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Burgermeister

4 star rating
based on 286 reviews

Categories: Hot Dogs, Burgers  [Edit]

Neighborhood: Cole Valley
86 Carl Street
(between Clayton St & Cole St)
San Francisco, CA 94117
(415) 566-1274
Hours:

Mon-Sun. 11:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.

Good for Groups:
No
Accepts Credit Cards:
No
Parking:
Street
Attire:
Casual
Price Range:
$$
Good for Kids:
Yes
Takes Reservations:
No
Delivery:
No
Take-out:
Yes
Waiter Service:
Yes
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes
Outdoor Seating:
Yes
Good for:
Lunch, Dinner
Alcohol:
Beer & Wine Only

286 reviews for Burgermeister

Review Highlights   

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"I'd seen if from the N-Judah daily, and I love hamburgers." (in 22 reviews)
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"They use super high quality Niman Ranch beef and put it on a yummy buttery…" (in 12 reviews)
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"And the milkshakes are made with Mitchell's Ice Cream, and are so delicious." (in 7 reviews)
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Sort by: Yelp Sort | Date | Rating | Elites'
Photo of Roanna z.

Elite '09

60

427

Roanna z.

Vancouver, BC

Canada

4 star rating
Updated - 10/22/2009

Hey, what do you know, I ate Chinese food an hour ago and I'm hungry again LoL!!
My friend called me to meet at Burgermeister, at the top of Cole where the N drops you off. I said hey cool! I want french fries. (I know, quelle surprise!)
I hadn't been here in years, and it's exactly the same. I DO love when things don't change much in my absence.
Newsflash, no glutenous products in meat. Yay. Extra pickles please.

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1 Previous Review: Show all »

  • 4 star rating
    1/9/2007

    Yum! Just let it all hang out.... eat the meat!  (the fries aren't bad either!)
    friendly people,… Read more »

Photo of Pam B.

Elite '09

425

428

Pam B.

Oakland, CA

3 star rating
11/2/2009

Despite my previous declaration that I had, in fact, found the perfect burger (for me, at least) in the Bay Area, I am still on the quest for even better cheesy-meaty-bun deliciousness.

A brief look up when riding the N Judah had me staring at Burgermeister, so after my hour long paid bitch session, my stomach urged me to move in the direction of the meat...after a quick look on Yelp on the iPhone to see what it was all about.  In reality, I just read Ruggy's since he's the first name who jumped out.

Of course, since I fail at MUNI on a regular basis, I overshot it and had to turn around to come back, but no matter.  It wasn't that busy, and I ordered very quickly.  Burger, cheddar cheese, sweet potato fries, and a soda.  To the grand total of $17.03 (which I was warned about via Ruggy's review).  I thought I did my math correctly, but apparently a soda is $4 or so.  And I had to get that soda myself.

The burger was decently juicy, I could make Trader Joe's sweet potato fries better at home, a crazy person was lurking outside with his pumpkin (although it was nice to sit outside)...so it wasn't entirely tragic.  

Bottom line, even though there was a tip jar there, and I support tipping almost everything, I saw no reason to tip for the most minimal of effort on a ridiculously expensive meal that you can only pay for  in cash.  

Granted, it's on a line I ride in a neighborhood I'd kill to live in, so it's entirely possible I'll be back.

Right after I rob this bank.

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Photo of Lanette Jane S.

Elite '09

131

131

Lanette Jane S.

Dana Point, CA

3 star rating
11/1/2009

Dude....cash only....total bummer.  Especially since I had just stepped off of a plane and had already been financially raped buying water at the airport (5 dollars for a 16 oz bottle??? Really???).  And an ATM only helps if you actually have money in your bank account..which....I don't.

The burger was good, though it would have been better if the bun were toasted.  The real star of the show was the sauce that came with the onion rings.....it is officially on the list of sauces I want to pour all over my body.

So...1 star for cash only
5 stars for the sauce
3 stars for the burger and topping choices.

Next time I'm in the area, I would totally go back.

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Photo of ruggy j.

Elite '09

4994

694

ruggy j.

