Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
oChef » Hamburger Project – San Francisco
Hamburger Project - San Francisco
Photo from Hamburger Project
Hamburger Project at a glance
San Francisco Alamo Square
- 🍔 Hamburger-Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 66 of the guests
#1889 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#31 Hamburger-Restaurant out of 37 in San Francisco
Good
6.6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
356
Reviews
60.4%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Smash burgers
- Fast service
- Clean space
Frequently criticized
- Small portions
- Limited seating
- Mixed value
The hamburger restaurant Hamburger Project in San Francisco’s vibrant Alamo Square neighborhood offers you a casual dining experience. If you’re looking for a quick bite, this spot is perfect for lunch or dinner.
You can enjoy delicious burgers with convenient service options like no-contact delivery, takeout, or traditional dine-in. Finding parking might be a bit tricky, with usually difficult street parking, but the accessible entrance ensures everyone can visit.
Overview: Introducting Hamburger Project
Hamburger Project seems to deliver on its promise of a straightforward burger experience, often praised for its flavor and fast service. However, some diners find the overall atmosphere lacking, and there are mixed feelings about the portion sizes.
While many appreciate the price point for a quick meal, others feel the value isn’t always there, especially when considering the modest size of the offerings. It’s a place that sparks strong opinions on both sides.
Good
6.6
out of 10
356
Reviews
60.4%
Satisfaction
113
negative
28
neutral
215
positive
Hamburger Project earns an overall score of 6.6, indicating a generally positive reception, though not without its caveats. Customer satisfaction sits at 60.4%, suggesting a mixed but leaning positive experience for many.
This assessment is drawn from 356 customer observations, with 215 positive remarks outweighing 113 negative ones. The Food (7.0) is clearly a strong point, frequently highlighted for its quality, particularly the smash burgers.
Ambience (6.2) and Service (5.9) hover around average, with some appreciating the efficiency and cleanliness, while others find the dining space and staff interactions less engaging. The Value (5.4) score suggests it’s a point of contention, with opinions split on whether the cost aligns with the offering.
What people like
- Delicious smash burgers
- Quick, friendly service
- Clean, modern interior
What people don't like
- Small burger portions
- Limited, cramped seating
- Inconsistent value perception
For those seeking a straightforward, tasty smash burger with efficient service, Hamburger Project is often a solid choice. The focus here is clearly on the food, and many find it hits the spot for a quick, satisfying meal, especially if you’re in a hurry.
With a 6.6 recommendation score, it’s worth considering if your priority is a good burger without much fuss. However, if you value a comfortable dining atmosphere or larger portions for your money, you might find it falls short of expectations.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Hamburger Project
Food (7 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
The food here generally hits the spot, earning a 7 for quality, though customer satisfaction is a bit more mixed at 67.1%. Many diners rave about the delicious smash burgers, often described as juicy and full of flavor. With 147 positive comments out of 219 total, the crispy fries and well-balanced classic burgers are frequently praised.
However, there are some areas for improvement, with 57 negative comments highlighting concerns. Some found the meat dry or the patties too thin, leading to an unbalanced patty-to-bun ratio. Others felt the food was overpriced for its size, and occasionally, issues like stale buns or cold fries were noted.
Food
219
Reviews
67%
Satisfaction
57
negative
15
neutral
147
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious smash burgers
- Crispy, fresh fries
- Great flavor balance
What people don't like
- Thin, dry patties
- Overpriced for size
- Stale buns or cold fries
Often praised
- foodThey were SO tiny, and even for a smash burger, I felt there could have been more meat. Everything else was pretty good, but the burger was a letdown, especially considering the price. 🤷♂️
- burgerThe menu is simple, the service is fast, and the flavor is great. The burger was everything we expected and scratched that smashburger itch we’ve been having! The dining room is limited, so it may be better for a to-go order than dine-in.
- friesEven the fries deserve mention. Crisp without aggression
- burgersSo much better than the burgers in the East Coast
- smash burgerThis is a classic smash burger that checks all of the boxes.
- Smash burgerThe Smash burger at this place is really, really good!
- smash burgersMy experience at this restaurant was great, especially during their happy hour. I enjoyed the delicious simple smash burgers. They offer a good happy hour burger, fries and a drink, making it a great deal.
- FoodFood:5
- HP sauceThe proprietary HP sauce, a smoky-sweet umami lift, ties it all together
- Oklahoma burgerOklahoma burger with the little sweet red peppers. So good
Frequently criticized
- burgerMy experience at the restaurant was mixed. Adonia sent us, but I wasn't impressed with the burger. I ordered the classic double and had to keep looking for beef.
