Any insider tips for Grubstake Diner?

Counter seats turn faster than booths after midnight.

What should I order at Grubstake Diner?

Grubstake Burger; patty melt; shake

When should I visit Grubstake Diner?

After shows; lines ease post-midnight

Any insider tips for Pearl's Deluxe Burgers?

Upgrade patties on specialties for a heftier bite.

What should I order at Pearl's Deluxe Burgers?

Phat Bob, Prized Pearl, garlic fries

When should I visit Pearl's Deluxe Burgers?

Fri–Sat 8–10pm to avoid daytime crowds

Who should go to Pearl's Deluxe Burgers?

Value seekers and burger completists

Any insider tips for Flipper’s Gourmet Burgers?

Large fry feeds two—add extra sauce on the side.

What should I order at Flipper’s Gourmet Burgers?

Garlic fries, chili cheese fries, lamb or classic burger

When should I visit Flipper’s Gourmet Burgers?

Late evenings to skip peak dinner lines

Who should go to Flipper’s Gourmet Burgers?

Night owls craving burger-and-fries

Any insider tips for Mel’s Kitchen (Van Ness)?

Bar counter is quickest when dining solo.

What should I order at Mel’s Kitchen (Van Ness)?

Melburger, Sunset Burger, shake

Who should go to Mel’s Kitchen (Van Ness)?

Families and groups near Van Ness

Best Late Night Burgers Restaurants in Russian Hill (94109)

4 hand-picked restaurants, AI-analyzed and critic-validated

Notable Picks

#1 Grubstake Diner

8.0

$ Lower Nob Hill

Vibes: Late Night Legends Comfort Food Classics Group Dining Gatherings

Historic late-night railcar diner turning out hefty burgers, patty melts, and shakes until the early morning. It’s a post-show standby where the grill stays hot and the vibe is classic SF.

Must-Try Dishes: Grubstake Burger, Patty Melt, Chocolate Shake

What makes it special: Century-old SF diner serving burgers deep into the night.

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#2 Pearl's Deluxe Burgers

8.0

$ Lower Nob Hill

Vibes: Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance Quick Bites Champions Solo Dining Sanctuaries Late Night Legends

TenderNob counter joint known since 2006 for a sprawling menu—from Phat Bob to buffalo and Kobe-style options—at wallet-friendly prices. Late-ish weekend hours make it a dependable pre- or post-bar burger stop.

Must-Try Dishes: Phat Bob (jack, bacon, onion rings, BBQ), Prized Pearl (blue cheese, bacon, grilled onions), Avocado Burger (jack, avocado, ranch)

What makes it special: Huge burger lineup with budget-friendly pricing and late hours Fri–Sat.

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Worthy Picks

#3 Flipper’s Gourmet Burgers

7.9

$$ Polk Gulch / Nob Hill

Vibes: Quick Bites Champions Family Friendly Favorites Late Night Legends

Counter-service spot on Polk using Niman Ranch beef with a long roster of build-outs and late-night hours most days. Go for the Morning Dew with fried egg or the Mushroom & Swiss; portions run large and fries travel well.

Must-Try Dishes: Garlic Fries, Shoestring Fries, Chili Cheese Fries

What makes it special: Classic late-night fries with multiple cuts and seasonings.

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#4 Mel’s Kitchen (Van Ness)

7.6

$$$$ Van Ness / Cathedral Hill

Vibes: Family Friendly Favorites Comfort Food Classics Late Night Legends Group Dining Gatherings

Modernized offshoot of the 1947 SF classic serving diner-style burgers, shakes, and late-evening service. The Famous Melburger and the sourdough-stacked Sunset Burger anchor a reliable menu steps from Van Ness transit.

Must-Try Dishes: Famous Melburger (1/3-lb Angus), Sunset Burger (bacon, avocado, cheddar on sourdough), Patty Melt (rye, grilled onions, Swiss)

What makes it special: SF’s diner legacy with burgers and shakes served until late evening.

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