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oChef » Papa Mak’s Burgers – San Francisco
Papa Mak's Burgers - San Francisco
Photo from Papa Mak’s Burgers
Papa Mak's Burgers at a glance
San Francisco Sunset District
- 🍔 Hamburger-Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 93 of the guests
#1430 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#14 Hamburger-Restaurant out of 37 in San Francisco
Good
7.2 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
446
Reviews
70.6%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Burger quality
- Large portions
- Good location
Frequently criticized
- High cost
- Service issues
- Parking difficulty
The hamburger restaurant Papa Mak’s Burgers in San Francisco’s vibrant Sunset District offers you a perfect spot for a quick, satisfying meal. This cozy and casual eatery is known for its delicious burgers, making it an ideal destination when you’re craving a classic American favorite.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxed lunch or a fun dinner, you’ll find a welcoming atmosphere here.
Overview: Introducting Papa Mak's Burgers
Papa Mak’s Burgers generally delivers a satisfying meal, with many appreciating the quality of their burgers and the pleasant location near the beach. It’s a spot where the food generally receives positive remarks for its taste and preparation.
However, some diners have voiced concerns about the overall price, feeling it doesn’t always align with the value. There are also occasional comments regarding inconsistent service attitudes, which can sometimes detract from the experience.
Good
7.2
out of 10
446
Reviews
70.6%
Satisfaction
108
negative
23
neutral
315
positive
Papa Mak’s Burgers achieves a respectable overall score of 7.2, indicating a generally good dining experience. This is further supported by a solid customer satisfaction rate of 70.6%, suggesting that most patrons leave content.
These figures are drawn from a considerable 446 customer remarks, with 315 positive observations outweighing 108 negative ones. Diving deeper, the Food (7.6) and Ambience (7.4) are clear strengths, consistently earning good marks from diners.
However, Service (6.5) falls into the average category, suggesting room for improvement in consistency. The most significant area for attention is Value (4), which is perceived as poor by many, indicating concerns about pricing relative to the offering.
What people like
- Delicious, flavorful burgers
- Generous food portions
- Great beach location
What people don't like
- High prices
- Inconsistent service
- Parking challenges
Papa Mak’s Burgers, with a solid recommendation score of 7.6, is generally worth considering if you’re seeking a satisfying burger experience in a pleasant setting. It’s a place where the core product often shines, making it a good choice for casual dining.
However, be mindful of the pricing, as some find it on the higher side, and service can be a bit inconsistent. If you prioritize good food and location over strict budget adherence and occasional service hiccups, it could be a worthwhile stop.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Papa Mak's Burgers
Food (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 95% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.6 and a customer satisfaction rate of 76.5%, it's clear many diners are happy. Out of 289 opinions, 221 rave about delicious burgers, crispy fries, juicy patties, and a great variety of choices, making it a go-to for many.
However, not every bite is perfect. Among the 57 negative comments, some found the food overpriced, with occasional soggy buns or greasy items. There were also concerns about undercooked or rubbery meat, suggesting some inconsistency in preparation that might disappoint.
Food
289
Reviews
76%
Satisfaction
57
negative
11
neutral
221
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious, juicy burgers
- Crispy, tasty fries
- Great menu variety
What people don't like
- Food can be overpriced
- Inconsistent cooking
- Soggy or greasy items
Often praised
- burgersThe food was delicious and the atmosphere was cool. They truly care about their product, evident in the fresh ground burgers. The people were nice, and the food was of quality.
- burgerMy Doordash delivery experience was fantastic. I had a great burger with great flavor. I would definitely have it again when I return to the area for my next visit.
- foodSo, we ordered normally at the counter from a super nice employee. The food was prepared quickly and was very tasty again :)
- friesThe moment I walked in, the place smelled excellent. I enjoyed good size burgers and crispy fries. It's a locally owned establishment conveniently located by the beach with easy parking.
- menuI’ve moved away but I always try to go when I’m back in the neighborhood. The owner has impeccable taste and has built a menu that shows it. Each of the flavors and ingredients he chooses complement every single bite.
- onion ringsThe onion rings far exceeded my expectations.
- FoodFood:5
- truffle friesThere were so many delicious burgers to choose from. We tried the mac n cheese burger with regular fries, the blue burger with truffle fries, and the fire burger with jalapeños and sweet potato fries. It was a must try experience.
