Lovely’s in Oakland, CA

Food purveyors, whether they be restaurants, markets, or in this case burger joints, who source grass-fed, pasture-raised, or free-range meats and dairies always get my attention. Lovely’s near Lake Merritt in Oakland is my go-to for some mouth-watering burger joint fare. The food is great, but they really have my heart because they source the meat from farms/companies that practice more humane standards. They are definitely paving the way for smash burgers and diner fare that uses quality meats, and I LOVE it. The beef is reportedly from Stemple Creek Farms which is a regenerative farm for beef, pork, and lamb right over yonder in Tomales. As far as the chicken goes, I asked the person working the register, who then, asked one of the chefs, if the chicken was free-range and they confirmed that it was. The fish is sourced from Monterey Fish Market. 

Located (mostly) outside in an old auto repair shop lot, they operate out of some repurposed shipping containers. It’s counter service, then grab your number and take a seat either outside at the benches in the lot, or inside where Two Pitcher’s Brewing has an operation going. Order some drinks, or better, order when you’re waiting in line (which can get long), and wait for your food to arrive. Although I’ve seen the line get pretty long, in my experience the food has always been out shortly. The line is long because it’s a popular spot, and they’re filling a lot of orders in a small space. Let their flow be their flow. Let your job be to enjoy your time with family/friends, everything in life doesn’t have to be “fast”.

I’ve had the Drive-Thru burger, Fried Onion burger, Hot Chicken Sandwich, Fried Chicken Sandwich, Fishwich, and fries. Of the, at least seven or eight times I have been to Lovely’s, there have been one or two times when I felt there was way too much sauce on the burger and fried chicken sandwich. And there was one time when the fried chicken tasted a touch bland and needed salt. Nevertheless, the fried chicken is supremely crunchy, with impressively juicy meat. I find the blend of seasonings on the chicken very unique, it gives depth of flavor. There’s a warmth to it. The hot chicken… is also very good, and actually spicy. The patties are smashed on a searingly hot griddle, so they are thin, crispy, and delicious. Pro tip: on the Drive-Thru swap the sesame bun for the potato bun. These items are saucy, messy, and indulgent. Eat fast (it’s delicious enough), or keep your burger wrapped tightly with the wrapper. 

I believe Lovely’s is paving the way for a more quality and animal welfare conscious “fast-food”/burger joint/diner fare experience. They might seem like shadow people to some, but there is a growing population of consumers who seek more ethically sourced meats. Lovely’s has at least two target audiences: the previously mentioned, and those who simply love a good burger, fried chicken, or fried fish sandwich. Owner and chef, Mikey Yoon, has a gem.