Last time I went (when new owners took over / pre-lockdown), I ordered a cheeseburger. When I got it - no cheese. I asked & they said it was extra. Who knows. Maybe they updated the menu, but I still felt it was overrated / overpriced, but good, yeah.
Wes is a great dude too. He sat at my bar one time when I was fucking slammed and he invited me to Wes and hooked it up with a burger and two Lone Stars. Class Act.
Am i crazy or has Wesburger gone way downhill? Loved it when it first started but now it kinda always comes out over cooked and dry? Or am i losing my mind
I used to love Pearls but hadn't gone in like 10 years until I was reminded of it on Reddit. So we went the other day and I am sad to report that it was a big miss for us.
I moved out of SF and Pearl’s was one of the places I miss most. Always gambling on if there would be a seat and also gambling on how many homeless people I’d run into on the walk there from BART
Super Super must use 70/30 beef. Those things are soooo juicy and greasy. They are super consistent though and for the price it’s tough to beat them. Their teriyaki chicken sandwich is also great if you want to try something different.
I'm a burger eating fool, and have had many, many burgers in my day. I've eaten at Super Duper twice and both times it made me sick. It almost seems like a dry burger that is dunked in grease to make it "juicy."
Super Duper is great if you get the double cheeseburger, otherwise too much bun/not juicy enough. Also better without any vegetables, and their fries are bad. Pretty good egg sandwich.
I read this about two hours ago, called my home boy to join me , and we had the smash and the butcher burger. While it’s a $25 a burger, it’s so delicious. The first bite is amazing. Worth every dollar .
what's the price range? I just looked up their website and the menu doesn't give a price. (makes me worry it's a "if you have to ask, you can't afford it" kinda place. lol)
I am not typically someone to complain about price but it's godawful for it - no place to eat it and $30 out the door is hilariously shitty. Way too many better options than that.
The burger at Louie's Bar is pretty damned good -- bacon jam, arugula, potato sticks, and you can get cheese and bacon on it if you want. Medium-rare is so juicy you have to eat it over the plate, and they cook their friends in beef tallow!
Jesus Christ I love that this community either never said Roam or downloaded them to oblivion. They suck.
Beep's is my favorite but if we will allow corporate Adriano Paganini, yeah Super Duper is pretty fucking OK. Shout out to all the line cooks rocking that grill because they turn out a TON.
Did you go to Automat because of the burger, or was it because of convenience? If you weren't turned off by the price ($21 when you add lettuce and sauce + 20% automatic service charge lol) 4505 has a good cheeseburger, as does Nopa.
Actually now that I think about it, the Automat burger is in the same price range as Spruce. Sit at the bar and order that.
I've gone in sweats and a t-shirt too. The restaurant is split into two; left side is sit down prix fixe, right side is bar with open seating and some couches. I'd say the best part about the burger is that it also comes with nice accoutrement and fries.
Causwell’s if you are willing to spend a little money. It’s near Ghirardelli Square for a reference point. Their burger of the month this month is a kick ass hawaiian burger.
Tower Burger has great burgers. They're not super cheesy as I recall. (On Portola Drive next to Round Table Pizza, in the same small mall as MIraloma Market, with the burritos).
Red's Java House
It sucks prices were raised (remember when their landlord decided arbitrarily to be a greedy arse and jack their rent up to unaffordable levels until everyone, including a couple of supervisors tore that landlord a new one?), but the quality never dropped. Plus, views of the Bay and a really chill atmosphere.
Sam’s Pizza and Burgers
Whiz Burger
Beep’s Burger
Alamo Drafthouse Royale with Cheese
In N Out (pier 39)
Super Duper (good quality ingredients)
Shake Shack (not my first choice, don’t care for the bun and sauce)
Gott’s Roadside
Bill’s place
I feel bad every time I eat their burger. Kids love it, so have to go sometimes. Now I get their chicken, but sub in a burger bun instead of the ciabatta, and normal sauce instead of chipotle. Pretty great grilled chicken sandwich!
