Flavio De Morais – San Francisco

Tag: San Francisco

  • The Ultimate Guide to the Best Burgers in San Francisco (2025)

    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

    1. Plan your neighborhoods: Hit the Mission one day (ABV, Side A, True Laurel), then the Marina (Causwells), then the Richmond (Laundromat).
    2. Go off-peak: Lunch at 2 PM or dinner before 6 PM means shorter waits.
    3. Bring friends: Split burgers and sides so you can sample more.
    4. 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.

  • 🌉 San Francisco’s Top Restaurants to Try in 2025: The Ultimate Foodie Guide

    San Francisco is a city that eats well — and expects you to do the same.
    Between its legendary sourdough, cutting-edge tasting menus, bustling Chinatown, and waterfront seafood houses, SF’s dining scene is one of the most exciting in the country. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or you’re a local looking to discover a new favorite, this guide will help you find the very best places to eat — from Michelin-starred temples to casual neighborhood gems.

    🥂 Why San Francisco’s Restaurant Scene Stands Out

    Few cities in the world combine cultural diversity, innovation, and access to fresh ingredients like San Francisco. Here’s why the food here feels so special:

    • Cultural Mosaic: SF is a hub of immigration and creativity. You’ll find world-class Cantonese dim sum, soulful Mexican burritos, Japanese kaiseki, Ethiopian stews, and Peruvian ceviche — often within a few blocks of each other.
    • Farm-to-Table Pioneers: The Bay Area practically invented the farm-to-table movement. Expect menus that change with the seasons, featuring produce from small Northern California farms.
    • Innovation & Playfulness: From fermentation labs to re-invented classics, chefs here are tinkerers. A plate might look like art — but taste like home cooking.
    • Breathtaking Settings: Imagine enjoying oysters while watching the sunset over the Golden Gate, or eating in a chic converted warehouse in the Mission District.

    🍽️ Top Fine Dining Restaurants in San Francisco

    When you’re ready for a splurge, these are the restaurants that make SF’s dining scene shine on a global scale.

    1. Quince (Financial District)

    Three Michelin stars, a serene dining room, and an ever-changing tasting menu sourced from the restaurant’s own farm — Quince is SF fine dining at its most polished. Chef Michael Tusk’s approach is refined but soulful.

    Pro Tip: Book far in advance. Consider the Chef’s Table for a special experience.

    2. Benu (SOMA)

    Chef Corey Lee’s three-star tasting menu is a love letter to precision, culture, and flavor balance. Expect dishes that bridge Asia and California — think thousand-year-old quail egg with ginger, lobster coral soup dumplings, and other mind-bending bites.

    When to Go: Great for milestone celebrations or anniversaries.

    3. The Wild (New Entry)

    One of 2025’s buzziest new restaurants, The Wild combines a cool, contemporary dining room with playful, seasonal tasting menus. It recently earned a Michelin star and is quickly becoming a must-try.

    🍷 Mid-Splurge & Neighborhood Gems

    For a night out that feels special — without the $400 tasting menu price tag — these spots deliver personality and outstanding food.

    4. Four Kings (Chinatown)

    Part Cantonese nostalgia, part inventive twist. This restaurant reimagines classics like clay pot rice and mapo tofu with bold, modern flavors.

    5. San Ho Won (Mission/SOMA)

    A Korean barbecue restaurant that’s as much about the sides as the meats. The quality of the beef, the charcoal grilling, and the carefully thought-out banchan make this a standout.

    6. Kokkari Estiatorio (Embarcadero)

    Elegant Greek cuisine in a warm, rustic-chic space. Whole roasted lamb shanks, grilled octopus, and mezze platters are the stars.

    7. La Mar Cebichería Peruana (Waterfront)

    Bright, vibrant flavors in a beautiful bayfront setting. The ceviches and tiraditos are as photogenic as they are delicious.

    8. House of Prime Rib (Van Ness)

    A San Francisco institution serving massive cuts of prime rib carved tableside. The salad, sourdough, and classic sides complete the retro-steakhouse experience.

    🍕 Casual Eats & Local Favorites

    Sometimes the best food in SF is the kind you grab with your hands.

    • Golden Boy Pizza (North Beach): Iconic pan-style pizza by the slice.
    • Outerlands (Outer Sunset): Perfect for brunch after a beach walk; think grain bowls, rustic bread, and stellar coffee.
    • Thanh Long (Outer Sunset): Famous for its roasted Dungeness crab and garlic noodles.
    • Mandalay (Richmond): Burmese food that’s been warming bellies for decades — try the tea leaf salad.

    🌱 Hidden Gems & New Hotspots

    If you want to avoid tourist lines, check out:

    • Verjus: Wine-driven dining in a cozy space, great for date nights.
    • Prelude: One of the latest Michelin Guide additions, serving seasonal, artful plates.
    • Breadbelly at Pier 70: For a sweet treat, this beloved bakery just opened a new outpost serving kaya toast and inventive pastries.

    🗓️ When & How to Dine Like a Local

    • Book Early: Resy and OpenTable fill up fast — especially for Quince, Benu, House of Prime Rib.
    • Go Early or Late: Beat the rush at casual spots by going before 6 PM or after 8 PM.
    • Ride Share > Drive: Parking is notoriously tricky. Lyft, Uber, or Muni can save stress.
    • Dress the Part: Some fine dining spots lean formal; check before you go.

    🥢 Sample Foodie Itineraries

    Here are three ways to plan a day of eating in SF:

    The Luxe Day

    • Lunch: Slanted Door (modern Vietnamese on the water)
    • Afternoon Snack: Humphry Slocombe ice cream
    • Dinner: Quince or Benu

    The Neighborhood Crawl

    • Morning: Dim sum in Chinatown
    • Afternoon: Espresso in North Beach + Golden Boy Pizza
    • Dinner: Pasta or cioppino in Fisherman’s Wharf

    The Casual & Local Day

    • Breakfast: Tartine Bakery (Mission)
    • Lunch: Outerlands near the beach
    • Dinner: Burmese at Mandalay or crab at Thanh Long

    ✨ Final Thoughts

    San Francisco rewards curiosity. Whether you’re spending $10 on a slice of pizza or $500 on a tasting menu, what matters most is how each meal tells a story about this city: its people, its history, and its love of good food.