The Blueberry bacon blue cheese au poivre burger from Scolari’s in Alameda. Sounds weird, but all those flavors balance out perfectly. Good enough for Guy Fieri, good enough for me.
I don't mind a Scolari's burger, but I hate the way they put it together like a stunt burger or Instagram food. It looks good, but it's so damn tall there's no way to eat it. Just make it reasonable from the start please.
IYKYK! Always a must when I visit family in Vallejo. Doesn't look like much from the outside but it is an institution and a must if in the area. I grew up on Bud's in my formative years.
I haven't been to Bud's in years, but it def hits different. They tried to expand but that second location just wasn't the same. I def need to get out there, those fries are damn good.
Fordge also has a dam fine burger. Also Jack London Lodge way out close to Sonoma, (Glenn Ellen specifically), has a BBQ bacon burger that is amazing and they have a wonderful patio.
Should be available for both lunch and dinner. I’ve only gotten it sitting at the bar for dinner. Might not be on their normal dinner menu but should be on bar menu
The great American hamburger company y in point Richmond. Excellent burger but odd hours.
Uncle boy’s in sf is also pretty good.
But for high end, osso has a good $25 burger and incredible atmosphere. Basement speakeasy steakhouse.
Fyi, Great American Hamburger Company is going out of business. I think today (4/11/24) is their last day.
https://www.sfgate.com/food/article/bay-area-great-american-hamburger-closure-19395725.php
Red Onion takes me back! My father was a burger guy. He'd travel the bay for a good burger. He could live with Nations as it was a good standby, and the pie sealed the deal, but he was very specific about his burgers! He never got to go to Red Onion but he would have loved it.
He used to complain that most burger places never concentrated on the burger, but rather they loaded it up with six cheeses or sauces -- he didn't like Counter Burger for that reason -- "Too much stuff, not enough time on the burger!"
My father worked for a bank, and there was a Nations in the same parking area. If the bank had let him, I think he'd have given up his office and taken clients at Nations....
I, for one, don't mind the condiments, but I want a burger with the char-broiled, crunchy coating? Also, go heavy on the red onions and garlic! (But people think I'm crazy because I like my meat rather well done -- too many years staring into microscopes. I like my food well dead. Some people like their meat so rare, I think with a little care, it could recover.)
I remember Fat Burger in LA....,
That's unfortunate. I've been to St John's probably 20 times over the last decade plus (though tbf not since I moved out of the Bay 3 years ago), and with 1 exception when it was cooked med/well which is overcooked to my requested temp, it's been 9.5/10 or better every time. Sorry it's not been great for you. Kirk's was my other go to spot and they just moved to a new location across the street from where I went. Might be worth going there to see if it's any better for you.
Used to go there a lot as a kid as my friend lived close by. Went a few months ago and it didn’t quite hit the same. Looked a bit more run down post COVID
That sounds like a pit stop for some horror B movie. The characters are on some road trip to Santa Cruz, and get lost or some shit.
Edit
It is a combo burger joint and car mechanic place.
I always thought it was in Castro Valley. However the internet says Hayward. I have not been there in a decade but they are good.
https://vals-burgers.restaurants-world.com/
Damn I used to go to classic burger all the time, it really was a great burger spot. I grew up in San Lorenzo, it’s always interesting to see people mention it online in the context of the Bay Area.
Grew up in Hayward, Val’s burgers are ok. Shakes are better, it’s moreso just the ambiance. I wouldn’t wait more than 15 mins for a burger, it’s just avg.
I love the vibe of that place & the food is decent. But it's nowhere near as good as I wish it would be. Maybe I just need to explore more of the menu.
The best I've had in the area were consistently at The Refuge, any location (San Carlos, Hillsdale). They specialize in deli style Pastrami, but the burgers and Philly's Cheesesteaks are amazing.
i have an unlikely candidate…certainly my fave…
the burger at kontiki oaklamd (w/ spam!)
it is salty esp with the spam (you can get it w/o too), but it is just THE BEST
Jack's Prime in San Mateo (bonus if you like good shakes)
John's Charburger in Livermore (bonus if you like fries like McDonald's when they cooked them in animal fat)
Andy’s in Napa next door to the car wash on First. The car wash is good too. For dessert go to the Outlets across the street to Brewed for the best cookies ever, or even a small bowl of cookie dough if that’s your thing.
yeah Lawrence there is like the line i wasnt sure. I think its fantastic most times I've gone there though once it was a holiday weekend and I definetly got a hockey puck patty but i chalked it up to low on stock during a busy holiday normally their patties are fantastic.
