By Kat Bein And Michael McCarthy By Kat Bein And Michael McCarthy | July 1, 2024 | Food & Drink, Feature, Guides,
We searched high and low for San Francisco’s 10 best burgers of the moment and learned a thing or two about grilled perfection.
The M&L Burger at Miller & Lux
MILLER & LUX
Tyler Florence doesn’t do anything halfway. The same applies to the M&L Burger at his clubby space at the Chase Center. The brilliant creation includes a dry-aged blend of free-range beef, Mt. Tam triple cream, bacon jam, onion rings and watercress. The truffle fries are brilliant complements to an inspired creation. 700 Terry A Francois Blvd., 415.872.6699, millerandluxrestaurant.com
BEEPS
Beloved by locals and long-hailed as the best burger in San Francisco, this midcentury monolith serves juicy burgers in the old-fashioned way. Since 1962, folks have walked right up to the counter and ordered a Beep Burger at a quarter or a half pound, and there’s a veggie burger on deck too. Add-ons include American or cheddar cheese, bacon, egg and avocado, plus you can get French fries, garlic fries, curly fries or onion rings. 1051 Ocean Ave., 415.584.2650, beepsburgers.com
CAUSWELLS
Come to Causwells and chow down on delicious menu items, but if you’re looking for a bomb burger, the American Burger is your all-around pick. American cheese lends the name, but the Causwell sauce puts other burgers to shame. It comes with lettuce, pickles and onion. Its disciples will tell you this is the best burger they’ve eaten in any city, anywhere. Add avocado, bacon, fried egg or pickled jalapenos for an upcharge. Don’t skip out on the fan-favorite crispy onion side! 2346 Chestnut St., 415.447.6081, causwells.com
THE BUTCHER SHOP
Niku is a must-try destination for burger fans who crave premium cuts of meat. This top-tier eatery serves A5 Wagyu from Japan, Australia and the U.S., plus meats from Spain, Tasmania and more. Of course, we’re talking burgers, and the lunch special at Niku takes that top-shelf meat and turns it into one of the best darn burgers you’ll ever bite into. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., indulge in a smash burger with pickles, lettuce, tomatoes, grilled onions, American cheese and special sauce on a toasted brioche bun; or dive into the Butcher’s Burger with pickles, lettuce, tomatoes, kewpie ponzu mayo and butchers butter on a toasted brioche bun. The fries come with kewpie ponzu mayo and Yukari shiso powder for a unique flavor explosion. 57 Division St., 415.829.2306, nikubutchershop.com
MARLOWE
This bistro is so proud of its burger that it brands it with its name. The Marlowe Burger has caramelized onions, cheddar cheese, bacon and horseradish aioli for a delightful kick. The meal includes a side of fries, and if you feel extra fancy, you can order the Burger and Bordeaux, which offers all the same plus an 8-ounce glass of Château Bonnin, Lussac Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux, France 2016. 500 Brannan St., 415.777.1413, marlowesf.com
The Tavern Burger at Wayfare Tavern
SPRUCE
Spruce is known for its fine dining and multi-course menus with caviar service, but head over to the bar and lounge, and you’ll discover one of the most delicious and luxurious burgers in San Francisco. This plate is flavorful, served on an English muffin bun and a side of French fries. 3640 Sacramento St., 415.931.5100, sprucesf.com
LOUIE’S ORIGINAL
Launched two years ago with much fanfare because of its mother ship (Bacchus Management Group, creator of Michelin-starred Spruce), the restaurant’s Big Sister Burger is a showstopper. The creation includes white cheddar, romaine lettuce, Roma tomato and pickled vegetables stacked under a housemade English Muffin bun. 1685 Mariposa St., 628.221.0221, louiesoriginal.com
ZUNI CAFE
This James Beard award-winning restaurant has been in operation since 1979, and it’s remained a top establishment through the decades. The menu focuses on seasonal and organic ingredients, and the kitchen’s Stemple Creek Ranch grass-fed hamburger is one of the stars. Served on rosemary focaccia with aioli and Zuni pickles, this elite burger can be dolled up even more with Shelburne Farms cheddar cheese, Bayley Hazen blue cheese, grilled onions, heirloom tomatoes and house-smoked bacon. 1658 Market St., 415.552.2522, zunicafe.com
WAYFARE TAVERN
Grilling is like breathing for Tyler Florence, and that philosophy shines here. The Tavern Burger is a little miracle of taste, texture and ingredients, with the kitchen’s proprietary grind of beef, Marin brie, red onion marmalade and smoked bacon stacked under a brioche bun. When the waitstaff asks if you want to add a sunnyside-up egg, the answer should always be an emphatic yes. 558 Sacramento St., 415.772.9060, wayfaretavern.com
THE PLANT CAFE
A favorite for vegans, vegetarians and carnivores alike, The Plant Cafe offers a variety of healthy, organic and locally sourced treats. The plant burger here is expert-approved and sure to impress the taste buds of those who never eat meat and those who do. The vegan patty is made from lentils, mushrooms, beets, cashews and bulgar wheat and comes topped with grilled onions, lettuce, tomato and vegan aioli on an acme bun. 2335 Third St., 415.801.5089, theplantcafe.com
Photography by: COURTESY OF MILLER & LUX; COURTESY OF WAYFARE TAVERN