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Pickles - CLOSED
Category: Restaurants Burgers Burgers [Edit]
42 Columbus Ave(between Montgomery St & Washington St)
San Francisco, CA 94111
Neighborhood: Financial District
(415) 421-2540
- Attire:
- Casual
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Good For:
- Lunch
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
40 reviews for Pickles
Review Highlights
"Clown Alley are always one of my favorite spot for lunch."
(in 14 reviews)
"The Fried Brussel Sprouts are awesome."
(in 3 reviews)
"and of course to try the east coast frozen custard."
(in 5 reviews)
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40 reviews in English
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Review from Ken G.
11/24/2009
3.5 Stars (More of a 4 than a 3)
I was here recently and enjoyed a great meal.
I had an 8 or 9oz burger with Monterey Jack cheese and it was very good. The burger was well-cooked and seasoned. The veggie toppings were fresh and balanced the strong flavor of the cooked meat.
The frozen custard was really good - a nice creamy way to clean the palate. They change the flavors occasionally and although I've had vanilla couple of times, it'd be cool to try chocolate.
While this place may not necessarily be a destination, it's a good option if you are in the area. -
Review from Connie C.
San Jose, CA
5/7/2009
So, I'd never been here when it used to be Clown Alley. I don't know, maybe the creepy name and even creepier clown decor scared me off. Now, Pickles isn't the best name either, especially because I'm not a fan of them, but the space is much more warm and inviting. The fireplace and all the wood gives it a modern ski lodge feel. The retractable roof was closed last night, but imagine it on a really warm night - you'd get an incredible view of the TransAmerica building.
We stopped in after the Elite Event, and ran into a few other yelpers. Because Elite Events just get you jonesin' for some greasy grub, don't they? The place was pretty empty, so we weren't sure if this was going to be good, but I'd heard that they'd brought on chefs from Myth, so how could it not be?
Our server was super sweet, and while we were waiting for our bacon burger and pork loin sandwich, we chatted with another diner who scarfed down his burger and onion rings. My guy inhaled his bacon burger and side salad in a matter of seconds - so fast I didn't even get a chance to have a bite - so it must have been that good. My sandwich was really good - there was brie and apple chutney inside - it definitely tasted gourmet. The fries were nice and crisp, and I asked for a side of ranch, which they didn't have, but I think they gave me buttermilk.
There wasn't any room for dessert, but we were seriously considering having some of their frozen custard. They only had vanilla and strawberry, but if they had chocolate, we would have been all over that.Listed in: Super Sandwiches
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Review from Russ M.
San Francisco, CA
2/27/2009
I'm very sad to say they've destroyed my favorite lunchtime Burger joint.
Their new remodel is beautiful, but it's really just been overly yuppified in exactly the same style as every other overpriced yuppy joint these days. White font on dark grey slate menuboard, etc.
The food, while using better buns for the burgers, does not justify the extreme pricing. The burger itself was undercooked... the raw meat was okay but extraordinarily greasy. The fries were limp and lifeless.
There was mayonnaise on every table, including the ones on the enclosed patio... directly under VERY hot heat blowers (which made it uncomfortable to sit under). This seems like a major health code violation to me.
A house burger and fries was about $14.00 and afterward I felt like a baby duck in an Exxon oil spill. Grease hangover for hours.
I miss Pickles. The real Pickles. This Pickles is more like your favorite girl next door died, was buried in the pet cemetery and came back as Paris Hilton.
I will not be returning. -
Review from Brandon M.
San Francisco, CA
2/25/2009
Whoever took over Pickles has already made some big mistakes that drove me and a buddy right back out the front door today.
First of all, the interior design has some huge flaws that make it impossible for form an orderly queue to place your order at the counter. They put in this false wall that cuts the line, so when we entered, we had no idea where to stand. There were random crowds in the restaurant that we eventually figured out were waiting to order. So we grouped together with them and complained about the long wait. And then there's the menu they have posted above the counter...no wonder it takes everyone so long to order, everything is in a 12 point font on the menu! You can't read anything on it until you're standing directly in front of it. They really need to change that so people can figure out what they want while they wait a half hour in line to order.
