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oChef » Columbus Burgers – San Francisco
Columbus Burgers - San Francisco
Photo from Columbus Burgers
Columbus Burgers at a glance
San Francisco Telegraph Hill
- 🍔 Hamburger-Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 94 of the guests
#1364 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#11 Hamburger-Restaurant out of 37 in San Francisco
Good
7.3 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
309
Reviews
74.1%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Tasty burgers
- Excellent value
- Quick service
Frequently criticized
- Loud music
- Uncomfortable seating
- Inconsistent service
The restaurant Columbus Burgers in San Francisco’s vibrant Telegraph Hill neighborhood is your go-to spot for a delicious hamburger experience. This casual and trendy eatery offers the perfect setting for a quick bite, whether you’re grabbing lunch or dinner.
You’ll find a welcoming atmosphere where you can relax and enjoy your meal.
Overview: Introducting Columbus Burgers
Columbus Burgers offers a straightforward experience where the focus is clearly on the plate. Many appreciate the genuinely tasty burgers and the homemade taste of their sides, making it a solid choice for a casual meal.
However, the dining environment can be a mixed bag, with some finding the music too loud and the seating less than ideal for a relaxed stay. It’s a place that delivers on its core offering but might not be for everyone seeking a quiet, comfortable spot.
Good
7.3
out of 10
309
Reviews
74.1%
Satisfaction
54
negative
26
neutral
229
positive
Columbus Burgers earns a respectable overall score of 7.3, indicating a generally good experience for many patrons. This is further supported by a solid 74.1% customer satisfaction rate, suggesting that most visitors leave content with their meal.
These figures are drawn from a total of 309 customer opinions, with a significant majority of 229 positive remarks against 54 negative ones. The Food truly shines with a score of (7.7), frequently praised for its quality and flavor, while Value also stands out at (8), making it an appealing option for budget-conscious diners.
However, Ambience (6.5) and Service (6.4) hover in the average range, indicating areas where experiences can vary, from fast and friendly interactions to occasional inconsistencies.
What people like
- Tasty burgers
- Excellent value
- Quick service
What people don't like
- Loud music
- Uncomfortable seating
- Inconsistent service
If you’re seeking a straightforward burger joint that delivers on taste and won’t break the bank, Columbus Burgers is certainly worth considering. With a recommendation score of 7.7, it clearly satisfies many looking for a casual, no-frills meal where the food is the main event.
However, be prepared for a potentially lively atmosphere and basic seating. It’s a solid choice for a quick, affordable bite, especially if you prioritize good food and value over a quiet, comfortable dining experience.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Columbus Burgers
Food (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
Food
189
Reviews
78%
Satisfaction
23
negative
17
neutral
149
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
What people don't like
Often praised
- burgerA $10 burger in San Francisco is a hella good deal. You get what you pay for: a burger that hits the mark after a drunken night out but doesn’t stand on its own for sober enjoyment. This little joint offers a straightforward menu and is open until 11 pm on weekdays and 2 am on weekends, which is a rarity in SF.
- burgersclassic but extremely delicious. Much more delicious than you’d expect
- friesWe arrived at this place without many expectations, and the truth is that it surprised us. The burger was very tasty, and the fries too. Additionally, the attention was very good.
- foodI was particularly impressed by the cheesy jack burger; its appearance was unassuming, but it delivered an incredible cheese pull and exceeded my tastebuds' expectations. While the food is good, my overall experience was a little mixed due to other factors. The music is really loud, making conversation difficult, and there was some back and forth with the cashier.
- French friestheir French fries nicely seasoned
- burgers and friesThey do burgers and fries and do them well.
- mealThe burgers were excellent and the fries were tasty. The service was good, and I really enjoyed the meal. I would definitely come back again!
- menuYou get what you pay for: a burger that hits the mark after a drunken night out but doesn’t stand on its own for sober enjoyment. This little joint offers a straightforward menu and is open until 11 pm on weekdays and 2 am on weekends, which is a rarity in SF. However, the pictures on the menu don’t match what you receive, a red flag for burger enthusiasts.
