Best Burgers Restaurants in San Francisco
50 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Miller & Lux
Refined steakhouse with high-touch service and tableside classics.
Notable Picks
#1
Miller & Lux
8.8
Tyler Florence’s modern American steakhouse at Chase Center focuses on precision—think tableside Caesar, pristine steaks, and polished service. Locals book it for celebratory dinners before or after events, with bayfront sunsets sealing the experience.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tableside Caesar, Bone-In Ribeye (Snake River Farms), Banana Cream Pie
What makes it special: Refined steakhouse with high-touch service and tableside classics.
8.6
Long-running Hayes Valley brasserie known for a refined, juicy burger and classic cocktails. A polished room and sharp service make it a pre-symphony standby.
Must-Try Dishes:
Absinthe Burger with Gruyère and Fries, French Onion Soup, Seasonal Greens
What makes it special: A brasserie burger executed with precision in a classic setting.
8.6
Classic drive-in slinging griddled burgers, shakes, and fries since 1962 across from City College. Lines move fast and patties land hot with crisp edges and melty cheese.
Must-Try Dishes:
Half-Pounder with Cheese, Rocket Burger, Chocolate Shake
What makes it special: Old-school roadside stand with space-age sign and reliably great smash-style burgers.
#4
Causwells
8.5
Neighborhood New American bistro known for the Americana smashburger and a refreshed cocktail program. Since 2014, it’s been a Marina standby for casual dates, happy hour, and brunch.
Must-Try Dishes:
Americana Burger, Crispy Chicken Sandwich, Brussels Sprouts
What makes it special: Smashburger icon with a tight, seasonal New American menu.
#5
Park Tavern
8.5
Upscale North Beach standby running a strong ‘North Beach Hour’ with discounted bar bites, including crisp chicken wings. Polished service and park-side seating make post-work meetups easy.
Must-Try Dishes:
Happy Hour Chicken Wings, Loaded Fries (HH), Park Tavern Burger (HH)
What makes it special: Refined bar program with HH wings in a stylish setting.
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
What makes it special: A late-night SF classic serving straightforward, satisfying burgers since 1966.
8.4
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Comfort Food Classics
Quick Bites Champions
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Counter-service BBQ with a backyard-style patio, known for the Best Damn Cheeseburger and wood-smoked meats. Efficient line flow and consistent quality make it a reliable midday stop for tight schedules.
Must-Try Dishes:
Best Damn Cheeseburger, Smoked brisket plate, Ribs with pickles & slaw
What makes it special: Smoky, fast-moving BBQ with a standout burger and patio.
8.4
Downtown Pleasanton's craft cocktail destination doubles as a serious burger spot, with the Baron Burger arriving on a brioche bun alongside addictive duck fat fries. The covered patio and 600-whiskey selection make this a neighborhood hub for both food and drink enthusiasts.
Must-Try Dishes:
Baron Burger, Duck Fat Fries, Short Rib Birria Tacos
What makes it special: Craft cocktail expertise meets elevated pub food with a 600-whiskey collection
8.4
Farmers market smash burger stand turning out crisp, well-seasoned patties with melted American and griddled onions. Lines move quickly and burgers arrive hot and balanced, ideal for a casual stroll near the beach.
Must-Try Dishes:
Classic Double Smash, Onion-Loaded Smash with Pickles, Market Special with Jalapeños
What makes it special: Precision smash patties with deep Maillard crust at a lively market stall.
8.4
Modern steakhouse and piano lounge inside the original bank vault at 555 California, with prime cuts, Parker House rolls, and polished Hi Neighbor hospitality. Families celebrating milestones will find attentive service and spacious tables steps from major offices.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bone-in ribeye, Parker House rolls, Steak tartare
What makes it special: Steakhouse classics served in a historic bank vault with live piano.
#11
Eat Americana
8.3
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Comfort Food Classics
Family Friendly Favorites
Quick Bites Champions
Neighborhood spot doing American comfort staples with care—crispy fried chicken sandwiches, a legit cheesesteak, and a grilled cheese built to dip in tomato soup. Friendly service and a calm room make it an easy, professional midday meet-up.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fried Chicken Sandwich, Cheesesteak, Grilled Cheese with Tomato Soup
What makes it special: Comfort classics executed with balanced flavors and dependable pacing.