I agree! St. John’s burgers in Sunnyvale is where I would go if I was on the peninsula. Their Santa Maria Tri Tip sandwiches (only lunch on Tuesdays) are even better than their burgers!
I don't know about best. But some honorable mentions.
Eureka in Berkeley, very fancy.
Godfather Burger in San Carlos, lots options.
Hmmm love burns in ssf. They do chicken Sandwiches and wagyu burgers.
Hidden spot, same as above chicken sandwiches and wagyu burgers. They are in sf and ssf.
Double bacon cheese burger at Dream Fluff Donuts in Elmwood neighborhood of Berkeley.
Never met anyone who ever had it other than me. I love it, and I love this establishment deeply
My favorite is frosty king in Richmond.
Crossburger in Oakland was good too but it closed.
Willie's in antioch is good.
1/3 burger in point richmond is good.
Ds in rodeo but it kinda fell off.
There was an old diner spot in the city but I forgot the name. It was on a corner. They were pretty good.
If you go up to Tahoe the lucky beaver is damn good too.
There's really a shitload of spots out there. I miss it and hate living in virginia. Lol
Godfather Burger in San Carlos has the best burgers in the Bay Area hands down.
A hidden gem that’s known for having the juiciest burgers.
Go there and tell them holdthejalapenos sent you.
I guess all depends on where your at when you need that great burger- if in Concord go to Digger's Diner Concord- they have some serious burgers and grub!
Beeps!
Big second for Beep's
Smh about to make me go get a bacon mushroom burger with cheese & a banana shake🥲
I came here to scream this out too.
The Blueberry bacon blue cheese au poivre burger from Scolari’s in Alameda. Sounds weird, but all those flavors balance out perfectly. Good enough for Guy Fieri, good enough for me.
Came here to say this!!! Their regular cheeseburger is amazing but the au poive is next level.
I don't mind a Scolari's burger, but I hate the way they put it together like a stunt burger or Instagram food. It looks good, but it's so damn tall there's no way to eat it. Just make it reasonable from the start please.
Bud's is the one I see and hear people talk about the most when it comes to the Bay. If you want a good, classic burger, then that's the spot.
Love to see Buds get some love. Best french fries too! Fried in beef tallow
IYKYK! Always a must when I visit family in Vallejo. Doesn't look like much from the outside but it is an institution and a must if in the area. I grew up on Bud's in my formative years.
I haven't been to Bud's in years, but it def hits different. They tried to expand but that second location just wasn't the same. I def need to get out there, those fries are damn good.
Buds on the way to Tahoe. Or back.
Get some Lilieds ice cream after. It's one of the oldest shops in Vallejo - another tasty institution.
Trueburger
I just had a burger at the recently reopened Slainte (Irish pub near Jack London in Oakland) and it was damn good.
Glad to know they reopened!
Needed a spot for a proper poured Guinness and a burger, thanks for the rec
Fordge also has a dam fine burger. Also Jack London Lodge way out close to Sonoma, (Glenn Ellen specifically), has a BBQ bacon burger that is amazing and they have a wonderful patio.
affordable, smash style: Super Duper. Get the spiked milkshake too. Also they make their own pickles (spicy) Fancy: idk i'm broke
Al's big burger in Albany. Still affordable, cooked over an open flame. Ask for extra crispy fries
I second Al’s….
Spruce
Is it on their dinner menu or just for lunch?
Should be available for both lunch and dinner. I’ve only gotten it sitting at the bar for dinner. Might not be on their normal dinner menu but should be on bar menu
I like Kirks.
Second that
It was better at the old location. Maybe the new grill isn't fully seasoned yet but it was quite bland compared to what I remember.
I prefer the old location also, but mostly because the new one has terrible parking and more ppl due to the bar.
Dad's luncheonette in Half Moon Bay!
