Hayward: Val's Burgers; restaurant review

Greater East Bay

Val's Burgers  

2115 Kelly St /B St., (510) 889-8257. B-L-D Tu-Sat; $. No credit cards.

Located in a residential area about six blocks from downtown, this authentic '50s diner (Val's Burgers opened in 1958) presents a comfy setting with seating in big booths and at a low counter with swivel stools. Burgers are hand-shaped from fresh beef and come in Mama, Papa, and Baby sizes. Milk shakes are served in old-time metal cannisters—try the banana-hot fudge version—and onion rings and fries are also winners. Plenty more diner staples are on the menu, and breakfast is available all day.


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Hayward: Bijou Restaurant & Bar; restaurant review

Greater East Bay

Bijou Restaurant & Bar  

1036 B St./near Main St., downtown, (510) 888-1092. L-D daily; $$. Reservations advised.

“Bijou” means “a little gem” in French. And this sleek, chic venue is an unexpected gem of a find in suburban Hayward. Bijou Restaurant & Bar showcases reasonably priced contemporary French/California cuisine. Lunch offers sandwiches, including a French hot dog or hamburger on a baguette, a croque monsieur or madame, and sometimes a crab melt. Dinner items might include crab and avocado salad, grilled skirt steak in peppercorn sauce, and oven-roasted sea bass in mushroom sauce. Smaller appetites might be satisfied with a small plate of sliders or sautéed prawns. Desserts are elegant, perhaps crème brulée with a hint of green tea, crêpes Suzette, or a selection of macaroons. A full bar offers specialty cocktails and an international wine list, and a sidewalk patio is available in good weather.

Be aware that on Sundays this area closes up tight, except for the Century at Hayward movie complex ((800) FANDANGO) that is just across the street.


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