#12
Marlowe
8.3
A New American bistro (since 2010; refreshed 2014) famous for the Marlowe Burger, brussels sprout chips, and polished service. It balances neighborhood ease with a buzzy bar crowd.
Must-Try Dishes:
Marlowe Burger, Brussels sprout chips, Steak tartare
What makes it special: Beloved bistro with one of SF’s standout burgers.
#13
MoMo’s
8.3
Game-night institution across from the ballpark with a polished dining room, bustling bar, and a long running happy hour featuring $1 buffalo wings. Expect a louder scene before first pitch and a smoother vibe off-nights.
Must-Try Dishes:
$1 buffalo wings (HH; minimum order applies), Wood-fired pepperoni pizza (HH half-off), Garlic fries
What makes it special: $1 wings and a big-energy pre-game scene steps from Oracle.
#14
Native Burger
8.3
A local favorite offering 7 oz grass-fed Angus beef patties, known for their juicy and flavorful burgers.
Must-Try Dishes:
Classic Cheeseburger, Garlic Fries, Milkshakes
What makes it special: Offers high-quality, grass-fed beef burgers in a cozy setting.
8.3
Weekend brunch goes full-frame with bottomless mimosas and Irish plates—think Full Irish, Irish Benedict, and granola-crusted French toast. Spacious tables and bright plating make it a Parkside photo favorite.
Must-Try Dishes:
Full Irish Breakfast, Irish Benedict, Pub French Toast
What makes it special: Irish-leaning weekend brunch with bottomless mimosas and bold, camera-ready plates.
#16
Old Ship Saloon
8.3
Historic Jackson Square pub serving a proper griddled burger into the late hours, with a lively bar and kitchen that keeps the night crowd fed. Reliable execution and quick service make it a rare downtown option after midnight.
Must-Try Dishes:
The Burger (cheddar, aioli, fries), Crispy Chicken Sandwich, California Reuben Sando
What makes it special: A true late-night FiDi/Jackson Square kitchen serving a real burger past midnight.
#17
Original Joe's
8.3
Italian-American institution across from Washington Square with a full ‘Steaks & Chops’ section and business-friendly pacing at lunch. Reliable execution and white-jacket service make it an easy choice for executive meet-ups.
Must-Try Dishes:
14oz New York, 25oz Bone-In Ribeye, Prime Rib Dip (lunch)
What makes it special: Steaks-and-chops heritage with polished, swift lunch service.
8.3
Founded by longtime Pleasanton resident Todd Utikal, this modern American grill brings handcrafted burgers and weekly smoked meats to a prime downtown location near the farmers market. Two large dog-friendly patios with fire pits, local craft beers, and creative small plates elevate the neighborhood bar concept.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hangover Burger, Tater Todds, Cubano Sandwich
What makes it special: Owner-operated with creative burgers and two covered dog-friendly patios
#19
The Detour
8.3
Arcade bar with a full kitchen turning out three distinct wing styles—Adobo, Hot, and Kung Pao—plus weekday happy hour. It’s a playful, Filipino-influenced take on bar food that satisfies between pinball rounds.
Must-Try Dishes:
Adobo Wings, Kung Pao Wings, Nori tots
What makes it special: Multiple wing flavors with weekday happy hour in an arcade setting.
#20
Violet's
8.3
A modern tavern vibe—craft cocktails, a standout burger, and seasonal American plates—anchored on Clement Street. Recent stewardship refresh keeps the room buzzy while preserving its neighborhood DNA.
Must-Try Dishes:
Double-patty tavern burger, Fried chicken with biscuits, Roasted onion dip with house chips
What makes it special: Cocktail-centric New American tavern energy with a serious burger.
#21
Balboa Cafe
8.2
A 1913 institution that now doubles as a youthful cocktail scene after dark. Classic American plates meet espresso-martinis and a lively bar that runs late.
