Space Burger

Hot Damn! I’m sitting in a bar that calls Oakland home and decide to check out the hood. So I walked around for about an hour and stumbled upon what I thought was an abandoned drive through, at least that’s what it looked like from a distance.
Upon closer inspection, it looked a little like something out of the Jetsons. As I approached the building and it’s rather large (and empty) parking lot, I saw that there was indeed someone working the grill.
Appeared that Space Burger was just getting ready for the post-​bar crowd. I ordered the space combo (burger, fries or rings and soda).
The burger was awesome, the rings pretty darn good, and the soda flat (why is Soda always flat at burger joints). By the time I was done eating the parking lot was vibrant with lights, the line was long and composed of an ecclectic bunch, and the grill was filled with delicious burgers
Anyhow, this is a rad place that deserves a visit.

I was a little surprised that it was no longer Giant Burgers but I decided to try it anyway. The service was really exceptional, the window clerk/​cashier was very friendly and accommodating. The food was ready in a decent amount of time and the food was better than I expected! Two thumbs up! I’ll be back!

NOTE: the map on Unilocal seems to show this on the wrong side of the street — it’s on the east side of Telegraph, closer to the lake, not the west side.
My friend and I stopped by to grab burgers after a 9pm run around the lake. The guy at the counter was very personable and thoughtful (he offered a cup of water for my friend’s dog and even trimmed the sides of the cup down so the dog could drink out of it more easily) and the burgers and fries were tasty.
I don’t think you can compare this to fancy/​gourmet burger places. That’s not what it is or what it’s trying to be. But for what it is, it’s great, and it’s open late.

It was slightly busty after a concert but nothing crazy. We ordered 2 burgers, fries and onion rings with a shake. 20 minutes later and people after us started getting their food and we kept waiting. After another 10 I asked at the window and he said it’s been ready for a while and that he called our number… except he hadn’t and we were sitting 3 feet from the window.
I get that mixups happen but it was when he argued with us and told us he called several times and that we should pay better attention.
I had to get the owner/​manger out there and argue with him to just get he food since the food we had was solidified to a greasy brick. And he still forgot the fries.
After all that and the burgers was… okay.

Good prices, hella fast, always open. Mushroom burger slap no seasoning on fries please.

I’ve been to space burger 3 times since it re-​opened. Every single time it has been the worst experience I’ve ever had ordering a «burger and fries.»
The 3 times I’ve been I would place the order for a burger and fries (a cosmonaut burger or something on their menu that require NO modification). The 3 times I’ve been there I’ve NEVER received my order.
1: The first time they gave my order to someone else, and gave me that someone else’s order. They assumed that was ‘correct.‘
2: Additional times I’d receive a No Order, or be expected to wait more htan 15 minutes while people who ordered the SAME FUCKING THING ahead of me got their orders.
This place is nothing but shitty service and you should never go here.

Really more like 2 ½ stars. Got the Space Combo. The burger was decent but as others have noted, the fries need serious work. Not the greatest atmosphere to eat al fresco as you will undoubtedly get hit up for money or leftovers. They have parking. That’s nice.

Sandwiches are all really good, fries are soggy, could be better, but they are made from scratch, not from cisco. Love the retrofuture style, too bad there’s always some people hanging out bugging people for change. Got the stink-​eye from a dude cuz I gave my change to the cashier, rather than him…

I was sad when the old place closed. Yeah it was old and run down and had patina, but the cheeseburgers were awesome and the fries crispy.
The new place needs some serious help. First, when I walk up the young man who takes my order is chatting with his buddies who are absorbed rolling blunts at one of the outside tables and blowing huge clouds of smoke. Second, when my fries come — and I had been assured that they were being made fresh so it would take 5 minutes — arrived soggy and lukewarm.
The décor is better and the menu more catchy… but the food sucks.