San Francisco, CA

3 star rating
10/14/2009

Finding Burgermeister was actually more of an accident than it was me seeking out a new burger joint to sink my teefs into. Post-Love Fest a couple of weeks ago, I wasn't paying attention and missed my stop at Duboce on the N-Judah. The next stop was right outside Burgermeister in Cole Valley, and upon exiting the train to head the other direction, the smell of charbroiled meats drew me in like an intoxicated mosquito wooed by the visual sirens of a black light. I was hungry, and couldn't come up with any good reason NOT to saunter in for a quick bite, so I set my sights on the 'Meist and followed my nostrils to freedom.

My nosh was pretty good (chicken cheesesteak) and my lady dug her burger (the San Diego, naturally)... but $9.75 for a cheesesteak and $9.00 for a burger just seems crazy to me. And $9.00 is just the base for the simplest burger on the menu (the classic). If you want cheese, it's an additional $0.75, if you want bacon it's extra, etc.... Their priciest burger on the menu is $13. I know they do the Niman Ranch thing, but still, it's re-donk-ulous to me to spend that kind of money on an American staple like the almighty burger. We're in a recession, people!

I suppose they did have some pretty killer happy hour deals, but that's only for a couple hours per day... but it's still notable, and it earns them an extra star from ol' Ruggy Joesten.

Something else that was a bit wonky was the fact that they're cash only. Yeah, it seems like every place in the city is a cash only establishment, but if a family of four rips in for a meal, they're likely going to drop over $50... in cold hard cash. I understand when a bar is slinging $2 PBRs and it's more of a hassle to implement a credit card system for dirt cheap beer, but when you're charging that much money for a pretty standard burger, it's just annoying that you can't pay with plastic. Not one to compare apples to oranges, but the new spot on Divisadero, Acme Burgerhaus, does the same exact thing (gourmet burgers made up of only Niman Ranch beef) for at least $3 cheaper, and you can pay with your CC.

If the affluent types that call this part of town home want to pay over-inflated prices for a burger that you can likely be found anywhere in SF, all power to 'em. I, on the other hand, will be a little more conservative with my meaty consumptions and head for a place with a better deal.

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Photo of Matt G.

Elite '09

788

1153

Matt G.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
10/13/2009 2 photos

I picked up my kids after some geeky sci-fi gathering club with their friends. We landed here for an early dinner.

My dining experience at all the San Francisco's Burgermeisters have been a positive one. Their burgers and foods are constantly top-notch and the service and most of workers are nice to me. "Man, I don't know the workers. I'm not a celebrity!"

I had one the restaurant's customized burgers, which was the "San Francisco" Burger. The $11.50 burger had 1/3 of a patty with Grilled Onions, Grilled Mushrooms and Bleu Cheese in a toasted bun. Yes, indeed that was a nasty and disgusting burger... but good flavor with the crumbled Bleu Cheese.

My burger: http://www.yelp.com/bi...

I also like the restaurant's kid-selection, but my kids wanted to eat like the "Big Boys"! (Guess who they took after?) So they split an order of Chicken Strips with Fries. For $9.25, you get four medium-sized lean chicken meat battered to a crispy golden brown. The kids get two piece each and evens perfectly. (My picture showed three, but my daughter ate one of them before I took a picture).

Chicken Strip meal:  http://www.yelp.com/bi...

There are numerous awards from various sources posted all over the restaurant, including a Yelp Sticker on the main-door.

Cash only here, but there is also an ATM Machine inside with a fee charged. Friendly and efficient service will see more of me/us very soon.

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Photo of K H.

 

10

217

K H.

Fremont, CA

3 star rating
11/6/2009

Stumbled in here after getting off the N just because I wanted to see what was going on with the Happy Hour after I got off work.  Decent burger, cash only, not much room to sit so it can get pretty crowded easily.  Net-net, just OK.

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Photo of Ankur P.

 

75

153

Ankur P.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
9/13/2009

Delicious.  A giant turkey burger with delicious salad and flavorful blue cheese and mushrooms.

The chicken wings were average and so were the fries, but the delicious burger made up for it.

I'd come back.

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Photo of Jennifer W.

Elite '09

225

300

Jennifer W.

Berkeley, CA

3 star rating
8/30/2009

I expected great things, but Burgermeister tore me apart.

