Joe's Cable Car Restaurant

3.0 star rating
779 reviews Rating Details

Categories: Fast Food, Diners, American (Traditional)  [Edit]

4320 Mission St
(between Silver Ave & Tingley St)
San Francisco, CA 94112
Neighborhood: Excelsior
(415) 334-6699
Hours:

Mon-Sun 11 am - 11 pm

Takes Reservations:
No
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Parking:
Private Lot
Attire:
Casual
Good for Groups:
Yes
Good for Kids:
Yes
Price Range:
$$
Delivery:
No
Take-out:
Yes
Waiter Service:
Yes
Outdoor Seating:
No
Wi-Fi:
No
Good For:
Lunch, Dinner
Alcohol:
Beer & Wine Only
Drive-Thru:
No
Noise Level:
Average
Ambience:
Touristy
Has TV:
Yes
Caters:
No
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes

Review Highlights   

user photo
"dont forget to try their onion rings." (in 166 reviews)
user photo
"Don't forget that Joe grinds his own fresh chuck daily." (in 16 reviews)
user photo
"I'm glad Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives spread the word." (in 42 reviews)
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779 reviews in English

  • Review from Brad L.

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    • 13 friends
    • 5 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    3.0 star rating
    1/14/2012 10 Check-ins Here

    This is a pitty 3 stars. Love your burgers, hate your prices. Simple.

    Also I'm not too found of a 7 dollar milkshake. This ain't that joint from pulp fiction. I enjoy  how lauded every other place is compared to yours.

  • Review from Mark G.

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    • 0 friends
    • 3 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    1.0 star rating
    1/17/2012

    After working a terrible shift 60 hours in 5 days , I wanted to take the wife out and have fun... something different. We heard of this place on DDD.. enough said.
    5 bucks for Paul Bunyan size.. ok i am a sucker for anything in Pauls size.  Then 5 bucks for average semi warm fries.. add a 14 dollar burger and a 5 $shake.. were at 30 bucks and thats just me.. any way my wife and I spent 55 bucks on a burger fries and a shake apiece with  average service for a 3 pm seating. Interesting, I did see some family toursists with cameras that had  a few kids and an eye rolling fathers when they received the bill.

    We when received our bill, there was a Joes pin, a Joes magnet calander, the T shirts, Coffee cups, Glasses, the Sweatshirts, Postcards, the match books.. all this guys mark up goes into marketing.. quite an exit strategy for your retirement Joe!
    You got me, I paid into it but that will be it Yo can take more solice in the fact you are now our family barometer baseline for other burger joints.

    Hey, we can eat here again tommorrow for the price of Joes cable car..
    Hey, this was 10 bucks cheaper than Joes and all 5 of us are stuffed.

    Locals stay away

  • Review from David G.

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    • 13 friends
    • 110 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    Updated - 1/9/2012

    All parts of the burger came out very clean. The bun held up like a catchers glove and the meat didn't fall apart. The onions were cut to the right size, so was the cheese, and the avocado was delicious. The burger meat tasted fresh.

    By the way, best napkins on the planet. They're so tough you could  probably do pull-ups with them.

    Listed in: Most Memorable Dishes

    Was this review …?

    1 Previous Review: Show all »

    • 5.0 star rating
      9/15/2006

      Awesome Patty-less Burger!

      Being a vegetarian I can't comment on the taste of the burgers. I can… Read more »

  • Review from Golda R.

    Sunnyvale, CA

    4.0 star rating
    1/8/2012 1 photo

    Came here a few years ago because it was featured on Guy Fieri's show.  It's kind of pricey for a burger and fries meal.  But I admit the burger was good, and I understand the high price - they use fresh ground steak for their patties.

    I like that you can customize your patty size, 4 oz, 6 oz, or 1/2 lb.  At least you have expectations of what size burger you'll be getting.  I also like that they have a wide variety of burgers.  Can't go wrong with lots of choices.

    The fries are okay.  Nothing special - probably because the burgers out shine them.  

    As far as value.  Don't come here expecting value.  And don't come here if you aren't a burger connoisseur either.  It'll just be one expensive burger.

