Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
oChef » Whiz Burgers – San Francisco
Whiz Burgers - San Francisco
Photo from Whiz Burgers
Whiz Burgers at a glance
San Francisco Mission District
- 🍔 Hamburger-Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 71 of the guests
#1720 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#20 Hamburger-Restaurant out of 37 in San Francisco
Good
6.9 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
342
Reviews
69.9%
Satisfaction
Often praised
Frequently criticized
The hamburger restaurant Whiz Burgers Drive-In in San Francisco’s vibrant Mission District offers a taste of history with its casual, authentic atmosphere. You can enjoy a quick bite or late-night food, making it a perfect spot for any time of day.
This iconic spot is known for its classic American fare.
Overview: Introducting Whiz Burgers
Good
6.9
out of 10
342
Reviews
69.9%
Satisfaction
87
negative
16
neutral
239
positive
What people like
What people don't like
Similar Restaurants in San Francisco
- Hamburger-Restaurant
8.6
out of 10
out of 10
572
89.7%
- $$
- North Beach
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Hamburger-Restaurant
8.4
out of 10
out of 10
98
85.7%
- $$
- Financial District
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Hamburger-Restaurant
8
out of 10
out of 10
379
81.5%
- $$
- Financial District
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Hamburger-Restaurant
8
out of 10
out of 10
631
80.7%
- $$
- Lower Nob Hill
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Hamburger-Restaurant
7.9
out of 10
out of 10
425
81.2%
- $$
- Seacliff
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Hamburger-Restaurant
7.9
out of 10
out of 10
223
78%
- $$
- Jordan Park
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
Verdict: Our expert take on Whiz Burgers
Food (7.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 94% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.2 and customer satisfaction at 74.3%, it's clear many diners are leaving happy. Out of 206 comments, 153 were positive, often praising the classic burgers, outstanding shakes, and delicious fries.
Many find the food to be nostalgic comfort, with the Philly Cheese Steak also getting high marks. However, not every bite is perfect. Some experiences mention disappointment with frozen or flimsy burger patties, and fries that were greasy or tasted of old oil.
A few found the food bland or uninspired, and the discontinuation of veggie burgers was a specific letdown for some regulars.
Food
206
Reviews
74%
Satisfaction
47
negative
6
neutral
153
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Juicy classic burgers
- Outstanding milkshakes
- Delicious crispy fries
What people don't like
- Frozen burger patties
- Greasy, old fries
- Bland, uninspired food
Often praised
- foodIt sure didn't sway the crowd of people out front, along with the packed parking lot, eating in their cars or waiting for the food, all in all having a grand time. Obviously, they were there for the food. I stick with my usual, but there are many treats to explore on the menu.
- friesThe Banana milkshakes are the best ever, and they are perfect with a Fish Burger on a roll with extra tarter or a Fried Hotdog sliced on a roll with everything. The fries come with your burgers, but make sure to ask and check your order before you leave the window, especially when they are crowded. I had a Fish Burger, Fries, and a Thick Banana Milkshake last week, and I can't wait to have another one.
- burgersWhiz Burger offers a classic American dream meal experience. The grease from the fries seeps through the bag, and the burgers are a simple, delicious stack of fresh LTO, patty, and melty cheese. I'm grateful for the vegetarian offerings of a veggie or Impossible patty, and it's one of the few places I've found in the city that offers malted shakes.
- burgerMy earlier review is no longer applicable, since they've discontinued veggie burgers. This used to be my absolute favourite burger place in the Bay Area. As a vegetarian, it was hard to find veggie burgers that didn't use a black bean patty (always fell apart) or an Impossible patty (tasted weird), so this place was a godsend.
- FoodThe Food were all rated a 5 out of 5
- Whiz BurgerI absolutely love the home fries! The Whiz Burger was a recommended dish. The food, service, and atmosphere all received a perfect score of 5.
