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Uncle Boy’s

245 Balboa St, San Francisco, CA 94118
$
Burgers, Fried Chicken, Wings, French Fries

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Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)

Uncle Boy’s 7.9
Inner Richmond
Late-night burger counter praised for consistently crisp fries that survive the walk home. Simple, salty, and fast—an Inner Richmond standby after 10pm.
Must-Try Dishes: Classic fries, Garlic fries, Mozzarella sticks (with fries combo)
Scores:
Value: 8.8 Service: 7.6 Consistency: 8.1 Food Quality: 8 Atmosphere: 6.5 Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: Straight-ahead fries that stay crisp and hit late-night cravings.
Who should go: After-hours fry seekers
When to visit: Post-10pm for shortest lines
What to order: Classic fries, garlic fries, burger-and-fries combo
Insider tip: Ask for extra salt packets and a second dipping sauce.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; generally available on Clement or 5th Avenue after 9pm but can be tight before then.
Dress code: Totally casual—hoodies, tees, and late-night comfort clothes fit right in.
Noise level: Low to moderate; steady background chatter and kitchen sizzle but fine for conversation.
Weekend wait: 10–15 minutes during peak burger rush around 10–11pm.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; quick grab-and-go counter service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—fries and veggie burger options available.
Vegan options: Limited—fries are vegan-friendly, but sauces and buns may not be.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free fryer or buns; cross-contact likely.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you both love casual, late-night eats—this is more comfort-food pit stop than romantic setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes; it’s walk-up only with counter seating and quick turnover.
Is it kid-friendly? During daytime hours, yes—simple menu and quick service. Late-night crowds skew adult.
Best For
Better for: Late-night fries that stay crisp and satisfying when other spots are closed.
Skip if: You’re looking for sit-down dining, craft condiments, or a date-night atmosphere.
Uncle Boy’s 7.8
Inner Richmond
Late-night counter spot best known for burgers but welcomed for crispy, straightforward wings and fast service. Lines move quickly and prices stay friendly.
Must-Try Dishes: Classic buffalo wings, Honey BBQ wings, Garlic fries
Scores:
Value: 9 Service: 7.8 Consistency: 7.9 Food Quality: 7.9 Atmosphere: 6.6 Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Reliable, inexpensive wings available well past dinner hours.
Who should go: After-hours snackers and students
When to visit: Post-10pm for shortest waits
What to order: Buffalo; honey BBQ; garlic fries
Insider tip: Ask for extra sauce cups at pickup—no upcharge.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only, generally available on Clement and adjacent side streets before midnight; meters free after 6pm.
Dress code: Completely casual—hoodies, jeans, and late-night comfort wear fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate to lively; counter chatter and kitchen noise but still fine for conversation.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes during peak late-night rush after 11pm.
Weekday lunch: No wait—orders ready within 5–10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—fries, veggie burger, and sides available.
Vegan options: Limited—some fries and sides, but sauces and buns may contain dairy.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free prep; cross-contact likely.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date appreciates low-key, late-night dives—it’s more casual comfort than romantic atmosphere.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-up only, counter seating and quick turnover mean tables open frequently.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young kids due to limited seating and late hours, but fine for older teens grabbing burgers or wings.
Best For
Better for: Late-night affordability and speed—few spots in the Richmond serve solid wings past midnight at this price point.
Skip if: You’re looking for craft beer, table service, or a quiet dining environment.
Uncle Boy’s 7.7
Inner Richmond
Long-running counter joint best known for burgers but beloved for a crispy fried chicken sandwich served late into the night. Lines move quickly, portions are hearty, and prices stay friendly.
Must-Try Dishes: Spicy Fried Chicken Sandwich, Classic Fried Chicken Sandwich, Garlic Fries
Scores:
Value: 8.6 Service: 7.6 Consistency: 7.7 Food Quality: 7.9 Atmosphere: 6.5 Cultural Relevance: 7.3
What makes it special: Late-night counter spot turning out crispy, affordable chicken sandwiches.
Who should go: After-hours snackers and students
When to visit: Post-10pm for shortest lines
What to order: Spicy fried chicken sandwich; classic sandwich; garlic fries
Insider tip: Grab sauces at the counter—extra heat lifts the sandwich.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly street parking along Balboa or 5th Avenue; tends to open up late evening after nearby restaurants close.
Dress code: Totally casual—hoodies, sweats, and late-night comfort wear all welcome.
Noise level: Moderate to lively depending on crowd—expect chatter and kitchen noise but still fine for conversation.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes during peak burger rush; shorter if ordering online.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; food comes out within 10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—some fried sides and veggie burgers available.
Vegan options: Minimal—fries and salads only; buns and sauces contain dairy.
Gluten-free options: Not really—no gluten-free buns and shared fryers.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date loves casual counter food and late-night vibes—it’s more fun-and-greasy than romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, it’s walk-up only; seating is limited but turnover is fast, especially after 10pm.
Is it kid-friendly? During daytime hours, yes—simple menu and quick service suit families, but late-night crowds skew adult.
Best For
Better for: Late-night cravings and value-priced chicken sandwiches served fast and hot.
Skip if: You’re after a sit-down meal, craft cocktails, or dietary accommodations.
Uncle Boy’s 8.0
Inner Richmond
Late-night friendly neighborhood standby for made-to-order burgers, fries, and shakes. The menu spans beef and standout veggie builds, with speedy pickup and outdoor seating on Balboa.
Must-Try Dishes: Romeos Juliet (mozzarella-stick veggie burger), Ain’t No Punk (spicy veggie burger), Garden Burger
Scores:
Value: 8.6 Service: 7.9 Consistency: 8.1 Food Quality: 8.2 Atmosphere: 6.5 Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: Open-late burgers with surprising veggie options and fast service.
Who should go: Night-owl burger hunters
When to visit: Post-dinner hours Thu–Sun for shortest lines
What to order: Romeos Juliet; Ain’t No Punk; Garden Burger
Insider tip: Order online for pickup—Balboa parking is tight at peak times.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Balboa is limited, but you can usually find a spot within two blocks on 6th or 7th Avenue after 8pm.
Dress code: Ultra-casual—hoodies, jeans, and post-gym fits are all welcome.
Noise level: Moderate; outdoor tables are quieter than inside during rush hours.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes depending on online orders in queue.
Weekday lunch: No wait—orders are typically ready in under 10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—Garden Burger and customizable veggie builds available.
Vegan options: Limited—vegan-friendly patties and toppings, but shared grill use.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free buns, but lettuce wraps offered.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date loves burgers and chill vibes—think laid-back rather than romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, it’s walk-in only. Grab an outdoor seat or take your food to go if it’s crowded.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—casual setup, quick service, and fries make it easy for families with kids 6 and up.
Best For
Better for: Late-night burger cravings and quick pickup in the Inner Richmond.
Skip if: You’re looking for craft cocktails or a sit-down dining experience.