0 Followers
Bill's Place
Master Critic Reviews (6 Lists)
Bill's Place
7.7
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Family Friendly Favorites
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Old-school American burger counter serving griddled patties, shakes, and fries since 1959, now with an easygoing patio. It’s nostalgia done right—reliable, affordable, and very Richmond.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bill’s Classic cheeseburger, Thick milkshake, Garlic fries
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.9
What makes it special: Since 1959—classic SF burger joint with real neighborhood roots.
Who should go: Burger lovers and families on a budget
When to visit: Early dinner to avoid weekend lines
What to order: Cheeseburger, garlic fries, chocolate shake
Insider tip: Use the patio on sunny afternoons—orders move quicker outside.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is generally available on the surrounding residential blocks, though it can tighten around dinner hours on weekends.
Dress code: Casual — jeans, hoodies, and park gear all fit right in with the neighborhood crowd.
Noise level: Moderate — the small dining room hums with chatter but you can still hold a conversation easily, especially on the patio.
Weekend wait: Expect 20–30 minutes during prime dinner hours; the line moves steadily thanks to quick turnover.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; service is counter-style and moves fast.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — grilled cheese, veggie burger, and fries provide solid options.
Vegan options: Limited — the veggie burger can be made vegan if ordered without cheese or mayo.
Gluten-free options: Limited — no dedicated gluten-free buns or fryer separation, but salads are available.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date appreciates retro charm and no-frills comfort. It’s more nostalgic than romantic—think milkshakes and shared fries under sunshine rather than candlelight.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — Bill’s Place doesn’t take reservations. Seating is first-come, first-served, and the outdoor patio often has openings even when the indoor tables are full.
Is it kid-friendly? Very — kids’ menus, friendly service, and casual outdoor seating make it ideal for families with children of all ages.
Best For
Better for: Classic burger nostalgia, affordability, and relaxed family vibes that newer burger spots can’t replicate.
Skip if: You’re seeking craft cocktails, chef-driven toppings, or a trendier dining scene—try Violet’s or The Laundromat SF instead.
Bill's Place
7.8
Clement Street institution (since 1959) grinding patties in-house and serving classic, diner-style burgers with fresh-cut fries. It’s old-school, warm, and consistent, with steady evening service.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cheeseburger, Bacon Cheeseburger, Mushroom Swiss Burger
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Decades-running Richmond burger counter that grinds its beef daily.
Who should go: Classic burger traditionalists and families
When to visit: Early evening to avoid waits; weekends fill fast
What to order: Cheeseburger, bacon cheeseburger, fresh-cut fries
Insider tip: Patio seating is calmer than the counter at peak.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Clement and cross streets; spots open up after 7pm but can be tight on weekends.
Dress code: Casual—jeans, hoodies, or weekend wear fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate—families and chatter during dinner, but still easy to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 20–30 minutes during peak dinner hours; faster for smaller parties.
Weekday lunch: No wait or quick seating unless school groups are in.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—veggie burger and fries available, but menu is meat-forward.
Vegan options: Minimal—only fries and salad are vegan-friendly.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free buns or prep area, though lettuce wraps can substitute.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re going for nostalgic diner charm—casual and friendly but not romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—first-come, first-served only; tables turn over quickly even on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—high chairs, simple menu items, and a welcoming staff make it great for families with kids 5 and up.
Best For
Better for: Old-school charm, consistent burgers, and a local sense of history you won’t get at trendier spots.
Skip if: You want craft cocktails, late-night hours past 10pm, or a more modern burger bar experience.
Bill's Place
8.2
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Comfort Food Classics
Quick Bites Champions
Group Dining Gatherings
Classic Richmond District burger house (since 1959) turning out hand-formed patties, thick shakes, and kid-approved baskets. Spacious booths and friendly pacing make it an easy weeknight choice for families who want straightforward comfort food.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cheeseburger with grilled onions, Mushroom Swiss burger, Onion rings & chocolate shake
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Neighborhood burger institution serving families since 1959.
Who should go: Burger lovers with kids in tow
When to visit: Early dinner before peak 6–7 pm rush
What to order: Cheeseburger, mushroom Swiss, onion rings
Insider tip: Ask for a booth; patio opens on sunny days.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Clement and 24th is generally available but fills during dinner hours; no dedicated lot or valet.
Dress code: Completely casual—jeans, hoodies, and ball caps are the norm.
Noise level: Moderate to lively during peak hours; manageable enough for conversation at a booth.
Weekend wait: 15–25 minutes during peak 6–7:30pm window; faster turnover after 8pm.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; families and locals trickle in steadily.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—veggie burger, grilled cheese, and salads available.
Vegan options: Limited—ask to customize veggie burger without cheese or mayo.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free menu, but patties can be served lettuce-wrapped upon request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re aiming for nostalgic and low-pressure—great for casual burger-and-shake vibes, not fine dining.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—Bill’s doesn’t take reservations, but turnover is fast and walk-ins are the norm.
Is it kid-friendly? Extremely—booths fit families easily, staff are patient with little ones, and the menu includes burgers, fries, and milkshakes kids love.
Best For
Better for: Classic diner-style burgers with a nostalgic neighborhood feel that newer chains can’t match.