And I'm not joking about the half hour. My friend and I got there about 1:30, at the tail end of the lunch rush. We waited for 30 minutes to get to the front to order, only for the girl behind the counter to tell us, quite rudely, "just so you know, it's 45 minutes until food gets to your table", accompanied by an eye roll at our expression of disappointment.
Good-Bye.
By the time we got that news, there were only about five tables still occupied in the restaurant, and they all already had their food. Did they have to go get more cows to grind up? Thanks a whole lot for announcing the wait to the whole line, we just wasted over half our lunch break.
I guess it's true what they say: you can't polish a turd. I won't be going back to Pickles. -
Review from Tammy C.
11/21/2009 1 photo
(See pic)
I had the salad slider which had fairly good burger meat (though they did not ask and made it medium rare. Ground meat should always be thoroughly cooked since you never know if it's 100% beef.) The leafy butter lettuce salad was very delicious! $10 is very good priced.
I also had the special milkshake, heavy creamy sweet sensation! $3.95 is well worth it and could possibly be a full meal on its own.
The place is a good lunch spot with good seating. -
Review from jessica b.
San Francisco, CA
2/25/2009
It's only getting this rating because I frequented both Clown Alley and Pre Swankdified Pickles. If this was a totally new place my rating would have gone up one.
When I want a burger I want everything that comes with it....all the badness and ghetto. That's what Pickles was. They had a pickle bar with all sorts of things that I could pile on my greasy old school burger. I always left feeling in need of a bypass.
Now they're serving wine and 12 sundaes with pistachios. Which is fine, but I much preferred this place before it was San Francisco-ized with all organic meats, blah blah blah. Sometimes you just want ghetto!
Its much nicer, but with that comes a more expensive menu. Not a fan. I'm also really bummed they got rid of their amazing shakes. NOT COOL.
Everything I had was good, the onion rings were mighty fine with a cornmeal batter and red onions. Something I'd never had before. That was the highlight. The burger was ok, the roll was way too big for my small mouth (insert gross joke here). Like I said before if i had never been to the previous burger joints I would think this place was pretty great. Of course i'll go back since its on the block I work on, but I won't be as happy as I was with ol' clown alley with the freaky clowns on the wall. It definitely had more charm. -
Review from Cathy K.
3/6/2009 2 photos
This place is a hybrid of nice restaurant tables + booths, and order-at-the-counter service. The outdoor area of the ol' Clown Alley now has a retractable canopy to hold in some heat.
Menu had a good range of gourmet salads, appetizers (fries, onion rings, etc.), hamburgers, hot dogs, sundaes, etc.
Prices were a bit upscale for my taste. My Taxi Dog (hot dog with sauerkraut and chili) was tasty. Dine in was $6.50 for the dog itself. Fries extra $.
At 1.30p, ambiance was tidy + laid back. Staff friendly. Roomy booths, a good place to catch up with friends or have a meeting; though I've been told it's pretty busy during the lunch rush.
Relieved there is a *cute* happy clown on the wall as a homage to the ol' Clown Alley. It's a safe place to bring your friends who have clown phobias. Nora M., this one is for you. -
Review from Ben A.
Los Angeles, CA
2/25/2009
I went to the newly revamped pickles today, the opening day. The menu is a big step up: Prather Ranch burgers and hot dogs, as well as Prather Ranch brisket chili. There are familiar favorites from the now-defunct Cafe Myth, like the brussels and the deviled eggs. They took a page out of Taylor's and have mini-corn dogs, and have good beers on tap, Izzy's sodas, etc.
And the evening menu has some very reasonably priced and nice sounding pastas: handmade egg pastas for $9 -- not bad!
They still seem to be working out opening kinks. The line was almost a half hour, not because of the length (though it was long) but because the line didn't move. At all.
So, while I have reservations about the former Clown Alley now having sous chefs (burger joints should have short order cooks, right?), this place is a winner. Great food, still faithful to the original, and reasonable prices. Five stars once they work out the service problems. -
Review from Fannie S.