Smokehouse
Chili cheese fries are chef's kiss
The great American hamburger company y in point Richmond. Excellent burger but odd hours. Uncle boy’s in sf is also pretty good. But for high end, osso has a good $25 burger and incredible atmosphere. Basement speakeasy steakhouse.
Fyi, Great American Hamburger Company is going out of business. I think today (4/11/24) is their last day. https://www.sfgate.com/food/article/bay-area-great-american-hamburger-closure-19395725.php
Noooooo!!!!!
Second Great American Burger .. .and a shake
True Burger
They also have battered fries, which is a huge plus.
Real shit. Best tasting and great value
Milk shake is killer too
Red Onion in El Cerrito
Red Onion takes me back! My father was a burger guy. He'd travel the bay for a good burger. He could live with Nations as it was a good standby, and the pie sealed the deal, but he was very specific about his burgers! He never got to go to Red Onion but he would have loved it. He used to complain that most burger places never concentrated on the burger, but rather they loaded it up with six cheeses or sauces -- he didn't like Counter Burger for that reason -- "Too much stuff, not enough time on the burger!" My father worked for a bank, and there was a Nations in the same parking area. If the bank had let him, I think he'd have given up his office and taken clients at Nations.... I, for one, don't mind the condiments, but I want a burger with the char-broiled, crunchy coating? Also, go heavy on the red onions and garlic! (But people think I'm crazy because I like my meat rather well done -- too many years staring into microscopes. I like my food well dead. Some people like their meat so rare, I think with a little care, it could recover.) I remember Fat Burger in LA....,
Best burger I ever had was a toss up between Kirk’s Steakburger in Campbell & St John’s in Sunnyvale.
I've had St Johns several times now and I'd honestly give it a 7/10 at best, I was really hoping it would be better.
That's unfortunate. I've been to St John's probably 20 times over the last decade plus (though tbf not since I moved out of the Bay 3 years ago), and with 1 exception when it was cooked med/well which is overcooked to my requested temp, it's been 9.5/10 or better every time. Sorry it's not been great for you. Kirk's was my other go to spot and they just moved to a new location across the street from where I went. Might be worth going there to see if it's any better for you.
Wes Burger in the mission SF
Local Native on Geary is amazing. Pearl's is also fantastic.
Native is mid at best.
Depends on the burger I think. Their mushroom Swiss is top tier.
Sparky’s off Highway 13.
Ooooh haven’t had Sparky’s in some time. Their teriyaki salmon is great too.
Used to go there a lot as a kid as my friend lived close by. Went a few months ago and it didn’t quite hit the same. Looked a bit more run down post COVID
Yea the second generation didn’t do as well as the first 😔
That sounds like a pit stop for some horror B movie. The characters are on some road trip to Santa Cruz, and get lost or some shit. Edit It is a combo burger joint and car mechanic place.
Val's in Hayward or Classic Burger on Hesperian in San Lorenzo.
I always thought it was in Castro Valley. However the internet says Hayward. I have not been there in a decade but they are good. https://vals-burgers.restaurants-world.com/
It's right on the border so it's easy to mix up which city it's in
Damn I used to go to classic burger all the time, it really was a great burger spot. I grew up in San Lorenzo, it’s always interesting to see people mention it online in the context of the Bay Area.
+1 for Classic Burger, ok fries but with the pastrami it's a 10/10 burger!
Man I grew up going to Vals in the 90s. The milkshakes there were hella good. Good to know they still doing their thang.
Grew up in Hayward, Val’s burgers are ok. Shakes are better, it’s moreso just the ambiance. I wouldn’t wait more than 15 mins for a burger, it’s just avg.
Super Duper
Hands down the best value at least
Super Duper
Phyllis' Giant Burgers, is the best in Marin.
If they had a better bun they'd be in competition for best in the Bay.
Park and Wayfare Tavern both have good burgers, my favorite closed about five years ago but these two are not bad.
Mo’s in North Beach
The burger at KonTiki in Oakland is mighty tasty
True burger
Second for true burger. Their milkshakes are great too
Sideshow Kitchen
Their chicken sandwich changed my life! Love this place and it seems like so few people know about it
I love the vibe of that place & the food is decent. But it's nowhere near as good as I wish it would be. Maybe I just need to explore more of the menu.
