Top 10 To Go

Not everyone wants to go to a fancy restaurant to get a burger: here's our top-10 joints to get burgers on the cheap.

Athens Burgers, 6999 Dublin Blvd., Dublin (925) 803-8135. What we like: Savoring the hints of oregano and garlic in the Athens special.

Amanda’s, 2122 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley, (510) 548-2122, amandas.com. What We Like: The $3.75 Original Burger is made with naturally raised beef and an organic whole wheat bun

Bob’s Giant Burgers, 4223 1st St., Pleasanton, (925) 846-4657. What We Like: The family friendly vibe. And the banana milkshake.

Burgermeister, 2319 Central Ave., Alameda, (510) 865-3032, burgermeistersf.com. What We Like: That this crazy-popular San Francisco restaurant finally opened an East Bay location.

George's Giant Hamburger, 1491 Newell Ave., Walnut Creek, (925) 939-4888. What We Like: This perennial Best of the East Bay reader favorite grinds its beef fresh every morning.

Giant Chef, 10 Golf Club Rd., Pleasant Hill, (925) 689-6094. What we like: That you can get these juicy bad boys at 3 a.m. on a Tuesday.

Hubcaps, 1548 Bonanza St., Walnut Creek, hubcapsdiner.com. What We Like: The way the tangy BBQ sauce on the Hickory Burger melds with the Angus ground chuck.

John's Char-Burger. 2617 Old First St., Livermore . 925-447-8372. What We Like: Big buns, smoky patties, classic joint.

Pete’s Brass Rail, 201 Hartz Avenue, Danville, (925) 820-8281, petesbrassrail.com. What We Like: That the San Ramon Burger is the same as the Danville Burger (avocado, bacon and sprouts) without the sprouts.

The Smokehouse, 3115 Telegraph Ave., Berkeley, (510) 845-3640. What we like: That the double-cheeseburger is the same as it ever was, since 1951.

Disagree with the our picks? CLICK HERE to participate in our Burger Forum, where readers get a chance to weigh in on their favorite greasy spoons.