eat or order at their little kiosk. It's always packed so the wait times are long but worth the wait ! It's kinda hidden but you can enter from Safeway parking lot or Chevron side. [[HIGHLIGHT]]It's pretty much outdoor seating so dress warm![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

A go to place when I'm working in the Oakland hills. The portions are great and they have a lot of different menu items. I got the avocado BLT and the bread was perfectly toasted and not skimpy with the fillings. read more

Sparky's Giant Burgers - Avocado BLT - Burgers Near Me - Oakland, California

What a nostalgic feeling ordering from Sparky's and heading to Jordan Park after (super close by). It was a beautiful Sunday and celebrating a milestone, we wanted to play and picnic outdoors..absorbing the great weather! While you can still eat indoor/outdoor side patio at Sparky's (space limited), we ordered ahead through the website for pickup and waited just a few minutes upon arrival. A pretty seamless process and friendly staff to assist. To note, to help with cyber fraud they collect payment for all orders in-person. The portion sizes are def. still quality, and I appreciate any old school burger joint that still has old school curly fries..it brings me back in time and gives all the feels. Besides curly fries and ranch, we ordered ahead and purchased a tuna melt, a chicken burger with bacon, and a cilantro bowl with added teriyaki chicken for the baby to pick on. The meat was delicious, my husband's sandwich was juicy, flavorful, SO plump with super crispy bacon, the bowl having all the nourishment needed with hearty and well-cooked protein, avo, corn, beans, rice, and if you're a tuna melt person..this is a great one! Everything fresh, everything substantial with leftovers for later. Sparky's has it down, a great grill. The teriyaki sauce is not too sweet which I appreciate, and the ranch is solid. I'm def a sauce person! My only takeaway was pricing. We had a great meal and it was awesome to continue to support small business, the pricing on the menu is just a bit more of a hefty lift for a picnic lunch than I was expecting. Universally this is now everywhere we frequent, but had to take a minute to notice. All in all, super enjoyable. If we're in the neighborhood again, we will most def. enjoy. Maybe even in-person for a shake or beer, cheers! read more

Sparky's Giant Burgers - Tuna Melt - Burgers Near Me - Oakland, California

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We love supporting our local independent businesses. Sparky's has been around for years and has been one of our go to places. The service is always good and easy to order from the kiosks or in person. You can also place your order online. The food is good but the prices have gotten higher over the years. We ordered a hamburger, fries, large strawberry milkshake, and 2 ranch dressings. The total was $29. The price is the only reason why it doesn't get 5 stars. The hamburger is juicy and delicious. The fries are consistently good and crispy. The shakes are very good and they have a good variety including adding malt. [[HIGHLIGHT]]They have outdoor covered seating with heaters when it gets cold. It is quaint with lots of plants.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] We will continue to frequent this establishment as it is close to our house, reliably good, and quick. read more

Today was my first time stopping by, and I can't believe how close I live to this spot without ever trying it before. I'm glad I finally did because it was fantastic! The burger was flavorful, and the fries with cheese are a must try. You can order online or at the in store kiosk, which makes the experience convenient. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The setup is nice, but seating is limited.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]There are outside heaters for comfort, and more than enough parking.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] It's definitely on the pricier side but quality is good. Staff is friendly and all payments are due during pick up, not online due to cybersecurity concerns Definitely adding this to my local favorites. read more

Sparky's is an institution! Because people like lists: 1) [[HIGHLIGHT]]You can smell the charbroil as you drive up the hill![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] That's saying something since you gotta pass by a stank-ass chevron to get there. 2) If I go to your establishment at noon, and have to wait in line to use your kiosk behind 5 guys in neon vests who parked their maintenance trucks out front... I'm in the right place! 3) If those same working men are all drinking the complimentary cucumber and lemon infused water that Sparky's so politely offers, I'm in heaven!!! 4) You want a damn good burger? You want an amazing chicken teriyaki plate? You want a chocolate and strawberry milkshake? You want Sparky's Giant Burgers. read more

Really good food. Extensive menu. Options to eat in or to go. Order online or place your order in person at the kiosk. Ample parking. I patronize on a regular basis. read more

Definitely one the best old school burger spots for me in the east bay. The service is great and you usually won't wait too long for your food...they also have teriyaki plates haven't had one yet...burger wins out each time ...[[HIGHLIGHT]]small place with seating in and out or a large parking lot to sit in the car and eat.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]].. highly recommend! read more

I love this place. My parents used to take me here after violin instruction at Holy Names. Visited them after nearly 30yrs and thrilled to see them still around. My go-to as a kid was the cheeseburger, fries, and a chicken teriyaki plate. read more

Came here craving burgers. It was served at a good time as the workers were working hard to get my order right. The service is friendly. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The ambiance is casual.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Will return to try more of the menu. Recommend giving this place a try. read more