    The place is small, very limited seating and possibly parking (we were lucky).  Also very cozy dining.

  • Review from Tommy S.

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    • 6 friends
    • 7 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    1.0 star rating
    12/30/2011

    Sorry Joe, I really do want to like this place, but:

    $12 for a 4oz burger and you want $1 more for cheese? and no fries????
    Service here is friendly but terrible
    2 people 2 4oz burgers and drinks/fries $50 WAAATTT!!!
    All the price griping aside the burger here sucks, sorry.  You put stale mayo on a stale bun and serve it with stale/wilted tom/lettuce... FAIL
    THUMBS DOWN JOE

  • Review from M A.

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    • 0 friends
    • 18 reviews

    San Bruno, CA

    4.0 star rating
    1/30/2012 1 Check-in Here

    Friendly service, juicy burger, but lacks flavor :( maybe cuz I didn't have mayo? I also got onion rings and they were crisp just right but there was this bad after taste of old or bad oil? Is say 5 stars for friendly service, the whistle u hear whenever u open the door, the decor, but 3 stars all together for food and price. I didn't get a pen or calendar like I read in the review. Oh well. I left super full and that's all that matters.

  • Review from Jessica S.

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    • 1 friend
    • 5 reviews

    Petaluma, CA

    2.0 star rating
    1/9/2012

    Disappointing!

    After hearing rave reviews from my friend and seeing this place on Diners Drive-in's and Dive's, I was super excited to try this place and their famous ground beef patty's. SUCH a let down to walk in and receive such poor service.

    The place was jumping, with 2 servers on duty and the kitchen staff. The third waitress had called in sick, as we later learned after a customer complained about waiting 30+ minutes for their food. It took us about 15-20 minutes to have our order taken, another 20 minutes to get our drinks then another 15 or so before our food was brought. I'm sure the food was good, unfortunately all I can remember is the poor service, the argument between the customer and the staff (customer left without eating or paying) and the HUGE bill that followed.

    Sorry Joe, but you can keep your dusty decorations, looped video's and cranky staff. I won't be back.

  • Review from Shirley P.

    San Francisco, CA

    3.0 star rating
    12/1/2011 4 photos 2 Check-ins Here

    #1 in the Bay Area, I think not.

    #1 when I was a kid and a Joe's burger or the Frisco Burger at what used to be a Peppermill restaurant and is now Moonstar Buffet, yes. Times sure have changed!

    My pediatrician's office was located a block away from Joe's. So yearly visits ended at Joe's til I ventured out to other faves other than burgers. That hanging purple monkey, still there. The pathway with a view of the meat cutting and grinding to cooking, still there. Add to the pricing - they even charge for balloons for the kiddies, c'mon now! The Joe's symbol imprinted on everything from the menus, napkins and ketchup and mustard bottles... I should've looked at the sugar packets to see if those were branded! And yes, I've heard Joe's was on Triple D... and yes, that too is everywhere...

    Juicy burgers, cooked to perfection but be ready to pay the price for extras. Truth be told, the burgers have stayed consistent. But I'm just not too into the fact that it's gone all Hollywood on me...

  • Review from Trisha V.

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    • 2 friends
    • 15 reviews

    San Pablo, CA

    1.0 star rating
    1/23/2012

    Ridiculously bland. Chicken sandwich was dry and tasteless, even with cheese and ketchup. One of my companions was dumping salt and pepper all over his burger (and we all took turns dumping some on the fries). The server didn't even get his order right.

    And $1 extra for a slice of cheese in your sandwich... Really?!

  • Review from Rory H.

    San Francisco, CA

    2.0 star rating
    11/21/2011

    Triple D eh? As in, I got Triple D'd on my $45 lunch plate for 2. In all fairness I knew I was in for a Triple D'ing when I rolled up on the signs in the parking lot requiring patrons to pay at least $25 and to keep your receipt or risk getting towed!?!

    Thanks alot Guy F:

    D1) Carmelized onions in my patty melt were undercooked and fries were overcooked.

    D2) My date got a case of sour stomach from the seemingly triple fried bacon on her burger.

    D3) Patty melt, fries and iced tea cost me $23. OUCH!