CASH ONLY :(

The burgers were large, which was almost necessary for the price. Even with its questionable meat components, hot dogs are no mystery to me. However, I was pleasantly surprised by the hot dogs served here. They were footlong and piled high with sides. It was great, but made for quite the mess. I was impressed by the selection of fries and onion rings. The onion rings were fried nice and light. The garlic curly fries were garlicy. The regular fries and sweet potato fries were great as well. While the boy behind the counter was awfully cute, the experience was lacking in waiter service, which I believe could have enhanced my likability of this place. I also have to mention the smell of burgers and fries lingering in the car the day after.

The Verdict: It's expensive, but do treat yourself once in a while. It is a $9 burger after all!

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Photo of Carl C.

 

8

49

Carl C.

New York, NY

4 star rating
9/19/2009

I'm lucky I had cash on me, since I was probably the only one with cash out of my friends. Downside? This place isn't super cheap and that left me pretty sober that night since a lot of SF is cash only as well. There is an ATM inside but most probably requires a service charge. There are the bank ATMs on Haight; it's just a question of whether you want to go up and down the hills again.

I had the Western because I love BBQ sauce and onion rings on burgers (thanks Carl's Jr. for giving me my quick fixes). It was really good but nothing spectacularly mind-blowing or different about it but still a really good homey burger. It definitely was a knife-and-fork burger since the bottom bun is drenched in BBQ sauce. Really appreciate how soft the buns are too.

Burgers come with fries that you can substitute (for a bit more money) with curly fries and onion rings. The best choice was curly fries as it gave you good flavor and good crunch. The regular fries were a bit too thick cut so you get a lot more of that soft potato inside but if that's your thing, go ahead. Onion Rings weren't too seasoned so it's best to accompany it with your sauce of choice. My friend said that her batch had too much oil inside that oozed out so that might be something to consider.

Don't forget to peruse the list of FREE additional sauces at the register; the Roasted Red Pepper Aioli was yumtastic.

Desperately wanted to try a milkshake but couldn't do it because: 1.) not enough cash, 2.) the burger and fries are ridiculous huge, and 3.) I was wearing a button shirt that fits tight already before I put food in my stomach and I was not about to tragically bust buttons on the dance floor that night.

Plus points - this Burgermeister location is on a street that shares my name and the guy who was working was pretty cute too.

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Photo of Mason P.

 

1

19

Mason P.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
10/2/2009

Pros: Free refils, great food, good quantity of it too, apropriate little burger joint style.  Outdoor seating

Cons: A little pricey, cash only...wtf.  

Just come prepared and it's not a big deal.  They have an ATM inside just in case.  

No major cons except a real meal will cost you $14 or $15.  But i got an order of chili curly fries (yeah sounds awesome hu) for $5 including tax and that was well worth it.  

Oh and they have quite a few beers on tap too which is cool.

I recommend it for burger people.  Not quite the best, but defineatly far from mediocre or the worst.

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Photo of Paul K.

 

143

254

Paul K.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
8/6/2009

Great burgers here.  It has a nice charbroiled taste.  The sesame buns are toasted perfectly.  Burgers come with regular fries or salad, but for extra, you can also order curley fries, garlic curley fries.  They will also do half salad and half fries if you want a bit of both.  

The burgers are a bit pricey (around $9-12 for a burger before tax) for a place like this, but it's worth it.  They have several beers on tap - Fat Tire, Prohibition are always good with a burger.  If you're not in the mood to drink they make a mean vanilla malt.  Getting a table can be a bit challenging during peak hours.

We also tried the Daly City & Castro locations, but the food is better at Cole Valley.

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Photo of Christina F.

Elite '09

81

218

Christina F.

Belmont, CA

4 star rating
8/2/2009

The signs on the front window are a bit misleading, making you think this is a regular priced burger joint.  Burger, fries, soda for $7.50?  Sounds totally reasonable.  Until you go inside, and realize all those specials only pertain to folks eating lunch M-Thurs. So if you're a sucker like me who just wants to enjoy a burger on a rare sunny Sunday in the city, be prepared to shell out over $15 for a simple burger and fries.

How a place that charges so much for their food yet not accept credit cards is beyond me.