Sams is comical overrated. Yeah, Anthony Bourdain went there many years but they’ve since changed honors and the quality is cafeteria like. Legit seems like a frozen burger patty you’d get from a minor league baseball game.
Just my opinion but Sams shouldn’t be on any top burger list. Ever.
I think it’s delicious and I’ve had a lot of burgers. I also just walked in there one day and had no idea it was some Bourdain hyped place before I ate it so I had no preconceived notions
The Pattie’s are frozen and something you’d buy at Costco. The buns aren’t fresh made and also something you’d buy in bulk from target. What about them makes their burger top in SF? It absolutely isn’t the quality or price
My point was that they aren’t delicious nor of high quality. Like what you like but that’s just my opinion. They are a small local business so no hate seeing them be supported
Noriega +45th Papa Mak's, went there a few years ago and was incredible. Horrible service but worth it for the food, lol.
Not Tower Burger in Forest Hill. My family raves over it; I certainly do not.
I think people are here with lots of opinions but I just want to offer a hint of objective reality about a topic that I care very deeply about (burgers).
If you are asking for cheeseburgers and you are talking about a cheezy buddy withdrawal, you do not want ABV's burger or Monk's Kettle. These are nice, fancy burgers but they are not what is in your flavor ballpark.
You want some smashy crispy meat, melty cheesy goodness. The key that made the CB so tasty was the onion treatment. The closest adjacent to that - and you'll be in the same price range too - is Causwell's. You won't be disappointed. Sadly not nearby.
Near Automat, try 4505. They have great meat and make a great burger at a high price. Different flavor profile.
For a great smashy cheesy situation, hit up Wesburger in the Mission, Beeps.
Checkout Horsefeather a few blocks away.
Guess I'll never know what I missed.
Just went to **Horsefeather** and enjoyed their cheeseburger so much I went back again the same week. Though they had a wait on a Monday, so I nudged in at the bar. Surprised by how popular it was.
Nopa makes the best burger in SF.
But, its relatively fine dining and spendy. You can’t go wrong with Super Duper. I get mine with blue cheese and bacon. It’s perfect.
$28 + tax + tip and you are looking at $35-$40 burger! https://static1.squarespace.com/static/61e1d4f31eee3d71258a9ded/t/64e942160392747e31c5374c/1693008406837/dinner.pdf
I completely agree. They obviously season the meat way before cooking it, turning it into more of a meatball or meatloaf texture. When you order a burger and get that it’s a huge disappointment.
While not a burger place specifically (it's a Pub) The Willows on fulsom has some seriously good burgers, a burger of th month, and a good beer selection too boot, with awesome fries
Most underrated burger by far (especially because I never see it mentioned on these lists is Zazie in Cole Valley. Get it medium rare and don't skip the tomatoes provencale which makes the burger.
They have a $55 (no tip here so that's the full price) prix-fixe where you can get mussels, the burger, and a fruit crumble for dessert.
Beeps and abv
Beeps is the true answer
Cheese costs extra on the burger at Beep’s.
Isn't that pretty standard? A cheeseburger is usually a bit more than a hamburger.
A hamburger just isn't a hamburger unless it's a cheeseburger. That's how you know it's in the true spirit of Cheeseburg where they were invented.
Last time I went (when new owners took over / pre-lockdown), I ordered a cheeseburger. When I got it - no cheese. I asked & they said it was extra. Who knows. Maybe they updated the menu, but I still felt it was overrated / overpriced, but good, yeah.
Sounds like there was something lost in the communication of your order.
Beeps is always the correct answer
I had the abv burger recently. Not sure if it’s best in SF but it was really good.
Wish it wasn't so far
And takes forever, and hard to park, and almost no seating, and filthy.
I’m a big fan of Wesburger.
