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ZipPicks Awards
Best Burgers in the Excelsior
Best Late Night Burgers in the Excelsior
Best American in the Excelsior
Master Critic Review
Flats Burgers
8.0
Evening pop-up turning out Asian-inspired smashburgers from a bar kitchen. Thin, lacy patties and punchy toppings keep Excelsior regulars coming back.
Must-Try Dishes:
Kimchi Smash Burger, Wasabi Aioli Smash, Furikake Fries
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.4
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: Crispy-edged smashburgers with bold, Asian-leaning flavor profiles.
Who should go: Smashburger fans chasing new twists
When to visit: Sun–Thu 5–7pm for shorter waits
What to order: Kimchi Smash, Wasabi Smash, furikake fries
Insider tip: Order at the bar first—burgers come out fastest if you’re nearby.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Mission Street and nearby residential blocks; can be tight after 6pm, especially on weekends.
Dress code: Casual — typical bar attire is fine; most guests come relaxed after work or in weekend wear.
Noise level: Moderate to loud after 7pm when the bar crowd picks up; quieter earlier in the evening.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes for a table or counter seat; faster if you order directly at the bar.
Weekday lunch: N/A — operates as an evening pop-up only.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited — usually one non-meat special or fries-only option.
Vegan options: Minimal — no dedicated vegan burger or bun, though fries are plant-based.
Gluten-free options: No formal gluten-free menu; burgers are served on standard buns with shared prep surfaces.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual, low-pressure hangout than a formal date. The bar setting and lively energy suit relaxed conversation over drinks and burgers.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — no reservations taken. Arrive early or order at the bar to secure quicker service.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young kids given the bar environment and evening hours; better suited for adults and older teens.
Best For
Better for: Creative, Asian-inspired flavor profiles and crisp-edged smash patties that stand out from typical bar burgers.
Skip if: You’re seeking a quiet sit-down meal or dedicated vegetarian and gluten-free options.
Hours
Monday10am - 9pm
Tuesday10am - 9pm
Wednesday10am - 9pm
Thursday10am - 10pm
Friday10am - 10pm
Saturday5pm - 10pm
Sunday5pm - 10pm