    Joe is obviously cashing in on his Zagat and Triple D claims to fame but with very little to back it up other than a decent burger. I'll admit their burgers ain't bad but when we can get better for less YTF would we come back?

  • Review from Stephen C.

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    • 57 friends
    • 11 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    2.0 star rating
    1/20/2012 1 Check-in Here

    The place itself looks cool, the place is famous because its been featured on TV throughout the years. And they got a private parking lot. My grievances is the price,  $12 prices for burgers is very high. And they charge extra $1 per slice for cheese. Water tasted like came from the tap. And the I got like a 4 Oz burger and I think the biggest they go is 8 oz. And you know what, the price for a 4 oz is the same as a 8 oz, $12. Way too pricey. Probably not coming back, burger tasted fine but not worth the price.

  • Review from F.D. R.

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    • 1 friend
    • 27 reviews

    South Gate, CA

    2.0 star rating
    11/23/2011

    This is how I felt after my experience at Joe's:  "Would you mind loaning me some of your lipstick, Mom? Because I wanna at least look pretty the next time you decide to f*&% me!"    Yup, $25.00 for a 4oz burger, onion rings, soft drink, and a waitress telling me that I was wrong in wanting the burger medium-well. Shit, since when is a customer wrong?  Maybe you should "suggest" instead of contradict.  

    1. Joe's Fresh Ground Beef Steak: Sesame seed bun was hard as a rock, meat had some flavor to it but nothing that I have not tasted from a quality burger joint in the 'hood.  
    2.  Onion rings: the only redeeming quality though they definitely were uneven: some were cooked just right, some had grease pouring out of them after each bite.
    3.  Soft drink is a soft drink.    

    If you are going to compare a burger to Burger King, Jack in the Box, or McDonald's to Joe's, of course Joe's will be slightly better but still not par with basic burger quality like an Apple Pan.  The problem is that Joe's is trying to play with the big boys/girls here by pushing the quality of his food like a gourmet burger joint yet they have nothing over a place like Father's Office or Umami, which cost less.

    BTW, why is there a heat lamp in use in the kitchen?

    One star for onion rings and one other star for service. The waitresses were attentive after I showed how annoyed I was with being told I was "wrong."

  • Review from Frank C.

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    • 0 friends
    • 2 reviews

    San Jose, CA

    3.0 star rating
    11/20/2011 4 photos

    My wife and I decited to pay Joes cable car restaurant a vistit after seeing them featured on food networks dinners, drive ins, and dives.

    The food was good. We loved the souvenirs and the cozy environment. But we could do without the waitresses having to wear next to nothing. And everything was itemized. Very expensive visit. Would not visit again. $70.00 for three burgers and a shake is a bit too much. Foods good prices are not.

  • Review from Lara J.

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    • 36 friends
    • 8 reviews

    San Jose, CA

    5.0 star rating
    11/16/2011 1 Check-in Here

    The only reason why I came here in the first place is because of Guy Fieri's show: Diners, Drive-ins & Dives on the food network, I didn't even hear about this place till my bf's family invited me for lunch.

    Any who, the location is pretty easy to find. I love the old diner feel inside, pictures everywhere of fanatics/families/friends whomever else, the episode is on repeat on the TV's all day everyday which is kinda cool. Also your table is filled with a bunch of stuff you could read like the history of the place & where the meat comes from. My favorite thing was earning points by saving your receipts to Joe's Cable Car gifts (hats, mugs, shirts...etc)

    The burgers really are delicious! DUDE! they're steak burgers! I ordered the Country Fresh Ground Beef Steak, this burger comes with EGGS! I love eggs, so this was perfect! I don't know any other place that has a burger with eggs? besides regular breakfast meals.

    You get what you pay for the price. This place is definitely pricey and not anywhere near my budget, but it totally make sense with the type of meat they use to make these burgers! C'mon man!!

  • Review from Maggie G.

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    • 14 friends
    • 43 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    2.0 star rating
    10/10/2011 1 photo

    Yes, Joe's burgers are good, but unless you're willing to spend $21.00 on a burger, fries and drink, I'd go to Fuddruckers.  These burgers are just too expensive.  I'd be happily giving 4 stars if the food was half the price.  