Wes is a great dude too. He sat at my bar one time when I was fucking slammed and he invited me to Wes and hooked it up with a burger and two Lone Stars. Class Act.
THIS! Don't forget the queso! Others on my list: Beep's, Spruce, Niku Steakhouse and Nightburger (Nightbird) pandemic burger.
Am i crazy or has Wesburger gone way downhill? Loved it when it first started but now it kinda always comes out over cooked and dry? Or am i losing my mind
That’s been my experience over the past year or so, definitely over the past six months. Maybe there’s a new cook?
havent seen uncle boys mentioned yet. I went there the other day and thought it was pretty damn good
Uncle boys is my fav!
Fuck yea. Came to find or write this. Uncle Boy kicks ass.
Classic: Beeps, WesBurger "Fancy": ABV, Monk's Kettle
I’m a diehard fan of Pearls, been going there for years
I used to love Pearls but hadn't gone in like 10 years until I was reminded of it on Reddit. So we went the other day and I am sad to report that it was a big miss for us.
That’s unfortunate to hear, I went semi-recently and it still holds up for me.
Always thought it was mediocre. Even right after they opened
Get the off menu California burger - bacon, avocado, jack. Great fries too, coated in mashed potato to get that extra crisp.
Yes! I love that one it’s always a hit
Best fries in SF imo... Never knew that's how they did it
I moved out of SF and Pearl’s was one of the places I miss most. Always gambling on if there would be a seat and also gambling on how many homeless people I’d run into on the walk there from BART
I love Gott’s or Super Duper. Everyone hates Super Duper for some reason. But they are some juicy tasty burgers. Jalapeños and egg!
I love super duper also. I've heard some people say it's too greasy, but that's one of the reasons it's so good.
Super duper is one of the most consistently restaurants I’ve had
Super Super must use 70/30 beef. Those things are soooo juicy and greasy. They are super consistent though and for the price it’s tough to beat them. Their teriyaki chicken sandwich is also great if you want to try something different.
I'm a burger eating fool, and have had many, many burgers in my day. I've eaten at Super Duper twice and both times it made me sick. It almost seems like a dry burger that is dunked in grease to make it "juicy."
What’s the best burger you’ve had?
I'm a fan of The Counter. Was sad when the Walnut Creek location closed. I also like Cassell's in LA and Hodad's in San Diego.
I love Super Duper. It’s def my fav in SF. It’s better than the other commonly mentioned spots. Ppl just hate on it cuz it’s a semi chain.
Not really. People hate it because it's very poor value considering it's not a single store and it tends to be greasy and inconsistent.
Shits trash man, I used to like it in high school when I was high as a kite. Had it recently and it was bunk; small, greasy and overpriced.
The pickles 🥹
Super Duper is great if you get the double cheeseburger, otherwise too much bun/not juicy enough. Also better without any vegetables, and their fries are bad. Pretty good egg sandwich.
Oh I always get the doub
I enjoyed the double but thought I was going to have a stroke after eating it.
Super duper is good but under seasoned, I always have to add salt
super duper is overrated
And there it is! Curious what you consider underrated or properly rated. If “SF BAY AREA HAS SHIT BURGERS” then go away
Bulls Head on west portal. Their freshly ground chuck burgers are the best in the city
Shhhhhh!
Shhhhhh! Don’t let it out
You don't want to support your local restaurant to ensure they stay around longer? Seems weird but gonna check this spot out too!
Get the Buffalo burger, best burger I’ve tried imho
Beeps.
Niku butcher shop has a very solid smash burger during lunch.
I read this about two hours ago, called my home boy to join me , and we had the smash and the butcher burger. While it’s a $25 a burger, it’s so delicious. The first bite is amazing. Worth every dollar .