7/2/2009
Burgers...I actually had the Slider Salad, so that would mean three slider beef patties on their butter leaf lettuce salad.... Great beef patties.
I was craving fries, so I had an order of them too..which were crispy but nothing special.
They have something there that is interesting...fried brussel sprouts...yum!! Totally addicting.
Service...friendly and efficient!
Seating = simple, nice indoors and out. :) -
Review from Just Y.
Edmonds, WA
3/24/2009
4 people, 3 bacon burgers, 2 onion rings, 1 shrimp salad, (sodas): $85. Worth it? Not even a little.
Burgers: Over cooked beef, no cheese by default, soggy bacon, unsubstantial bun. At this point, don't ask for Tabasco as they have none. Onion rings: Who makes these things with red onions? Not that you could tell as they had way too much batter and were all 30 seconds away from charcoal. Salad: Slightly browning lettuce, oily dressing, canned corn kernels, soggy deep fried polenta "thing", and really salty shrimp.
As a bonus for the high prices, you get to stand in line to order, then eventually have your food brought out to your table one plate at a time over 5 minutes or so. -
Review from Rachel L.
San Francisco, CA
5/8/2009
I have attempted to eat at Pickles three times since the remodel but have actually only eaten there twice. It was way too crowded the first time and the line was out the door. No burger is that good - come on.
I've decided that the key to this place is only going with 3 other friends - maximum b/c groups don't cut it at this place. They have one stupid long table down the middle but the line is wrapped around so you literally have some fool standing looking at you while you eat - no bueno!!!
The other waste of time is the sliders - you get 3 little burgers but they don't allow you to mix up the cheese. So you have 3 little burgers with the same cheese - why would you do that? Why wouldn't you just get one larger burger?? We thought this was going to be perfect b/c we each got to pick a cheese and try it....NOPE - have to have the same cheese....LAME!!!
The other ridiculous thing is that you can't substitute fries for say brussel sprouts and pay the difference. I don't want the fries. I want brussel sprouts!!! There are too many rules at this place!!!
The good things:
1. The bacon - what is that brown sugar goodness - love it
2. The brussel sprouts are real good
3. The 5oz burger is plenty and the bun was great
4. Beer - they serve beer at lunch :)
That's it. I can only assume the man standing at the front of the line watching the young girl take the orders is the owner - if so...read this and be a little more flexible. I will no doubt come here again b/c it's real close to my office but I'm not super stoked about it. -
Review from saba D.
San Francisco, CA
7/22/2009
The other day I had a lunch date with a really nice guy. And the really nice place we were going to have lunch at was closed! So we ended up wandering into pickles. The decor is cute enough, makes you think this is a somewhat decent place to eat.....but then again, looks can be deceiving.
We ordered at the counter and seated ourselves at a side booth. It was a rather chilly day so I'm surprised the sunroof or whatever you all those things was open. There was also a significant amount of wind which succeeded in blowing away most of my salad all over the restaurant floor. (this would have been embarrassing had not my date's salad blown away too)
The food was ...bleh. So boring and dry. I had the chicken sandwich and my date had the slider burgers. Neither one of us finished our food. It was much too dry and not flavorful at all. I had no desire to eat it at all. In fact, half our food was still on the plate when we left, and all of our salad "gone with the wind"
Sadly disappointing. No way am I going back. -
Review from Karl W.
San Francisco, CA
3/6/2009
"Let's try the new place where Clown Alley used to be" we said. Walk in towards the end of the lunch rush, menu looks good. Classic American burger fare. A bit pricey, but hey, this is San Francisco and the Financial District. $7.50 for a 5oz burger with cheese. Another $5 for the onion rings. Add a couple of beers... Boom. $31 later.
Here's the rub. 35 minutes later we still don't have our food. Since the place runs by the numbers, you wait while someone brings the food to your table/number. I ask politely, "We've been waiting 35 minutes for our food. Any idea when that order will be up?" "Are you sure you're #9?" "Ummm... yes, we've been sitting at the table for 35 minutes staring at the number." I know orders get screwed up, but no apology for being late here. Finally we get our food and it was cold. (sigh)
If the food *was* hot/warm, I'm sure it would have tasted decent. You could taste the quality of the food being served, but being cold took something away, to say the least.
