If you think San Francisco is all about sourdough, Dungeness crab, and fancy tasting menus, think again — this city is also a burger paradise. From smash-burger pop-ups to retro drive-ins, grass-fed bistro patties to bone-marrow-topped indulgence, SF offers a burger for every craving and every budget.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best burgers in San Francisco right now — where to find them, what makes them special, and how to plan the perfect burger crawl.
Why Burgers Matter in SF
Burgers are more than just comfort food here. They reflect everything that makes SF’s dining scene special:
- Local sourcing & quality: Many restaurants use grass-fed beef, artisan buns, house-made pickles, and seasonal toppings.
- Innovation & creativity: Bone marrow, kimchi, house-ground blends — SF chefs love to put a twist on the classics.
- Neighborhood culture: Every district has its go-to burger spot, and visiting them is part of exploring the city.
What Makes a Burger Great
Before we jump into the list, here’s what we considered when curating these picks:
- Beef quality & cooking method – Smash or thick patty, grass-fed or grain-fed, seared or charcoal-grilled.
- Bun integrity – Soft but sturdy, holds the juices without falling apart.
- Balance of toppings – Lettuce, tomato, onions, pickles, cheese, and house sauce should work in harmony.
- Fries & sides – Because let’s be honest, a great burger experience includes crispy fries or onion rings.
- Ambiance & value – Whether it’s a retro drive-in or a Michelin-star bistro, the experience should match the price.
The Best Burgers in San Francisco
Here’s a curated list of the top burger spots you need to try in SF — from classic to gourmet.
1. Beep’s Burgers – Retro Perfection Since 1962
Neighborhood: Ingleside
A piece of burger history. Beep’s is a retro drive-in that has been slinging burgers for over 60 years. Think juicy Angus patties, tangy “Beep’s sauce,” and curly fries that taste like your childhood.
- Order this: Double cheeseburger + curly fries + root beer float
- Why go: Nostalgic vibes, affordable prices, generous portions
2. Sam’s – Late-Night Classic
Neighborhood: North Beach
Sam’s is your go-to for post-midnight burger cravings. It’s nothing fancy — just perfectly griddled patties, melted cheese, and fresh toppings.
- Order this: Cheeseburger with grilled onions
- Why go: It’s open late, it’s affordable, and it hits the spot after a night out
3. Causwells – The Marina Favorite
Neighborhood: Marina
Causwells’ American Burger is legendary — a perfectly charred patty stack with melted cheese, special sauce, and crispy onions. Many locals consider this the best burger in SF.
- Order this: The American Burger + garlic fries
- Why go: Consistently rated #1 in town, great for weekend brunch or early dinner
4. Gott’s Roadside – Ferry Building Favorite
Neighborhood: Embarcadero
A polished yet approachable spot serving Niman Ranch burgers with a California twist. Perfect for visitors exploring the waterfront.
- Order this: California Burger (avocado, jack cheese)
- Why go: Great view, great beer selection, family-friendly
5. Pearl’s Deluxe Burger – Big, Bold, and Bison
Neighborhood: Tenderloin
Pearl’s is a classic burger joint offering beef, turkey, chicken, and bison patties. Their creative toppings make every visit exciting.
- Order this: Bula Burger (Swiss, bacon, pineapple, teriyaki)
- Why go: Huge menu variety, generous portions, shakes worth the splurge
6. Spruce – The Fine-Dining Burger
Neighborhood: Pacific Heights
For those who want a gourmet burger experience, Spruce delivers. Their house-ground beef blend is served on a toasted English muffin with impeccable fries.
- Order this: Spruce Burger (add bacon & egg if you’re hungry)
- Why go: Upscale date night or business lunch
7. Nopa – Charcoal-Grilled Excellence
Neighborhood: Divisadero Corridor
Nopa’s wood-grilled burger is smoky, juicy, and balanced by crisp veggies and tangy pickles. This is a burger you savor, not inhale.
- Order this: Nopa Burger + a cocktail from their bar program
- Why go: Perfect for a casual-chic dinner with friends
8. ABV – Mission District Favorite
Neighborhood: Mission
ABV is known for its stellar cocktails and its underrated burger — a juicy, grass-fed patty topped with American cheese, raw onion, and house sauce.
- Order this: Single cheeseburger + tater tots
- Why go: Great drinks, low-key vibe, late-night availability
9. Hi-Way Burger & Fry – Neighborhood Diner Charm
Neighborhood: Noe Valley
Flat-top seared patties, sweet potato fries, and milkshakes make this a great family stop or casual lunch date spot.
10. True Laurel – Patty Melt Paradise
Neighborhood: Mission / Potrero
Technically a patty melt, but one of the best in the city: dry-aged beef, caramelized onions, cheese, and house pickles on buttery toasted bread.
11. The Laundromat – Smash-Burger Nights
Neighborhood: Richmond
Smash-burger lovers, rejoice. The Laundromat hosts burger nights with perfectly crispy patties and a stellar veggie option too.
12. Side A – Bone Marrow Cheeseburger
Neighborhood: Mission
If you want decadence, Side A has you covered with its bone marrow cheeseburger. They even bring the marrow to the table so you can scrape it fresh.
Burger Scene Updates (2025)
- Smash burger boom: Pop-ups like Smish Smash are going permanent, proving that crispy-edged patties are here to stay.
- Farewell to WesBurger: The beloved Mission burger joint closed in July 2025, so pour one out if it was a favorite.
- Creative toppings are trending: Expect to see more bone marrow, unusual cheeses, and creative sauces in 2025.
Tips for the Perfect Burger Crawl
- Plan your neighborhoods: Hit the Mission one day (ABV, Side A, True Laurel), then the Marina (Causwells), then the Richmond (Laundromat).
- Go off-peak: Lunch at 2 PM or dinner before 6 PM means shorter waits.
- Bring friends: Split burgers and sides so you can sample more.
- Stay hydrated: Burgers + beer + walking = thirsty work.
Final Bite
San Francisco’s burger scene is as diverse as its neighborhoods — whether you want a $10 late-night cheeseburger or a $30 bistro masterpiece, you’ll find it here. The best advice? Try a few and decide for yourself.
What’s your favorite burger in SF? Drop it in the comments — this list is meant to evolve as the city’s burger game keeps getting better.