The grumbling was stifled when I bit into the burger - okay, okay....it's good.  Sweet potato fries came with a nice chili mango sauce.  Offering a whole wheat bun allows me to enjoy this guilt free.  Alright, darn it.  They can keep their four stars.

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Photo of Andrew B.

 

3

3

Andrew B.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
9/20/2009

I like this place a lot. Never had an honest-to-god hamburger here, but you can get a nicely grilled Boca burger with cheese, bacon, all the fixin's, a plate of curly fries and a tap beer for about $18. A little expensive, but this location is very consistent and the staff are always pleasant. Nice small outdoor seating area across from the N tracks.

Cash only.

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Photo of Amy Y.

 

5

45

Amy Y.

San Francisco, CA

1 star rating
Updated - 10/19/2009

No Stars! Crappy food served by lazy-ass staff.

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1 Previous Review: Show all »

  • 1 star rating
    2/27/2008

    NO STARS! Having waited 30 freaking minutes for my order, I could eaten at Zazie. Being a grade… Read more »

Photo of Laura W.

Elite '09

213

164

Laura W.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
7/26/2009

I've fiiiinally tried Burgermeister and I'm quite impressed!!  I ordered a cheeseburger with curly fries, which was WAY too much food, but I managed to almost finish anyway because it was all so scrumptious.

Their burgers are Capital "J" Juicy, although my first Burgermeister experience was in Daly City, and I have to say, theirs was even juicier and had more char-grilled flavor.  After that, I HAD to try the Cole Valley location which is within block of my house.

Too bad I came on a Saturday when there are no specials, so my food was wicked expensive.  The bill was $13 - for one burger with fries.  Granted, I chose the curly fries, added cheese, and had to pay tax + healthy SF.  But I didn't even get a drink!  That's pretty much a rip-off.

Now I'm torn between 3 or 4 stars... although the burger itself deserves 4.5 stars!  I like it better than Darla's, but atmosphere/ price/ cash-only annoyance all adds up.  For $13 I should have gotten a free brownie surprise along with the bill!  I'm sure I'll be back because it's sooo delicious, but maybe on a weekday when they have specials, cause I'm cheap like that.

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Photo of Janice C.

Elite '09

392

406

Janice C.

San Francisco, CA

3 star rating
7/2/2009 2 photos

3.5 stars

Monday night was an especially trying time at work.  

I was born and raised Catholic, even though I don't go to church anymore, I still believe in the power of prayer.  So, I took a moment to recite the first line of the Serenity prayer:

"God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change"

Things such as paying bills.

Or working full time.

Or dealing with stupid people.

If this prayer fails you (!), there's always Burgermeister.

Albeit on the expensive side, $9 guarantees you to a delicious Niman Ranch beef patty sandwiched between two soft buns with lettuce, tomato, red onion and pickles on the side.  (extra 75 cents for cheese, $1.50 for bacon or avocado)

The garden burger is also another savior.  Give it a try.

Don't forget the side of roasted garlic fries.  Perfectly cooked and golden with tons of chopped garlic.

The garlic comes in handy warding off stupid people who come up to you, when they can obviously see you're really busy and asking: "can I ask you a question...."

* with mouth wide open say *

"No!"

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Photo of Sara L.

 

0

1

Sara L.

San Francisco, CA

3 star rating
7/5/2009

I rounded up from 2.5 because it was the forth of july and you can only expect so much on such a busy day. And it was cool of them to be open on the holiday.

We had initially wanted to go to pearls, which is my favorite of the burger joints that I've been to. I didn't think they were open (after calling them a few times with no answer) so we decided to go to another place.

This place is right between our apartment and pier 39, where we were going to see some sky explosions afterwards, and the reviews didn't seem all that bad, so we headed up that way to grab a burg, as 4th of july is unofficial national burgz day.

I should have avoided using the restroom at all, but after waiting for about 15 minutes for the 3 people ahead of me to use the single unisex bathroom (i know, right? ew.) it was my turn. oh boy. it was pretty gross. Smelly, graffiti covered, water all over the floor, no where to hang my purse. :(:(

It was, understandably, crowded and loud... tough to find seating, and when we did, it was at one of their tall booth things. Hard to enjoy a burger while youre teetering on an unstable stool and cant reach the floor. my boyfriend ended up standing the whole time.