Wait till this place works out their service before dropping your hard earned dough on some cold food and crummy attitude from the staff. -
Review from B L.
San Ramon, CA
4/3/2009
Clown Alley are always one of my favorite spot for lunch...especially for a good juicy burger, plus a 5 minute walk from my office. Now the Pickle destroyed my burger joint spot when I need to look for some good juicy burger.
If now because of the rating system, I will put no star for it.
2 person, 2 5oz burger, and 1 fries...2 guys + 2 soda = 40 bucks.
The meat, is gourmet meat. But the cook over cooked. The server should ask if we want to had it medium rare or how rare we want. I do not like a charcoal in between my buns.
Buns...seems like one of those Boudin Bread from 10 blocks away. It was great buns/bread...but it does not mix-in correctly with a so-called burger or a CHARCOAL.
I ask for Cheddar or American Cheese...they gave me a Swiss...
1 ultra-thin sliced of Lettuce and a thin-slice of tomatoes, just wondering is the 5oz just for the meat or including the meat, the lettuce and the tomatoes.
The fries...don't even want to go that far.
The decor and stuff is better than before. It changed from a joint to a nicer place that will charge you higher with no service.
When I pay for something that is about 20 bucks, I demand some type of services. Not a McD type of diner.
Overall no good. Not recommended at all. Probably won't go back unless the owner or the cook changed. -
Review from Somebody X.
San Rafael, CA
3/2/2009
I went here today for the first time after reading they recently re-opened with former Myth chef.
1) 14.00 and change for a burger and fries feels excessive.
2) Although the ciabatta roll is soft, there is way too much of it in proportion to the rest of the sandwich. Others must feel this way too because I saw two separate tables where the top part of the bun was left on their plates as I went out the door.
3) I like that the skins are left on the spud when frenching, they tasted fresh but the texture was just awful - a soggy, noodly mess.
Again, 14.00+ for a burger and fries seems excessive. -
Review from Terry P.
San Rafael, CA
2/5/2010
Dead,defunct,gonzo,sayonara, hasta la bye bye ...
Chinese place across the street sells burgers .. okay, yeah, that's weird, but if you walked over there and needed a beef fix ... -
Review from Blake B.
3/12/2009
I have worked in the area where Pickles/Clown Alley is for the past 10 years and over that time period I have been here quite a few times and have always enjoyed it. I was bummed to see Clown Alley shut down but was curious (yet doubtful) that Pickles would live up to the old name. I'm glad to say that my preconceived notions were wrong.
They did a great job in renovating the place as the seats and overall atmosphere is more upscale and comfortable. The patio area used to be so cold that you could never sit out there but with the retractable roof and heat lamps it made all the difference.
The menu got a big overhaul as well. They still have the Clown Alley burger (which my friend had) but they expanded on the overall menu as well. The fries I thought were better than before and I ordered the sliders which were delicious and a good helping that didn't leave me hungry. The only downside I would say is that it's a little more expensive but Clown Alley was kind of expensive as well but now the atmosphere at least goes along with that. -
Review from Elaine S.
San Francisco, CA
4/24/2009
Black Bean Veggie burger was delicious! It was a patty made of black beans, a portabello mushroom & hummus on the side. I would definitely go back to get that.
The beet salad was not very good...the beets were a pale light pink, had a really weird texture & did not taste like beets. It had more apples than beets in it, and the dressing that was on it, overpowered the flavorless beets.
I was creeped out by the picture of the clown on the wall that i had to stare at the whole duration of our lunch. (i think the clown was from the old restaurant that was there)
I would not recommend this place unless you like black bean veggie burgers (even though I have not tried any of their hamburgers). -
Review from Katie M.