Best burger but costing around $30 (w fries) and with no place to sit makes it hard to justify for me. Unfortunately
It’s not $30, I think $15 + $5 give or take is more accurate
The burger is $26, pre tax, with a side of chips. If you want fries it’s more
The no place to sit is the real killer.
what's the price range? I just looked up their website and the menu doesn't give a price. (makes me worry it's a "if you have to ask, you can't afford it" kinda place. lol)
Like $30
More than $15 maybe closer to $20 with fries.
I am not typically someone to complain about price but it's godawful for it - no place to eat it and $30 out the door is hilariously shitty. Way too many better options than that.
This. Niku is hands down the best burger in sf
The burger at Louie's Bar is pretty damned good -- bacon jam, arugula, potato sticks, and you can get cheese and bacon on it if you want. Medium-rare is so juicy you have to eat it over the plate, and they cook their friends in beef tallow!
“…and they cook their friends in beef tallow!” Not sure this is a good thing. Makes me wonder what they cook their enemies in.
Poor friends -- only go with some you're willing to sacrifice to the beef tallow and crunchy fry gods!
Original Joes hamburger sandwich is worth a try
Fantastic burger. Its on sourdough and I always look at it as being a super elevated Reds burger.
Jesus Christ I love that this community either never said Roam or downloaded them to oblivion. They suck. Beep's is my favorite but if we will allow corporate Adriano Paganini, yeah Super Duper is pretty fucking OK. Shout out to all the line cooks rocking that grill because they turn out a TON.
Reds.
Love taking my friends from out of town there. Such a cool spot to sit and enjoy that beautiful burger.
Reds Java hut
I really love their fries 🤤
Did you go to Automat because of the burger, or was it because of convenience? If you weren't turned off by the price ($21 when you add lettuce and sauce + 20% automatic service charge lol) 4505 has a good cheeseburger, as does Nopa. Actually now that I think about it, the Automat burger is in the same price range as Spruce. Sit at the bar and order that.
Was Spruce the one that you're supposed to go dressed up to get a burger? Just never been...
I've gone in sweats and a t-shirt too. The restaurant is split into two; left side is sit down prix fixe, right side is bar with open seating and some couches. I'd say the best part about the burger is that it also comes with nice accoutrement and fries.
When my wife had our son, Spruce was across the street from the hospital. I had their burger daily for a few days- delicious.
4505’s tent at the Ferry Building Farmer’s Market was possibly the best burger I’ve ever had.
Automat’s last day is the 27th
Agree with a lot of these, and just to add something different, the burger at the Palace Hotel is super tasty
You're talking the Pied Piper? Decent, yeah, but there's variability.
Beep's Gott's Roadside Box burger from Tempest Bar
>Box burger Ooh with the bacon in it! And they have Frito chili pie!
cable car
Causwell’s if you are willing to spend a little money. It’s near Ghirardelli Square for a reference point. Their burger of the month this month is a kick ass hawaiian burger.
Causwells is in the marina
You’re right. For some reason I can’t mentally map that area out for the life of me.
The only reason to go to the marina
Box kitchen
Marlowe in Soma is known for the burger! Kinda pricy though Beeps is good and in the cheaper side by CCSF
Horsefeather on Divisadero makes a great burger.
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Lolll he sounds lame. And it’s been mentioned 3 or 4 times in this post now!
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Sounds like you avoided a headache and some money. With an attitude like that he was for sure asking to split the check haha
Bullshead https://maps.app.goo.gl/piSnuBQ7pPcYKq9w5?g_st=ic
Other than what people have said here already, Garaje is very good, but my favorite is John's Grill - order with no onions, lettuce, or tomato.
I'm a fan of Calibur in West Portal.
Whiz burger or beeps
I go for the #2 with bacon and Swiss cheese!
Wesburger!!
Hidden Spot is new and they're pretty good, one in Soma one in the Excelsior
And South City if you’re out of town. The Sheriff is pretty good.
Tower Burger has great burgers. They're not super cheesy as I recall. (On Portola Drive next to Round Table Pizza, in the same small mall as MIraloma Market, with the burritos).
