Nation's Giant Hamburgers & Great Pies — Restaurant in San Pablo

This the original Nation's from the 1950's, although remodeled back in the 1980's. Very large burger place. Location is good, near the I-80 Freeway (San Pablo Dam Road exit) but very busy because the San Pablo Casino is just across the street, and parking after 5:00 at night is pretty packed because of the casino.

I have been going to this burger joint for over 40 years, even as a kid. Good food, friendly service, but a little slow on getting the food especially when busy and ordering when I walk up - food can take 15-20 minutes.

Although great place to eat casual good, within a reasonable budget from breakfast, lunch to dinner. I typically get the cheese burger, fries and everything is good, but WATCH OUT for the ONIONS. They are no joke, the onion is bigger than the burger, and when you bite into it without knowing (ouch!!), onion breath for 4 hours. So I always order extra toasted, light on the sauce (it can get sloppy sitting in the to go bag), and "light on the onions". Locals know... the onion is too big; but the burgers are great.

Overall it seems like a decent place to eat, somewhat safe but I'm a tall guy, but truth is because of the close proximity of the casino, it sometimes attracts the nonsense at night from homeless people begging at the entry (that are gamblers, drunks), so it isn't the most ideal place for young children, but teenagers and older folks seem to be the crowd in this place, with a mixed evenly crowd from blacks, whites, Asians, Mexicans to the local Sikh Indian - a cross-section of Richmond and San Pablo working class.

Best Advice: Call in your order (you'll save yourself 15 minutes of waiting), and when you arrive, wait in line (usually a few people there or you can just walk up), pay (about $12 for a burger, fries, shake and slice of pie) and the only thing you are waiting for is the fries to be freshly cooked and the shake stirred.

Also, purchase their variety of pies (there DELICIOUS!!!), from: apple, cherry, occasionally peach, pumpkin, cheesecake, berry, strawberry, pumpkin cream, chocolate cream, coconut cream, lemon marae, key lime, pecan (completely covered with nuts) and seasonal pies. Best pie place in the area for a wide range of fresh pies to choose from. Plus, you can purchase a slice, quarter, half, to a full pie.

We visit this location, about every 3 weeks, and I generally order the cheeseburger 90% of the time and occasionally the chicken sandwich the few other times. I hear the hotdogs, chili and grilled cheese sandwich is...

Nation’s Giant Hamburgers is a classic, beloved spot that has earned its reputation for consistently delivering an excellent dining experience. Every visit to Nation’s is a testament to their dedication to quality, fast service, and exceptional customer care.

One of the standout features of Nation’s is their warm and welcoming customer service. From the moment you step in, you’re greeted by friendly staff who genuinely seem to care about making your visit enjoyable. They go above and beyond to ensure your order is accurate and that you feel valued as a customer. Whether it’s your first time or you’re a regular, the team always provides a positive and accommodating experience, which makes dining there even more special.

Speed is another area where Nation’s truly shines. Despite the high demand they often face, the staff works like a well-oiled machine to ensure your order is prepared quickly without sacrificing quality. Even during peak hours, they maintain an impressive pace, making sure you don’t have to wait long to enjoy their delicious offerings. This level of efficiency is rare and greatly appreciated by customers who are on the go or just eager to dig into their food.

The consistency of their food is simply unmatched. Every bite of their juicy, flavorful hamburgers is a reminder of why Nation’s has such a loyal following. The burgers are cooked to perfection, with just the right balance of savory, fresh ingredients and that signature char-grilled taste. Their fries are always crispy, and their milkshakes are rich, creamy, and undeniably satisfying. They’ve mastered the art of making sure every meal meets the same high standards, ensuring you know exactly what to expect each time you visit.

In addition to their hamburgers, their breakfast menu and signature pies are also worth mentioning. It’s clear that every item on the menu is crafted with care and attention to detail, adding even more variety to their already outstanding offerings.

Overall, Nation’s Giant Hamburgers is more than just a burger joint—it’s a place where quality food, exceptional service, and consistency come together to create a truly enjoyable dining experience. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a first-timer, you can count on Nation’s to deliver the same delicious food and friendly service every time, making it a staple for anyone who appreciates a great meal. It’s a restaurant that leaves you looking forward to your next visit before you’ve even...

If you've never eaten here: For the most part, I don't care for any of their non breakfast items but DON'T let that sway you from trying it all for yourself. As for what makes this place particularly special in my book(must be the southern Belle in me) is their late night pie service. Now they always serve pie and most locations are open later than most but simply having the privilege of deciding at 2:45am that you want to leave the casino for a variety of either cheesecake or delicious cream or berry pie by the slice, half or whole is absolutely grand. Even better is that the staff at this specific location is chill and patient above all. It can get crazy and frustrating dealing with the casino crowd that stumbles and shovels in wearing whatever attitude they please. More often than not the folks working the late shift have to put up with too much nonsense for any one team to have to attend while working the actual job. So next time you wanna piece of chocolate, coconut, or banana cream pie right before the witching hour, see that you gather at the San Pablo spot. Best service from...