The most important part of the whole trip: the food. I had the classic burger with regular fries... something extremely standard. The burger was a little charred tasting. It reminded me, unfortunately, of burgerking and kind of grossed us out. The fries were pretty good though with some ketchup.

I wasn't extremely pleased with this place, I may go back again and give them another chance. Maybe it won't be as crazy, and I can try a different menu item. maybe onion rings. :)

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Photo of Lorna M.

 

7

28

Lorna M.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
8/22/2009

Bring a friend, make a friend, but share your burger from Burgermeister.

I love a good burger. And I love the burg' at Burgermeister. But given my svelte composition, I just can't handle the 8oz on me lonesome.

I must thank each and every one of my friends who have helped me enjoy 1/2 a Burgermeister burger on all those occasions we shared. If it weren't for you, I may never have known the wonder that is the Burgermeister Niman Ranch cheeseburger!

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Photo of Derrick T.

 

0

1

Derrick T.

San Francisco, CA

2 star rating
10/14/2009

I work on Haight St. and take the N to work nearly every day so I have seen the Burgermeister restaurant countless times when I get off at Carl and Cole.  Although I'd never eaten there I decided to take my parents to lunch at Burgermeister one day when they drove up from San Diego to visit.

We arrived at about 1:00 or so on a Friday and upon entering saw there was already a huge line.  We had had trouble finding a parking space and I already had to go to the bathroom so by that time I was nearly bursting.  I located the restroom key but the moment I grabbed it the enormous man behind the counter informed me it was for customers only.  I tried to tell him that I was with my parents who were waiting in line but he refused to let me use the bathroom because I hadn't ordered yet.  

Disgruntled, I let it slide and waited until we got up to the counter.  My mother started to order but the same man immediately held up his finger for quiet, turned around and took out someone else's food.  I understand it's busy and you're the only one working (what's up with that anyway, can't afford another employee?...) but a simple, "I'll be with you in a moment" would have been nice.  My mother, who is hard of hearing, had trouble understanding the menu and had to ask to have things repeated to which the man responded with a snooty voice and enunciated everything very slowly as if she was a child.  I was so angry I almost cancelled and left right then.

The food is ridiculously overpriced.  They charge for EVERYTHING.  Every little upgrade or topping adds on until a bacon cheeseburger and fries cost 15 dollars.  Our entire meal (including drinks) cost over 40 dollars.  Who has that kind of money to spend on hamburgers??  The food itself was decent but it's hard to mess up a burger and fries unless you practically do it on purpose.

I would almost be willing to let the prices slide if it hadn't been for the horrible customer service.  I'm shocked that a restaurant that proudly displays countless awards on its walls would employ someone as rude as the employee we dealt with.  I will NOT be returning to Burgermeister.

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Photo of Daniel S.

 

0

20

Daniel S.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
10/4/2009

I love Burgermeister.  Sure, there can be a wait at times, but that happens when everyone else wants a delicious burger and shake.  You can't go wrong with the California or Western.  Ask for it medium and enjoy a fabulous burger.

Tips:  Call ahead and get it to go.  You won't have to fight for a seat when it is busy.  If you are not super, duper hungry, share a burger and fries.  It's enough food for two people.

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Photo of John B.

 

2

35

John B.

San Francisco, CA

2 star rating
7/23/2009

Burgermeister used to be awesome...that is until they changed their menu to this a la carte BS and up the ante on their prices.  What used to cost a reasonable $12 dollars for a burger, fries and a ugh (pepsi) now costs about $18 dollars.  

And for all you cash strapped San Franciscans who like to use your plastic...they DON't take credit cards...just a lousy rip off ATM in the corner that charges 3 or 4 dollar service charge.  

It's a shame, this place has great burgers but it's TOO EXPENSIVE NOW.

Go to Holy Grill on Townsend in SOMA instead.

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Photo of Angela H.

Elite '09

557

111

Angela H.

San Francisco, CA

3 star rating
8/4/2009

$19.49 for a burger and a pint of beer = :(

burger with avocado and yummy cheese = :)

pint of stella = :)

eating too much food that was presented = :(

overall emoticon rating = :/

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Photo of Jonathan G.