This is for the older guy SUPER RUDE who was dressed as a chef that just told me to move my whip from parking in the only available spot for space burger and causing a scene about it. I had cars everywhere (they are using the lot for parking today) and i’m just trying to get a burger. I wasn’t harming a damn thing by sitting in that spot (it was on the end of the front row, but I had to park sideways because of the parking guys job parking cars it was half blocked off) while I waited for my burger. And he’s mad cuz I’m sitting in my car??! What the F. f this place. Tru Burger is way better anyway… aaaannndddd my fries are hella cold :////

Overall I think I’m being kind to give this a 3 star. The service was friendly and took a little longer than expected. I ordered Cowboy burger and Cajun seasoned fries. The burger was good. Only negative was meat was slightly dry but not a problem with cowboy style burger. So far 4 stars would be awarded then comes the fries not nearly as important as the burger but still part of the meal. The fries were a 0 star. Never have I had more terrible soggy fries. Least edible fries I’ve ever ordered. I ate the 3 crunchiest fries and the rest want to the garbage. Also i thought they were gonna start taking credit card but no sir only cash! My first visit I only ordered a traditional style burger which was good. So the culmination of the 3 items I’m gonna give them the benefit of doubt and say 3 star. I will try fries one more time and come back for burgers occasionally regardless.

The older guy working the window the other day was soooo rude when I tried to customize my sandwich (they offer add-​ons). I’ve been here a couple times and usually the service and food is okay but I swung by for a pulled pork sandwich and was so turned off by the attitude of the guy taking my order I simply left. The fries are soggy and awful and the food is bland, so add the new crappy customer service and I’m not so sure I’ll casually stop by again.

I’ve been on a burger hype. I don’t know why, but I have been craving burgers. Last week’s Unilocal weekly highlights was a real treat because they were highlighting the burger! Although not on the Unilocal list, I wanted to give this place a try because it is a burger joint in a really good location. They are not worthy of their location.
I ordered the space burger with a side of fries. The burger looked promising with a soft bun, plenty of lettuce, tomato, and red onions… But it just wasn’t there. When I say that, I mean it was lacking in flavor and technique. They have a «special» sauce which is just a thousand island dressing. There was no mustard and the pickles were not dill, but sweet, which made the overall taste (with thousand, bun, and sweet pickle) more sweet than I would like my standard burger. It also lacked that little char taste on the outside that makes it tasty.
The fries… the worse fries I have ever had. Now, there was nothing wrong with the portion. I got like a whole potato worth of fries and some… but more of something that is bad is just a lot of bad. They were soggy, limp, and greasy. Every one. I couldn’t even finish eating five of them before throwing them out. It was very strange to me because I know they had made them fresh. In this case fresh is not so fresh. And what’s a burger without fries? Nada.
Cool building and location, but oye ve, something needs to change.

Pretty good burger joint. Not as good as Nations, but better than a fast food chain. Chocolate shake was great. Burger was quality and the service guy was friendly and easygoing. Tried the space dust fries but they came with too much seasoning — just smothered in chili powder, so ask for light seasoning. Prices were low. Not a great neighborhood to be standing around in waiting for your food…

So I figured I should write a review because there was something remarkable about this place: they serve the only warm milkshake I’ve ever had. I’m not exaggerating or trying to be funny – the strawberry milkshake was legit lukewarm. It wasn’t even the slightest bit cold. I expected it to be pretty cold, since milkshakes are usually made from ice cream, which comes from a freezer and has ice in the name. This milkshake wasn’t even cold enough to have come from a refrigerator. This was the temperature of the warm air outside. This milkshake was like a warm strawberry milk. It was shocking! So, if you prefer astronaut ice cream to actual ice cream, maybe you’ll prefer Space Burger’s milkshakes to actual milkshakes. Woah, it just occurred to me: maybe since they are «space» themed, they actually use astronaut ice cream instead of real ice cream in the milk shakes.
The guy who took our order was very friendly and proud of the Marilyn Monroe as an astronaut drawing he drew on the whiteboard to advertise Coke Zero so please compliment him on his artistic ability. If only they could make milkshakes like they can draw.

+4 Stars for the food
+1 for the rehaul in costumer service. A complete change from previous Giant Burger franchise owners at this very location.
Ownership at this location is constantly changing I hope this one stays for good.
I actually enjoyed my food here. I ordered a Space Burger w/​cheddar & you can add giant onion rings on the burger for just .75¢
I also had the Mars Fries which are sweet potato fries that just so happened to be crinkled.
Overall I’m happy that this new spot/​idea thing this is took over.
* they also take credit cards now!