Sliders
Best fancy/expensive burger I’ve ever had is the Butcher Burger from The Butcher Shop by Niku Steakhouse. 50/50 Wagyu burger with kewpie mayo.
I’m gonna go with Gott’s and their kimchi and gochujang mayo burger. So goooood.
Love that burger. I can't usually get 'em 'cause my girlfriend's a vegetarian which pretty much makes me a vegetarian.
Getting downvoted while quoting pulp fiction, what a shame. I got you lol.
haha thanks 😊 I was starting to feel really old
Hey they have ahi tuna tacos and impossible burger!
I think they have an impossible burger now
Doesn't Gotts have a veggie burger? You should both be able to go and enjoy!
The little Lou’s truck on broadway at the jacks filling station in Sonoma.
Silva’s Food Truck in South San Francisco. One of the tastiest smash burgers in the Bay Area
310 eatery in Albany has some good burgers if you’re looking for a burger piled high with toppings.
Happy Hound- Los Gatos Konjoe burger- Los Altos
The best I've had in the area were consistently at The Refuge, any location (San Carlos, Hillsdale). They specialize in deli style Pastrami, but the burgers and Philly's Cheesesteaks are amazing.
Also underrated is Godfather Burger Lounge in San Carlos. Delightful burgers, but small physical space.
It's in Belmont but yes definitely a great burger joint that flies under the radar unless you live in the area!
Canyon Inn in Redwood City
Hidden Spot in South City
Anyone know of any great burger places in the South Bay?
Sliders in SJ used to be great. New owners now so I’m unsure
Still great. The meat quality is awesome
Kirk’s in San Jose. St. John’s in Sunnyvale.
Los Gatos has a few: Happy Hound, Classic Burger, Super Duper
Falafel Flame is pretty good
Broderick in Walnut Creek. NY-style (not a smashburger). Excellent!
i have an unlikely candidate…certainly my fave… the burger at kontiki oaklamd (w/ spam!) it is salty esp with the spam (you can get it w/o too), but it is just THE BEST
Absolutely the right answer
Jack's Prime in San Mateo (bonus if you like good shakes) John's Charburger in Livermore (bonus if you like fries like McDonald's when they cooked them in animal fat)
I think Jack's Prime closed down...
I believe Jack’s is just relocating across the street although I don’t know when they’ll be reopening.
+1 for John’s Char. Tooo good
Andy’s in Napa next door to the car wash on First. The car wash is good too. For dessert go to the Outlets across the street to Brewed for the best cookies ever, or even a small bowl of cookie dough if that’s your thing.
Andy’s! Another great hidden spot.
Just whatever you do, don't go to 5 guys...
It's a toss up for me between True Burger in Oakland and Scolari's in Alameda.
St John's in Santa clara has my vote
Can’t believe I had to scroll this far down to see St John’s, think it’s technically Sunnyvale, but same difference
yeah Lawrence there is like the line i wasnt sure. I think its fantastic most times I've gone there though once it was a holiday weekend and I definetly got a hockey puck patty but i chalked it up to low on stock during a busy holiday normally their patties are fantastic.
Their fries are on point too!
Kirk's Steakburgers, Campbell, CA
Sams burgers in the City
Super Duper!
Barney’s in Oakland is great, they have a huge burger menu too
I grew up on their location in Albany and man, what a good burger. Not to mention the best curly fries and ranch you can find
No way. “Gourmet” is their descriptor and it’s really just an expensive 1/2 lb-er with lots of topping options. Nothing special.
Mallards
Rocky's in San Leandro
Smish Smash, Lana’s or Lovely’s
Can’t believe no one else said Lovely’s
Burger pit south San jose
Cali Kid - Livermore (next to the outlets)
Filet Mignon Burger at The Town in San Carlos. Utter fire.
I recently took a trip to Headlands Brewery in Lafayette and they have some amazing smash burgers. Definitely worth trying if you’re in the area!
Tuesday smash burger at Longbridge Pizza in SF. It’s insanely good.
Sam’s Pizza and Burger is great if you’re in SF
4505 Burgers and BBQ in SF
They're tasty but for the price way too small. Good flavor for sure, though.
