“Is there anything as perfect as a simple burger?” Aristotle once mused. Just kidding, but had these delightful handheld 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
Wine Bar
Outdoor Seating | Dogs Welcome
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. They do not accept reservations.
700 Columbus Ave, North Beach, 415.634.7002
In or Around the Mission:
Mission District, Noe Valley
American
Outdoor Seating | Full Bar | Private Party Room
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. They do not take reservations.
3174 16th Street, The Mission, 415.294.1871
Burgers
Grab ‘n Go | Outdoor Seating | Kid-friendly
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. They do not accept reservations.
2240 Mission Street, The Mission, 415.745.9371
In or Near Civic Center: Hayes Valley, Castro
Hayes Valley, Castro
American
Grab ‘n Go | Outdoor Seating | Kid-friendly | Happy Hour | Dogs Welcome | Watch the Game
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. They do not accept reservations.
Californian
Outdoor Seating | Kid-friendly | Dogs Welcome | Full Bar | Private Party Room
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
American
Outdoor Seating | Kid-friendly | Dogs Welcome | Brunch | Full Bar
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. They do not take reservations.
3199 Fillmore St, The Marina, 415.921.3944
American
Outdoor Seating | Kid-friendly | Brunch | Full Bar | Watch the Game | Private Party Room
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.
1944 Union St, The Marina, 415.922.9022
American
Outdoor Seating | Happy Hour | Dogs Welcome | Brunch | Full Bar
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.
2346 Chestnut Street, The Marina, 415.447.6081
American
Outdoor Seating | Brunch | Full Bar | Private Party Room
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.
3640 Sacramento Street, Presidio Heights, 415.931.5100
