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The Melt (1st & Market)
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
The Melt (1st & Market)
8.2
Vibes:
Late Night Legends
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Downtown counter spot known for its Angus–Wagyu MeltBurger, fast lines, and late-night hours that actually stretch past midnight in the Financial District. It’s the reliable move for a hot burger, fries, and a shake after events or overtime.
Must-Try Dishes:
MeltBurger, BBQ Bacon MeltBurger, Truffle or Garlic Fries
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 6.7
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Real late-night burger service downtown with speedy counter flow.
Who should go: Night-owl office crowd and event-goers
When to visit: After 9pm when most FiDi kitchens close
What to order: MeltBurger; BBQ Bacon MeltBurger; fries
Insider tip: Mobile order for pickup to skip the Market Street rush.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited downtown; nearby paid garages at One Market or Embarcadero Center are the safest bet after 6pm.
Dress code: Very casual—come as you are in jeans, office wear, or even post-event attire.
Noise level: Low to moderate—mostly counter chatter and background music; you can easily hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 5–10 minutes even late; lines move quickly.
Weekday lunch: 10–15 minutes during peak noon rush, otherwise no wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—veggie melts and grilled cheese variations are offered.
Vegan options: Limited—can do fries and some sides, but no dedicated vegan burger.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free buns; cross-contact likely.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal—this is more of a counter-service, grab-and-go burger stop than a sit-down date spot.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—no reservations are taken; it’s walk-up only with counter seating and a few small tables.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—families are welcome, though seating is limited and it’s better for older kids who can manage counter-style dining.
Best For
Better for: Late-night burger runs in FiDi with faster service and lower prices than sit-down steakhouses or pubs.
Skip if: You want a long, relaxed dinner, table service, or a vegan/gluten-free friendly menu.
The Melt (1st & Market)
7.9
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Quick Bites Champions
Business Lunch Power Players
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Downtown melt shop known for buttery grilled cheeses and patty melts with quick ticket times. A reliable lunch option steps from Market Street that balances speed with consistent hot-off-the-grill comfort.
Must-Try Dishes:
Classic Grilled Cheese, Patty Melt, Bacon BBQ Melt
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Griddle-kissed melts with dependable speed in the FiDi core.
Who should go: Time-pressed sandwich fans near Market
When to visit: 11:15–12:00 or after 1:30
What to order: Classic grilled cheese; patty melt; bacon BBQ melt
Insider tip: Mobile-order for fastest pickup at the side counter.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No dedicated parking; limited metered street spots nearby. Easiest access via BART/Muni at Montgomery or walk from Market Street garages.
Dress code: Casual—office attire, jeans, and sneakers all fine.
Noise level: Moderate during peak lunch hours; easy to hold a quick conversation but not a long meeting.
Weekend wait: Not applicable; closed evenings and weekends.
Weekday lunch: 5–10 minutes at peak; mobile orders ready faster.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—classic grilled cheese and several meat-free melts available.
Vegan options: Limited—can request dairy-free cheese on select sandwiches.
Gluten-free options: Not formally offered; no dedicated gluten-free bread or prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal—setup is counter-service with quick turnover, better for a casual solo or work lunch.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—no reservations taken. Seating is first-come, first-serve with quick table turnover.
Is it kid-friendly? Fine for older kids who can manage counter-service; limited space and no kids’ menu, so not designed for families with toddlers.
Best For
Better for: Fast, consistent grilled melts in the Financial District core when you need comfort food quickly.
Skip if: You’re looking for artisanal sandwiches, craft bread programs, or a sit-down dining vibe.
The Melt (1st & Market)
7.8
Late-hours burger and grilled-cheese spot with a broad fry lineup from classic to garlic-parmesan. Efficient counter service and extended evening hours make it a convenient downtown fries stop.
Must-Try Dishes:
Garlic Parmesan Fries, Sweet Potato Fries, Classic Fries with Melt Sauce
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Garlic-parmesan and sweet potato fries with late-night availability.
Who should go: After-work or late-night snackers
When to visit: Evenings after 7 for easiest seating
What to order: Garlic-parmesan fries, sweet potato fries, classic fries
Insider tip: Mobile ordering shortens peak-time waits at this busy corner.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in the Financial District is scarce and metered; garages nearby charge $6–$10 per hour. No dedicated lot.
Dress code: Casual; office wear and jeans are both fine. No need to dress up.
Noise level: Moderate; busy during peak hours but still possible to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: Usually no more than 10–15 minutes thanks to counter service and late-night hours.
Weekday lunch: 5–10 minutes during the 12–1pm rush; often no wait outside peak.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – grilled cheese sandwiches, plain fries, and some sides are vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited – plain fries are vegan, but most sandwiches contain dairy or meat.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free fryer or bread; fries may share oil with other items.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual hangouts than first dates; it’s counter-service with simple seating, not a romantic setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes – walk-in only. Tables turn quickly, especially in the evenings.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who like burgers and fries. No special kids’ menu or high chairs, so best for ages 6+.
Best For
Better for: Great for late-night fry cravings and budget-friendly bites compared to sit-down spots.
Skip if: Skip if you want gluten-free assurance or a quiet, formal dining atmosphere.