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The hubby brought me here to try it out the burgers. I discovered they used American cheese. I would have preferred cheddar or Swiss, but despite that, it tasted very good. Larger than fast food locations and healthier for sure. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The location is small, but there are many tables.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

Sparky's Giant Burgers - Cheeseburger - well done - Burgers Near Me - Oakland, California

Terrible service. I came from San Diego to visit some relatives, and we decided to stop for burgers; however, the service was very hostile. I don't know how they get good reviews when their hostility ruins the meal. read more

Horrible. Very disappointed in their new milkshakes. 5/10. Fries 2/10. They threw me a bag of half cut brown fries. Never again. Burger 7/10. Will not be going back Very disappointed read more

Sparky's Giant Burgers - A bag Of cut fries old and stale - Burgers Near Me - Oakland, California

The milkshake were good, but the burger was very bland and I don't like their fries despite them being freshly hand cut they just didn't have any flavor to them. Recommend stopping for a shake that's about it. read more

Been here a few times now. Not bad burgers. That was the reason for coming back. But the service and owners are so rude. Makes you not want to go there and makes it feel like it's just overpriced and okay food. Probably won't come back unless I really don't feel like a fast food burger and or I'm in the area. Definitely not going out of my way or recommending. read more

Ordered online. I live about a mile away so I got there pretty fast. My order only took a few minutes and I was very happy. I get home and the hamburger was cold an dry. The bun was cold. I paid about bucks for a couple burgers and they were terrible. In this economy when we spent. $50 for burgers and you give us something we can't eat, it's just crime. Come on Spark's, you're raking in the money. Do better! read more

Expensive, taste ok, 3 cheeseburgers added one topping no fries included and 3 sodas, $54.

Down home kind of place that was pretty busy. My kids were really wanted curly fries and this was the closest spot. Ordering was little confusing at first. There was a window for online orders and a regular window. The sign on the regular window said to order online or at one of the two tablets. Some people were also ordering at the second window which is kind of confusing, since they have the tablets. The old lady is also super busy so it kind of adds to her things to do. I ordered via the app (cheeseburger, bbq burger, salmon sandwiche, tuna sandwich, fries, zucchini and mushrooms, curly fries, onion rings, strawberry shake, vanilla shake, Oreo shake, root beer float). The food was ready by the time the app said, about 15-20 minutes. They made the drinks when I picked up the food which added a few more minutes. There were a lot of orders and only one lady working the window so it was kind of crazy. One older Asian guy working the drinks and two guys doing the cooking. My bbq burger was good, not mind blowing but satisfying. The fries were just ok for me, curly fries were great. Onion rings were solid, zucchini and mushrooms were tasty but super hot out of the dryer. Milkshakes were ok. I think the food is solid with good portions, though it did come out to about $20/person. Service was a little slow with just the one person at the window. I needed some napkins but they do not have them out and I had to wait in between orders going out to get my request in read more

Sparky's Giant Burgers - Burgers Near Me - Oakland, California

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Didn't really expect much, it was a small location, I ordered a double cheese burger, bacon cheese burger, fries and chicken teriyaki over rice no salad with an Arnold Palmer, banana milk shake and soft drinks. The burgers were juicy and flavorful, the bun was soft, the fries reminded me of in n out fries and gave us a big amount, I love in n out fries, some people don't. The teriyaki chicken was like any other teriyaki chicken nothing special, the banana milk shake was sooo good and so was the Arnold Palmer! Bacon cheddar burger 8/10 Double cheeseburger 8/10 Fries 8/10 Teriyaki chicken 6/10 Banana milkshake 9/10 Arnold Palmer 8/10 Overall I give this spot a 4 b/c of cute location, they have heaters, good/friendly service, and good food. read more

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Sparky's has been a staple in Oakland for as long as I can remember. If you want a truly satisfying burger, this is the place. Unlike most spots in Oakland that serve black-top burgers, Sparky's delivers that authentic charred flavor from a flame grill. The patties are thick, juicy, and topped with real slices of avocado--no shortcuts here. I paired my burger with their seasoned fries, which came with a large side of ranch. The fries were perfectly crispy, not soggy or oily, just how fries should be. My meal for these two items came to $23.87. Sure, it's on the higher side, but when the quality is this good, you don't mind paying for it. Sometimes, you really do get what you pay for. The only downside is the post-COVID switch to self-service ordering, yet they still have a tip screen. It's a bit odd since you're doing most of the work yourself, but I suppose the tip is for the cook. Even with that, Sparky's is still my go-to. If you're after a fresh, delicious, flame-grilled burger in Oakland, this is the spot. read more

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[[HIGHLIGHT]]Vary go place to eat and hang out with friends and family.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The food is great along with the service.

