TrueBurger: The East Bay's Honest Burger Joint

In a world of over-the-top, Instagram-bait food trends, TrueBurger stands as a beacon of sanity near Lake Merritt. It doesn't need gimmicks. It doesn't need gold leaf. It just needs beef, cheese, and a flat-top grill.

Located on Grand Ave (with a second spot on Broadway), TrueBurger has been holding it down for Oakland's lunch crowd for over a decade. While the rest of the Bay chases the laciest, thinnest smash burger possible, TrueBurger sticks to a classic 5.0 oz patty that's juicy, medium-cooked, and actually tastes like meat.

The Burger

The standard TrueBurger comes with the essentials: garlic aioli, lettuce, tomato, and pickles. It's a study in balance. The bun is soft but holds up to the juice. The patty has a great sear without being dried out. It's the kind of burger you can eat with one hand while driving (though we don't recommend it—savored bites only).

If you're feeling dangerous, add bacon or a fried egg. But honestly? The base model is so good it doesn't need much help.

The Sides & Shakes

A burger is lonely without friends. TrueBurger's Garlic Fries are tossed with actual, visible garlic and parsley—none of that powdered stuff. They're crispy, pungent, and require a mint afterwards. Just how we like them.

But the real sleeper hit? The Hand-Spun Milkshakes. Made with premium ice cream, they are thick enough to test your lung capacity but smooth enough to finish before your burger is gone. The Toasted Marshmallow flavor (when available) is legendary, but you can't go wrong with a classic Vanilla or Chocolate.