Director's Cut ( Project Burger )

2319 Central Ave #4513, Alameda, CA 94501, United States
+1 510-865-3032
$$$ Hamburger restaurant
(150 Reviews)
Price Range $10–20

Director's Cut (Project Burger) is a straightforward hamburger spot nestled on Alameda’s Central Avenue, fitting neatly into the local scene as a casual, no-fuss place for a solid burger fix. Tucked near the Alameda Theater and Cineplex, it’s an ideal pit stop before or after a movie, especially for folks looking to dodge crowded chain restaurants.

The space itself is relaxed and unpretentious, with the owner often handling everything from cooking to serving, which adds a personal touch and a sense of familiarity. This hands-on approach means you’ll typically find quick, attentive service without the usual restaurant fuss. The vibe leans toward comfortable and approachable rather than loud or trendy, making it a practical option for locals and families.

The menu focuses on quality burgers with some interesting variations like the Kafta Burger and the Mama's Mix, which blends lamb and beef. You can also swap in a plant-based Impossible patty without extra charge, reflecting some attention to dietary preferences. Popular choices lean toward the grass-fed beef options, served with fresh, well-balanced toppings on toasted buns—a detail that shows care in their assembly. Hand-cut fries and sweet potato fries round out the meal and underscore the kitchen’s preference for straightforward, well-executed sides.

Visitors who appreciate classic American burgers with enough size to satisfy a big appetite will find this spot fits the bill. The burger patties come juicy and charred just right, with thoughtful touches like plenty of pickles and sauces that bring out the flavor without overwhelming it. Families with kids, couples, and even solo diners looking for an easy, solid burger tend to appreciate this place, especially on casual weeknights or weekends when the theater crowd trickles by.

If you’re stopping in, try to go earlier in the evening or around typical dinner hours to catch the kitchen in full swing without a wait. The atmosphere is chill but purposeful, leaning on quality ingredients and straightforward cooking rather than bells and whistles. It’s a spot where locals come for a satisfying burger experience without pretense, backed by the kind of genuine care you notice when one person is running the show behind the counter.

Highlights
Has fast service
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
What they serve
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves cocktails
Serves comfort food
Serves food
Serves happy-hour drinks
Serves happy-hour food
Quick bite
Serves spirits
Serves wine
Best for
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Serves dessert
Has seating
Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Parking
Paid parking lot
Somewhat difficult to find a space

Openings Hours

Checking

Monday

Closed

Tuesday

02:00 PM - 08:00 PM

Wednesday

12:00 PM - 08:00 PM

Thursday

12:00 PM - 08:00 PM

Friday

11:00 AM - 09:00 PM

Saturday

11:00 AM - 09:00 PM

Sunday

11:00 AM - 04:00 PM

150 Reviews
Grace

20 Dec 2025

My partner and I dropped in at project burger one night when we were craving a good burger. The owner was very welcoming and quickly took our order, he was also cooking and serving the food all by himself which I thought was very impressive. I ordered the classic grass fed burger and my partner tried the mixed burger with lamb and beef. The burgers were so big, I had to give the rest of mine to my partner. The buns were thick enough not to fall apart while eating the burger and they had a nice crunch to them. My favorite part was the sauce that came with the burgers it was so yummy! We also ordered a basket of fries to share and the portion was very large for those as well. I feel like we definitely got our money's worth and left feeling very full. We will definitely be coming back very soon!

A.J Melisa Fernando

14 Dec 2025

I had an excellent experience at Project Burger Alameda. I ordered the classic grass-fed burger with American cheese and a side of fries, and everything was truly perfect. The burger was cooked exactly right, the bun was high quality with a good toast, and the veggies were fresh and well-balanced. You can tell they pay attention to the details. The fries were natural cut—my favorite—and fried to a perfect crisp. They were exactly how I like them. In my opinion, this is the best place to get a quality burger in Alameda. Before Project Burger, there really weren’t any great burger options on the island besides In-N-Out, and this place fills that gap in the best way. What surprised me was how quiet it was for a Saturday night. For the level of quality they’re putting out, they deserve to be much busier. I hope more people discover them because this is a genuinely great spot for a fresh, well-made burger and fries.

pooyeh banifazl

20 Nov 2025

So chill and good vibes. These burgers are amazing. We got a regular burger for the kiddo and I ordered the lamb burger (mamas mix) it was so good. Juicy and all the flavors you can taste from the meat to all the condiments, to the sauces. So good!!! Highly recommend

Simon Duvall

19 Oct 2025

This is the best burger I’ve had in the Bay Area. Might even be the best I’ve had ever. The sauce is amazing, they don’t skimp on the pickles, the burger is charred perfectly. It’s basically 10/10 on all fronts. The service is super fast, and it’s not one of those BS gourmet burgers. It’s a true classic burger. Do yourself a favor and just go here if you’re reading this review.

Aaron Belsh

12 Oct 2025

Hasam is a gem. He makes mean burgers, and I always get the lamb burger. It is very reasonably priced. Also, he stocks soda from a company that uses only real cane sugar- no high fructose corn syrup junk here. The fries are fresh and tasty. I cannot recommend Project Burger highly enough. If you are nearny and/or going to a movie next door at Alameda Theater and Cineplex, do yourself a favor and grab a burger and beverage here first.

Eric Thomas

29 Sep 2025

Definitely my new favorite burger spot on the island. I got the Black and Blu burger and it was delicious, juicy, and flavorful. The fries were also really good. It’s a little on the pricey side for a burger and fries but definitely worth paying the premium for the food you’re getting

Bak

18 Sep 2025

I had an amazing experience at Project Burger on Alameda Island. The burger was truly top-notch, made with fresh ingredients and packed with bold flavors. The atmosphere was welcoming and stylish, making my meal even more enjoyable. I highly recommend this place to anyone looking for a gourmet burger experience. I’ll definitely be coming back!

Mark Powers

17 Sep 2025

A remarkable burger cooked to perfection on a flame grill. skin-on fries with just the right amount of salt. Super friendly and sweet owner (?) who made us feel like regulars. a surprisingly varied menu with something for everyone. Mixed greens and fresh tomatoes, toasted seeded buns, special sauce...delightful.

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