San Francisco, a city celebrated for its iconic Golden Gate Bridge and vibrant cultural scene, also boasts a mouthwatering array of burger joints that cater to every palate. Whether you’re a local on the hunt for your next favorite meal or a visitor looking to indulge in America’s classic comfort food, the city’s burger landscape is as diverse as its population. From the crispy edges of a smash burger to the rich flavors of wagyu beef, San Francisco’s top 15 burgers are a testament to the city’s culinary creativity and love for this timeless dish.
Causwells’s Phenomenal Burger
Causwells in the Marina district offers a burger that has been likened to a souped-up In-N-Out Double-Double. It features char-grilled patties and perfectly melted cheese, topped with house sauce and crispy onions.
Sam’s Timeless Classic
Sam’s, a staple since 1966, serves a no-frills burger with a chuck blend, cheese, lettuce, and tomato on a sesame bun, capturing the hearts of San Franciscans for decades.
Gott’s Roadside Hefty Offerings
Gott’s Roadside is known for its 1/3-pound Niman Ranch beef patties on extra-soft egg buns from Panorama Bakery, with a secret sauce that keeps patrons guessing.
Pearl’s Deluxe Burger Variety
Pearl’s Deluxe Burger, a family-run diner for nearly 20 years, offers a selection of grass-fed beef, turkey, and bison burgers, with a unique bun topped with sesame seeds and scallions.
Nopa’s Late-Night Delight
Nopa serves a smokey, wood-grilled burger topped with pickled onions and little gem lettuce, with optional cheddar cheese, perfect for late-night cravings.
Zuni Cafe’s Unique Take
Zuni Cafe grills its grass-fed beef burgers over coals and serves them on house-made rosemary focaccia instead of a traditional bun, accompanied by shoestring potatoes.
Cole Valley Tavern’s Smash Burger
Cole Valley Tavern offers a smash burger with a blend of ground brisket and chuck, topped with caramelized onions and zesty kimchi Thousand Island on a sweet potato bun.
ABV’s Burger Masterpiece
ABV features a 1/3-pound, grass-fed beef patty with white cheddar, raw red onion, shredded lettuce, pickles, and a tangy special sauce on a Japanese sweet potato bun.
WesBurger ‘n’ More’s Smash Hit
WesBurger ‘n’ More specializes in smash burgers with thin, crispy patties on a pillowy potato bun, offering a single 3-ounce patty or a double with special sauce.
The Laundromat’s Exclusive Smashburgers
Available only on Wednesday nights, The Laundromat in the Richmond district serves decadent smashburgers that are a must-try for any burger enthusiast.
Sam’s Late-Night Nostalgia
Sam’s offers a simple, backyard cookout-style burger that’s perfect for satisfying late-night meat cravings.
Maillards’s Crispy Creation
Maillards boasts the crispiest patties in San Francisco, with caramelized shallots and tangy house sauce, available at the Outer Sunset Farmers Market or Tuesday nights in the Richmond.
The Rabbit Hole’s Veggie-Loaded Burger
The Rabbit Hole’s burger is loaded with fresh vegetables like carrots, cucumbers, and peppers, offering a unique twist on the classic burger.
Native Burger’s Big Ass Burgers
Native Burger in the Richmond excels with its Big Ass Burgers, featuring thick, juicy patties and a variety of toppings, including the crowd-favorite candied bacon.
Fort Point Valencia’s Perfect Pairing
Fort Point Valencia serves a cheeseburger with crisped-up patties and American cheese on a buttered sesame seed bun, best enjoyed with a Korean-style lager.
When exploring San Francisco’s burger scene, you’ll find that there’s a burger for every occasion, whether it’s a post-game celebration, a break from sightseeing, or simply a craving for something delicious. Each burger joint offers its own unique take on this classic American dish, ensuring that your quest for the perfect burger is as exciting as the city itself.