Must-Try Dishes:
Balboa Burger (baguette), Chicken Paillard (Wed special), Deviled Eggs
What makes it special: 112-year-old bar-restaurant with a current night scene.
8.2
Neighborhood French bistro with classic plates, crisp frites, and photogenic crêpes in a cozy corner setting. Locals come for reliable comfort dishes, a solid wine list, and brunch that photographs well.
Must-Try Dishes:
Steak Frites, Mussels Marinière, Crêpe Complète (ham, egg, Gruyère)
What makes it special: Classic bistro fare made for overhead shots and cozy date nights.
#23
Comstock Saloon
8.2
Historic saloon (1907 roots) pairing classic cocktails with an elevated burger dressed with manchego and tomato jam. Live music and late drinks make it a stylish nightcap with a serious bite.
Must-Try Dishes:
Comstock Burger (manchego tuile, tomato jam), Fries, Dynamo Spiced Chocolate Donut (dessert)
What makes it special: A cocktail-era saloon serving a refined burger in a live-music setting.
#24
Glen Park Cafe
8.2
Neighborhood cafe by Glen Park BART with hefty burgers and hot, crisp fries. Portions are generous, service moves fast, and it’s an easy sit-down for families or a quick pickup.
Must-Try Dishes:
French Fries, Sweet Potato Fries, SF Burger with fries
What makes it special: Classic diner-style fries with quick, friendly service steps from BART.
#25
Le Central
8.2
Classic downtown brasserie serving timeless French standards in a neon-signed, wood-and-tile room. The cassoulet and onion soup are rites of passage; the vintage look delivers reliable, highly photogenic brasserie scenes.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cassoulet, Steak au poivre, Moules marinières
What makes it special: Time-capsule brasserie style with iconic neon and classics.
This downtown gastropub elevates the sports bar experience with craft cocktails, rotating local beers, and a tailgate burger that's earned cult status. The heated outdoor patio with fire pit makes it a year-round destination, while weekly comedy nights and live music add entertainment beyond the screens.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tailgate Burger, Philly Cheese Steak Egg Rolls, Buffalo Wings
What makes it special: Gastropub quality food in a family-friendly sports bar atmosphere
#27
Ocean Ale House
8.2
Vibes:
Brewery & Beer Garden Republic
Group Dining Gatherings
Happy Hour Hotspots
Comfort Food Classics
Neighborhood pub known for a thoughtful tap list and a hefty burger program. The patty melt and rotating burger specials pair well with local pours.
Must-Try Dishes:
Okie Onion Burger, Patty Melt, Hand-Cut Fries
What makes it special: Taproom energy with burgers built for serious pub fare cravings.
8.2
Outer Sunset favorite known for 1/2-lb angus patties, a standout lamb burger, and proper fry game. Portions and pricing hit a sweet spot for neighborhood regulars and beach-bound appetites.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lamb Burger, Classic 1/2-lb Angus Burger, Garlic Fries
What makes it special: Hearty, well-seasoned patties—including a popular lamb burger—done right.
8.2
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Business Lunch Power Players
Happy Hour Hotspots
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Bay Area–born burger shop turning out crisp shoestring and garlic fries topped with fresh garlic and aged cheddar. Fast counter service and consistent execution make it a reliable downtown fry fix.
Must-Try Dishes:
Garlic Fries with Aged Cheddar, Classic French Fries with 3 Dips, Mini Burger + Fries Combo
What makes it special: Garlic fries with real garlic and aged cheddar, done fast.
#30
The Boardroom
8.2
Neighborhood sports bar known for crisp, jumbo wings in classic and creative sauces. Crowded, value-forward happy hour with plenty of TVs and quick-ticket bar food.
Must-Try Dishes:
Jumbo Buffalo Wings, Honey Garlic Wings, Louisiana Dry Rub Wings
What makes it special: Well-priced jumbo wings with many sauces at peak HH times.
8.2
Vibes:
Late Night Legends
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Downtown counter spot known for its Angus–Wagyu MeltBurger, fast lines, and late-night hours that actually stretch past midnight in the Financial District. It’s the reliable move for a hot burger, fries, and a shake after events or overtime.