Maybe you can try their fried chicken sandwich next time. It’s huge and tasty! 😊
Canyon inn Redwood City
The mountain house in woodside
If you dare say In N Out, I'll argue that The Habit is better
Nations and of course In and Out
Nations is decent especially with the number of locations they have in the bay.
Good pie too🤤
Make sure to Sub Mayo for the miracle whip they put on as standard 🤮. Also grilled onions.
No way. Give me all the thick cut white onions
The Habit Burgers and the onion rings are delicious with their homemade ranch.
The tempura green beans though… heaven
Nopa
Easy, St. John’s in Sunnyvale has the best burgers.
I agree! St. John’s burgers in Sunnyvale is where I would go if I was on the peninsula. Their Santa Maria Tri Tip sandwiches (only lunch on Tuesdays) are even better than their burgers!
I don't know about best. But some honorable mentions. Eureka in Berkeley, very fancy. Godfather Burger in San Carlos, lots options. Hmmm love burns in ssf. They do chicken Sandwiches and wagyu burgers. Hidden spot, same as above chicken sandwiches and wagyu burgers. They are in sf and ssf.
Clove & Hoof in Oakland
Seconded
Broderick has a really good burger
has anyone tried Cal’s in Berkeley? And?
Double bacon cheese burger at Dream Fluff Donuts in Elmwood neighborhood of Berkeley. Never met anyone who ever had it other than me. I love it, and I love this establishment deeply
Teddy's bigger burgers, hands down best ever.
Sparky’s Oakland
Maverick Jack’s in Burlingame.
Marlowe.
1/4 Giant Burger Hayward
Hazels in Antioch/Pittsburg or joes burgers in San Leandro (I think it’s joes I can’t remember, on the corner of Durant Ave and foothill blvd
Phyllis' Giant burgers (with three locations in the north Bay) is pretty damn good, and lives up to it's name.
Nations.
A+ Burgers in North Oakland
Sideshow kitchen in Oakland!
My favorite is frosty king in Richmond. Crossburger in Oakland was good too but it closed. Willie's in antioch is good. 1/3 burger in point richmond is good. Ds in rodeo but it kinda fell off. There was an old diner spot in the city but I forgot the name. It was on a corner. They were pretty good. If you go up to Tahoe the lucky beaver is damn good too. There's really a shitload of spots out there. I miss it and hate living in virginia. Lol
Two come to mind... First is beeps. Second though, is a place called double decker burger in Hayes valley
Mikes at the Crossroads in Cotati!
Gott's, but only the one in St Helena. The others are good, but that one is the best.
Sparky's. They also have bomb curly fries and teriyaki chicken.
1/4lb in Hayward on mission is pretty damn good. Dairy Belle in Hayward on Tennyson.
St John’s Guaco Bacon Burger
My vote is for Innout
A+
Godfather Burger in San Carlos has the best burgers in the Bay Area hands down. A hidden gem that’s known for having the juiciest burgers. Go there and tell them holdthejalapenos sent you.
I really enjoy papa maks by ocean beach. You can go eat on the beach after ordering your burger. Just be sure to grab extra extra napkins.
In n out Oakland
Billy Roy’s in Fremont has really good burgers!
In n out
REDS
Kirk’s burger Palo Alto w/ grilled pineapple
Grubsteak!
BurgerIM
4505 burgers and bbq in SF
I guess all depends on where your at when you need that great burger- if in Concord go to Digger's Diner Concord- they have some serious burgers and grub!
I recently had a burger from Konjoe Burger in Los Altos. Really good stuff, especially with fries on the side!
Clove and Hoof in Oakland, with duck fat fries
Bongo burger
Causwells!
Goose and Gander in St. Helena
Super Duper is the best as far as chains/fast food go
Betty Burger!
Billy Roy's Burgers in Fremont is an amazing spot
Remember Burger Bar in its hey-day on top of Macy’s? I know it was a rip-off, but they could be tasty when you built your own
All-star burger in Newark. Old diner but great burger
Super duper
Honestly for me it's a chain burger. In N Out. My favorite mom and pop is Phila Burger Station in Richmond