- FriesFries are pretty awesome too
- portionsMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The food was incredibly good, with great flavors and generous portions. I was particularly impressed by the grilled chicken sandwich, which was even better than their top-notch fried chicken sandwich.
Frequently criticized
- burgerThe burger was large but mediocre in every other way, including greasy
- foodThe food is vastly overpriced for what it is -- low quality meat, flavorless
- onion ringsThe onion rings were literally the most greasy thing
- FoodFood:1
- bunsgetting day old bun on online to orders
- friesI found the burger to be incredibly mid and overpriced. For about $17 before toppings or tax, the burger and fries tasted rubbery and unseasoned. The burger was also sopping wet and too tall to bite into without cutting it first, which then caused the paper between the burger and tray to get wet and stick to the burger.
- Dbl. burgersDbl. burgers dry/ with too much cheap tasting oil with no seasoning
- GF bunsNo GF buns
- avocadoavocado wasn’t sliced all the way through or fully ripe
- burgers3 Burgers $75 for a dirty corner spot nothing special
If you're craving a classic, well-made burger with excellent fries and plenty of options, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful that some experiences mention issues with pricing or consistency in cooking, so manage expectations for a perfect meal every time.
Service (6.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 57% of the guests
When it comes to service, theres a lot to appreciate here! Based on 45 positive remarks out of 77 total customer comments, many folks rave about the friendly staff and quick service. Youll often find the team described as nice people who provide attentive service, ensuring your experience is smooth and pleasant.
However, the overall picture is a bit mixed, with a score of 6.5 and customer satisfaction at 58.4%. About 28 comments point to areas needing work, such as occasional order errors and some instances of bad attitude from staff. There are also mentions of rude service and issues with closing times, suggesting inconsistency.
Service
77
Reviews
58%
Satisfaction
28
negative
4
neutral
45
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Staff is friendly
- Service is quick
- Staff is attentive
What people don't like
- Orders are incorrect
- Staff has attitude
- Employees mess food
Often praised
- serviceI highly recommend these dishes, especially if you're looking for a satisfying meal. The food quality was rated a 4 out of 5, and the service also received a 4. The atmosphere was rated a 3.
- staffthe staff was really really nice
- ServiceService:5
- peoplepeople were very Friendly
- JeanetteWe visit weekly for burgers for our urban picnics and vehicle charging sessions. Jeanette is the best! I highly recommend stopping by to support this local gem!
- Wait timeWait time:No wait
- attentive serviceThey we're super attentive.
- care takenI loved this spot for its good food, nice people, and quick service. They also took great care taken in creating your meal. The recommended dish was the Burger.
- deliveryDoordash delivery experience was fantastic
- employeeThere is now a terminal to order, but the requirement for a US phone number was a bit confusing. So, we ordered normally at the counter from a super nice employee. The food was prepared quickly and was very tasty again :)
Frequently criticized
- servicedid not seem to be a person who takes the job of "service" very seriously
- ServiceService:1
- closing timeI normally love this place, but there were a few things that needed work during my recent take-out dinner. First off, they closed earlier than they were supposed to, which was inconvenient. Second, they stopped serving shakes at a certain time, which was disappointing.
- orderThey never get my order right.
- staffThe staff was far more interested in closing early
- Caucasian cashierCaucasian cashier has an attitude
- bad attitudeThe blonde guy serving the counter was grumpy and didn't seem to take his job seriously. I felt like it was my job to accommodate his bad attitude. Despite the great food, this impacted my overall experience, leading me to lower my rating.
- blonde guy servingthe blonde guy serving the counter was grumpy
- card readerMy experience at this restaurant was quite negative. The card reader was not working, which was an inconvenience. To make matters worse, while I stepped out to get cash, employees messed with my food.
- cashierUpon getting home, I discovered another Yelp review describing a similar circumstance. In that case, the reviewer stated the cashier admitted to adding a tip for themselves. This kind of dishonesty, especially for a small business, is disgusting.
If youre looking for generally quick and friendly service, youll likely be pleased. However, be aware that theres a chance for order mix-ups or less-than-stellar staff attitudes, which could impact your visit. Its a bit of a gamble, but often worth it for the good experiences.