- shakesMy experience at this old school burger joint in the Mission was fantastic. I enjoyed good burgers, good fries, and good shakes. It was definitely worth it!
- garlic friesthe garlic fries are actually to die for
- menuObviously, they were there for the food. I stick with my usual, but there are many treats to explore on the menu. You just have to get there and find out!
- BurgerHad an absolutely fabulous Burger
Frequently criticized
- burgerCan't really get a burger likè that anywhere else...for realz??$18 bucks
- foodI will never be returning and strongly advise others to stay away. The food is nasty.
- friessomething absolutely disgusting when eating the fries
- Philly cheese steakThe sandwich was very disappointing.
- black bean pattyblack bean patty (always falls apart)
- bland foodfood here can only be described as bland
- burgersThe burgers we got last night didn't taste good
- cardboard flavorCardboard flavor with some kind of stuff for binding the meat
- chilithe chili... is severely watered down
- cleaning fluida taste like a little cleaning fluid had gotten in by mistake
If you're craving classic, nostalgic comfort food like juicy burgers, crispy fries, and decadent shakes, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be aware that while many love it, a few have found the quality inconsistent, particularly with burger patties and fries.
Service (7 out of 10)
mentioned by 54% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally lands in the good category, scoring a solid 7. While customer satisfaction is a bit more mixed at 68.9%, many patrons (42 out of 61 comments) praise the quick service, friendly staff, and amazing recommendations. You'll often feel truly welcome by the employees.
However, not every visit is perfect, with 16 negative experiences noted. Some guests encountered rude staff, frustrating waiting times, or felt unacknowledged by cashiers. There were also mentions of issues with phone service and unexpected early closures.
Service
61
Reviews
68%
Satisfaction
16
negative
3
neutral
42
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, quick service
- Great recommendations
- Welcoming staff
What people don't like
- Rude staff
- Long waits
- Poor acknowledgment
Often praised
- serviceSo, I had some catching up to do! My experience was fantastic, with excellent food and great service. The atmosphere was also very enjoyable.
- staffthe most friendly, helpful and accommodating staff
- ServiceThe Service ... were all rated a 5 out of 5
- customer serviceThe prices listed online or on menus can be outdated, and they don't have a website or online menu. The customer service was rated a 5, and the food a 5, with the atmosphere a 4. The Philly Cheese Steak is a recommended dish.
- recommendationsrecommendations based on what other people get
- waiting timeDidn't have to wait long.
- alternativesThey offer alternatives if they are out of something
- counter staffSuper personable and amazing recommendations from the counter
- employeesIt's one of the last surviving old-school places, and I highly recommend it to everyone. Please be respectful to the employees; they are doing their best. The prices listed online or on menus can be outdated, and they don't have a website or online menu.
- fast mealI enjoyed the burgers and found the garlic fries to be very garlicky, which I liked. It's a good place to have a fast meal, and I enjoyed my visit.
Frequently criticized
- waiting timeI waited 20 minutes while the cashier did everything except acknowledge me
- cashier acknowledgementthe cashier did everything except acknowledge me when I was the only person in line
- closing timeThey closed 30 minutes before they are said to close.
- equal exchangedid not give me equal exchange
- people insidesaw people inside but wouldn’t let us in
- phone serviceI tried calling my order in and they did not answer the phone either
- racial slurssaying racial slurs
- receiptsthey don't give out receipts when you asked for one
- rude staffthe guy at the window was rude
- serviceIt said 24 hours, which is a BIG LIE! This was the worse service ever. I saw people inside, but they wouldn’t let us in.
If youre looking for a quick, friendly interaction and good recommendations, youll likely be pleased. However, be prepared for the possibility of longer waits or less-than-stellar interactions, as experiences can vary.
Ambience (6.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 43% of the guests
Alright, lets talk about the vibe! This spot scores an average 6.5 for ambience, with a mixed 64% customer satisfaction, based on 32 positive remarks out of 50 total. Many folks really dig the old school cool and nostalgia of its drive-in setup and outdoor seating, appreciating the classic vibe and convenient parking lot that adds to the overall experience.
