Best Burgers in San Francisco (2025)

A late-night ritual for locals, Nopa’s wood-grilled, grass‑fed burger comes with house pickles and perfect fries. Frequently cited by Eater SF; Esquire also spotlighted its from‑scratch approach. Grab a bar seat for the full experience.

Since 1979, this Market Street landmark serves a legendary burger on rosemary focaccia with housemade pickles. Featured in The New York Times and Eater SF; included on the San Francisco Chronicle’s 2025 best burgers list.

The Marina’s cult‑favorite Americana burger channels a souped‑up Double‑Double with crisp onions and house sauce. Endorsed by Eater SF and praised by local food writers; chefs often cite it among the city’s best.

A bar‑only classic: a proprietary beef blend on a house English muffin with thrice‑cooked fries. Highlighted by Eater SF and The Infatuation; it’s the refined burger that keeps regulars returning to Presidio Heights.

From pop‑up to permanent, Smish Smash nails lacy‑edged patties and beef‑tallow fries downtown. The San Francisco Chronicle called it the city’s best smashburger; SFGATE covered its Saluhall debut. Lines are common, and it can sell out.

A 1962 drive‑in still flipping juicy Angus patties, garlic fries, and shakes until late. Celebrated by the San Francisco Chronicle and The Infatuation; part of the city’s living diner culture without the frills.

Since 1955, Red’s serves burgers on crusty sourdough with mustard, onions, and pickles—no lettuce, no tomato—plus cold beers and Bay Bridge views. Regularly included by Eater SF; the official site confirms hours and game‑day energy.

The Marlowe Burger—beef with a touch of lamb, cheddar, caramelized onions, bacon, and horseradish aioli—has become a SoMa rite of passage. Praised by local chefs in the San Francisco Standard and noted by Time Out.

This Mission cocktail bar’s patty melt—a dry‑aged beef patty on beef‑fat‑toasted pain de mie—wins raves. The San Francisco Chronicle calls it a gift from the gods; national outlets have praised the melt’s precision.

Oakland’s smashburger star now cooks in Cole Valley with Woods Beer. The Infatuation gives high marks to its Drive‑Thru burger and crispy‑edged patties; Chronicle coverage notes the SF outpost’s arrival.

A Richmond District indie known for thick, juicy Big Ass Burgers, candied bacon, and twice‑fried fries. Lauded by The Infatuation and beloved by neighbors for generous portions and straightforward flavor.

By day, the wagyu butcher turns out a dripping, lunchtime smashburger with serious char. The Infatuation applauds it; the shop’s site lists burger hours. Expect a quick queue and no frills—just exceptional beef.