 

2

4

Jonathan G.

San Francisco, CA

3 star rating
7/26/2009

Hard to beat a good burger, fries and soda lunch for $7.50.  The burgers are good, but probably not worth the money you now have to spend for one if you miss the special.  They do have a decent happy hour though - $2 pints on Thursdays!  That will keep me coming back for sure.

The cash only part is kind of annoying though.  Overall it's a decent burger but I've had better, and from what others say it sounds like the other locations might be better.

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Photo of Sir Paul L.

 

121

106

Sir Paul L.

San Francisco, CA

3 star rating
3/30/2009

Split the fish sandwich with another.  Was very good.  Got the garlic fires for $1.50 extra and loved them.

But I could never justify a $9 burger just by myself.  Good food, but not that good!  That's 2 burritos!

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Photo of Scott L.

 

1

14

Scott L.

San Francisco, CA

2 star rating
9/12/2009

OK burger.  Pretty good hot dog.  Ridiculously expensive for a basic burger joint.  If it wasn't so damn close to my house, I'd never go back.

The Good:  The chili dog, the sliders and a hell of a milkshake.

The Bad:  The burger is fair at best.

The Ugly:  $16 for a chili dog (kid size), fries and a shake?  Seriously?  I canceled the shake to reduce my spend to a mere $12.  When my order came out as chili fries and a dog, I mentioned it to the guy behind the counter who argued with me for a few minutes.  Really?

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Photo of y o M.

 

5

35

y o M.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
3/28/2009

One of the best burgers in memory, but I only have about one a year so I really can't remember the last one. Very tender, good toppings, good fries. Good beer selection on tap.

WARNNG-basic burger, fries and pint run $20 w tip. You shouldn't be eating these daily, but you already knew that.

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Photo of Rachel H.

 

11

92

Rachel H.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
5/1/2009 1 photo

That's weird, I could've sworn I reviewed this place before..

Yeah, it's expensive, but you get what you pay for. A giant-ass burger and a giant-ass side of fries. This is easily two meals for me. Also, the ingredients are top-notch.

I posted a picture of their daily specials board because you can't find that list ANYWHERE for some reason. Maybe they want to keep it a secret. Hah, well, they are foiled now!

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Photo of Stacy Y.

 

6

40

Stacy Y.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
4/17/2009

I've had the Mango Burger with the Mango Chutney and the Bacon Cheese Burger.  I've gone there for lunch, taken burgers home for dinner and taken Mom.  Never once had a bad experience or a bad burger.

Staff is very friendly and quick.

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Photo of Amit S.

Elite '09

168

190

Amit S.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
3/11/2009

Want to know what its like to get all your 5 senses teased? Wait for the doors of the N Judah to open when it exits the tunnel into Cole Valley! The doors open, out goes the smell of perfumes, cologne, sweat, pot, moldy jackets, your rotten day at work, the ugly evening commute, and in comes the aroma of garlic fries, juicy burger meat and warm buns (now! now! I am talking about the wheat product). Your nose gets the first tickle, sends a signal to your brain, that then starts visualizing the burger. Then you start licking your lips and imagining how good the burger would feel in your hand, and then you crane your neck to either look inside or grit your teeth saying "no, I will not succumb to temptation, yet again!".

That being said, I find this location to be way better than any of the other locations. The staff are uber friendly, the burgers are fresh and just exploding with juices and flavor, fries are such a vice being crisp and warm, shakes are heavenly being thick and filling, the food is served quickly, it has that nice neighborhood feel to it, frequented by all, the price is reasonable, beer is good and the choice of indoor or outdoor seating on a summer night is divine! Close to the Haight, Inner Sunset and of course, Cole Valley, it has many major Muni lines passing by it.

I highly recommend trying out their fries (garlic or otherwise.. but watch out for the garlic on a first date), their 1/2 lb. ground beef burger with pepper jack is a good one. Go beyond 1/2 lb. and you probably have to be a meat lover with a large stomach capacity. All the milkshakes are worth trying out.

NOTE: they only take cash, so either have it on you or you can use the ATM they have in there.