    I'd say that their burgers are equivalent to Fudds, but Fudds has better tasting buns....uh, and at half the price!

    The restaurant is very tiny, has an old time feel once inside, and some of the furniture needs to be replaced.  Service wasn't even great.

    Again, not worth the price.

  • Review from Ryan M.

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    • 3 friends
    • 15 reviews

    Livermore, CA

    2.0 star rating
    1/3/2012

    After seeing this on Triple D, I was hot to come to Joe's to sample the food.  Fast forward to New Year's Eve day and a morning/afternoon spent in The City. Eight of us headed South for lunch, even though we had already experienced sticker shock at the sight of the Joe's online menu.

    Closed. No sign in the window. Nothing mentioning the closure online (New Year's Eve at lunchtime??).  Maybe I should have checked the reviews on Yelp first, I would have saved gas money.  As it is, I'm counting myself lucky they were closed, I have an extra couple hundred bucks in my wallet.

  • Review from Simon S.

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    • 22 friends
    • 91 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    1.0 star rating
    9/24/2011

    Really? This place is 5-stars if you've only had burgers from McD's or BK.

    Trust me, Joe is more a marketer than a hamburger dude these days.

    If you want a good burger go to Slow Club.

  • Review from foo d.

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    • 2 friends
    • 69 reviews

    Los Angeles, CA

    5.0 star rating
    12/26/2011

    I really loved this place.  Im not a huge burger fan so I decided to go with their smaller portion which was a 4 ounce and now i think of it Im most definitely regret it! I should have went BIGGER! The burger was deeeeelious. The freshly ground beef patty was tender and juicy, Joe himself came out serve us our food.  Great atmosphere and great food worth checking out if you're in the area!

  • Review from Mike H.

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    9/30/2011

    Best burger I've had in SF:  juicy and fresh.  Had I not seen this place on TV, I never would have thought to stop there.  And Yelp bookmarks helped me remember it.

    The menu was a bit cluttered but I zeroed in on a burger with bacon, cheese and a fried egg.  Not just any egg though - over medium.  They gave me the option of over easy/medium/hard.  Nice!

    I'm on a mission to try great burgers around the city, but another visit to Joe's may be required soon anyway.

  • Review from Jessica J.

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    • 40 friends
    • 56 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    2.0 star rating
    9/14/2011 1 Check-in Here

    I must admit these are gooood burgers.  However, they are grossly overpriced and can be matched at places like Burger Bar, Burger Bistro, and so on.  

    Fries cost extra, cheese costs extra, onion rings....extra.....everything is on top of the already overpriced burger.

    Tasty but not worth the price.

  • Review from Shane G.

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    • 5 friends
    • 62 reviews

    Mountain View, CA

    1.0 star rating
    12/28/2011

    Sad place. Way over-priced. $35 for a burger, fries, and beer. They up charge you for everything. They tout (loudly) that the meat is ground fresh daily. But we ordered medium rare and received a well-done, dried out burger. It's a burger joint that can't cook a decent burger. This place is one of those dusty old neighborhood landmarks that time passed by. You can get fresh-ground burgers in lots of other restaurants now, and for 1/3rd the price. Also, don't be fooled by the Diner's Drive-Ins & Dives story; Joe's is definitely not "off the hook", it's just off.

  • Review from Neece S.

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    • 7 friends
    • 18 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    2.0 star rating
    12/27/2011 1 Check-in Here

    Overpriced burgers, overpriced everything. No meals, everything is paid for separately. I've had better burgers at Fuddruckers.. why did they have to close down the one Daly City?! :(

  • Review from Holly H.

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    • 6 friends
    • 43 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    12/21/2011

    This cute roadside place is all that they say, super expensive, food takes ages to get to you; and it's amazing. Burgers are my most favorite foodgroup and these are perfect. and huge. and expensive. two of us, each had a burger with a bunch of extras and we shared onion rings and sodas, our bill was $60.  the place is cute. if it was more centrally located it would be a tourist trap.  The fact that racist homophobe food tv guy ate there doesn't interest me at all, so the fact that they play it on a big screen tv on a loop is actually really annoying. But, the food is great. Decor is cute diner cute.