However, 12 negative comments point to some areas needing attention. Some found the neighborhood a bit sketch, and there are concerns about unhygienic conditions and sticky unsanitary tables. A few even mentioned the parking lot being misused and the overall need for remodeling' to spruce things up.
Ambience
50
Reviews
64%
Satisfaction
12
negative
6
neutral
32
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Old school vibe
- Nostalgic atmosphere
- Outdoor seating
What people don't like
- Unsanitary conditions
- Sticky tables
- Needs remodeling
Often praised
- atmosphereThe prices listed online or on menus can be outdated, and they don't have a website or online menu. The customer service was rated a 5, and the food a 5, with the atmosphere a 4. The Philly Cheese Steak is a recommended dish.
- AtmosphereThe Atmosphere ... were all rated a 5 out of 5
- locationHowever, the atmosphere could use some work; the place needs to be painted and remodeled. With its great location and fantastic food, I believe some exterior improvements like adding lighting outside would significantly boost sales. The Burger 🍔 was a definite highlight.
- Free parking lotFree parking lot
- Plenty of parkingParking space:Plenty of parking
- classic placeWhat a good old-fashioned classic place! I've been coming here since the 90s, brought in by my pops.
- crowd of peopleThis joint caught my eye with the picnic benches chained down and the dilapidated exterior. It sure didn't sway the crowd of people out front, along with the packed parking lot, eating in their cars or waiting for the food, all in all having a grand time. Obviously, they were there for the food.
- dilapidated exteriorI have to say I have an affinity for greasy spoons. This joint caught my eye with the picnic benches chained down and the dilapidated exterior. It sure didn't sway the crowd of people out front, along with the packed parking lot, eating in their cars or waiting for the food, all in all having a grand time.
- drive-in setupthe old-school drive-in setup adds to the overall experience
- historyI like the vibe and the history of Whiz
Frequently criticized
- atmospherethey just need to paint and remodel this place
- 24 hoursit said 24 hours WHAT A BIG LIE!
- neighborhoodit's a bit sketch if you are unfamiliar with the neighborhood
- parkingSomewhat difficult to find parking
- parking lotParking lot is used as a urinal
- roaches and ratseating roaches and rats
- seatingreally to enjoy your meal only had one or two benches
- tablesSticky unsanitary tables
- tables out frontTwo tables out front are damaged
- unhygienic conditionsplace is horribly nasty and not clean at all
If youre chasing a genuine, no-frills nostalgic experience and dont mind a bit of rough-around-the-edges charm, this place might be your jam. But if cleanliness and modern comforts are high on your list, you might find the atmosphere a bit too old school for your taste.
Value (5.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 28% of the guests
When it comes to value, many customers feel theyre getting a good deal, often praising the price and noting its truly worth it for the quality. With 12 positive remarks out of 25 total, people frequently mention finding great value and reasonable prices, especially for a city spot. While the overall score sits at an average 5.5, theres a clear appreciation for affordability.
However, the picture isnt entirely rosy, as 12 negative comments highlight concerns about the cost. Some found items overpriced or simply not cheap, feeling the price was a bit steep. This contributes to a mixed 48% customer satisfaction, suggesting that while some find it a bargain, others regret wasting their money due to unexpected charges or perceived high costs.
Value
25
Reviews
48%
Satisfaction
12
negative
1
neutral
12
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great value
- Reasonable prices
- Unbeatable city price
What people don't like
- Overpriced items
- Hidden price hikes
- Inaccurate pricing
Often praised
- pricecannot beat the price especially out in the city
- pricesThe prices at Whiz Burgers are also very reasonable
- great valuea great value
- price per personPrice per person:$1–10
- small businessesHappy to support small businesses
- worth itWorth it!!!