My only reason for giving it 4 stars - seating capacity. It is small and often can get so full that you just have to come another time or day... which is not bad since going here too often will have you in the gym often!

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Photo of marcus b.

 

23

15

marcus b.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
3/12/2009

4 stars, cause im a fan, but remeber to bring your WALLET ... i tried to get in while they had specials during the day but missed out.  The food was great, no joke, really really really good food ... but the price really tweaked me ... but the western burger .... damn ... writing this review all i want is another one .. but i have to wait until pay day ;)

its also CASH ONLY ... I have a huge problem with cash only places.  If they took debit card I would eat at this place like once a week...

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4

138

Geno R.

San Jose, CA

4 star rating
5/31/2009

I guess your a foodie when you drive from San Jose to The City just for a hamburger.

Well I'm not solely to blame. My gf was craving a hamburger, and she seem to be tired of the usual affair we have in Man Jose. People will argue this following statement next, but Fuddruckers is one of the best burgers I've ate at a chain restaurant. We haven't had it for a while so we go to the closest one. It was either Daly City or up in the East Bay somewhere. Daly City seemed like a much better drive so we go there only to find out it has closed it's doors because of the economy.

Well things happen for a reason, thus my first experience at BURGERMEISTER!! I open up my Garmin GPS on my smart phone, which seems to perform better than the self-proclaimed Jesus phone, which thy name be the I-Phone. I just searched for a burger joint and Burgermeister came up. What the hell let's check it out.

We park and the outside of the place looks attracting enough with bright colors. Easy to find. However, inside the place was dead. Maybe 1 or 2 persons dining. Not a huge place, but not small either. They have some seating outdoor with some heating apparatuses.

Menu had several items, but not overwhelming like others.  They advertised some deals (you can see a picture here on yelp) during the weekday--which turned out to be great once you see the normal prices. Unfortunately since it was Sunday, there were no deals for us.

We ordered the Tropical burger with roasted garlic curly fries and the Meisterburger with beer battered onion rings. Split between 4 people it was satisfying but I could eat the entire burger myself if presented. Both burgers were ordered Medium, because why get it well done? Just go to any burger joint if you want BURNT DRY BURGERS. Anyways, I only tried the Tropical burger. patty was cooked just right. Juicy and tender. Served with a mango salsa on the side. The garlic fries were good as well, but you should mix them around because the diced garlic was just clumped up in one section. The other 2 in our group who had the Meisterburger demolished it as well. They had only good things to say about their burger and onion rings.

Dressing (except ranch which you have to ask for at the counter) is a help yourself ordeal--ketchup, mustard, bbq sauce, etc. Fountain drinks have refills and you get it yourself.

So why only 4 stars? Like my other reviews I only start deducting when I see problems. The burger was good--great even. I enjoyed my first outing and would definitely come again. The staff was very friendly as well. Place was clean. Portions were satisfying. The only reason I gave it 1 less star was the price. It seemed like $1.00-1.50 overpriced. When you start adding extras, sides, etc, you will see what I mean. I've been to other burger joints that present great quality and flavor for a tad less. Granted this chain has one numerous awards and recognition--as seen plastered along the entire wall, it seemed a bit pricey. Perhaps it was being in SF might have to do with the higher price as is things around here.

Nevertheless, a good burger is a good burger, and this is a good burger. Yes I just wanted to say it 3 times. If you are around the area, try this place out. I'll be back of course. I like to complain about price because thats the reality, but it won't stop me from coming here--and it shouldn't stop you either.

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Photo of Ian G.

 

14

36

Ian G.

Harrison, NY

3 star rating
3/14/2009

Really, for the money, the burgers are okay.  They are flame grilled which gives it the genuine outdoor flavor I ordered medium rare double burger and both were very well done and dry.  I was a little drunk, so I did not send it back, plus I feel guilty throwing out that much meat.  The fried food was superb with good onion rings and very fresh fries.
I do agree it is overpriced for counter served food and cash only is not fun when a beer burger fries and onion rings costs $30.

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Photo of Bill A.