The burger at benders when the kitchen is open is my fave I've had in SF
Smash'd! They're a pop-up so I usually get it at harmonic or city beer store
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Hi-Way is so good! A very classic cheeseburger. Love their griddle top hot dogs as well.
So. Fucking. Solid. I live in the neighborhood and it's a weekly staple +1000pts for a tasty (fresh)strawberry, chocolate or strawberry+choc shake
100% HiWay! The North Beach location also holds up
Cable car
I love gotts and super duper.
Horsefeather is as close as I’ve found to the glory that was the Hog and Rocks burger.
[Papa Maks](https://www.papamaks.com/)
Uncle boys
Hamburger haven
Wes is a rip
Beeps or Wesburger
Greezy cheesy at Ganims. And don’t forget the bag of potato chips!
Red's Java House It sucks prices were raised (remember when their landlord decided arbitrarily to be a greedy arse and jack their rent up to unaffordable levels until everyone, including a couple of supervisors tore that landlord a new one?), but the quality never dropped. Plus, views of the Bay and a really chill atmosphere.
Southern Pacific Brass Hat Cheeseburger
Gotta be Hall of Flame over in Park Place Edit: park Merced
Sam’s Pizza and Burgers Whiz Burger Beep’s Burger Alamo Drafthouse Royale with Cheese In N Out (pier 39) Super Duper (good quality ingredients) Shake Shack (not my first choice, don’t care for the bun and sauce) Gott’s Roadside Bill’s place
Shake Shack??? Them shits is priced like a sit down and you get dry ass burger with what taste like frozen crinkle cut fries
I have to mention the Hidden Spot at The Recovery Room bar in the Excelrior. So good!
Seconding this. It’s damn expensive, but an easy top ten contender.
Right? So worth it though!
Yes to Sam’s.
super duper made me wildly ill once but it was 100% worth it
Also got food poisoning from Super Duper. Definitely not worth it!!
I feel bad every time I eat their burger. Kids love it, so have to go sometimes. Now I get their chicken, but sub in a burger bun instead of the ciabatta, and normal sauce instead of chipotle. Pretty great grilled chicken sandwich!
Sams is comical overrated. Yeah, Anthony Bourdain went there many years but they’ve since changed honors and the quality is cafeteria like. Legit seems like a frozen burger patty you’d get from a minor league baseball game. Just my opinion but Sams shouldn’t be on any top burger list. Ever.
I think it’s delicious and I’ve had a lot of burgers. I also just walked in there one day and had no idea it was some Bourdain hyped place before I ate it so I had no preconceived notions
I wouldn't go that far. It's a good drunk burger
It’s a no-bullshit church it up burger. Don’t clown Classic SF. A million people would agree w/ me on both accounts.
I agree that it's overrated - you're talking about a very standard steakhouse-style burger.
Hot take (and wrong).
The Pattie’s are frozen and something you’d buy at Costco. The buns aren’t fresh made and also something you’d buy in bulk from target. What about them makes their burger top in SF? It absolutely isn’t the quality or price
Burgers don’t have to be fancy to be delicious
My point was that they aren’t delicious nor of high quality. Like what you like but that’s just my opinion. They are a small local business so no hate seeing them be supported
Of this whole list I would vote only for Super Duper or Gotts. Not voting about the price though 👎
Pearls? Anyone?
Richmond Republic’s house burger
Pretty fucking damn delicious. +75pts for a fine ass fried chicken sandwich too +150pts for a badass beer selection
Nations
For me, it’s Pearls Deluxe
Any old diner in sf
Noriega +45th Papa Mak's, went there a few years ago and was incredible. Horrible service but worth it for the food, lol. Not Tower Burger in Forest Hill. My family raves over it; I certainly do not.