- friesI wasn’t into the fries; they resemble McDonald’s fries
- bunI truly regret spending that amount of money on a burger that I believe would have been better from McDonald's. To make matters worse, the burger didn't even include salad, just an overly soft and sad bun with meat. The overall food quality was a major letdown.
- burgersburgers were SO tiny and I felt like there could have been more meat
- meatThe bun—if you can even call it that—was stale and crumbling, barely able to hold together the insult that lay inside. The meat (or whatever it was) had the texture of a hockey puck, with all the juiciness of a piece of cardboard left out in the rain and then dried again. The toppings were no better: a sad, limp lettuce leaf that looked like it had given up on life, a single, translucent tomato slice that had the flavor of disappointment, and a dollop of sauce so meager that I had to double-check if they had actually applied it or just waved the bottle over the burger in some kind of cruel joke.
- foodfood that had been made 2 hours earlier
- pattyI was expecting something grand, but what I got was a pathetic, wafer-thin excuse for a patty that looked like it had been pressed between two bricks and left to dry in the sun. The bun—if you can even call it that—was stale and crumbling, barely able to hold together the insult that lay inside.
- Iceberg lettuce/TomatoI do wish they offered Iceberg lettuce/Tomato
- beefAdonia sent us, but I wasn't impressed with the burger. I ordered the classic double and had to keep looking for beef. I also paid extra for the grilled onions and was disappointed; they didn't fully peel the onion, resulting in a mouthful of plastic-like grilled onion.
- bunsThe burger was essentially just the buns, with the meat being incredibly thin and flat. All I could really taste was the buns. For $7, I found the price to be outrageous.
If you're craving a classic smash burger with great flavor and crispy fries, this spot is definitely worth a try. Just be mindful that some experiences mention smaller portions or dry patties, so manage your expectations regarding value and consistency.
Service (5.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 55% of the guests
When it comes to service, many guests have found things to appreciate. With 29 positive remarks among 55 total comments, youll often encounter friendly staff and genuine hospitality . The fast efficient service is a common highlight, contributing to an average score of 5.9.
However, its a bit of a mixed bag with 52.7% customer satisfaction, as 24 negative comments point to some issues. Concerns include rude staff and even a rude owner , along with frustrations over QR code ordering and instances of a nasty chef . These experiences suggest there's definitely room for improvement.
Service
55
Reviews
52%
Satisfaction
24
negative
2
neutral
29
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, warm staff
- Fast, efficient service
- Kind, fun owner
What people don't like
- Rude staff/owner
- Disrespectful chef/server
- QR code ordering only
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was super solid, featuring a smashburger on the trendy Divisadero Street. The menu is simple, the service is fast, and the flavor is great. The burger was everything we expected and scratched that smashburger itch we’ve been having!
- ServiceService was friendly.
- staffThe onion rings and fries are extra crispy. The restaurant is spotless, and everyone from the owner to the staff is friendly. Honestly, there’s no reason not to come here.
- ownerThe onion rings and fries are extra crispy. The restaurant is spotless, and everyone from the owner to the staff is friendly. Honestly, there’s no reason not to come here.
- Wait timeWait time:No wait
- fast efficient serviceFast efficient service
- food came out quicklyThe food came out quickly!
- hospitalityYet beyond the plate lies something rarer: hospitality with heart. The staff radiate genuine warmth
- recommendWould highly recommend to anyone
- take outGreat for take out
Frequently criticized
- serviceIt seemed the cook was too busy with other tasks, like lubricating toaster chains, instead of focusing on the food. Overall, it was an overpriced and subpar service experience, and I do not recommend wasting your money here.
- chefThe chef was a nasty person
- deliveryFor delivery they sent me food that had been made 2 hours earlier
- ownerrude owner will harass you
- staffstaff reload the stapler right above burgers
- 9PM closing timeQuit it with this 9PM closing time
- QR code orderingMy experience at this restaurant was marked by a significant change in their ordering system. It appears they have recently laid off their cashier, and now QR code ordering only is in place. Unfortunately, I didn't have my phone with me, which made the process difficult.
- Servicecashier straight up fingered her burger with no gloves
- cashiercashier instantly pushes QR code paper up
- chefs handling raw meatMy experience at the restaurant was average. I would be concerned about food safety as I saw the chefs handling raw meat and other food without gloves. The service received a score of 2, atmosphere a 3, and food a 2.
Service here can be a hit or miss; you might get a great, friendly experience with quick service, or you could encounter some rudeness. If you're okay with potentially mixed interactions and QR code ordering, it might be worth a try, but be prepared for either outcome.
