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Broderick - Walnut Creek
Master Critic Reviews (5 Lists)
Broderick - Walnut Creek
8.1
This gastropub traces roots to 1893 and delivers elevated American comfort food with creative burgers, boozy shakes, and craft beers. The vintage Walnut Creek photos and intimate booth seating create nostalgic ambiance, while happy hour from 2:30-5:30pm weekdays draws the after-work crowd.
Must-Try Dishes:
Johnny Cash Burger, Gold Rush Burger, Boozy Shake
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 7.9
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Heritage gastropub with creative burgers and boozy milkshakes
Who should go: Burger lovers, craft beer fans, happy hour crowds
When to visit: Happy hour 2:30-5:30pm weekdays for best value
What to order: Johnny Cash burger, breakfast fries, any boozy shake
Insider tip: Weekend brunch has excellent breakfast options
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street metered parking on Bonanza St, public garages within 2 blocks - Locust St garage is closest with first hour free then $0.50/hour
Dress code: Casual - jeans, t-shirts, and sneakers fit right in. This is a come-as-you-are gastropub
Noise level: Moderate to loud - TVs playing sports, bar crowd chatter, booths offer some buffer but expect lively atmosphere
Weekend wait: 30-45 min Friday-Saturday evenings, no reservations accepted so arrive early
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait, usually seated immediately
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited - veggie burger option, salads, and some shareable sides like truffle fries
Vegan options: Very limited - salads without cheese, side dishes only, not a strong vegan destination
Gluten-free options: Moderate - burger patties can go bunless, salads available, but kitchen handles gluten regularly
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Good for casual, low-pressure dates where you both want to relax over burgers and beers. The booth seating offers some privacy, but the sports bar vibe means it's not romantic - better for getting-to-know-you comfort than impressing. Save Rooftop or ELIA for fancier occasions.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Reservations aren't taken, so walk-ins are the only option. Weekday happy hour and lunch seat quickly. Weekend evenings expect 30-45 minute waits - put your name in, grab a drink at the bar, and watch the game while you wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes - there's a kids menu with quality options beyond typical chicken fingers. Booth seating works for families, and the casual vibe means no one minds kid noise. Weekend brunch is especially family-friendly.
What's the boozy shake situation? The signature move - adult milkshakes spiked with spirits. The strawberry shake with alcohol and peanut butter banana are fan favorites. They're dessert and nightcap in one, perfect for ending the meal or as a standalone treat at the bar.
Is this a good spot to watch the game? Solid choice - multiple TVs around the bar area, craft beer selection, and bar food built for game day. Not a massive sports bar but comfortable for catching games with friends over burgers and beers.
Best For
Better for: Best upscale burgers in downtown Walnut Creek - creative toppings, quality beef, and boozy shakes you won't find elsewhere. Happy hour value beats most competitors, and the heritage vibe adds character missing from chain gastropubs.
Skip if: You want a quiet romantic dinner or upscale ambiance - the sports bar energy and no-reservation policy don't suit special occasions. Head to Original Joe's for classic comfort in a fancier setting, or Rooftop for date-night atmosphere.
Broderick - Walnut Creek
7.9
Casual roadhouse with big salads, stacked burgers, and a full bar that turns orders quickly at lunch. Comfortable booths and plenty of tables make it easy for internal team huddles.
Must-Try Dishes:
Blue Collar burger, Buffalo wings, Chopped chicken salad
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 7.1
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: High-capacity lunch spot with quick ticket times and booths.
Who should go: Internal team lunches and debriefs
When to visit: 12:45–1:30 for easier seating
What to order: Blue Collar burger; wings; chopped salad
Insider tip: Use the weekday happy hour window for budget-minded teams.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Shared lot behind the building plus metered street parking on Bonanza and Locust; fills quickly during peak lunch hours.
Dress code: Casual—jeans, polos, and team attire are perfectly fine; no need for business formal.
Noise level: Moderate—music and bar chatter in the background, but normal table conversation remains easy.
Weekend wait: 20–30 minutes during peak hours; bar seating often available sooner.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, even for larger groups after 12:45 pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—salads, Impossible burger, and sides like fries and Brussels sprouts.
Vegan options: Limited—customize salads or burgers with plant-based patty and no cheese.
Gluten-free options: Yes—gluten-free buns and dedicated fryer for fries upon request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for casual meetups than romantic dates; the vibe is social and laid-back rather than intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are the norm at lunch; reservations are rarely needed unless it’s a large group or game night.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—booths, high chairs, and a kids’ menu make it easy for families, especially during early evenings or weekends.
Best For
Better for: Faster ticket times and a broader comfort-food menu than nearby gastropubs—ideal for casual team lunches.
Skip if: You’re seeking a quiet or upscale lunch setting; nearby Va de Vi or Rooftop offer a more refined experience.
Broderick - Walnut Creek
8.4
Burger-and-beer roadhouse known for a deep lineup of specialty fries—from garlic-parm to bacon blue—piled high and built for sharing. It’s a lively pre-show stop near the Lesher with big flavors and plenty of taps.
Must-Try Dishes:
Garlic Parmesan Fries, Bacon Blue Fries, Chili Cheese Fries
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 6.9
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 6.7
What makes it special: Loaded fry variations with house toppings and big portions.
