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Grubstake Diner
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Grubstake Diner
8.0
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
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Century-old SF diner serving burgers deep into the night.
Who should go: Late-night burger crews
When to visit: After shows; lines ease post-midnight
What to order: Grubstake Burger; patty melt; shake
Insider tip: Counter seats turn faster than booths after midnight.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in Polk Gulch can be tight, especially before midnight; meters run late and spots fill quickly. No valet service is offered.
Dress code: Casual diner attire—jeans, hoodies, and post-show outfits are all fine.
Noise level: Moderate to loud after midnight; conversation is possible but the vibe is energetic and bustling.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes around midnight peak; faster after 2am.
Weekday lunch: Generally no wait, easy seating mid-day.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—veggie burger, grilled cheese, and diner sides are available.
Vegan options: Limited—customize salads and sides; no dedicated vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Minimal accommodations—burgers can be served without buns, but cross-contact is likely.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date enjoys late-night diner energy—it’s more casual and rowdy than intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, it’s walk-in only. Expect a line on weekends but turnover is steady, especially at the counter.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young children due to late hours and tight booths, but older teens can enjoy the classic diner vibe.
Best For
Better for: Classic late-night burgers and shakes in a historic SF diner setting that stays open later than most competitors.
Skip if: You want a quiet, health-focused meal or dedicated gluten-free/vegan options—this is a hearty, traditional diner.
Grubstake Diner
7.9
Retro railcar diner turning out all-day American comfort with a few Portuguese favorites. Families land here for burgers, breakfast plates, and pies in a lively, no-frills room.
Must-Try Dishes:
Grubstake Burger, Portuguese Steak Sandwich, Homemade Pie Slice
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 6.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Historic diner car with hearty plates and late hours.
Who should go: Comfort-food seekers
When to visit: Early evenings for quickest seating
What to order: Burger, Portuguese steak sandwich, pie
Insider tip: Counter seats speed up orders when it’s busy.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in Lower Nob Hill can be tough, especially after 6pm; nearby pay lots on Post Street and Bush Street are the most reliable options.
Dress code: Casual—jeans, tees, and sneakers are all fine. No need to dress up for the diner atmosphere.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—conversations are possible but the diner hum is constant, especially at peak hours.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes during prime hours, especially after 7pm.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, though the counter fills first.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—omelets, veggie burgers, and several breakfast and side options are available.
Vegan options: Limited—salads and a few sides can be customized, but options are not extensive.
Gluten-free options: Some flexibility with breakfast plates and salads, but cross-contact is likely in a diner kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you want casual and quirky—better for fun nights than romantic evenings.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—Grubstake doesn’t take reservations. Expect to wait during peak weekend hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—older kids will enjoy the burgers and pies; the late-night vibe is less suited to very young children.
Best For
Better for: Late-night dining and classic comfort dishes in a historic diner car setting.
Skip if: You want a quiet, polished meal or extensive vegan/gluten-free selections.
Grubstake Diner
8.3
Historic railcar diner serving hefty burgers into the early morning alongside Portuguese-leaning diner fare. Locals pile in after shows and service for patty melts, house burgers, and classic sides; roots trace to 1927 with the Polk Gulch move in 1967.
Must-Try Dishes:
Patty Melt (jack & onions on sourdough), Grubstake Burger (bacon-loaded cheeseburger), Nugget Burger (bacon & fried egg)
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 9.2
What makes it special: Classic railcar diner turning out legit burgers until the wee hours.
Who should go: Night owls and after-shift crews
When to visit: After 11pm for peak late-night energy
What to order: Patty Melt, Grubstake Burger, onion rings
Insider tip: Bar seats see faster ticket times on busy late nights.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly street parking—metered and competitive late night; no valet available.
Dress code: Casual—come as you are; jeans and hoodies are the norm after hours.
Noise level: Moderate to loud after 11pm with a lively late-night crowd; quieter in the early evening.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes after midnight, especially post-bar rush.
Weekday lunch: No wait typically; immediate seating available.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—grilled cheese, salads, and some sides can be made vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited—customizable salads or fries; burgers require modifications.
Gluten-free options: Not formally listed—burgers can be served bunless; no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Fun and nostalgic if you’re going for quirky charm and late-night energy, but not ideal for quiet or romantic settings.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—reservations aren’t taken; all seating is first come, first served. Expect waits late on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? During daytime or early evening, yes—classic diner menu appeals to kids. After 10pm, the rowdy late-night crowd makes it less ideal.
Best For
Better for: Best for authentic late-night diner nostalgia and hearty burgers when most of the city is closed.
Skip if: Skip if you need health-conscious menus, gluten-free certainty, or a calm, quiet atmosphere.
Grubstake Diner
7.8
Railcar-turned diner slinging late-night burgers and Portuguese-American plates until the wee hours. A beloved after-hours stop for comfort food with character.
Must-Try Dishes:
Caldo verde (potato-kale soup with linguiça), Prego steak sandwich, Cheeseburger with fries
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 7.6
Atmosphere: 6.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Late-night institution with Portuguese touches and classic diner fare.
Who should go: Night owls and post-show crowds
When to visit: After 10pm for true late-night energy
What to order: Caldo verde; prego sandwich; burger
Insider tip: Portuguese items are the sleeper hits—ask for daily specials.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in Lower Nob Hill, especially late at night—expect to circle or use a nearby paid lot.
Dress code: Casual—come as you are; jeans, hoodies, and post-show attire are all common.
Noise level: Lively after 10pm, with chatter and clinking dishes; you can talk with friends but it’s not quiet.
Weekend wait: 15–30 minutes after midnight; earlier evenings are usually faster.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, though lunch hours draw a small crowd.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—omelets, veggie sandwiches, and sides are available.
Vegan options: Limited—fries, salads, and some modifications, but not a dedicated menu.
Gluten-free options: Some dishes like caldo verde and basic proteins are naturally gluten-free, but no separate prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual, late-night bite than a romantic first date. It’s fun and quirky if you’re both into diners with character.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—reservations aren’t taken. Seating is first-come, first-served and usually manageable if you’re patient.
Is it kid-friendly? During the day, yes—classic diner food appeals to kids. Late-night crowds are more adult-oriented, so best for families earlier.
Best For
Better for: Late-night eats with Portuguese touches you won’t find at most diners in SF.
Skip if: You want a quiet, polished meal—opt for a traditional restaurant instead.