Val's Hamburgers

Val's Hamburgers is a legendary quick-service restaurant that has become a true symbol of the city of St. Cloud. Located in the USA, this cozy spot occupies a former Pure Oil gas station with an area of only about 45 square meters. Despite its modest size, the establishment attracts hundreds of visitors daily, all eager to touch a piece of living American fast-food history.

Founded in 1959 by the Henning couple, the restaurant has managed to preserve its unique 1950s atmosphere and stand its ground against global chain giants. Val's Hamburgers is a family business passed down through generations, remaining an unchanging island of nostalgia with its original neon sign and traditional menu.

The main feature of the place lies in its simplicity and loyalty to tradition. Here, they serve classic burgers and fries in recognizable white paper bags, while high ratings and thousands of positive reviews confirm that the taste of this food has remained a benchmark for decades.

To contact the management or check menu details, please use the information below. The establishment is located in a convenient part of the city and is always happy to welcome new guests.

The main reason people come to Val's Hamburgers is the chance to try a classic American burger prepared according to recipes that haven't changed in over half a century. The entire process happens right before your eyes in the tiny kitchen, and the ready food is handed over in signature paper bags. You can use the drive-in window or place an order inside to experience that authentic "good old America" atmosphere.

Be sure to check out the original neon sign, which has graced the establishment since its opening in 1959—it’s a perfect spot for atmospheric retro photos. Visitors often note that even waiting in line becomes part of the pleasant experience, allowing one to observe the well-coordinated teamwork of this family-run enterprise.

For many tourists, a visit to Val's is a chance to see how an independent local business survives surrounded by corporate giants. You can combine lunch with a stroll through the city's East Side, exploring the surroundings of the historic building and enjoying the simplicity and sincerity of this place, which has long been a local favorite for the residents of St. Cloud.

The easiest way to get to Val's Hamburgers is by car, as it is located at 628 E St Germain St. The presence of a drive-in window allows you to place an order without even leaving your car, which is very convenient for road trippers traveling through Minnesota.

If you are in the central part of the city, a taxi ride will only take a few minutes. You can also walk or bike to the restaurant from downtown St. Cloud—it's a great way to combine a stroll through the East Side with a taste of legendary fast food.

The city's public transport is also available via bus routes with stops in the immediate vicinity of St Germain St. For precise route planning, it is recommended to use a navigator, looking for the historic building of the former gas station.

The official opening of the establishment under the name Val's Rapid Serv took place on May 30, 1959, on Memorial Day. The founders, Val and Kathleen Henning, bought an abandoned Pure Oil gas station and turned it into a tiny diner. Initially, it was a seasonal project, operating only six months a year to compete with the increasingly popular regional chains.

The uniqueness of Val's Hamburgers lies in the fact that it was part of the independent Rapid Serv network—an attempt by private owners to unite to survive in the market. When giants like McDonald's and Burger King entered the region, almost all members of this network closed. Val's became the sole survivor of this movement, maintaining its authenticity and independence for over 65 years.

In 1979, after their father retired, the business passed to his sons, Bill and David. It was under their leadership that the restaurant began operating year-round. Today, the establishment is managed by David Henning, who carefully preserves its traditions: the building's exterior and interior have remained virtually unchanged since 1987, making this place a true monument to American gastronomic history.

Typically, 30 to 45 minutes is enough for a visit to Val's Hamburgers. This is sufficient time to stand in line (which is frequent due to the place's popularity), get your order, and have a bite to eat.

If you want to do more than just eat—perhaps take a few photos against the famous retro neon sign or take a leisurely walk along the adjacent street—it is worth setting aside about one hour. Since the establishment is geared toward a "takeout" format, the total visit time depends largely on the length of the queue on that particular day.

Val's Hamburgers maintains a convenient and stable schedule. The establishment is open to visitors daily, seven days a week, from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM.

This schedule allows guests to stop by for either an early lunch or an early dinner. It is important to keep in mind that the restaurant is popular year-round, so it can be busy even on weekdays.

Exploring the surrounding area after a delicious lunch can greatly enrich your travel experience. The neighborhood around Val's Hamburgers is steeped in the history of Minnesota's industrial development and daily life.

Walking nearby, you can see vintage architectural sites, monuments to railroad builders, and landmarks iconic to the city. Below are the most interesting locations situated close by: