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Flats Burgers
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
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.
Flats Burgers
8.1
Asian-inspired smashburgers served from a bar kitchen with rotating specials and later evening hours most nights. Creative patties and crisp sears make it a strong Excelsior pick for post-dinner cravings.
Must-Try Dishes:
Longanisa Smashburger, Kimchi Burger, Wasabi Burger
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Creative Asian-influenced smashburgers in a bar setting.
Who should go: Burger fans chasing new flavors
When to visit: Evenings Thu–Sat for the full lineup
What to order: Longanisa smash; kimchi burger; wasabi burger
Insider tip: Order at the bar and ask for extra sear on the patty.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only along Mission Street and nearby residential blocks; can be tight after 8pm, so plan a few extra minutes to circle.
Dress code: Casual to smart-casual; most guests come straight from the neighborhood bar scene—sneakers and jeans are fine.
Noise level: Moderate to lively; bar energy with background music but still possible to hold a conversation if seated at the far end.
Weekend wait: 20–35 minutes if bar is busy; faster if you grab a counter seat.
Weekday lunch: No lunch service—burgers start in the evening.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—usually one rotating veggie burger or mushroom special.
Vegan options: Minimal; some items can be adjusted by removing mayo or cheese, but no dedicated vegan patty.
Gluten-free options: Ask for lettuce wrap instead of bun; no separate prep space, so cross-contact possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if your date’s into creative food and casual bar vibes. The setting feels social and modern without pressure.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—it's first come, first served. Go early (before 8pm) or grab bar seating for quicker service.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for kids since it operates inside a bar and serves late; suited for adults and older teens only.
Best For
Better for: Unique flavor twists and high-sear burgers that stand out from standard pub fare in the area.
Skip if: You’re seeking a quiet sit-down dinner or strict dietary options—this is a late-night, indulgent stop.
Flats Burgers
8.2
Evening pop-up inside Rocks Den serving Asian-inspired smashburgers with big flavor. Think longanisa patties, kimchi-kalbi sauce, and glossy buns—creative without losing the juicy smash appeal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Longanisa Smashburger, Kimchi-Kalbi Burger, Classic Cheeseburger
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 6.7
Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: Bold, Asian-leaning smashburgers that still scratch the classic itch.
Who should go: Burger completists and flavor hunters
When to visit: Early evening before the pop-up sells out
What to order: Longanisa smash; kimchi-kalbi; classic cheeseburger
Insider tip: It’s a pop-up—confirm hours and pre-order for quicker pickup.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Limited street parking along Ocean Avenue—arrive early or use nearby residential blocks after 6pm.
Dress code: Casual—hoodies, jeans, and sneakers fit right in; no need to dress up for the pop-up vibe.
Noise level: Moderate—music from the bar keeps it lively but still possible to chat without shouting.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes if you walk in during the dinner rush; online pre-orders move faster.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait since most traffic comes in the evening pop-up window.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—occasional special veggie patty, but check the rotating menu.
Vegan options: Not ideal—most items use buttered buns and mayo-based sauces.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated option; burgers are served on standard buns with shared prep surfaces.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if your date’s into street-style food and casual energy—think shared fries, cold beers, and conversation over counter seats.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—it's a walk-up pop-up inside a bar, so no reservations. Arrive early or stake out a high-top while waiting on your order.
Is it kid-friendly? Not really—it's hosted in a bar space and geared toward adults in the evening crowd, though teens could tag along before late hours.
Best For
Better for: Creative flavor mashups and late-night burger cravings—each smash leans bold with Asian-inspired twists.
Skip if: You’re seeking a sit-down restaurant or fully gluten-free meal; the vibe’s quick-service and limited-menu by design.