  • Review from caveat e.

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    • 0 friends
    • 8 reviews

    Petaluma, CA

    1.0 star rating
    11/16/2011

    With all the other burger options (Nations, In & Out, Burgermeister, etc...) to choose from you'd think this place would be competitive on their price points. Nah!

    Instead, they inflate their prices and insult you with mediocre burgers.

    My advice: go to Powell St., buy a burger from McDonalds & eat it on a real cable car while getting a tour of the city.

    Filter me please!

  • Review from arlene d.

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    • 3 friends
    • 84 reviews

    South San Francisco, CA

    1.0 star rating
    12/1/2011 1 Check-in Here

    Booooooo!! This place sucks why will you charge me $20 for a damn burger that does not include fries? Everything is extra it's ridiculous like it doesn't include cheese that's an extra dollar wtf?? If you split something they'll charge u like why do u care if I want to split something?!? This place stinks there's so many other places that u can get a delicious burger that's is much more affordable. There's nothing special about this place the waiter is really rude and there's only one working and she takes forever to come to you. Never coming here again. If the burger was spectacular I would pay $20 but it's a tasteless burger in n out is better than this.

  • Review from Rich L.

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    • 0 friends
    • 46 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    1.0 star rating
    8/27/2011

    Quality burgers but overrated IMO.

    And they are NOT worthy of the price. For the amount I spent on two burgers, sides and drinks, there are countless better options.

    Not coming back here again. Sorry, Joe.

  • Review from Deseree B.

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    • 0 friends
    • 6 reviews

    San Mateo, CA

    1.0 star rating
    11/28/2011

    I give this place one star because a place that leaves you feeling ripped isn't worth more than one star regardless if the food is okay.

    For 3 of us, (2 4oz avocado burgers, a cheese dog, large order of fries, and 2 soft drinks), the total was $51 before tip. The burgers are so tiny to pay $14 for it. Want a 6oz? Add $3 to that. Want the 8oz? Add $5.

    I ordered my burger well done, and I was surprised how juicy it was. That was exciting. It was a good burger. I won't even begin to say that it wasn't, but not $14 good. I have no problem paying out money for AWESOME/AMAZING food, but your prices need to reflect quality, and for me, this doesn't. Way too expensive. I would never suggest this place to anyone, nor would I take my out of town friends or family here. The place is tiny. The owner seems like an angry old man, and he was sitting at the table on the other side of us and never once said anything to us or any of his other customers.

    Service isn't bad, but for me there is nothing here that stands out or is beyond mediocre for me to think that a $51 tab is worth it!

    Beyond disappointed with this place. Should have checked the Yelp! reviews before we went.

    After Thought:
    I took my 2 year old with me, and it was not a good place to bring him. He has to sit in a high chair (strapped in) otherwise, it would be a nightmare. Anyway, there is like no aisle room for a high chair! The other side of the diner (where the owner was sitting) that looked like it had more room for a high chair to actually fit, was blocked off. The waitresses were squeezing behind my son to get through. I felt bad.

  • Review from Thu L.

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    • 2 friends
    • 51 reviews

    San Jose, CA

    5.0 star rating
    12/29/2011

    I don't know if I should say two thumps up or thumps down, but whatever it is Joe's has the BEST burgers in town. I don't care what anyone else says, but no one satisfies my burger cravings like Joe's. Oh and they have the best onions rings. Believe me, I have tried so many other burger places, but it's just not the same.

  • Review from Sean P.

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    • 29 friends
    • 14 reviews

    Petaluma, CA

    2.0 star rating
    12/19/2011

    Simply put..... Ok food ..... way overpriced..... 5 of us had burgers and only 3 orders of fries/onion rings and 2 shakes.... it took an hour and it was $160 ...... Sorry Joe... I will not be back.... Great tourist trap but that's all I got from this place.....

  • Review from God S.

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    • 0 friends
    • 9 reviews

    San Jose, CA

    2.0 star rating
    8/18/2011 1 photo

    We saw it on DD&D and were in SF and said what the hell lets give it a try...