Must-Try Dishes:
MeltBurger, BBQ Bacon MeltBurger, Truffle or Garlic Fries
What makes it special: Real late-night burger service downtown with speedy counter flow.
#32
True Laurel
8.2
Cocktail bar from the Lazy Bear team with a serious food program. Elevated bar plates and award-winning drinks keep the room humming late.
Must-Try Dishes:
TL patty melt, Chicken katsu salad, Strawberry shortcake
What makes it special: Bar-forward spot where the food stands on its own.
8.1
This gastropub traces roots to 1893 and delivers elevated American comfort food with creative burgers, boozy shakes, and craft beers. The vintage Walnut Creek photos and intimate booth seating create nostalgic ambiance, while happy hour from 2:30-5:30pm weekdays draws the after-work crowd.
Must-Try Dishes:
Johnny Cash Burger, Gold Rush Burger, Boozy Shake
What makes it special: Heritage gastropub with creative burgers and boozy milkshakes
#34
Dirty Habit
8.1
Moody rooftop-level lounge at Hotel Zelos pairing an expansive whiskey list with creative New American plates. Popular for happy hour near Moscone and post-event nightcaps on the patio.
Must-Try Dishes:
Smash burger, Korean-style wings, Charred octopus
What makes it special: Cocktail-first lounge with a legit New American food program and patio.
#35
Gott's Roadside
8.1
Wine-country burger stand gone modern with counter service, kids’ meals, and shakes on a spacious plaza corner. Easy ordering and patio seating make it a reliable choice for families.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cheeseburger, Ahi Poke Tacos, Hand-Spun Shake
What makes it special: Regional favorite (since 1999) pairing quality burgers with quick, kid-friendly service.
8.1
Waterfront counter spot for classic roadside-style burgers with consistent quality and quick turnaround. Extended hours on peak nights make it a reliable evening option before the Embarcadero winds down.
Must-Try Dishes:
California Burger, Green Chile Cheeseburger, Texas Burger
What makes it special: Roadside-style burgers by the bay with later-than-average hours for the area.
#37
Indigo
8.1
Cocktail-forward spot where a well-seared smash burger anchors a comfort-leaning menu. Locals slide in for bar seats, late service, and a burger-and-martini combo that overdelivers for the price.
Must-Try Dishes:
Smash Burger, Truffle Fries, Fried Chicken Sandwich
What makes it special: Bar-seat smash burger with serious cocktail support.
8.1
Retro counter slinging smashed patties, fries, and shakes at fair prices. A local go-to for fast, made-to-order burgers without the fuss.
Must-Try Dishes:
Double Char Burger, Garlic Fries, Chocolate Shake
What makes it special: Made-to-order char-griddled burgers with classic sides.
#39
Lapisara Eatery
8.1
Lower Nob Hill’s Thai-influenced brunch-and-dinner spot (since 2018) known for a tight menu that blends comfort plates with Thai flavors. Locals come for playful brunch staples by day and tom yum–leaning comfort at night.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fried Chicken Benedict, Tom Yum Burrito, Pad Kee Mao
What makes it special: Thai-influenced brunch by day with comfort-driven Thai plates at night.
#40
Orphan Andy's
8.1
Retro Castro diner turning out griddled burgers, patty melts, and fries alongside breakfast-all-day comforts. Open late (24 hours on weekends) and beloved since the late ’70s, it’s the reliable post-bar burger fix with no pretense.
Must-Try Dishes:
Ortega Burger, Patty Melt, Chili Burger
What makes it special: Long-running Castro diner serving late-night burgers and breakfasts.
8.1
Vibes:
Sports Bar Central
Happy Hour Hotspots
Group Dining Gatherings
Brewery & Beer Garden Republic
Neighborhood beer hall pouring local drafts with meaty, sauce-lacquered wings and late-night bar bites. It’s the pre- and post-Clement Street hang for groups.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy buffalo wings, Mango habanero wings, Garlic parmesan wings
What makes it special: Wings program matched to a wide local-beer lineup.