Ambience (6.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 47% of the guests
Looking at the ambience, many customers found the atmosphere quite agreeable, often praising the clean, modern interior and a quiet noise level perfect for conversation. With 20 positive opinions out of 44 total, the restaurant cleanliness and overall pleasant spot for a quick bite were definite highlights, contributing to an average score of 6.2. However, the experience wasn't universally glowing, with a customer satisfaction of 45.5% indicating a mixed bag.
Several of the 14 negative comments pointed to limited seating, a cramped feel, and a general lack of character, particularly concerning the bar stools and counter setup. Some even felt the place was a bit janky or lacked soul.
Ambience
44
Reviews
45%
Satisfaction
14
negative
10
neutral
20
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Clean, modern interior
- Quiet noise level
- Pleasant atmosphere
What people don't like
- Limited seating
- Cramped space
- Lacks character
Often praised
- atmosphereatmosphere are also top-notch
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- placeplace is clean
- Noise levelNoise level:Quiet, easy to talk
- bathroomBathroom was large and clean.
- interiorClean, modern interior
- localsFrequentato da molti locals
- location샌프란시스코 금문교랑도 가깝고
- restaurant cleanlinessthe restaurant is spotless
- spot for a quick biteI had a great smash burger that was truly next level, especially with their delicious homemade yuzu hot sauce. The service was friendly, making it a great spot for a quick bite. The atmosphere was also rated a 5, and the noise level was quiet, making it easy to talk.
Frequently criticized
- atmospherean establishment devoid of character, doing the bare minimum, no soul, no heart
- ambianceThe ambiance is non-existent
- bar seatingthere is just a skinny bar to eat at
- bar stoolsjust less than 12 bar stools available for eat-in diners
- closing timeclosing at NINE instead of Midnight and that really sucks
- counterthe farther back you go the narrower the counter
- crampedThe service was fast and efficient, and the place wasn't too packed. However, the place has limited seating and it's a bit cramped, a little janky overall. This was a very affordable burger place, might have hurt my overall health but worth it.
- dirty placeoverall a dirty place
- limited seatingThe place has limited seating
- placeThe place isn't much to look at
If youre looking for a quick, affordable bite and dont mind a potentially cramped space, this spot might work. However, if a comfortable, character-filled atmosphere is high on your list, you might find the limited seating and basic ambiance a bit disappointing.
Value (5.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 46% of the guests
When it comes to value, many folks found some real gems, praising the price, great deal, and affordable options available. With 19 positive remarks, it seems there are definitely ways to snag a satisfying meal without breaking the bank, especially if you hit those sweet spots. However, the overall sentiment is a bit of a mixed bag, with customer satisfaction sitting at 50% and an average score of 5.4.
A significant 18 negative comments highlighted concerns about things being overpriced and not worth the money, suggesting that some experiences left diners feeling like they paid too much for what they received.
Value
38
Reviews
50%
Satisfaction
18
negative
1
neutral
19
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable options
- Great deals
- Reasonable price
What people don't like
- Too overpriced
- Not worth money
- Expensive for size
Often praised
- priceWhen I’m craving for a good burger, Hamburger Project’s burger is what definitely hits the spot. It's a delicious, comforting, and affordable burger with no frills. I always get them for takeout, so I can't comment on the service or atmosphere.
- affordableaffordable smash burger
- cheap burgerThey seem to have an inflated sense of their own quality, believing they're the best in town, which is surprising given the city has many other great burger places run by decent and nice people. I'd recommend going to Sam's for the best cheap burger in town, or Bills or Uncle Boys, which are also great. Honestly, go literally anywhere else.
- great dealThis is a great deal in San Francisco
- happy hour specialhappy hour special from 2-4:30 PM next time for $12
- price on burger and friesprice on burger and fries is decent
- price per personPrice per person:$10–20
- price pointAt this price point, I can't complain.
- price was goodPrice was good for the value
- pricesPrices are great
Frequently criticized
- priceAs you move further back, the counter narrows, and it becomes darker, closer to the kitchen and trash cans. I paid $22 for a burger and fries, expecting more food for the price, but hoped it would be good. Unfortunately, both the burger and fries fell flat, tasting generic, like something from a grocery store.
- Burger, drink, tax and tipBurger, drink, tax and tip came to $18
- Deluxe burger and friesDeluxe burger and fries were $18
- Divis rent pricesNo one is getting a smash at Divis rent prices
- moneyDon’t waste your money here
- overpricedIt seemed the cook was too busy with other tasks, like lubricating toaster chains, instead of focusing on the food. Overall, it was an overpriced and subpar service experience, and I do not recommend wasting your money here.
- ozempic burger restaurantcannot support this ozempic burger restaurant
- price pointthe price point is high
If you're on the hunt for a budget-friendly bite, keep an eye out for specials and specific menu items that offer good value. Otherwise, be prepared that some offerings might feel a bit overpriced for what you get, potentially leaving you wanting more for your money.