San Francisco, CA
5/7/2009
Everyone who loves Pickles say hey...HEY. I love this place went here after an elite event at A5A. It was great awesome burger and Chicago dog. Their pickles and pickled peppers were amazing. And their fried Brussels sprouts were awes. The price point was really good for the quality of meat and preparation you get, will def be back. Loved our waitress she gave us some free frozen custard (tasted mainly like froyo though).
Also loved that they kept some odes to Clown Alley with the scary clown painting and the clown burger on the menu. -
Review from Ronald T.
Oakland, CA
11/9/2009
I'd give them 3 and 1/2 if I could. Went here for a business lunch and really enjoyed my meal. I had the veggie burger which is a black bean burger with a portobello mushroom on top and cheese if you want, but since I didn't I had it sans cheese. Comes with fries or salad. Also based on comments from other reviewers I tried the fried brussell sprouts which were pretty good but not as good as the ones I've had a Bocadillos.
Our booth was comfy and what was nice was that it wasn't super noisy. We were able to have a business chat and not have to shout or read lips, very much appreciated!!
Recommended when in the area! -
Review from Logan P.
San Francisco, CA
3/5/2009
Epic $10 Bacon burger. Worth the cost.
That's all you need to know. -
Review from Peg S.
3/5/2009
Upscale fast food dining setup. It's nice that they post the burger weights so won't be surprised by what you're getting. My 5 oz clown burger was good enough - a reasonable size for lunch with fresh tomatoes, lettuce, and pickles. Also liked the inflated, slightly crispy at the edges bun. The fries left much to be desired - maybe cuz it was after the lunch rush, but they were lukewarm, end pieces, salty and flat. Scary looking Taxi Dog, sort of what you'd see during the big gory scene in a horror film. You'll have to wait for Cathy K.'s review to see how that tasted though. For me, Pickles is alright, but nothing really to write home about. Maybe they'll get better with time. Right now, I feel slightly uneasy about the place . . . maybe it's just the combination of clowns and burgers.
Listed in: Yeah, Another FiDi Lunch List
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Review from Quyen T.
Berkeley, CA
2/27/2009
I think that the new Pickles is a huge improvement from the old one (e.g., no more scary ass clown dolls hanging from the walls and ceilings!). They've added skylights (so there's sun), heat lamps in case these skylights make you a little cold, and the decor is much more neutral (think beige, grey, etc.).
I know some folks are upset that it's no longer "ghetto" and clownesque/scary, but seriously, those clowns gave me nightmares as I ate my burger. There's nothing wrong with being a yuppy and bougie--it means you're movin' on up to the east side like the Jeffersons! Whoever thinks "ghetto" is cool, really hasn't lived in the ghetto. It's actually much more calming and beautiful now. Thumbs up for that.
Now, onto the food. I thought their burgers were really good. The meat was medium-rare, which was fine with me, and the buns had just the right texture (chewy, but not hard...and not one of those soft buns you'd get at McDonald's). I ordered the slider plate and it was huge. It's definitely splitable. You can also add cheese to your sliders (brie, cheddar, swiss, etc.). It was 3 ounces per burger, so that's a whopping 9 ounces! I could only eat 1.5 burgers. If you're not that hungry, you should go for the Clown burger (5 ounces). I also like dijon mustard and was happy they offered that, but we were a little scared by the mayonnaise sitting out in the sun (apparently, based on some googling and wikipedia, mayonnaise left out of refrigeration will not make you sick, but will develop an unappetizing taste and smell due to other types of BACKTERIA AND MOLD!).
Are there downsides? Yes, -1 star for a few reasons. First, we got there at 11:40 and the line was still ginormous. It took us 25 minutes to get to the front. They now bring the food to you; why not just take it to the next level and hire a waitress or two to take your order? That line was ridonculous. It also cut into the vibe of the place b/c you have people just standing right next to your table, staring at your food. I hate that. Also, the sides were a little disappointing. The brussel sprouts were good, I admit, but the deviled eggs lacked paprika, and were kinda sad. They were not very Myth-like at all (apparently some Myth alums have a hand in the new Pickles). Also, the pickled vegetable plate didn't have enough pickling. I enjoy pickled stuff, but it's like the vegetables didn't sit long enough in the vinegar. Pickles owners, you need to check out the pickled sides offered by the Taco Truck people on Sansome/Pacific! It's sad that you're called "Pickles" and your pickled plate isn't up to par! That pickled plate also contained a strange object that looked like dog turd (we think it's hummus, but couldn't be sure. Yuck!). The fries, though, were pretty slammin'.
