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Sam's Burgers
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Sam's Burgers
8.5
Old-school counter spot slinging classic griddled burgers deep into the night. No-frills build, quick ticket times, and that satisfying post-midnight bite keep locals returning since 1966.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cheeseburger (shredded lettuce, onion, tomato), Double Cheeseburger, Chili Cheeseburger
Scores:
Value: 9.1
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 9.2
What makes it special: A late-night SF classic serving straightforward, satisfying burgers since 1966.
Who should go: Night owls craving classic burgers fast
When to visit: After 10:30pm for shortest lines
What to order: Cheeseburger, Double Cheeseburger, Chili Cheeseburger
Insider tip: Ask for extra grilled onions—they nail the flat-top sear.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Limited metered street parking on Broadway and Columbus; best to walk or use rideshare late at night.
Dress code: Ultra-casual—hoodies, ballcaps, and post-bar attire all welcome.
Noise level: Moderate buzz from the griddle and late-night chatter but easy enough for casual conversation.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes during late-night rush around midnight.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; quick counter turnover.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—grilled cheese and fries are reliable options, but limited beyond that.
Vegan options: Very limited—can modify fries or salad if available, but not a vegan destination.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated prep area; burgers can be served without a bun upon request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your idea of romance is late-night nostalgia—fun for low-key, spontaneous nights but not a dress-up date spot.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—it's walk-up counter service only; grab a stool or stand if it’s full.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young kids due to late hours and bar-adjacent crowd, but fine for teens grabbing burgers early evening.
Best For
Better for: Faster service and more authentic old-school flavor than chain spots nearby.
Skip if: You’re looking for craft toppings, beer lists, or sit-down comfort—this is classic greasy-spoon simplicity.
Sam's Burgers
8.2
Old-school counter slinging late-night burgers with thick-cut fries that hit when the neighborhood winds down. The fryers run late, and baskets land hot, salty, and sized to share.
Must-Try Dishes:
Thick-cut French fries, Cheese fries, Chili fries
Scores:
Value: 8.9
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Late-hour fry baskets with steady crunch and salt balance.
Who should go: Night owls and bar hoppers
When to visit: After 10 pm for fastest counter service
What to order: French fries; chili cheese fries; double burger + fries
Insider tip: Order fries well-done for extra crisp at peak hours.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; meters along Broadway and Columbus fill quickly after 7pm, but nearby public lots on Vallejo usually have spaces late night.
Dress code: Completely casual—hoodies and jeans fit right in, even post-bar.
Noise level: Moderate to loud after 10pm with music and chatter; quieter early evening.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes at peak bar hours, but usually under 10 if ordering to-go.
Weekday lunch: No wait; counter service is fast and steady.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—fries, onion rings, and veggie burger are solid picks.
Vegan options: Limited—plain fries and side salad are the main safe bets.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated prep, but bunless burgers and fries (shared fryer) are available.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal unless your date loves divey late-night energy—better for casual hangs than romance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Always; counter-style setup with stools and a few tables—first come, first served.
Is it kid-friendly? During daytime yes—simple menu, quick service, and fries loved by all ages. After 9pm, it skews more adult with bar crowd noise.
Best For
Better for: Late-night fries and post-bar bites when you want fast, hot comfort food without pretense.
Skip if: You’re seeking gourmet toppings, alcohol service, or a quiet sit-down meal.
Sam's Burgers
8.5
Late-night North Beach counter turning out flat-top burgers with old-school swagger. Open since the 1960s, it’s the city’s classic for a post-show cheeseburger and fries at the bar or a quick solo bite.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cheeseburger (add grilled onions), Chili Cheeseburger, Garlic Fries
Scores:
Value: 9.2
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 9.3
What makes it special: A 1960s North Beach staple for no-nonsense late-night burgers.
Who should go: Night owls craving classic flat-top burgers
When to visit: After 9pm for the late-night scene and short waits
What to order: Cheeseburger, chili cheeseburger, garlic fries
Insider tip: Order at the counter and ask for grilled onions ‘everything style.’
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only—spots along Broadway or Columbus can be tough after 8pm but open up post-midnight.
Dress code: Completely casual—hoodies, jeans, and late-night comfort wear fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—expect chatter, sizzling griddles, and jukebox energy but still manageable for short convos.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes during the post-bar rush after 11pm.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; quick counter turnover keeps things moving.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—grilled cheese and fries options available.
Vegan options: Limited—only side items like fries fit vegan diets.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free prep area; burgers are bun-based with no GF substitutions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date appreciates retro burger joints—it's more greasy-spoon nostalgia than romantic setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—it's counter service only; stools and small tables are first-come-first-serve.
Is it kid-friendly? Fine for older kids who can handle bar-style seating; no high chairs or kids' menu.
Best For
Better for: Classic late-night burgers and nostalgic North Beach diner charm you can’t find at upscale spots.
Skip if: You want fancy toppings, craft cocktails, or a quiet sit-down meal—this is about quick, old-school satisfaction.