- onion ringshad onion rings on my burger, and it had a homemade taste
- Cheesy Jackthe Cheesy Jack was good
Frequently criticized
- friesThe staff seemed bothered that I came in, which was not a great start. The chicken burger was okay, but the fries were typical mass production waffle fries you find in the Costco freezer. On a positive note, they have Stone IPA, which is a plus.
- burgerMy experience at the restaurant was disappointing. I received a fully melted milkshake, my takeout order was wrong, and the burger was just kind of grossly greasy.
- FoodFood:1
- bunthe bun wasn’t grilled or warmed at all — it was cold and stale
- bunsbuns to soft
- crinkle cut friesI miss the crinkle cut fries.
- menu descriptionit really should be included in the menu description
- milkshakeMy experience at the restaurant was disappointing. I received a fully melted milkshake, my takeout order was wrong, and the burger was just kind of grossly greasy.
- oilSuspect they don’t clean their oil
- onion rings as sidethey don’t offer onion rings as side
Service (6.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 52% of the guests
Looking at the service, its a bit of a mixed bag, but leaning positive! With a score of 6.4 (which is average) and customer satisfaction at 61.7% (a mixed result), it seems many appreciate the effort. Out of 60 customer remarks, 37 were positive, often praising the friendly gentleman and customer service, noting how food fast arrived and the warm service they received.
However, 19 negative remarks point to areas needing attention. Some experienced an hour-long wait or issues with restroom access, while others faced language barrier and communication' problems. It suggests that while many have great experiences, consistency can be a challenge.
Service
60
Reviews
61%
Satisfaction
19
negative
4
neutral
37
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Fast food delivery
- Warm hospitality
What people don't like
- Long waiting times
- Poor restroom access
- Communication issues
Often praised
- serviceThe burger itself wasn't greasy, and the fries were perfectly salted / seasoned. The fast service was impressive, especially since the burgers are made fresh. 💯
- staffA heads-up for future diners: your burger may come with a secret monkey sauce even if it's not listed on the menu. I'm very grateful that the staff was nice enough to remake my burger once I learned this, but this information really should be included in the menu description. The service, on the other hand, was excellent, deserving of 5 stars.
- ServiceI had one of the best burgers I've ever tasted in San Francisco, and I've lived here my whole life. The dine-in service for dinner was great, and the price per person was reasonable at $10–20.
- attentionthe attention was very good
- customer servicegreat customer service
- food fastI found it to be a great burger place for a reasonable price. The staff was really nice and they got me my food fast.
- friendly gentlemanVery friendly gentleman running at
- good serviceThe cheesy jack was really good, featuring a very tasty and distinct sauce. I also experienced good service and a great price.
- hoursThey're open until 11pm which I appreciate.
- less than 10 minutesgreat food less than 10 minutes
Frequently criticized
- serviceReally bad service it’s like he’s doing you a Favor
- amabilidady amabilidad con los clientes
- attentionthey do not provide good attention
- basic human decencyWe weren't trying to freeload; we simply needed a place for a bathroom emergency. While I understand policies exist, this situation called for basic human decency. The experience definitely left a bad impression.
- communicationDeberían de tener más communication
- gaslighted methey gaslighted me
- guy taking orderguy taking our order was pretty hard to hear
- hour-long waitit took an hour unfortunately
- language barrierThere was a language barrier
- refund for the friestold me no fries and hanged up in my face
So, should you go? If youre looking for generally friendly and often quick service, youll likely be pleased. Just be aware that a few folks have hit snags with wait times or communication, so manage your expectations.
Ambience (6.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 37% of the guests
When it comes to the atmosphere, this spot offers a pretty decent experience, scoring an average 6.5. Many guests appreciate the decor with cool license plates, the diner-style vibe , and the generally casual ambiance . It's often described as a great spot with a clean and neat feel, contributing to a positive overall atmosphere for many, as seen in 22 positive remarks.
However, the customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 62.9%, indicating some areas for improvement. Some found the seating uncomfortable with backless stools, and there were concerns about loud music and vulgar rap videos . A few even noted a chemical smell or rudimentary premises, which dampened the experience for 9 reviewers.