 

4

218

Bill A.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
8/19/2009

The guy at the counter when I went was pretty humorous and upbeat which was a nice change. I got the food to go so I did not get to eat it hot. Overall it is just an average burger. It was kind of burnt and dry and the fries tasted microwaved. Cash only which is a real pain.

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Photo of X L.

 

5

130

X L.

San Jose, CA

4 star rating
4/17/2009

I like the burgers here. Tried on JatBar recommendation & this one was good.

Pros
- Tasty large burgers here with good meat.
- Cozy atmosphere in this small location
- Friendly staff/servers

Cons
- Street parking only

Return Visit
- Yes, if I'm in the area

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Photo of carol y.

Elite '09

200

551

carol y.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
1/1/2009

Please insist in going to Burgermeister with an empty stomach. Their burgers are HUGE and filled with uber delicious goodness. Their menu can be overwhelming for a first timer like myself last week but I ended up choosing a turkey burger in a tropic style (grilled pineapple & mango salsa) with regular fries. My BF got the Meisterburger (avocado, bacon, grilled onions...oh my!) and garlic fries.

Our meal took about 10 mins to be prepared and arrived to our table but the wait was worth it. Wow, the burgers was made to perfection and the Meisterburger was HUGE! HUGE I TELLS YOU! If you ever watched the Travel channel show -- Man vs. Food, wells I think the Meisterburger conquered over my BF's stomach. I was pretty jealous because his burger was really tasty. SO MUCH FLAVORS! But my turkey burger was grilled well and the meat wasn't dry which was a good thing.

I will definitely come back again if I am craving for burgers. The customer service is great and plenty of free condiments too.

However, -1 star because my bottom burger bun was soggy. I dont like soggy buns. =(

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Photo of AJ K.

 

11

33

AJ K.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
5/19/2009

Their burger is delicious, and you get what you pay for.  

Just that I choose not to pay $11 but once a week to splurge on a good burger.  If this were more affordable, i'd definitely be here 3 times a week!

But then again, 3 burgers a week is not exactly good for 'ole digestive tract.  So i'll definitely come back here.  Their beef is from Newman Ranch and is as organic as can be for beef.

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Photo of Timothy O.

 

134

573

Timothy O.

Fresno, CA

5 star rating
Updated - 1/3/2009

Visited the City recently and decided I needed to have a proper cheeseburger. Once here, I decided I also needed a beer. One bacon cheeseburger with a side of onion rings and a frosty Stella Artois some minutes later, I was content, contemplative, refreshed.

In the past, I've always been tempted by their milkshakes or have gotten a fountain soda as part of the lunch deal, but I come here now to recommend the burger and beer - not an everyday thing, but occasional things are more likely to be rituals, right?

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1 Previous Review: Show all »

  • 5 star rating
    8/26/2006

    Best Burger in the City. I can only describe it as "scrumtrelescent."

    Usually, if something is really… Read more »

Photo of Natasha R.

Elite '09

472

189

Natasha R.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
12/11/2008

Top notch burgers that will put you into a blissful food coma. Not a painful 'I ate too much bad meat' coma, but instead a feeling of indulgent satisfaction.

So the half pound meat patty was fantastic and fresh. You can choose your own toppings, and if you get carried away you can easily end up with a $15 burger on your plate.

I like that they have vegetarian and turkey burger options, although I love red meat so much I could never deny myself in a place like this. But my veggie friend accompanied me and enjoyed herself just the same.

Come on Thursday and enjoy a $2 draft, it totally washes the big fat burger down....I feel like such a naughty girl eating this juicy monstrosity and chugging down a hefeweizen. But I assure you, its worth every calorie. ;-)

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Photo of Theodore O.

 

37

208

Theodore O.

Pacifica, CA

2 star rating
Updated - 6/10/2009

It's simply too much money for what you get. not an honest burger...

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1 Previous Review: Show all »

  • 3 star rating
    12/24/2008

    They have great burgers but you'll pay for it! I think i could've gotten a paragon burger for that… Read more »

Photo of Martha P.

 

32

49

Martha P.

Redwood City, CA

5 star rating
7/21/2009

Great burgers and a lot of options of toppings. The burgers are large, but many of the burgers you can get in children size. There are also chicken and veggie options. Plus they have yummy fries and milkshakes.

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