Lovely’s is a must-visit treasure nestled in the heart of Oakland, offering a classic American diner experience with a gourmet twist. This vibrant eatery specializes in crave-worthy smashburgers and hearty sandwiches that showcase a perfect balance of bold flavors and comforting textures. From their iconic Fried Chicken Sandwich, lightly crispy on the outside yet juicy inside, to the fiery Hot Chicken Sandwich, each bite delivers a satisfying punch that keeps locals and visitors coming back for more.
For burger enthusiasts, Lovely’s menu is a playground of delicious options including the Impossible Burger for plant-based fans, the Chilly Willy Burger bursting with savory heat, and the Original Fried Onion Burger, which adds a unique crunch and sweetness with caramelized onions. Their Between A Bun selections like the Chili Cheese Burger - loaded with chili, melted cheese, and pickled jalapeños - elevate simple ingredients to new heights. Pair these with classic sides such as golden Hand Cut Fries, crispy Onion Rings, or sweet, fluffy Corn Fritters, and you’ve got a satisfying meal that hits every craving.
What truly sets Lovely’s apart is their drive-in vibe paired with a welcoming, lively atmosphere. Situated right on bustling Webster Street, the outdoor seating area buzzes with good energy, making it an ideal spot for casual hangouts and family outings alike. Customers appreciate how the lines reflect the quality of food, often moving efficiently despite high demand—an ode to the spot’s reputation as a local favorite. The laid-back ambiance, combined with a well-curated Beer Sampler, perfectly complements the flavors on your plate, turning every meal into a moment worth savoring.
Real customer experiences rave about the flawless execution of the smashburger, the brisk service that rivals even fast-food chains, and the delightful creamy swirl ice cream cones that provide a sweet ending. While some have noted wait times during busy weekends, the cozy setting and delicious menu offerings make it worth the pause. Lovingly crafted and authentically tasty, Lovely’s stands out as a true gem for those seeking an elevated yet approachable burger and sandwich stop in Oakland.
There's a reason the lines here are often long and move in spurts, the smashburger is one of the best in the bay, and once your order, you'll likely have your food faster than you would at somewhere like in n out. Plus, with two pitchers co-opting the space, you have great beer to go along with it. Finally, order a swirl ice cream cone, the chocolate is delicious, but get the swirl
Their fish and chips is AMAZING but is out of stock most of the time. Their burgers are awesome too. But their chicken sandwich is overcooked. Wait time can be little bit long, specially in the weekends but the atmosphere outside is great so it's not bad.
The Smash Burger That's Worth the Wait. From the crispy, lacy edges to the juicy, flavorful patties, these burgers are on another level. Friendly vibes, easy service, a killer spot right next to the pub, and chill outdoor seating? It all adds up.
Burgers were good! Corn fritters were a bit bland but the fresh corn was nice. The line was crazy long and took us about an hour and half to get food. I recommend opening up another window. Vibes were cute and family friendly. The inside was warm and nice.
I came here after seeing this place on a foodie influencers page and they did not disappoint!! I got the drive thru burger (a double) and my hubby got the hot chicken sandwich. My burger was DEEEEELICIOUS!!!! I need to come earlier to get that fish sandwich!! Ill be back!!
Got the Westerner burger and fries for this trip. The wait is pretty standard for your food, but it's WORTH IT. Crispy edges on the patty and perfectly toasted bun. It has texture without it being dried out. Highly recommend stopping by, maybe ask for light salt on your fries, they have a heavy hand for it here.
Only complaint, it takes a while to order your food everytime I’m here there’s a line and it takes a while, BUT I think it’s for a good reason. The burgers are made to order and delicious and I think they limit the speed to ensure quality. I’ve only gotten the burgers here and they are so bomb. They’re fresh great, simple, and they knock it out of the park. I take friends here all the time and everyone is always happy.