    For 2 burgers, small fry and 2 Cokes our bill was $43.00 not including tip.

    You pay for the novelty that's all I can think of. Only way I could leave not feeling like I had been violated to hard.

    I had a bacon cheeseburger 8oz which was $13 burger + $5 extra meat + $1 cheese = $19.00 Burger haha

    No wonder you guys in SF are mostly vegans =)

  • Review from Anthony N.

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    • 20 friends
    • 33 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    9/8/2011

    This place is awesome !!  The burgers are very pricey, the charging system is ludicrous, but the burgers are damn good.

     Are they worth it ?? Yes !!  but only if you come once in a blue moon because they aren't cheap but they are worth it especially if you have the time to eat them slowly and to appreciate everything this place has to offer - quality burgers and a great atmosphere.

     There is no silverware and the burgers do come on paper plates but they are quality paper plates ( . . . .  )and are compostable !!! More importantly they do not ruin the experience that much ( you're using your hands mostly )

     Worth a second trip, but only if you're willing to let go some serious dough.

  • Review from Melissa L.

    San Francisco, CA

    3.0 star rating
    8/17/2011

    The burgers are good, quite good. It's not hamburger, it's a steak, just freshly ground and served in a bun. There are plenty of options to consider when ordering a burger; the menu can present a problem to someone that cannot make up his/her mind! Patties come in 4/6/8 oz portions. Chicken, fish, grilled cheese and hot dogs are other sandwich options.

    The fries and onion rings are okay, but not the best I've had. I prefer beer battered onion rings and these are breaded. Fries are crisp but I like them thinner. Am I being picky?  Yes, I am.  A small order is pretty small (e.g. 4 rings) but a large order can easily be shared.

    Shakes are thick and creamy (they give you every last drop by offering the extras from the canister) and the root beer float is ENORMOUS! I don't think 7-11 has a cup size that matches the size of float served here. They also offer orange freeze and root beer freezes.

    Service has been friendly on my visits (both dine in and take out). The waitresses were quite helpful with the menu options. Evenings seem to be the most crowded, from what I've observed, but the wait times aren't that bad.

    They have their own parking lot and street parking is available nearby. The decor is rather kitschy and is perfect for families with small children. There's enough going on to keep them distracted.

    One thing that bothers me is the prices. Yes, I realize I'm paying for steak, but the way the pricing is set up it seems like I'm being nickel-and-dimed for everything. The quality is there but the prices are still high in comparison with other restaurants serving this type of food. There is a $7 charge for splitting orders, a $15 minimum service charge per person and they charge gratuity for parties of 5 or more. The other thing thing that I wish they would change is the utensils and plates they use. They use plastic utensils and paper plates. For the price I'm paying, I would expect to be eating off real plates and using forks and knives that won't snap apart.

    The burgers and shakes are quite good and are worth checking out.

  • Review from Dan L.

    •  
    • 0 friends
    • 2 reviews

    San Ramon, CA

    1.0 star rating
    8/14/2011

    Hamburgers were quite tasty, however...

    Wish the rest was better, but sadly it was a horrible experience:

    - Service was terrible, the waitresses could care less
    - We ordered chili-cheese fries, the chili was Dennison's and very expensive
    - onion rings were frozen and $7 (yes $7 for frozen onion rings)
    - Paper plates, plastic forks and knives
    - Note on the menu stating that if you sat down, there is a $15 minimum per person; at a burger joint!!!!
    - note on the menu that splits are $7 extra (yes $7 extra to split an $11 burger)
    - note on the menu that there is a 17% gratuity for 5 or more - at a burger joint!!!

    For our family of 5, we spent $147.00.  Yes, $147 for burgers, shared fries, shared onion rings and drinks!!!  unbelievable!!!  Joe has to re-evaluate his business policies and his pricing model, 'cause we're not going back...  

    We went there because of "Drive-ins, Diners and Dives".  Shame on you Guy Fiere for not warning us that a dinner for a  family of 5 at Joe's Cable Car could have bought us 5 family meals at In'N'Out.

    Save your money, DON'T eat at Joe's...

  • Review from L K.