One of my Favorite spots! Killer hamburgers and off the charts, chicken teriyaki meals! And you definitely don't wanna miss their milkshakes or malts! I can't wait to go back to the Bay Area to hit it up again! read more

What a gem ! Sparkys was a favorite of my sisters and she recommended we go there since we wanted burgers ! [[HIGHLIGHT]]Sparkys took me back to a walk up drive thru old school burger joint ![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The long line was so worth the wait ! You walk up and order and the menu is right there posted to the wall . I ordered the bleu cheeseburger and got the fried zucchini to share ,and yes they are big enough to share . The burger was so delicious .The charbroiled taste was quite a treat ! The fried zucchini were so big for just one piece and they give you a lot ! The inside patio and seating area is limited but also worth [[HIGHLIGHT]]the wait to get a table and have the entire experience [[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]. Sparkys did not disappoint ! I'm looking forward to coming back to my new burger joint :-) read more

Sparky's Giant Burgers - Fried Zucchini - Burgers Near Me - Oakland, California

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Totally overpriced and overhyped burger. Waited 15 minutes for a tasteless $17 burger that I only ate half of. I literally couldn't eat the rest of it, it was so bad to me. I'm about to scroll back and see who gave this such a high rating because it makes no sense how bland it was. read more

Excellent food service and tasty ! Nice local hamburger place nearby my house . Our family of four really enjoyed the food and will dine there again! read more

04/10/25 First time here. We ordered basic foods just to give them a try. I had the BLT. It was good and we also had a cheese burger. The produce was fresh. The meat to bun ratio was good on both sandwiches. The fries are plentiful and we shared them. It's kinda pricey here but it's in a nicer location. Sets your mind at ease. The shake was good. Will probably be back when we return to Oakland. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The dining area is small. Fills up pretty quickly during lunchtime.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]The place was clean.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I did not see the restroom. You can order touch less or at the counter. Parking is ok they share the strip with other businesses. read more

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Food 4/5 I order a regular cheese burger. It was great! Patty was juicy, there was very fresh lettuce and tomato. It was a typical burger that had a good char and is what was expected from a mom and pop shop and they didn't disappoint. My friends ordered onion rings and the large chicken teriyaki plate. They stated it was good and the onion rings were legit not the frozen kind. Service n/a There really isn't any service. You order at a kiosk that has a little sign that says due to labor shortage you order at a kiosk lol. Only interaction I had was when picking up food where they called my number. Ambiance 3/5 Mom and pop shop with very very limited seating. The seating is semi indoor. If it was cold out, it would be cold in seating area. You can see right into the kitchen from the seating area and the tables are small. This is not a place for larger than 4 people groups. Overall 4/5 I'd come back for the food and quick service. Additionally, it's right near some trails in the Oakland Hills. We went on a small walk right after. You can definitely grab your food and bring it on a hike. read more

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good food, good service, [[HIGHLIGHT]]good vibe[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]. prices increased a little over the past year but still bare able for a "fancy burger" dinner read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]This place is great.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] They use fresh ingredients and the burgers are always tasty, it's just the wait for me. [[HIGHLIGHT]]They are usually pretty busy but besides that I love Sparky's.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] They also have amazing milkshakes 10/10 read more

Good tasting burgers but one burger had TWO HAIRS in it. UNACCEPTABLE!! Please be sure to use proper sanitation rules for all employees. read more

Old school Cali Burger spot on Redwood, stand-alone building near the Safeway. Very similar The Habit, but I think these guys had the concept first. I think they had dine in before Covid, but now mostly take out with a few tables in the patio, order/pickup area. We ordered lunch on Christmas Eve Eve and thoroughly enjoyed our food. We were feeding 6 adults and three kids. Food made to order. Big juicy burgers, chicken sandwiches, fries and onion rings with lots of ranch dressing. I got a BLT with avacado. Generous portions and reasonable prices. Definitely a locals joint. Good food here and enjoy the local vibe. read more

Sparky's Giant Burgers - BLT with avacado. - Burgers Near Me - Oakland, California

Love this place , been going here since I was a kid. The food is amazing, the staff is great. Shakes are the best!

While visiting Oakland a buddy swung us over to this spot... really well crafted boigahs !! Fresh and delicious... Nice little outdoor area to eat. read more

Sparky's Giant Burgers - BlueCheese boigah with avacado !!! - Burgers Near Me - Oakland, California

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They need to pay attention to the orders order an BLT with grilled onions and mushrooms on sourdough. When I got home it was on wheat bread with no onions or mushrooms and extremely dry read more

A hidden gem in this area. Away from the main strip area, ample parking for the quick bite. When you walk in, you place your order with a tablet kiosk, and open seating. Order is ready and they'll call you. Unlike some places that use frozen fried food, they have fresh battered mushrooms and zucchini. Burgers are nice and juicy. If you're looking for a quick local burger fixing, this place is it. read more

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This is definitely one of my new favorite burger spots! I ordered the Bacon cheeseburger with curly fries! 10/10 and I highly recommend! I'll be trying the milkshakes next time! read more