“Is there anything as perfect as a simple burger?” Aristotle once mused. Just kidding, but had these delightful hand-held creations existed in Ancient Greece, philosophers would surely wax poetic about them. An ideally-balanced symphony of fat, salt, carbs and crunch, few foods are as satisfying and well-rounded as these joyous stacks.
Sadly, they are not without issues. As most people are aware of, factory farming and greenhouse gas emissions are an ever-growing problem, and beef is a huge culprit. That said, there are farms that take a more responsible approach, which we try to focus on in this list.
Featured Photo: Wesburger ‘n’ More
In or Around Fisherman’s Wharf:
Ghirardelli Square, Russian Hill, North Beach
700 Columbus Ave, North Beach
Quality beer, wine and food in one of San Francisco’s most vibrant locations, North Beach. You also can’t miss out on their widely recognized breakfast burritos packed with flavors and cheesiness.
In or Around the Mission:
Mission District, Noe Valley
3174 16th Street, The Mission
While it’s touted for its drinks — no surprise, look at the name — ABV also produces an unforgettable burger. A cozy spot with limited seating, this is one of the best places in the city to belly up to the bar. Burgers are served medium-rare, topped with melted cheese, onion, lettuce, pickles, secret sauce and come with a side of spicy jalapeño chips. The veggie burger here isn’t a sad afterthought like at many places, either.
2240 Mission Street, The Mission
Another spot offering smash-style burgers, the menu at Wesburger ‘n’ More is fun (tater tots abound), affordable (3 ounce smash patty on a Martin’s roll for $6.50) but most importantly of all, delicious. Heat-seekers will gush over the Hot Wes, which comes with onion rings, queso, and pickled jalapeños. Vegetarians will love the fact that any burger can be made with an Impossible patty. There are also gluten-free and vegan options, as well. A truly inclusive place.
In or Near Civic Center: Hayes Valley, Castro
Hayes Valley, Castro
Starting as a whole animal meat company in San Francisco in 2009 — you may have seen their chicharrones on store shelves — Ryan Farr opened up his restaurant 4505 Burgers & BBQ on Divisadero Street in 2014. Featuring a historic wood-fired barbecue pit and a sprawling outdoor space covered with picnic tables, the restaurant works closely with farmers and ranchers to produce its barbecue from humanely-raised animals. Order the Best Damn Grass-Fed Cheeseburger, add bacon and/or an egg.
Let’s get down to brass tacks here. The burger is comprised of Stemple Creek Ranch beef that is seasoned and ground daily, your pick of cheddar, gruyere or blue cheese, served on house made brioche, with lettuce, pickled red onions, organic ketchup on the side, and a side of house made Kennebec potato chips. And how does it come out? Juicy, thick, packed with flavor. A burger that keeps its structural integrity with just the right amount of cheese-melt. In short: a dream.
In or Near Presidio:
Cow Hollow, Marina, Presidio Heights
3199 Fillmore St, The Marina
Set in an aesthetic blend of historical and modern appeal, Balboa Cafe is the hub for classic dishes. But don’t miss out on their menu favorite: the Balboa burger on a baguette. It comes with housemade pickles & onions, butter lettuce and shoestring fries, with plenty of options for add-ons to curate the perfect burger.
1944 Union St, The Marina
Burger lovers have a few options at this Perry’s restaurant. Try their slyders for a meal of three mini cheeseburgers or their ‘Impossible’ Smashburger for the vegetarian restaurant-goers. But of course, don’t overlook the Perry’s Burger; add avocado or bacon for even a little more flair.
2346 Chestnut Street, The Marina
Helmed by Chef Adam Rosenblum, Causwells has become somewhat of a pilgrimage restaurant for smash-style burger aficionados. Offering consistently superb fare in a non-fussy atmosphere, it’s easy to see why the accolades keep rolling in. The Americana Cheeseburger is a thing of beauty — scoring highest marks in terms of flavor, ratio, size and quality. Cocktails are also something to write home about here, with fun summer varieties and other seasonal options popping up year-round.
3640 Sacramento Street, Laurel Heights
A mainstay on “best of” burger lists for decades and with good reason. Served on an English muffin bun, the patty is a blend of short rib, sirloin and brisket that’s ground in-house every day. It is topped with pickled red onion and zucchini, tomato, and a caper remoulade that betrays the restaurant’s Michelin-star status. Be sure to order the fries. Fried in duck fat, they may be the best you’ll ever have.
Who’s writing these?
Meet our always-hungry team team of foodies who have compiled this list.
Please let us know if we’ve missed your favorite eat@localgetaways.com.