All in all, the price was OK, the food was pretty good, and we'll definitely be back...It's nice to have another restaurant in our 'hood. Just get rid of that crazy /chaotic/nonsensical line and the turd-like object that appears on the pickled veggie plate! -
Review from Monica T.
San Francisco, CA
3/18/2009
1 star for the good onion rings.
slow!
too fancy 4 a burger spot!
6 dollars for a hot dog?!
no ranch dressing?!
no milkshakes?!
need I say more? i was so disappointed to visit the restaurant formerly known as clown alley. Clown Alley had great food at decent prices with quick and friendly service. Pickles is slow and crowded. Food is over priced and they are DOING TOO MUCH. if you are craving a diner style burger and fries this is not the place to go! Its all foo-foo complete with a more extensive salad menu than burger selection. If you are an old Clown Alley fan stay clear of this place!
RIP Clown Alley -
Review from Dan B.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 1/21/2010
Pickles/Clown Alley served its last burger somewhere around Thanksgiving 2009. It's closed, dead and gone. RIP.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/17/2009
I don't have a clown phobia, but the idea of eating in an amusement park setting surrounded by the… Read more »
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Review from ting c.
San Francisco, CA
5/29/2009
The lunch staff had no concept of customer service.
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Review from Asa D.
Berkeley, CA
Updated - 1/9/2010
Update: Clownburger closed for good on December 2009, the latest victim of (select one): (greedy Wall Street bankers) (GM bankruptcy) ("terrists") (the bottom falling out of discretionary spending). I salute you, Clownburger, with red clown nose firmly rubber-banded to my face.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/7/2009
(BTW: I call this place Clownburger.) "Old" Clownburger was sort of like eating at In-N-Out: you… Read more »
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Review from Patrick G.
San Francisco, CA
4/3/2009
Like the remodel. Like the menu. Like the idea.
Don't like the prices. Don't like the portions (shrimp salad = 7 grilled tiny shrimp and a handful of lettuce).
Change the prices (lower), change the portions (more) and this place will be 10 times better.
Looking forward to it. -
Review from Marc M.
Walnut Creek, CA
Updated - 7/24/2009
The Fried Brussel Sprouts are awesome!!!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/10/2009
I finally made it over to the newly remodeled Pickles and was shocked by the changes that were made.… Read more »
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Review from Cathy w.
San Francisco, CA
5/26/2009
i'd have to say even though it was a weird scene where each and every waitstaff would either a. open the door, or b. close the door on an almost minute by minute basis...i found it to be amusing despite the fact that it was freezing out and the wind was a knee knocker. thank god for the heat lamps.
the burger was delish! bacon slightly undercooked for my tastes. cheap, fast, friendly servers.
best part: i'm going back for the simple fact that they have frozen custard. the real deal. i'm from western ny, where i grew up eating it - AND it was my first real job at the age of 15. i probably haven't eaten it in 10 years or more. oh, the memories...it isn't the nostalgia that will make me go back though - frozen custard is DAMN GOOD.
try it. -
Review from Philip T.
6/7/2009
Very very average. The taxi dog is way tooo healthy. I came here to clog my arteries. The chili had absolutely no taste to it. And I was freakin drunk when I ate this. How could it not taste good?
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Review from Erin M.
San Francisco, CA
3/4/2009
This place is okay - and there is a way to eat a burger and fries for about $8, which is perfectly satisfactory. I went with a friend and we both had the clown burger (6oz of meat instead of 8...I think) and fries - which totaled around $16 bucks for two people. The burger was good, the bread/bun is great, and the fries are okay too. There's nothing outstanding, but it was a good burger nonetheless and fun to try. There was a big lunch crowd there and the decor is nice...even a bit luxurious for a burger joint that serves pure and simple burgers.
