Burger Mania in the East Bay

Janet Fazio

Burger served at the new Burger Lounge in Walnut Creek. Photo via Facebook.

A lot has changed since two all beef patties on a sesame seed bun made their debut. The burger has gone gourmet and is showcased at several new Tri-Valley eateries. Here are a few.

Burger Lounge

WALNUT CREEK – A SoCal favorite, Burger Lounge opened in Walnut Creek this spring much to the delight of burger enthusiasts. Aficionados will appreciate that the menu features 100% single source, American grass-fed beef, organic cheese, cage-free chicken and turkey and nitrate-free bacon. I ordered the lounge burger with white cheddar cheese, grilled onions, lettuce, tomato and house made Thousand Island dressing. I opted to add Applewood smoked bacon to mine. The juiciness factor was fabulous. It wasn’t too drippy, but I definitely needed multiple napkins. Instead of fries, I wanted to try the onion rings, which had noticeable seasonings mixed in with the batter. If you are an onion ring fan, you’ll like these. 

Burgers start at $7.99. Open Sunday – Thursday, 10:30am – 9:30pm and Friday – Saturday 10:30am – 10pm. Beer and wine only. 2920 Ygnacio Valley Road, Walnut Creek. BurgerLounge.com

Beep’s Burgers has arrived at Blackhawk Plaza. Photo via Yelp.

Beep’s Burgers

DANVILLE  – San Francisco’s Beep’s Burgers headed to the suburbs this summer, moving in to the “burger spot” in Danville’s Blackhawk Plaza.

With a more limited menu than its city counterpart, burgers here feature 100% Neiman Ranch hormone and antibiotic free beef. The signature Beep’s Burger comes with lettuce, tomato and Beep’s sauce. Add cheese, bacon and grilled onions if you’d like. I had mine with a generous serving of fries. Cooked medium, the burger had good flavor. If you want more of a tidy burger, you’ll love Beep’s where the drip factor is minimal.

The crispy chicken salad, which consists of a fried chicken breast sliced and served on a bed of jalapeño cole slaw, is notably good.

Go ahead and indulge. Order a root beer float with soft serve vanilla and bottled, gourmet root beer.

Burgers start at $6.25. Open daily 10:30am – 8:30pm. No alcohol. 3690 Blackhawk Plaza Circle, Danville. 925-263-2228.

The Dublin Burger served at Dublin’s new Inc 82. Photo via Facebook.

Inc 82

DUBLIN – With a tagline of “Eat, drink, local,” Dublin’s Inc 82 was founded by folks who wanted more non-chain dining options in their city, so they created their own. The name pays homage to the year the city was incorporated.

I’m not a beer expert by any means, but I loved my flight of brews from a selection of options that are crafted in-house. The flight paired perfectly with an order of spicy wings served with a side of cooling, blue cheese dressing.

The Dublin burger features a six-ounce patty topped with sharp cheddar, onion rings, tomato, onions and pickles. It comes with a side of fries. If you expect a lot from your burger, you’ll love this one. If was layered perfectly with flavor and texture.

Salads, pasta and fried chicken round out the menu.

Entrées start at $12. Open Tuesday – Sunday from 4pm. Closing times vary. Full bar. 7370 San Ramon Road, Dublin. Inc82.com

Burgers are served with rooftop views at Livermore’s new Aviation Kitchen and Bar. Photo via Facebook.

Aviation Kitchen & Bar

LIVERMORE – Short on your daily steps? Head over to Livermore’s Aviation Rooftop Bar & Kitchen. After climbing three flights to get up to the restaurant (there is an elevator for those who need it), you’ll have earned your meal – and the beautiful view that goes along with it. The roof features cozy lounge areas along with several picnic-style tables. Inside seating is also available.

I enjoyed the Dallas burger topped with cheddar, pickles, onion strings, bacon, BBQ sauce and aioli. The burger was well seasoned with just the right juiciness factor. Burgers come with a side of crispy shoestring fries.

The chicken burger is also a winner. If you’re trying to stay on the lighter side, opt for a big salad.

Burgers start at $14. Open Tuesday – Sunday from 4pm. Closing times vary. Full bar. 2470 First Street, 3rd floor, Livermore. AviationLivermore.com

Janet Fazio writes ‘Tastes of Your Town’, a monthly feature on East Bay dining in the print editions of Your Town Monthly. A version of this article was originally published in October 2017 editions.

>> Discover more of our favorite places to eat in the East Bay and beyond.