Ambience
35
Reviews
62%
Satisfaction
9
negative
4
neutral
22
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Classic diner vibe
- Casual, cool decor
- Great atmosphere
What people don't like
- Uncomfortable seating
- Vulgar music videos
- Strong chemical smell
Often praised
- atmosphereFunky hole in the wall atmosphere
- placeAll that fresh goodness in a cool little place!
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- SF gemThey offer big portions and unbeatable prices. Columbus Burger is a SF gem 💎, and I most definitely recommend it 👌.
- bathroomDuring my visit, several locals came to pick up burgers to go. The bathroom is clean with soap and hot water. I absolutely recommend it.
- burger standThis is a great burger stand with no frills
- casual ambianceThe Ambiance is really casual
- center of San Franciscoin the center of San Fransisco
- decorThe patty was a bit small, but the check was under $30 for two people, making it hard to complain. The decor is cute with US license plates, but most of the seating consists of uncomfortable, backless metal stools. I would come back after a night of drinking in the area, as it's definitely worth checking out if you're on a budget.
- diner-style vibeenjoy the classic, diner-style vibe
Frequently criticized
- bathroomthey do not open the bathroom to the customer
- chemical smellsmells to much chemicals, I even tasted in my mouth
- cleanlinessThe place doesn't look like much, and it's not for cleanliness fanatics. But the hamburgers were excellent!
- musicThe music is really loud
- music videossome pretty vulgar music videos on the tv
- premisesThe service was very good; the server was affable and understanding when faced with a customer hesitating over burger choices and accompaniments. However, be aware that the premises are rudimentary if you plan to eat on-site. During my visit, several locals came to pick up burgers to go.
- seatingseating is cheap, backless metal stools
- tourist trapthis is not a tourist trap
- vulgar rap videosThe service and food both received high marks. However, the experience was marred by the presence of vulgar rap videos, which was a significant bummer.
If youre looking for a casual, no-frills spot with a distinct diner-style vibe and dont mind potentially loud music or basic seating, this place could be a fun stop. However, if comfort, quiet, or pristine cleanliness are high on your list, you might find it a bit rough around the edges.
Value (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 32% of the guests
When it comes to value, this place really shines! With a strong score of 8 and an impressive 84% customer satisfaction, its clear most diners feel theyre getting a great deal. Many rave about the reasonable price, great price, and even unbeatable prices, often noting the great value for quality burgers.
This sentiment is echoed in 21 positive comments. However, a few voices suggest a different perspective. Out of 25 total comments, 3 found the experience pricey or more expensive than expected, with one even feeling the quality didn't justify the cost compared to other options.
While these are few, they highlight that not everyone finds the value proposition perfect.
Value
25
Reviews
84%
Satisfaction
3
negative
1
neutral
21
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great value
- Reasonable prices
- Affordable meals
What people don't like
- Can be pricey
Often praised
- priceI had a great burger, and the food was good overall. The people were friendly, and the price was very reasonable. I will definitely be back for more.
- pricesMy experience at the restaurant was very satisfying. I found the burgers to be of great quality and at the right prices. I did notice that the NAKED BURGER, which was pictured on the homepage, was only a patty and a bun when I received it.
- valueit’s a seriously great value
- Price per personI had one of the best burgers I've ever tasted in San Francisco, and I've lived here my whole life. The dine-in service for dinner was great, and the price per person was reasonable at $10–20.
- burger pricessurprised by the cheap burger prices
- checkthe check was under $30 for two people
- great priceThe cheesy jack was really good, featuring a very tasty and distinct sauce. I also experienced good service and a great price.
- reasonable priceMy experience at this restaurant was great. I found it to be a great burger place for a reasonable price. The staff was really nice and they got me my food fast.
- unbeatable pricesThe burgers are good, and the customer service is great. They offer big portions and unbeatable prices. Columbus Burger is a SF gem 💎, and I most definitely recommend it 👌.
Frequently criticized
- priceThe fries were too salty, and the buns were too soft. The patty was horrible, even worse than a McDonald's burger, and it was more expensive. I don't recommend listening to other reviews; our tummies hurt after eating here.
- fancy restauranttastes better than from an overpriced fancy restaurant
If you're hunting for a burger joint that offers excellent bang for your buck, this place is a solid bet. Most diners are genuinely impressed by the reasonable prices and quality you get. While a tiny handful found it a bit pricey, the overwhelming consensus points to great value.