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Review from bill h.
San Francisco, CA
6/19/2009
This place should be called SOUR PICKLES if you go by the looks of the
counter person. I was so looking foward to trying Pickles for the burger,fries
and of course to try the east coast frozen custard.
First of all it was way to hot inside it felt like 100 degrees in there with the open kitchen and no windows open. I went up to the counter after walking around all 3 or four of the servers all just standing around.
They did not greet me or say anything they just stood there in their white shirts and black pants like statues not smiling.
I was the only one in line and just waited and waited while the counter
girl and about 6 kitchen staff members all were just standing around talking. I ordered the custard sampler the counter girl said it's for here right? I said can you make it to go it's to hot in here she says not really with a sourpuss face like she hated being there.
I said can you just put it in a soda cup and she just nods and says I guess so with a disgusted look.
I leave with my frozen custard walking past the frozen servers still standing around like they would rather be anywhere but there ME TOO !
The frozen custard was just ok nothing I mean NOTHING special.
I give this place 6 months with that kind of service and it's to bad the food might be good but I'll never be back to find out.
I'll go up the street to Best- O- Burgers ! -
Review from Roderick J.
San Francisco, CA
6/7/2009
Was always going to be tough to replace Clown Alley - that place was legend.
Pickles is overpriced and the burgers are way below the quality that Clown Alley used to serve - surprising but true.
The new fries are also 10% of the size of the Clown Alley variety.
Overall it is one of those pretentious attempts to do burgers that you see around the world these days. Only redeeming feature are the sliders - which are worth checking out. -
Review from Brandon M.
San Francisco, CA
2/27/2009
Being the day after a very intoxicating work happy hour, myself and four co-workers decided we needed a burger. We thought how perfect it would be that Pickles just opened. We got there at 11:45 and the line was fairly long, but we thought it would move fast. No such luck! Apparently they thought having one cash register would be plenty. Twenty minutes later we finally reach the cashier and order the sliders, the chicken sandwich, veggie burger, chili dog, fries and onion rings. I ask for cheese on the sliders and the cashier told me that she would have to charge me $3 extra for the cheese - $1 per slider. Considering the sliders were already $10.50 I opted for the bacon cheeseburger. We each spent $20. My co-worker was given a dirty glass and when asked for a new glass she was rudely told that they just gave her a glass. We took our numbers and anxiously waited for the food. The server brought mine out first and I realized no silverware or napkins. I walked up and grabbed a roll of silverware and figured I would take another 4 for everyone else. I was quickly corrected that the server would bring them and I should just take mine. Um okay. The server brings out the others food, but only brought 3 rolls of silverware. We eventually got the remaining roll of silverware only to discover the fork was dirty. The bacon cheeseburger was ok, not the best not the worst. The onion rings and fries were tasty. The chili dog was terrible - two bites were taken and that was all that could be handled. The hotdog was boiled instead of grilled and the chili tasted bland, cold and just bad. The entire dish was just luke warm at best. The chicken sandwich was equally as bad. It tasted as if the chicken was boiled and not grilled. It was flavorless and just bad - we also only managed to eat a couple bites. The veggie burger consisted of a large portabella mushroom and a small pile of black bean mush - not good either.
New restaurants have their hic-ups and struggles the first month or so, but the piss poor attitude of the staff and the fact that they didn't even care is totally off putting. With the prices they are charging the food needs to be of quality. The management is seriously lacking! The next time we need to go for burgers we will be heading back to Bistro Burger. -
Review from Robbie P.
San Francisco, CA
4/8/2009
this place is right around the corner from my work, so i used to go there a lot before the remodel and loved it. waited months for it to reopen and was definitely pleased by the updated and revamped aesthetic.
unfortunately the other thing i noticed on the fancy new menu were (as many have disclosed below) the fancy new prices on the food. the quality of the food hasnt changed much, which is great, but i have a really hard time stomaching the idea of paying $18 for lunch.
at a burger place, fries or salad should ALWAYS come with the meal. paying $10 for a burger and an additional $4 for fries is rather absurd, not to mention if you throw a drink on top of that.
this is a lunch place and should operate like one. combo meals, affordable prices, or more quantity of food would make this place the winner it once was. -
Review from scott g.
