Everyone has some nostalgic memory of their first hamburger. As a child of the ’80s, I idolized McDonald’s thanks to cleverly marketed meals that featured not only a small meaty patty but also a temporary distraction from my boredom — a plastic toy. On road trips, I would beg my parents ad nauseam to stop at the drive-through for a Happy Meal (though they never succumbed to my request).
Like so many others entering adulthood, my taste buds evolved over the years, and a Happy Meal doesn’t cut it anymore. Luckily, San Francisco is currently having a hamburger moment, just in time for National Hamburger Month.
In a city that loves to love new things, it shouldn’t surprise most of you Instagram-obsessed foodies that the burger list we created in 2014 doesn’t feature newcomers to the Bay Area burger scene. While we aren’t trying to replace Wes’s roundup — in part because most of his picks are still gems, in our mind — it’s time the hamburgers gracing the tables of 2016 earned some recognition too.
No-fuss burger — WesBurger ’N’ More
For years, the talk of the town has been Wes Rowe’s semi-permanent pop-up at Mojo Bicycle Cafe. The humble chef has finally swapped a coffee shop for his very own brick-and-mortar shop, where, gone are the days of the Hot Wes and Blue Mario. Instead, it’s all about the basics. We found the Okie beautiful in its simplicity: mustard, grilled onions,American cheese, diner-style pickles — done.
The Okie, $11
An “eat it with a fork” burger — Huxley
In a sweet little neighborhood joint in a not-so-sweet neighborhood, Huxley is where locals pop in after work for a brew and the Hux Deluxe. The sweet poppy-seed bun is the perfect receptacle for all the glory that resides within—tender bacon; juicy medium-rare beef; tangy cheese; loads of MSG aioli; thin, crispy onions; and thick (read: THICK) slices of homemade sour pickles. Served with a side of overly fried fries, because you really need more, it’s elegant with a side of grunge.
The Hux Deluxe, $16
“Out of the city” burger — KronnerBurger
The crispy, buttery bun is what impressed us most during our taste-test. Plus, the patty itself has a fiery flavor that is best when served up simple. So while it might be tempting to order a side of bone marrow, go “raw” with your order so you can actually taste all the hard work that went into the well-prepared, medium-rare (per suggestion), dry-aged, grass-fed beef. The crunchy, full-toasted bun and basic lettuce create the perfect crunch.
KronnerBurger, $13
Get your burger delivered — Causwells
There’s a reason why Causwells’ Americana burger is on everyone’s list. It’s damn good. Eat it while you’re in your PJs on your sofa, and it’s even better. My preference is devouring the Americana Burger via delivery so that the gooey classics of American cheese, pickles and onions get smush-smashed together after a delivery boy throws the thing into his messenger bag. What’s for dinner, you ask? Beef.
Americana Burger, $15.99
“Eat it while you watch sports” burger — Bourbon Steak & Pub
If you’re heading to Levi’s Stadium, you’ve already shelled out some serious cash, so why not go all the way and get the $17 burger from Michael Mina’s Bourbon Steak & Pub? The Gold Rush Burger was a top pick when it transplanted itself during the SF-based Super Bowl City; and even when it was cooked in a food truck on the Embarcadero, it was fantastic. The soft bun adds a sweet counterpart to the crispy, salty bacon, and the secret sauce cools everything down.
The Gold Rush Burger, $17
The pinkie-up burger — Serpentine
You might lift an eyebrow over the fact that I even ordered a burger at the high-brow Serpentine, but it was all in the name of research, folks — and be glad I did. It’s also the “best burger in SF” according to Chef Traci Des Jardins (thanks to ChefsFeed), and we trust her judgment. The perfectly seared Prather Ranch organic patty on an Acme roll was salty, savory and sweet, all in one bite. If you really want to give it a punch, add cheddar or gruyere for a feast that’ll make all your friends who ordered the cod jealous.
Prather Ranch Hamburger, $15
“Mouth watering as I write” burger — Popsons
I don’t care that I’ve included two Causwells burgers on this list. Popsons built up a reputation as a pop-up (the aptly named Burger) turned brick-and-mortar shop, and is well on its way toward burger domination, with two permanent locations now open. While we taste-tested our way through the entire menu, the Savory burger with a Paula Deen–like slathering of truffle cheese created a saliva party, and the additions of grilled mushrooms, onions and aioli clinched it. (Vegetarian readers, rejoice: the beet and quinoa version impressed even our most meat-loving taste buds.)
Savory Burger, $8.25