Ambience (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 43% of the guests
Alright, lets talk vibes! The ambience here scores a solid 7.4, with customer satisfaction sitting pretty at 73.7%, which is definitely good news. Based on 42 positive remarks out of 57 total, folks really appreciate the easy parking and fantastic beach location.
Many love the option of indoor and outdoor seating, the clean atmosphere, and the generally good, quiet vibes, making it a real neighborhood gem and kid-friendly spot. However, its not all sunshine and rainbows. With 9 negative comments, some found the atmosphere nothing special, even describing it as a dirty corner spot.
Parking can sometimes be a chore, and a few mentioned dirty tables or an unpleasant smell, suggesting there's a bit of room for improvement in consistency.
Ambience
57
Reviews
73%
Satisfaction
9
negative
6
neutral
42
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great beach location
- Easy parking access
- Clean, good vibes
What people don't like
- Parking can be tough
- Atmosphere unremarkable
- Unpleasant smells
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The food was delicious and the atmosphere was cool. They truly care about their product, evident in the fresh ground burgers.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- locationGood location near Ocean Beach
- parkingFree street parking
- Great locationGreat location as well near the ocean
- Irish barthere is an Irish bar across the road
- Kid-friendlinessGood place for hanging out with the kids
- Noise levelNoise level:Quiet, easy to talk
- Ocean Beachsit on the dunes and watch the waves roll in
- beach locationI enjoyed good size burgers and crispy fries. It's a locally owned establishment conveniently located by the beach with easy parking. It truly delivered on the expectation of what a great burger spot should be.
Frequently criticized
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:1
- atmosphereAtmosphere 2 stars mainly because nobody else was in there
- Parking spaceParking space:Somewhat difficult to find parking
- dirty corner spotfor a dirty corner spot nothing special
- parkingParking is a chore
- smell of the placethe smell of the place was enough
- tablesMy food arrived in a to-go container within 4 minutes without me asking. The tables were dirty, and the burger was undercooked and greasy, described as large but mediocre. The sweet potato tots were also disappointing, resembling greasy whipped sweet potato baby food croquettes that I couldn't finish.
So, should you go? If youre looking for a casual spot with a great location, good vibes, and easy parking near the beach, youll likely have a good time. Just be aware that the atmosphere might not always wow you, and parking can occasionally be a bit tricky.
Value (4 out of 10)
mentioned by 22% of the guests
When it comes to value, its a bit of a mixed bag here. While the overall score for this topic sits at an average 4, some guests have found good deals. Out of 23 total opinions, 7 positive remarks highlight that certain items are worth the money and reasonably priced, offering value for dollar for things like huge burgers or fried chicken sandwiches.
However, the customer satisfaction for value is quite low at just 30.4%, indicating significant room for improvement. With 14 negative comments, many feel items are overpriced, especially when facing extra charges for add-ons or noticing billing discrepancies. This suggests that while some find value, others are left feeling the price' is too high for what they receive.
Value
23
Reviews
30%
Satisfaction
14
negative
2
neutral
7
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Worth the money
- Reasonably priced food
- Great value for dollar
What people don't like
- Overpriced burger
- Charging extra for add-ons
- Ridiculously priced
Often praised
- priceThe atmosphere was rated a 3. This would be a great spot for lunch, with a price range of $10–20 per person. It's also a fantastic suggestion for a post-festival meal, perhaps after a day of music festival shenanigans at Outside Lands.
- priceswell-priced
- value for dollarThe staff was incredibly friendly, and the atmosphere was nice. I also appreciated the great value for your dollar. We visit weekly for burgers for our urban picnics and vehicle charging sessions.
- worth the moneyWorth the money on a huge burger
Frequently criticized
- priceover priced, literally spent 50$ 2 burgers and one BLT
- add onscharging extra for little add ons?
- billing discrepancynoticed it reads $20.06 on my Apple Pay
- charge extraeven when they charge you extra
- extra $10paid $10 extra for
- lettuce and tomatoMade us pay more to have lettuce and tomato on the kids burger
- pricedRidiculously priced should be criminal
If youre looking for specific items like a big burger or fried chicken, you might find decent value. However, be wary of potential extra charges for add-ons, as many customers feel the overall pricing can be steep and overpriced' for what you get.