Alameda, CA
2/25/2009
Pickles quit clowning around and bring back clown alley. $12 for a burger fries and a soda no thanks. 1 hour to get our burger no thanks. $3.50 for fries that were little scraps of fries, but were served in a fancy white bowl no thanks. Can't read the menu because it is too small. Too many other good burger joints within walking distance to spend $12 and 2 hours on lunch.
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Review from Michael G.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 2/25/2009
Uh-oh! Oh No! The grand re-opening today was a bomb and Pickles future has a huge black cloud over it after their performance today. People are pissed! The Clown Alley / Pickles alumni came out in force to embrace the new Pickles Restaurant and were greeted with a scenario of horror. Why did you get away from the Clown Alley format we asked? A cab driver nearly passed out when he saw no more condiment bar. I waited over an hour for my burger and I wish it was because of a huge grand re-opening crowd clogging the arteries. Management straight up had their heads up their butts today. They had a rookie working the register on this holy day that put out 30+ minute waits just to order your food, they ran out of Diet Coke at 12:30, the new makeover concept they have would be great for a waited table scenario, but not for a walk up, where the hecks my burger joint, burgers trickling out of the kitchen unprepared for tournament play. The bottle necking as you wait to order is crowded whether there are 5 or 15 people, the heaters from the ceiling were blasting today making the wait even more uncomfortable. I started to see a few burgers sputter out of the kitchen, they looked great, good meat to bun ratio, but this place is called Pickles and they dont even use Dills? Man, ok, where was I? Oh yeah, Burgers, lets get some fries with that, oh no, $3.50 for fries that arrive looking like fried potatoe crumbs and you really need to consider using a fork to eat them in this bowl they serve em in, so broke and so unacceptable, get some shoe strings and slap em next to my burger for crying out loud. I recommend you send them back until you get french fries but you will never beable to justify $3.50. After an hour wait I destroyed my burger in under 5 minutes, good burger, great Prather Ranch meat, quality buns, all around a good burger, what everyone was expecting with out all the drama clouding the product. I recommend the $6 5oz Clown Burger at the lunch hour if you want to get anything done back at the office, but at 3AM its going to be all bets off, 1/2 pounders up and down not to mention a Deviled Egg eatting competition for anyone with an elbow on their table, that is if this place isnt overrun by Bridge and Tunnel sideshows puking under the tables and expecting Pickles to raise their kids, ahhh, the glorious after hour scene that is late night Northbeach.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/5/2008 First to Review
Clown Alley....Pickles....Now what? I went by for a burger on Wednesday November 5th and the place… Read more »
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Review from Petri y.
San Francisco, CA
5/18/2009
I am generally not a huge fan of burgers but when I stumbled upon this place for a quick lunch I was very happy that ended up trying it. Its a casual burger joint that specializes in fresh and organic ingrediants-everything down to the type of meat that they serve. The place is very popular at lunch time but our togo order was delivered up very quickly and when I got back to the office some 10 minutes later to devour my "clown burger' it was SO good! it was a smaller portion burger, but for those who are not huge eaters and watching their figure like me, this is the PERFECT BURGER. It was perfectly seasoned, and perfectly cooked medium as i specified with sweet pickles, onion, tomato, and lettuce on a whole wheat bun. It came with a mixed greens salad or fries if you'd like and even though it was luke warm by the time I started eating it, the meat had such nice flavor that it was still so so delicious! As soon as I took my first bite I though, MAN THIS IS A GOOD BURGer AND THEN my BF emails me right that second saying the same thing! And at $5.50 for this clown burger, it was a steal! the regular sized burgers are about $7-$10 depending on what sides you want. Too bad this place isnt closer to my work, other wise I would be here AT least once a week!
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Review from mooni p.
San Francisco, CA
8/11/2009
i'm pretty sure the main ingredient in their veggie burger is wet cardboard.
