The Best Burgers in San Francisco by Neighborhood | San Francisco Travel
A double cheeseburger from San Francisco's super duper.

The Best Burgers in San Francisco by Neighborhood

In a culinary capital like San Francisco, you won't believe how many delicious versions of a classic hamburger are waiting for visitors.

Ah yes, the burger; one of America’s main food groups! San Francisco is one unique place, and you can bet that we give unique twists to the burger while keeping its classic style. From messy to elegant, just be sure to order them all medium rare! 

Here are some of our favorite San Francisco burgers and where to find them.

Bayview

B&J Burgers

6202 Third St.

Be sure to check out B&J Burgers in the Bayview, a quick ride on the Central Subway. This breakfast and burger joint will cook up a classic American burger in no time. Most Popular Burgers: Bacon Cheese Burger.

Castro/Noe Valley

Hi Tops

2247 Market St.

Say hi to the folks at Hi Tops. This friendly LGBTQ+ sports bar is the place to be, with weekly specials including 25 cent wings and trivia nights. Most Popular Burger: Bacon-Beef Burger.

Embarcadero

Gott's Roadside

Multiple Locations

For quintessential American diner fare, elevated by California quality, be sure to visit Gott's. They have multiple outposts around the Bay Area, but we think their Ferry Building location hits the spot. What goes better with a juicy, delectable burger than people-watching and breezes off the bay? Most Popular Burger: Sure, the California burger is great; but have you tried the Kimchi Burger?

Super Duper Burger 

Multiple Locations

For the price, not many can beat what Super Duper Burger offers. With numerous locations around the Financial District, this is often a place people look forward to for lunch. Pair the juicy Super Duper Burger or Chicken Sandwich with garlic fries and wash it all down with a cold beer or an old-fashioned milk shake. Most Popular Burger: Super Duper Burger.

Fisherman's Wharf

In-n-Out

333 Jefferson St.

Is an introduction really needed for this California legend? Serving nothing but burgers and fries, this drive-in style joint is Californian comfort food. Be sure to check out their not-so-secret menu, which includes the notorious 4x4, a smaller grilled cheese, and Neapolitan shake. Most Popular Burger: Double-Double, Animal Style Fries.

Marina/Pacific Heights

Causwells

2346 Chestnut St.

The Marina is all about looking put-together, which makes Causwells's sloppy burger so much more surprising—and enjoyable! Char-grilled patties, melted cheese that flows like lava, and a perfect house sauce are well-worth any smudges or stains you might get on your Patagonia fleece or Lululemon pants. Most Popular Burger: Americana burger.

Roam

1785 Union St.

Would you like bison or elk in your burger? Roam presents their interesting selection of burger meats with different delicious styles. If meat isn’t your thing, their veggie burger is quite good, too.. Most Popular Burgers: Heritage, Tejano, and Sunnyside styles.

Mission District

ABV

3174 16th St.

So good that it's creator originally gave it a NSFW name, the ABV burger is a glorious 1/3-pound patty topped with white cheddar, red onion, pickles, and a tangy sauce. While popular and often busy, ABV knows its audience and keeps their kitchen open until midnight. Most Popular Burger: The ABV Burger.

Mission Bowling Club

3176 17th St.

Go for bowling; stay for the food. This is a great place for happy hour fun and very happy dining afterwards. This might be the best food experience at any bowling alley! Most Popular Burger: Mission Burger.

Trick Dog

3010 20th St.

Trick Dog is basically a bar, and that’s the tricky part. With its Scotch eggs, The Trick Dog (their hotdog-shaped burger), and thrice-cooked fries, you could hardly tell. This fusion cocktail bar will have you coming back, for sure. Most Popular Burger: Trick Dog.

True Laurel

753 Alabama St.

Purists will say this burger recommendation should come with an asterisk, as its more patty melt than burger. But when something tastes this good, why waste time arguing? Sandwiched between two thin slices of toasted bread that gets griddled in beef fat, the True Laurel burger is topped with cheese, caramelized onions, and pickles. Most Popular Burger: TL Patty Melt.

NOPA

Nopa

560 Divisadero St.

The mix of rustic touches and urban cool makes Nopa a great gathering place—so great that you will most likely need a reservation. Nopa is an advocate of sustainable dining. They have their own bee hives on the roof of the restaurant! Most Popular Burger: Wood Grilled Burger.

North Beach

Comstock Saloon

155 Columbus Ave.

Comstock Saloon succeeds on its strength of fashionable cocktails, carefully crafted with soul. After surveying the drink menu and checking out the digs, turn your attention to the dinner menu. You'll find the Comstock burger, along with other great choices. Most Popular Burger: Comstock Burger.

Sam’s

618 Broadway

The next time you’re out partying in North Beach and get the munchies, mosey along to Sam’s on Broadway. No frills, just burgers; this hole-in-the-wall mini-diner will satisfy any cravings until 3 a.m. Just make sure to bring cash. Most Popular Burger: Cheeseburger and Fries.

SoMa

Garaje

475 Third St.

Garaje is not for everyone, but everyone is welcome.  Boasting "no crap on tap," their food menu doesn't look half-bad either, with their signature Zapato: a pani-rrito (panini + burrito).  But we’re here to talk about burgers, and Garaje definitely does not disappoint with their old-style patty with perfectly melted cheese and lofty bun. Wash it all down with an extensive list of beers or classic bottled sodas. Cash only. Most Popular Burger: Drive in Cheeseburger (Try Crazy Dave’s Double; it’s like an evolved In-n-Out Double Double).

Marlowe

500 Brannan St.

We could not talk about the best burger in San Francisco without mentioning the Marlowe Burger. Its Niman Ranch patty mixed with lamb, slathered with horseradish aioli, cheddar cheese and crisp bacon is absolutely a must-try. Start off the meal with Brussel sprout chips or roasted bone marrow before digging in. Most Popular Burger: Marlowe Burger.

Red's Java House

Pier 30

A neighborhood institution, Red's Java House hasn't changed its recipes in decades—and we're all the better for it! Their unique house burger is served on a hefty sourdough roll and topped only with onions, pickles, mayo, and mustard. Scoff if you must, but it earned a seal of approval from no less a foodie than Anthony Bourdin. Most Popular Burger: Double cheeseburger. Go big or go home!

Tiffany Pisoni, owner of Red's Java House, stands outside her restaurant

Learn More About Red's Java House

Meet Tiffany Pisoni, owner of Red's Java House, and find out why her establishment helps make SoMa one of the many hearts of San Francisco.

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The Golden Gate Bridge at sunset with a multicolored sky and the San Francisco Bay in the foreground.
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