That’s been part of the appeal for generations of Vallejo residents and Bay Area locals on the way to Tahoe who stop by the decades-old restaurant in search of a solid, old-fashioned burger.

Smashed or grilled, vegetarian or not, all of these burgers have their charm. Hazel’s Drive In has long been an East Bay staple for comforting, old-school burgers and has been in operation since ...

Sprinkle both sides of the patties with the Old Bay. In a large cast-iron skillet set on the grate of a preheated grill or on the stovetop, heat 1 tablespoon of the oil. Cook the burgers ...