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    • 57 friends
    • 77 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    1.0 star rating
    8/29/2011

    Two burgers, one order of fries....2 waters....with tip $38....

    Eating the burgers while watching the same episode of Drive In-Diners & Dives over and over ...

    Still $38...........

  • Review from Alex T.

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    • 9 friends
    • 42 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    1.0 star rating
    8/15/2011

    Rip off. The hamburger was average. The fries were average. The onion rings were good. The zucchini was average.

    This place is a one and done rip off.

  • Review from Vivian E.

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    • 3 friends
    • 13 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    1.0 star rating
    7/20/2011

    LOVE your burgers.

    However, YOURE TOO EXPENSIVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    When are you going to stop robbing your lifetime customers!!!!!!!!!!!!!  

    I am a San Francisco native, heck, I grew up on Tingley down the street.

    I loved growing up on your food.  

    But now its just too expensive.  

    Joe, stop being so greedy.

  • Review from Monelle P.

    San Francisco, CA

    3.0 star rating
    7/25/2011

    I've been going to Joe's since I was in high school.  Back then, when I didn't know any better, I was willing to pay alot for a burger there because of the sign outside boldly proclaiming "Joe grinds his own fresh chuck daily." I didn't know what that meant, but just assumed that fresh chuck meant pricier burger.

    I recently returned to Joe's and was shocked at how expensive the burgers had become. I guess Joe's taking advantage of his appearance on Divers, Dives, & Drive-Ins?

    I have to admit. Joe's burgers are really good. The burger patty is really tender and juicy, but the burgers are outrageously priced. As a long-time customer of Joe's, I wish I could say that the burger is worth a special trip out, but you can find a comparable burger for much cheaper somewhere else.

  • Review from Jim C.

    •  
    • 56 friends
    • 10 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    2.0 star rating
    8/16/2011

    For years, I have been telling anyone who would listen that Joe's Cable Car has THE best burgers, bar none. I know that they're super expensive, but if you lined up a Joe's burger in a blind taste test with other burgers, a Joe's burger would be in a league of excellence of its own ....... has everyone caught on that I am speaking in past tense? Sad, but true. It was the best burger around.

    A spin buddy and I planned a post-workout meal there tonight. I have brought so many people there who have turned others onto the place (for special occasions since it is so expensive, of course). I was almost going to write some of the review before my class tonight because it has always been a hit. I am glad that I didn't.

    When our food arrived, I was a little shocked to discover that a 6 oz burger looked much smaller than I remember it. As soon as I got over that, I told my friend that the test of a good burger was to break off a piece of it and eat it without anything.. We both performed the test on our own burgers and I was embarrassed to say that my burger tasted kind of mediocre. My friend thought it was good, but not as good as expectations have set.

    This place would have received five stars despite the price because it used to be that good. I'd actually give it two and a half stars if there were half stars --past burgers at Joe's have made me a little biased. Did I show up on an off-night? I mentioned that I'd take my girlfriend's son there sometime soon. We'll see if it bounces back or remains overpriced for what it has become.

  • Review from Joe K.

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    • 7 friends
    • 22 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    2.0 star rating
    7/10/2011

    It amazes me that this place has even three stars.  Some co-workers and I went here after a friend recommended it after seeing it on TV.

    Apparently some of these places must pay a hefty fee to be on television because the prices are outrageous.  Sure, the burger was decent, but $20 dollars a person for a cheeseburger is crazy.  For some reason, that line from Vegas Vacation always seems to come to mind.. "why don't you open up your wallet and give me half, I'll kick you in the nuts, and we'll call it a day"

  • Review from Stephanie N.

    •  
    • 10 friends
    • 15 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    2.0 star rating
    12/5/2011

    I use to love Joe's.  The burgers were great, fries and zucchini delicious and they are one of the few places that uses local Ice Cream in their shakes.   And the malts tasted like malts.  Food is still good, but it can be spotty if you come during the wrong time of day, but the prices have now risen to ridiculous.  Less food, and more money,  I used to leave overstuffed with food on my plate, now I am full but can go a block and have sushi for these prices.   That's why I now go less than twice a year.  Too bad, they had a good thing going

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