Skip if: You’re seeking gourmet toppings, craft cocktails, or a quiet date-night setting.
Bill's Place
7.8
Old-school burger house where orders move fast and portions satisfy. It’s a straightforward, no-fuss choice for team lunches when you want counter-friendly service and classic American plates.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bill’s Classic Burger, Mushroom Swiss Burger, Onion Rings
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Speedy, classic burgers with long-standing neighborhood loyalty.
Who should go: Teams craving quick, satisfying burgers
When to visit: 11:00–12:00 or after 1:30 for shortest waits
What to order: Classic burger; mushroom swiss; onion rings
Insider tip: Grab patio seating on clear days for easier conversation.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Clement and nearby side streets is generally available mid-day; meters along the main strip fill up during lunch hours.
Dress code: Casual—jeans, polos, or workwear all fine; this is a neighborhood burger joint, not a suit-and-tie venue.
Noise level: Moderate—counter chatter and grill sounds, but easy enough to hold a conversation at your table.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes for seating during peak hours; counter service moves quickly once seated.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait before 12:00pm; light line at the counter after 12:15.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—veggie burger and salads available on request.
Vegan options: Limited—can modify veggie burger (no mayo, no cheese) but no dedicated vegan grill space.
Gluten-free options: Limited—no gluten-free buns, but can request lettuce wrap.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date appreciates old-school burger nostalgia; it’s more casual-lunch energy than romantic setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—it's walk-in only; during peak hours expect a short wait or grab a counter spot.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—great for families; kids’ portions, quick service, and friendly staff make it easy with younger diners.
Best For
Better for: Quick, affordable burgers with a local touch; ideal for coworkers who want substance over style.
Skip if: You’re looking for a polished dining atmosphere or premium burger bar experience—this spot keeps it simple.
Bill's Place
8.1
Classic counter-service burgers ground in-house and cooked on a well-seasoned grill since the late 1950s. Locals come for straightforward patties, fresh-cut fries, and a nostalgic Clement Street vibe that still moves fast at peak hours.
Must-Try Dishes:
Giants Burger, Bill’s Patty Melt, 49er Burger
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.9
What makes it special: Old-school burgers ground and cut in-house with decades of neighborhood loyalty.
Who should go: Burger traditionalists and neighborhood regulars
When to visit: Midday or early dinner to skip peak waits
What to order: Giants Burger; Bill’s Patty Melt; fresh-cut fries
Insider tip: Grab a counter seat for faster service and grill-side views.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly street parking on Clement and nearby avenues; free but competitive during meal hours.
Dress code: Casual—jeans, hoodies, and neighborhood wear fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate—steady grill sizzle and chatter, but still easy to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 15–25 minutes for counter seats; longer for booths during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait except during school lunch rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—veggie burger and grilled cheese available.
Vegan options: Limited—fries and salads are the main options.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free prep, but you can request bun-free burgers.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date loves old-school diners—casual, nostalgic, and friendly, but not romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—first come, first served. Peak times may require a short wait for booths, but counter seats turn quickly.
Is it kid-friendly? Absolutely. High chairs, friendly staff, and a simple menu make it a family favorite for kids 4 and up.
Best For
Better for: Classic-style burgers with history and community warmth—more authentic and personal than trendier taverns.
Skip if: You’re after gourmet toppings or craft cocktails; this is a no-frills, tradition-first burger joint.
Bill's Place
7.7
Old-school burger counter turning out freshly ground patties and hand-cut fries since mid-century. Expect friendly service, big portions, and a throwback vibe that keeps neighborhood regulars returning.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bill’s 1/3-lb Cheeseburger, Mushroom Swiss Burger, Hand-Cut Fries & Shakes
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Classic counter-service burgers with fresh-ground beef and fries.
Who should go: Classic burger traditionalists
When to visit: Midday or early evening for fastest service
What to order: Bill’s cheeseburger; mushroom swiss; shake and fries
Insider tip: Grab a counter seat to watch the grill and get served faster.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Clement and side streets is generally available, though it can tighten during dinner hours and weekends. No dedicated lot or valet service.
Dress code: Casual—come as you are. Most diners are locals in jeans or hoodies; no need to dress up.
Noise level: Low to moderate—conversations are easy except during peak lunch rush when it gets lively but never overwhelming.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes during peak hours; counter seats often open up sooner.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait unless it’s a school holiday or rainy weekend noon crowd.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—there’s a veggie burger, fries, and salad options available.
Vegan options: Limited—can request the veggie burger without cheese and mayo, but prep is not fully vegan-certified.
Gluten-free options: Limited—no gluten-free buns, though burgers can be served protein-style on lettuce.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re going for a casual, nostalgic burger-joint vibe. It’s better for low-pressure hangs or retro comfort food dates than a romantic setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—Bill’s Place doesn’t take reservations. Seating is first-come, first-served with counter stools and a few small tables; turnover is quick.
Is it kid-friendly? Absolutely—families are welcome. High chairs are available, portions are generous, and staff are patient with kids.
Best For
Better for: Classic burger purists seeking old-school charm and hand-cut fries over trendy toppings or designer patties.
Skip if: You’re after gourmet burgers, craft beer pairings, or modern decor—try Pearl 6101 or Violet’s for an elevated meal instead.