How are the prices at Columbus Burgers?
You’re looking at roughly 17 per person – reported by 94 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Hamburger Restaurant in San Francisco, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at what people usually spend, most guests are right in that $11–$20 sweet spot, showing prices are pretty consistent around the average.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 94 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Hamburger Restaurant in San Francisco. It hits a good balance for quality and value.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Columbus Burgers
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Group Type
- Colleagues
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Amazing Burger, Great Value!
While in town for Dreamforce, my co-worker and I were craving something substantial after a week of small artisanal foods. We were staying at the Hilton Financial District right next door and decided to google for a place nearby. Our experience was fantastic!
We enjoyed an amazing burger and a good milkshake. The price can’t be beat, making it an excellent value. I highly recommend stopping by!
This is the perfect restaurant when you want great food with no frills. It was just what we needed!
- burger9
- milkshake7
- price10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Absolutely Slappin' Burgers!
My experience at this restaurant was absolutely incredible! The burgers were amazing, so good that fries were not even needed for this experience. They were hands down slappin'.
After a bit of a rough start, I ordered some, and they were to die for. I recommend asking for seasoning. 🤘
- burgers10
- fries9
- experience10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Great Burger Stand with Delicious Fries
I discovered this place during a neighborhood walk and decided to return the next day for lunch on a Sunday. I ordered a double cheeseburger with mustard, pickle, and onion, as that's my preference. I also opted to add lettuce and tomato, which was a pleasant change.
The burger was really good! Be prepared, as the double burger is quite tall; I found it easier to cut mine in half. My dining companion shared some fries, which were delicious with seasoned salt.
This is a no-frills burger stand that excels at what it does, particularly the burgers and fries. I regret not trying a shake, as I didn't have room but wished I had.
- double cheeseburger9
- burger tall6
- fries8
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Family Dinner
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Best Burger Experience!
I was looking for a family lunch spot and found this place. The prices were pretty good, around $10 for a burger. While the guy taking our order was a bit hard to hear, the food arrived in about 15 minutes.
The burger itself was one of the best burgers I’ve had.
- burger10
- prices8
- food6
- guy taking order4
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Great Burger, Not a Tourist Trap!
Thank goodness this place isn't a tourist trap, especially considering its location in a very touristy area. The prices were great, and the two young guys working were friendly, not having any attitude. They even let everyone use the restroom before confirming they were customers.
We've tried burgers all over the world, from greasy fast food to upscale hotel lobbies, and Columbus Burger was a home run! The fries were perfect – not limp, greasy, or overseasoned. The burgers were just as good!
While it might not be the 'OMG the best in the world, ' it's certainly not a ripoff, and we didn't experience any tourist apathy.
- prices9
- young guys working9
- restroom8
- tourist trap2
- tourist apathy3
What Columbus Burgers offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Tourists
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
Is Columbus Burgers accessible for everyone?
Yes, Columbus Burgers ensures a comfortable visit for all. You’ll find a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restroom available, making it easy for you to enjoy your meal without any hassle.
What service and dining options does Columbus Burgers offer?
Columbus Burgers provides flexible service options including no-contact delivery, takeout, curbside pickup, and dine-in. You can also make reservations for your visit, ensuring you have a table ready for lunch or dinner.
What is the overall dining experience like at Columbus Burgers?
Columbus Burgers generally offers a good dining experience, reflected in its overall score of 7.3 and 74.1% customer satisfaction. Customers particularly appreciate the Food (7.7) and Value (8), though Ambience (6.5) and Service (6.4) are considered average.
Are the burgers at Columbus Burgers worth trying?
Yes, many customers find the burgers to be very tasty and delicious, often highlighting them as a strong point. While some mention issues like greasiness or bun quality, the general consensus points to satisfying burgers and fries.
What should I expect regarding the atmosphere and seating?
The atmosphere at Columbus Burgers is often described as casual and diner-style, with some finding it funky. However, be aware that the music can be loud, and the seating primarily consists of uncomfortable, backless metal stools, which might not be ideal for a long stay.