How are the prices at Hamburger Project?
You’re looking at roughly 17 per person – reported by 66 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Hamburger Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most guests find themselves spending right around this average, with the majority of prices clustering within the $11–$20 range.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 66 reviews.
How this Hamburger Restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Hamburger Restaurant in San Francisco. It offers a good mid-range option without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Hamburger Project
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Terrible Burger and Disrespectful Service
My experience at this restaurant was quite disappointing. The burger was way too thin, to the point where I felt like I could feel the metal. The server was also incredibly disrespectful.
While the other people were fine, the service was definitely not up to par.
- burger2
- server1
- service1
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
10
A Masterclass in Burger Perfection
My experience at The Hamburger Project was a masterclass in restraint and precision, proving that excellence doesn't always require excess. Amidst the vibrant Divisadero Street, this unassuming burger counter delivered a level of consistency and soul that rivals fine dining. Each visit reaffirms their philosophy: simplicity executed with conviction.
The Classic Burger was a perfect balance of textures and temperatures, with a beef patty that was crisp outside and molten inside, topped with silken American cheese, bright diced onions, and pickles. The proprietary HP sauce provided a smoky-sweet umami lift. The “Oklahoma” Fried Onion Burger showcased artistry, with thinly shaved sweet onions caramelizing into the beef for a lace of golden crispness.
Peppadew peppers added a thoughtful sweet heat. The “Wisconsin” Butter Burger was pure indulgence, with whipped butter enriching the toasted bun for a velvet warmth. Every component, from the pillowy bun to the sizzling onions, sang in harmony.
Even the fries were noteworthy, crisp without aggression, holding their structure under the Loaded Fries’ toppings. The secret sauce was a culinary sleight of hand, amplifying every flavor symphonically. Beyond the food, the hospitality was exceptional, with staff radiating genuine warmth and pride.
The Hamburger Project feels like a homecoming, a place where every bite speaks of refinement and respect for the craft.
- Classic Burger10
- beef patty10
- American cheese9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Delivery
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Amazing Korean Burgers!
Inspired by an Epik High YouTube video, I decided to try this Korean restaurant. Even though I ordered for delivery, the experience was still amazing! We tried both burgers, and they were both perfection.
The loaded fries were delicious too. They were so much better than the burgers I've had on the East Coast!
- burgers10
- loaded fries9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Amazing Food and Great Value!
This was my first visit from South Korea, and I consider myself a food connoisseur! This place is so good to go! The price was reasonable, and they gave me so many french fries!
Awesome! I visited the day after Tablo-nim posted a video about it. It was delicious!
They give a crazy amount of fries too! I highly recommend it. ㅠㅠ
- price9
- french fries10
- food9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
A Foodie's Delight with a Twist
On my second visit, I can confirm that this place is a must-try for any true foodie with a refined palate. If you're looking for heavy, greasy, classic American-style calorie bombs, this might not be your spot 😂. The burger has amazing balance, likely due to the finely chopped onions and pickles inside.
Their signature yuzu sauce is super refreshing and adds a nice twist. The onion rings and fries are extra crispy. The restaurant is spotless, and everyone from the owner to the staff is friendly.
Honestly, there’s no reason not to come here. Out of all the American spots recommended by celebrities, this one’s been the most satisfying!
- burger9
- yuzu sauce9
- onion rings9
What Hamburger Project offers
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Offerings
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Delivery
- Dine-in
Parking
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What dining and service options are available at Hamburger Project?
At Hamburger Project, you have several convenient choices for enjoying your meal. You can opt for no-contact delivery, traditional delivery, or takeout if you’re on the go. For a casual experience, dine-in is also available for both lunch and dinner.
Is Hamburger Project accessible, and what are the parking options?
Yes, Hamburger Project features a wheelchair accessible entrance, ensuring ease of access for all guests. Regarding parking, you should be aware that finding a space can usually be difficult, and paid street parking is the primary option in the area.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Hamburger Project?
Hamburger Project has an overall score of **6.6** and a customer satisfaction of **60.4%**, indicating a mixed but generally positive reception. The **Food** (7.0) is highly rated, while **Ambience** (6.2), **Service** (5.9), and **Value** (5.4) receive more moderate scores.
Is Hamburger Project a good option for a quick meal?
Yes, many customers highlight the fast service and efficient process, making it a suitable choice for a quick bite. The simple menu and quick turnaround times are frequently praised.
What are the common criticisms regarding Hamburger Project's dining experience?
Common criticisms include the limited seating and cramped dining space, with some finding the overall atmosphere lacking character. There are also mixed opinions on the value for money, particularly concerning burger portion sizes.