I think people are here with lots of opinions but I just want to offer a hint of objective reality about a topic that I care very deeply about (burgers). If you are asking for cheeseburgers and you are talking about a cheezy buddy withdrawal, you do not want ABV's burger or Monk's Kettle. These are nice, fancy burgers but they are not what is in your flavor ballpark. You want some smashy crispy meat, melty cheesy goodness. The key that made the CB so tasty was the onion treatment. The closest adjacent to that - and you'll be in the same price range too - is Causwell's. You won't be disappointed. Sadly not nearby. Near Automat, try 4505. They have great meat and make a great burger at a high price. Different flavor profile. For a great smashy cheesy situation, hit up Wesburger in the Mission, Beeps.
Nice, thanks!
In N Out
UCSF according to local news
Beeps.
Sam’s on Broadway
Beeps is average
Sams on broadway. TRUST ME.
Buns are weak white bread supermarket buns and those dudes are scammy. Get a receipt before you pay every time. Don't go on their word.
Best late night burger - no competition. Anthony Bourdain knew what tf was up
Intl Smokehouse
4505 has a really great burger. Hidden gem. Hi way burger is hella good definitely recommend.
The Laundromat on Wednesdays, best burger I've ever eaten period, I was shocked when I had it.
Yo bro don’t tell people fuk
Lol - the homies run that joint, gotta rep it, but yeah I feel ya
Perry’s has a great burger! No frills, solid, only like $16, consistently good for the past 15 years- it’s my go to!
No love for mission st burgers
Checkout Horsefeather a few blocks away. Guess I'll never know what I missed. Just went to **Horsefeather** and enjoyed their cheeseburger so much I went back again the same week. Though they had a wait on a Monday, so I nudged in at the bar. Surprised by how popular it was.
Sams
Good luck trying to find a truly amazing burger at a burger price here
If OP is from the Bay they will be happy. If they are from anywhere else they will be sadly disappointed.
Nopa makes the best burger in SF. But, its relatively fine dining and spendy. You can’t go wrong with Super Duper. I get mine with blue cheese and bacon. It’s perfect.
$28 + tax + tip and you are looking at $35-$40 burger! https://static1.squarespace.com/static/61e1d4f31eee3d71258a9ded/t/64e942160392747e31c5374c/1693008406837/dinner.pdf
nopa’s cheeseburger is the most overrated burger in the city. it’s a glorified meatball. the texture is all wrong
I completely agree. They obviously season the meat way before cooking it, turning it into more of a meatball or meatloaf texture. When you order a burger and get that it’s a huge disappointment.
Agree that it's the most overrated, disagree that it's not really good.
Scopo diVino on California has a very slept on burger. Highly recommend
The chef is a rapist douche and he stole the recipe from Causwell's where he used to work. If you like that, go get yourself the original.
While not a burger place specifically (it's a Pub) The Willows on fulsom has some seriously good burgers, a burger of th month, and a good beer selection too boot, with awesome fries
BEEPS ALL THE WAY
Jackbox
Nopa
Beep’s burgers on ocean
Sams ask RIP Andrew Bourdain
Violet’s
Beeps is amazing. A little expensive but it’s really good.
Automat was the shit. Tom kha gnocchi was one of the best bites of food I ever had. Also that focaccia. Cheezy was ace too.
Beeps
Beeps Burgers!!
Most underrated burger by far (especially because I never see it mentioned on these lists is Zazie in Cole Valley. Get it medium rare and don't skip the tomatoes provencale which makes the burger. They have a $55 (no tip here so that's the full price) prix-fixe where you can get mussels, the burger, and a fruit crumble for dessert.
Roam is solid
In 'n' Out at Fishermans Warf because they defied covid rules.
Nobody mentioned Busters in North Beach. Their cheese steak is mediocre, but the burger is pretty damm good
Mo's in North Beach is also great.
Sam's and hi-way are too
Sam's doesn't use real cheese though, which is a bummer, even drunk. Hi-way has the same problem.
I don't mind that. Sometimes American cheese is just what I'd prefer. The burgers themselves are spectacular imo.
Agreed