Frequently criticized
- priceBut I ordered the Whizburger, and this was a step change better than any of the previous regular round burgers I had gotten. It was tasty, fresh, and had awesome ingredients, even though it was a bit expensive for a burger. I will have to go back and try the regular burgers again, but for now, I can highly recommend the Whizburger option!
- Not cheapNot cheap
- PriceWas shocked that it came out to $30!
- cost of 2 whole Whiz Burgersit would be the cost of 2 whole Whiz Burgers.
- inflationary dreadPatrons will suffer the reach of inflationary dread
- milkshakesposted price of milkshakes is $5-ish but I just got charged almost $8
- moneyRegret wasting the money
- overpricedMy experience at this restaurant was disappointing. I found the burgers to be made with frozen patties and felt they were overpriced. The fries were also greasy and seemed to be frozen as well.
- policyI asked why the change in policy
- pricesprices listed here are super out of date
So, is it worth your hard-earned cash? If you're looking for decent food at what many consider a good price, especially for a drive-in style, it could be a solid choice. However, be mindful of potential price hikes or items that some find a bit steep, as value can be a mixed bag here.
How are the prices at Whiz Burgers?
You’re looking at roughly 18 per person – reported by 71 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 guests find themselves right in this $11–$20 bracket, showing prices cluster nicely around the average.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 71 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a mid-range Hamburger Restaurant in San Francisco. It offers a good balance without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Whiz Burgers
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
1
Terrible Food and Unsanitary Conditions
My experience at this restaurant was overwhelmingly negative. The burger was of very poor quality, and the ingredients used were subpar. Adding to the unpleasantness, the parking lot was being used as a urinal by locals, and the tables were sticky and unsanitary.
Given the abundance of other dining options where one can get a great burger and fries, I cannot fathom why anyone would choose to eat here. The food was low-key terrible, and I would not recommend this establishment. One star.
- burger1
- parking lot1
- tables1
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Fabulous Burger Joint - Must Try!
My experience at this old-school burger joint in the City was absolutely fabulous. I had a Burger that was truly outstanding. The grilled onions were a fantastic addition, and I highly recommend paying the extra for them as they were totally worth it.
The Service, Atmosphere, and Food all received a perfect 5/5. I'm already planning my next visit to try their cheesesteak.
- Burger10
- grilled onions9
- Service10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Delicious Diner Food, No Frills
My experience at this little ma & pop diner was great. It's nothing fancy, with just a couple of old picnic tables and a neon sign that looks like it hasn't worked since the eighties. However, the food is cooked fresh and absolutely delicious.
I had the best Philly cheese steak I’ve had on the west coast. The service was excellent, and the atmosphere was charmingly retro.
- food10
- Philly cheese steak10
- service10
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Takeout
1
Rude staff, unsafe experience
My experience at this restaurant was extremely negative. The guy who’s there right now was rude and threatened us with a stick for no reason. We parked to get food and didn’t even make it to the window.
- staff1
- threatened us with a stick1
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
1
Closed Early, Never Again
I went to the restaurant at 8 PM, but it was already closed. They had closed 30 minutes before their stated closing time. I will never go here again.
- closing time1
What Whiz Burgers offers
Crowd
- Tourists
- Groups
- College students
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Offerings
- Quick bite
- Late-night food
- Coffee
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
- Dessert
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Historic
- Casual
FAQs
Is there convenient parking available when you visit Whiz Burgers?
Yes, you’ll find various parking options at Whiz Burgers. There’s free street parking, a free parking lot, and usually plenty of parking available. Paid street parking is also an option if needed, ensuring you can easily access this Mission District spot.
Can you bring your dog to Whiz Burgers, and what are the dining options?
Absolutely, Whiz Burgers is dog-friendly, so you can bring your furry companion along. You can enjoy your meal with outdoor seating, dine-in, takeout, or delivery. They offer lunch, dinner, and even dessert, making it a versatile choice for you.