How are the prices at Papa Mak's Burgers?
You’re looking at roughly 20 per person – reported by 93 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.
Looking at what people actually spend, most diners cluster around the $11–$20 range, with a good number also venturing into the $21–$30 bracket. So, prices are pretty consistent around that average, not a wild mix of super cheap and super fancy.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 93 reviews.
How this Hamburger Restaurant in San Francisco stacks up against similar spots on value for money.
For a Hamburger Restaurant, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It’s a solid mid-range option that offers good value for a casual meal.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Papa Mak's Burgers
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
6
Mixed Experience with Service and Food
My experience at the restaurant was mixed. The service wasn't very good, and I felt rushed to make my order, even though there was no one else waiting behind me. The food was just okay.
While the burger patty was very good, the burger itself came out soggy. I'm willing to try again in the future to see if it was just an off day.
- burger patty8
- service3
- rushed to make my order3
- burger4
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Excellent Burgers and Tater Tots!
My experience at this great little place was excellent! I really enjoyed the Big Papa and their homemade Veggie burgers. The sweet potato tater tots were good, and the onion rings were awesome.
I'm glad we found this laid-back joint to finish off our visit!
- Big Papa9
- Veggie burgers9
- sweet potato tater tots7
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Amazing Burgers and Milkshakes!
This was a great spot to finish our day in San Francisco. The milkshake was amazing, even though it was a little smaller than I would like. The burgers are just like OMG, they were juicy and full of flavor.
I wish the buns were a little bigger, but don’t we all 😉. It’s definitely a must do if you’ve never been and you love a good burger. Also, there’s a Lyft bike rack right out front so you can ride a Lyft bike there.
- milkshake9
- burgers10
- buns6
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Overpriced Food, Rude Service
My experience at this restaurant was disappointing. The service was grumpy and a bit rude, making me question if the staff member, possibly named Mac, should be working in a customer-facing role. The food was vastly overpriced for its quality.
I found the meat to be low quality and flavorless, believing the burger was worth about $5 but priced at four times that. To make matters worse, they charged extra for lettuce and tomato on the kids' burger, which I consider a core component and not an add-on. Even if they could charge, it would have been more customer-friendly to include it for free.
I would advise others to stay away and spend their money elsewhere.
- service1
- food1
- burger1
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Takeout
Noise Level
- Moderate
10
Best Burger, Great Value!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I found the best burger in San Francisco here. The staff was incredibly friendly, and the atmosphere was nice.
I also appreciated the great value for your dollar. We visit weekly for burgers for our urban picnics and vehicle charging sessions. Jeanette is the best!
I highly recommend stopping by to support this local gem!
- burger10
- staff10
- atmosphere8
What Papa Mak's Burgers offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Groups
- College students
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Quick bite
- Beer
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
- Dessert
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Free street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
Is Papa Mak's Burgers accessible for everyone?
Yes, Papa Mak’s Burgers ensures a comfortable experience for all guests. You’ll find a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restrooms, making it easy for you to enjoy your meal without any hassle. The restaurant is committed to providing an inclusive dining environment.
What dining options and amenities does Papa Mak's Burgers offer for families?
Yes, Papa Mak’s Burgers welcomes families with open arms. You’ll find a dedicated kids’ menu and high chairs available for your little ones. You can enjoy a relaxed lunch or dinner, and even bring your dog to the outdoor seating area. It’s a perfect spot for a family-friendly outing.
What is the overall rating for Papa Mak's Burgers?
Papa Mak’s Burgers has an overall score of **7.2**, reflecting a generally good experience. Customers particularly appreciate the **Food** (7.6) and **Ambience** (7.4), though **Service** (6.5) is average, and **Value** (4) is considered poor.
What kind of food can I expect at Papa Mak's Burgers?
You can expect well-regarded **burgers** with great flavor and generous **portions**. Many customers also enjoy the crispy **fries** and excellent **onion rings**, highlighting the quality of the menu.
Are the prices at Papa Mak's Burgers considered reasonable?
Opinions on pricing are a point of concern for some diners. While some find it “well-priced,” the **Value** score of 4 indicates that many perceive the prices as high, especially for **add ons**.