Time: 1:17pm/60°F partly sunny
Purpose: I was inform that Space Burger was gonna open up soon. Didn’t make a move after 2 days soft opening because of speculation reasons. Very rare for that to happen. As people knows new opening means, I will be there the following day. That’s true to a certain extent, but I have to research more before
Ambiance: It used to be Victor G work place way back in the days as well. It still retains the same layout structure that of Giant Burger/​Kwik Way look. It brings back old school feel and memories of your experience. Most of these defunct places are usually abandoned, sits by itself in lots that haven’t been touch for years. Here about the same except name change. Starts with 8 cushion round stool on outer edge of counter facing tables in storage. Couple of umbrella tables for that shaded outdoor feel yet feels airy. Four section red/​white menu board plaster facing inside out above order window. Back area all kitchen necessities/​supplies with tables/​chairs store away.
Staff: Three guys about mid 30ish. Taller guy at window friendly and inviting answers my questions promptly. There wasn’t a push to get extra sales or higher price item. When my order was ready he leans out window calling me «Sir» your order. Other two back of house quiet didn’t even turn to look who’s at the window. Not that I care a simple what they do, but a simple nod or hi would be nice too. Ah, what ever!
Cleanliness: Grade B, for a spot that use to be a burger joint. A little more elbow grease this place would look like any other fast food places. It’s fine for now, but time will tell if special emphasis are needed to have place glowing as priority.
Eats/​Drinks: Shooting star burger $ 6 and bottle water $ 2. This price is a promotional price only. The burger is basically made like an sloppy Joe being that its so messy to eat. Buns were soggy and breaking apart unpon unraveling wrapper. No matter where I try to hold, slightest touch finger indentations sets in on buns. It may be the work of pulled pork juice settling in. It had enough pork to make burger, but not not enough for that wow look, missing that something. Has a sweet hickory smokey taste and unidentified pungent odor emitting from the sauce itself. Pork was tender with fiber strands already pulled so, flavor was definitely there. The cole slaw part I didn’t care much for. It’s just standard slaw being tossed because its not a burger without some sort of veggie. The size was basic, I just wanted more of that real pulled pork drench or infused flavoring.
Main Features: Solar flare burger. Sells out before 3pm everday.
Products/​Services: Currently only 7 types of burgers here-​space cowboy, cosmonaut, space burger, northern light, solar flare, shooting star, flying saucer. Flying saucer is the only vegetarian burger they have listed. Add ons starts at $.75-​$ 1.25 with avacado and bacon being $ 1.25 all others $.75. Sides starts at $ 2 for small and $ 3 for large. Fountain drinks, shakes, bottle water/​juices. Listed to take CC as payment too.
Punch Lines: Plenty of parking, sketchy area, average wait time 5 mins, umbrella tables, lackluster ambiance, easy night out, modest cost, budget watchers, nothing out of the ordinary, constantly changing, kitschy décor, limited vegetarian options, no drive-​thru, not kids menu.
Tradeoffs: You’re getting burgers same as any other burger joints around area. Difference is that they name their food line up all things of space related.
Final Thoughts: Space burger? When I first heard about it, I was already iffy about the name. Thinking cartoons especially The Jetsons had me going. While sitting there, I search for anything that is space related, nothing. A taco bell, church, gas station, auto repair is all I see. Place is fine for what it has to offer, but if you want more there are others. I tell you this much though its, good for low key outside chats. First dates? Depends how materialize he/​she may be. Some want burgers, but better ambiance. Some wants ambiance, but don’t care for burger or food. So that’s why I was iffy about places like these. Overall can’t complaint its satisfactory to certain extent.

New burger place that opened. I tried the fried chicken sandwich and it was freaking awesome. The onion rings are good too.

heard about changes happening to my old workplace, kwik way (decades ago). no more Giant Burger. Space Burger. essentially sells different kinds of meats with different garnishes (fried chicken, pulled pork, burgers, portabella mushrooms) in a soft bun.
fries are similarly named. soft opening now. all: burgers $ 6, combos $ 8. cash only.
eats: flying saucer (8)
–portobello mushroom, bleu cheese, pickles, lettuce, red onions, sauces, tomatos, etc,
too many ingredients. mushrooms (not fried) tasted fine. other ingredients made the sammie too sour tasting.
–wonder if all the «burgers» will have the same sauce, taste?
take outs:
–only one guy doing the cooking/​cashiering
–outside still being remodeled.
–friendly, courteous service, 10 minutes prep time.
–closes early and on sundays.

They aren’t open on Sundays which is a huge bummer since nothing around Uptown is ever open on Sundays that is affordable.
Their Unilocal page says they accept cards but then there was a big sign in their front window that says CASH ONLY. Facts should be straight.
Menu items look good so I’ll try back again another time when they’re open.