Who should go: Fry fiends and beer-loving groups
When to visit: Pre-shows or late evenings after the dinner rush
What to order: Garlic parm, bacon blue, chili cheese
Insider tip: Ask for extra-crispy fries if you like more crunch.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Bonanza and nearby garages like the Lesher Center lot; fills quickly on show nights so plan 10–15 minutes early.
Dress code: Casual—jeans and T-shirts fit fine, though locals often come in smart-casual before Lesher performances.
Noise level: Lively—expect conversation over background music and crowd buzz; better for groups than intimate chats.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes typical without a reservation, especially before Lesher showtimes.
Weekday lunch: Usually seat immediately or within 10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—garlic fries, plain fries, and several toppings work without meat; salads and veggie burgers available.
Vegan options: Limited—plain fries and a few sides fit, but cross-contact possible in shared fryers.
Gluten-free options: Partial—some fries and sauces are gluten-free but shared fryers and buns pose contamination risk.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Fun if you’re after casual energy and shared plates, but it’s more lively roadhouse than romantic hideaway.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins welcome, though waits spike near Lesher showtimes; bar seating turns over faster.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—families are common before 7:00 p.m.; kids’ menu and fries make it easy for younger diners.
Best For
Better for: Bigger portions, louder atmosphere, and creative fry toppings compared with nearby burger bars.
Skip if: You’re after quiet dining, tablecloth service, or gluten-safe prep—try a calmer bistro nearby instead.
Broderick - Walnut Creek
8.4
Lively roadhouse turning out colossal, extra-crispy Buffalo wings baked then fried and tossed to order. Locals pair them with craft beers and big-flavor pub plates before shows around the Lesher Center.
Must-Try Dishes:
Colossal Buffalo Wings (hot Kentucky bourbon oil), Classic Buffalo (bleu cheese crumbles), BBQ Wings
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Double-cook technique yields meaty wings with crackly skin.
Who should go: Wing fans who like bold, saucy heat
When to visit: Weeknights before 6:30 or after 8:00
What to order: Hot Kentucky bourbon, classic Buffalo, BBQ
Insider tip: Ask for half-and-half sauces on a dozen to sample variety.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on Bonanza and Locust; nearby garages at Lesher Center and Broadway Plaza typically have spaces after 6 pm.
Dress code: Casual—jeans, team gear, or laid-back date-night wear all fit the vibe.
Noise level: Loud during games and peak dinner; manageable for casual conversation early evening.
Weekend wait: 35–50 minutes during prime game hours; bar seats turn faster.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait unless a downtown event is underway.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—salads, fried pickles, and a solid veggie burger option.
Vegan options: Limited—one or two sides and can customize the veggie burger without cheese or sauce.
Gluten-free options: Yes—gluten-free buns and grilled options available; fryer shared so cross-contact possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for a casual or second date—energetic and social with shared plates and drinks, but not intimate conversation-wise.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are common. Join the waitlist online during busy nights or grab a bar table for faster seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—high chairs available, kids’ menu offered, though evenings can be loud during games.
Best For
Better for: Outstanding for bold, saucy wings, big groups, and watching sports in a lively setting with craft beer variety.
Skip if: You’re after quiet dining, white-tablecloth service, or refined plating—the vibe here leans loud and casual.
Broderick - Walnut Creek
8.4
Burger-forward pub with creative builds and substantial portions, from the Duck Burger to blue-cheese smothered patties. It’s the lively option for groups who want tap beers, sauces, and loaded fries alongside big, juicy burgers.
Must-Try Dishes:
Duck Burger, True Bleu Burger, El Charro Burger
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 7.9
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Max-flavor burger builds with pub energy and serious fries.
Who should go: Burger fans who like craft beers and big flavors
When to visit: Weeknights before 6:30 or after 8:00
What to order: Duck Burger, El Charro, Gorgonzola Mushroom Fries
Insider tip: Bar seats turn quicker during peak games.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Public garage parking available nearby on Locust and Cypress; limited metered street spots fill quickly on weekends.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual; most guests come in jeans or casual dinner attire.
Noise level: Loud during peak hours—conversation requires raised voices when games are on.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation; bar area often first-come, first-served.
Weekday lunch: Usually seated within 5–10 minutes except during Friday rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – several veggie burgers, salads, and sides available.
Vegan options: Limited – vegan patty and select sides, but menu leans meat-heavy.
Gluten-free options: Yes – gluten-free buns available on request; shared fryer for fries.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Best for casual dates or meetups—fun, lively energy but too loud for intimate conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, especially early evenings or weekdays; bar seats are quickest for walk-ins.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids; high chairs available but energy skews adult during evening hours.
Best For
Better for: Creative burger builds, sauces, and big-group energy compared to quieter burger spots.
Skip if: You want a quiet meal or minimalist-style burger; try True Food Kitchen or Roam instead.
Hours
Monday11:30am - 9pm
Tuesday11:30am - 9pm
Wednesday11:30am - 9pm
Thursday11:30am - 9pm
Friday11am - 10pm
Saturday10am - 10pm
Sunday10am - 8pm