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Mo's Grill
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Mo's Grill
7.9
Casual North Beach standby serving hefty, char-grilled burgers and classic diner plates. Efficient counter-and-table service makes it an easy, no-fuss midday meet-up.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mo's 7-oz Burger, Patty Melt, Chicken Club
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: Hand-formed burgers grilled fast with reliable portions and pacing.
Who should go: Burger-first teams on a tight clock
When to visit: 12:45–1:30 for easier seating after rush
What to order: Mo’s burger, patty melt, chicken club
Insider tip: Ask for medium-rare—kitchen hits temps accurately.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking around Washington Square can be tight during lunch hours; nearby paid lots on Columbus and Stockton usually have open spots.
Dress code: Casual — work attire or jeans and a polo fit right in; no need to dress up.
Noise level: Moderate — steady lunch chatter but still easy to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: Not typically open late for dinner; daytime visits rarely exceed a 15-minute wait.
Weekday lunch: Usually a short wait during peak 12–1 rush; tables open quickly after 1pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — veggie burger and several salads available.
Vegan options: Limited — can modify the veggie burger or salads upon request.
Gluten-free options: Partial — burgers can be served without buns; no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date appreciates laid-back diner energy; it's better for casual meetups than romantic outings.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — walk-ins are the norm here. Tables turn fast, and the counter is almost always available.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — relaxed staff and simple menu make it fine for families, though space is tight for strollers.
Best For
Better for: Quick, hearty burgers and efficient service compared to slower sit-down options nearby.
Skip if: You’re after an extended business lunch or polished atmosphere — Park Tavern or Original Joe’s suit that better.
Mo's Grill
7.7
Old-school North Beach burger counter grilling hefty patties over volcanic rock. Breakfasts, melts, and shakes round out a classic diner lineup.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mo’s burger, Patty melt, Onion rings
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: Flame-kissed burgers with an old-school counter vibe.
Who should go: Burger traditionalists and late lunchers
When to visit: Mid-afternoon to skip peak
What to order: Mo’s burger; patty melt; rings
Insider tip: Ask for medium-rare—grill marks shine.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Grant and adjacent blocks can be tight, especially weekends; nearby garages at 735 Vallejo or 1625 Powell are the best bet.
Dress code: Casual—come as you are; jeans, hoodies, and sneakers are the norm.
Noise level: Moderate during lunch rush; mellow otherwise—easy for conversation.
Weekend wait: 15–25 minutes at peak times; bar seating may open faster.
Weekday lunch: Usually immediate or under 10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but available—grilled cheese, salads, and customizable breakfast plates.
Vegan options: Minimal—possible to build a veggie sandwich, but not many dedicated options.
Gluten-free options: No separate prep area, but burgers can be served without buns on request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date appreciates old-school diners and casual vibes—it’s more comfort-focused than romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, walk-ins are the norm. Space is limited but turnover is fast, so waits are short.
Is it kid-friendly? Definitely—friendly staff, open counter seating, and kid-approved menu classics like burgers and shakes make it easy for families.
Best For
Better for: Juicier burgers and more authentic diner charm than most newer North Beach spots.
Skip if: You’re seeking upscale plating or vegetarian-forward fare—this is a classic grill joint through and through.
Mo's Grill
8.0
Old-school North Beach burger-and-plates spot with big portions, kid-friendly booths, and a sprawling menu from burgers to BBQ. It’s quick, unfussy, and reliably satisfying after neighborhood exploring.
Must-Try Dishes:
Americana Burger (8oz), Onion Rings, BBQ Chicken Plate
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Classic North Beach burgers and comfort plates served fast.
Who should go: Families craving hearty, no-frills plates
When to visit: Early dinner before 6:30pm for easiest seating
What to order: Americana Burger; patty melt; chocolate shake
Insider tip: Ask for half-cut burgers for easier sharing with kids.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Columbus and side streets; meter enforcement until 6pm; North Beach Garage on Vallejo a short walk away.
Dress code: Casual—jeans, hoodies, and sneakers fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate—bustling diner hum with TVs and chatter but easy for family conversation.
Weekend wait: 20–30 minutes during peak hours around 6–7pm.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; service is quick and steady.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several salads, veggie omelet, and grilled cheese options.
Vegan options: Limited—customize veggie burger or salads by removing cheese and dressing.
Gluten-free options: Partial—burger patties and salads can be made without buns or croutons; no separate prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re going casual—it’s more about comfort food and conversation than atmosphere.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins only; tables turn quickly, especially during weekday lunch or early dinner.
Is it kid-friendly? Absolutely—booth seating, big portions, and friendly servers make it ideal for kids 4 and up.
Best For
Better for: Portion size and speed—Mo’s serves hearty plates faster than nearby diners or pubs.
Skip if: You’re looking for quiet ambiance or health-focused fare; it’s a classic grill, not a salad bar.
Mo's Grill
8.1
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Family Friendly Favorites
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Neighborhood institution with a visible rotating grill turning out half-pound, grass-fed patties. Breakfast-to-dinner hours and friendly table service make it a reliable sit-down burger stop in North Beach.
Must-Try Dishes:
Rotating Grill Burger (medium-rare), Mushroom Swiss Burger, Ortega Chile Burger
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Open-flame rotating grill and big, classic burger builds.
Who should go: Burger traditionalists wanting a sit-down meal
When to visit: Weekdays 11–1 for easiest seating
What to order: Rotating Grill Burger, mushroom Swiss, Ortega chile burger
Insider tip: Request the patty cooked over the hottest part of the grill for extra char.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only, usually available within a few blocks before 6pm but tight after dinner hours. No dedicated lot or valet.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable—jeans, T-shirts, and sneakers are perfectly fine.
Noise level: Moderate—steady chatter and grill sizzle, but still easy to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 20–30 minutes at peak hours; turnover is fairly quick.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, even during the lunch rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—veggie burger and several sides like fries and salads available.
Vegan options: Limited—veggie burger can be made vegan by omitting cheese and mayo.
Gluten-free options: Yes—buns can be substituted or served lettuce-wrapped; fries are fried separately.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual date or lunch meetup than a romantic evening—laid-back energy and simple comfort food make it low-pressure and friendly.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—reservations aren’t needed. Walk-ins are the norm and seating turns over quickly, even on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—great for families with kids 5 and up. The staff is patient, portions are generous, and high chairs are available.
Best For
Better for: Consistently char-grilled burgers and friendly service in a full diner-style setting—more personality and comfort than fast-casual spots nearby.
Skip if: You’re seeking craft cocktails, a quiet date-night vibe, or gourmet-style toppings—this is about classic diner burgers done right.