#42
Sam's Tavern
8.1
Old-school FiDi tavern next to Sam’s Grill turning out six-ounce dry-aged patties with sharp cheddar or blue, shoestring fries, and swift service. After-work crews lean on the burger-and-a-beer combo for a no-nonsense, downtown staple.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tavern Burger (dry-aged beef, cheddar or blue), Buffalo Wings with celery & dip, Clam Chowder cup
What makes it special: Dry-aged, hand-formed tavern burger served fast in a classic FiDi bar.
#43
Starbelly
8.1
Sunny neighborhood California kitchen with a popular patio and balanced brunch menu. Efficient service and a mix of comfort and lighter plates keep it in regular rotation.
Must-Try Dishes:
Eggs Benedict, Breakfast pizza, Cinnamon French toast
What makes it special: Patio-friendly brunch with California flavors and balanced plates.
#44
Sunshine Saloon
8.1
A Pleasanton institution since 1978, this charcoal-grill sports bar serves half-pound burgers cooked to order with serious char. Known locally as 'The Shine,' it combines 15 TV screens, pool tables, and nightly comfort food specials with genuinely good burgers that locals have trusted for over 45 years.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sunshine Burger, Bacon Avocado Burger, Charbroiled Patty Melt
What makes it special: Real charcoal grill producing authentic flame-kissed burgers since 1978
#45
Sweet Maple
8.1
Lower Pac Heights’ brunch magnet known for Millionaire’s Bacon and generous daytime plates. Expect a lively scene, strong coffee, and crowd-pleasing riffs that keep lines forming on weekends.
Must-Try Dishes:
Millionaire’s Bacon, Big Hip deep-fried French toast, Crab Benedict
What makes it special: Signature candy-spiced bacon and over-the-top brunch staples.
#46
The Brixton
8.1
Modern gastropub drawing a buzzy Union Street crowd for cocktails, bourbon-bacon deviled eggs, and a hefty Wagyu burger. Lively bar energy anchors late-week nights.
Must-Try Dishes:
Brixton Wagyu Burger, Bourbon Bacon Deviled Eggs, French Dip
What makes it special: Cocktail-forward scene with signature Wagyu burger and HH snacks.
8.1
Vibes:
Sports Bar Central
Brewery & Beer Garden Republic
Group Dining Gatherings
Happy Hour Hotspots
Beer-centric ale house with a solid cheeseburger, rotating taps, and plenty of screens. It’s a dependable game-day stop where the burger holds up to the beers.
Must-Try Dishes:
Crafty Fox Cheeseburger, Korean Fried Chicken Sandwich (alt pick), Hand-cut Fries
What makes it special: Tap-driven pub with a legit house cheeseburger.
#48
Woodbury
8.1
Sports-centric gastropub with crisp, well-salted fries (or tots) built for beers and late hours. The kitchen keeps fry oil fresh, so texture stays snappy even on packed game nights.
Must-Try Dishes:
French Fries (salted, crisp), Loaded Fries (rotating toppings), Tater Tots (alt fry, extra crisp)
What makes it special: Game-day fries that stay crisp through a full inning.
Long-running SF truck devoted to bacon-stacked comfort—think messy bacon cheeseburgers, fried chicken sandwiches, and sides built for indulgence. Expect quick handoffs and communal seating when parked at SPARK Social.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bacon Cheeseburger, The Burger with bacon and special sauce, Choco-dipped bacon
What makes it special: SF’s bacon-obsessed truck turning burgers into salty-sweet crowd-pleasers.
8
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Family Friendly Favorites
Quick Bites Champions
Comfort Food Classics
This old-school drive-in captures 1950s Americana with its car-themed decor and genuinely giant burgers at prices that haven't caught up to inflation. The Green Chili Burger has a devoted following, and the Oreo milkshakes come with a cookie on top—small touches that make this family-run spot feel special.
Must-Try Dishes:
Green Chili Burger, Western Bacon Cheese Burger, Oreo Milkshake
What makes it special: Authentic drive-in experience with oversized burgers at old-fashioned prices