Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
oChef » Sam’s Pizza & Burgers – San Francisco
Sam's Pizza & Burgers - San Francisco
Photo from Sam’s Pizza & Burgers
Sam's Pizza & Burgers at a glance
San Francisco North Beach
- 🍔 Hamburger-Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 105 of the guests
#1715 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#21 Hamburger-Restaurant out of 37 in San Francisco
Good
6.9 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
497
Reviews
67.6%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Classic burgers
- Old-school vibe
- Friendly staff
Frequently criticized
- Cleanliness
- Undercooked food
- High prices
The restaurant Sam’s Pizza & Burgers, a classic Hamburger Restaurant nestled in San Francisco’s vibrant North Beach neighborhood, offers you a taste of history. You’ll find yourself in a cozy, casual setting, perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed meal.
This spot is known for its historic atmosphere, inviting you to experience a piece of the city’s past while enjoying delicious food. It’s a great place for lunch or dinner, providing a memorable dining experience.
Overview: Introducting Sam's Pizza & Burgers
Sam’s Pizza & Burgers offers a straightforward experience, where the focus is clearly on its core offerings. Many patrons appreciate the classic, no-frills approach to their main dishes, finding them quite satisfying.
It’s a place that seems to lean into its established character, providing a distinct atmosphere. However, some visitors have noted concerns regarding the general upkeep of the premises, which can detract from the overall visit.
While the food often hits the mark, aspects like cleanliness and perceived value have been points of contention for a segment of the clientele.
Good
6.9
out of 10
497
Reviews
67.6%
Satisfaction
124
negative
37
neutral
336
positive
The restaurant holds an overall score of 6.9, indicating a generally good experience, though not without its nuances. Customer satisfaction sits at 67.6%, placing it in the mixed category.
This suggests that while many leave content, a notable portion of the 497 opinions expressed might have reservations, with 336 positive remarks against 124 negative ones. Looking closer, Food (7.3) is a clear strength, often praised for its classic preparations.
Service (6.6) and Ambience (6.5) both register as average, suggesting they are generally acceptable but not standout features. The lowest-scoring aspect is Value (5.5), indicating that some find the pricing a bit steep for the experience offered.
What people like
- Classic, satisfying burgers
- Authentic old-school vibe
- Friendly, welcoming staff
What people don't like
- Cleanliness issues
- Undercooked food concerns
- Perceived high prices
If you’re in search of a no-frills spot that delivers on a classic, satisfying burger and appreciate a laid-back, perhaps divey, atmosphere, Sam’s Pizza & Burgers could be a worthwhile stop. It’s a place that prioritizes its core menu over polished surroundings.
With a recommendation score of 7.1, it suggests a visit is generally favored, especially if you manage expectations regarding the setting and pricing. However, if cleanliness is a top priority or you’re seeking exceptional value, you might want to consider other options.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Sam's Pizza & Burgers
Food (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 94% of the guests
Many diners rave about the burgers being perfectly grilled and delicious, often highlighting the juicy patty and fresh ingredients. The overall sentiment for the food is quite positive, reflected in a solid score of 7.3 and a good customer satisfaction of 71.1%, based on 177 positive remarks out of 249 comments. However, some diners found the food overpriced or felt it lacks flavor, with specific complaints about frozen fries and burgers being raw.
A few also noted the use of paper plates, suggesting a less premium experience, as seen in 51 critical observations.
Food
249
Reviews
71%
Satisfaction
51
negative
21
neutral
177
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious, juicy burgers
- Fresh, quality meat
- Crispy, hot fries
What people don't like
- Burgers often undercooked
- Overpriced menu items
- Greasy, frozen fries
Often praised
- burgerThe food is simple and to the damn point, homie. This is the way burgers were meant to be. I'm so serious about their burger that I would get a tattoo of it at the burger shop while people were eating burgers if they let me.
- food🍔 The restaurant delivered a perfectly executed classic cheeseburger in its purest form, with no frills or fancy toppings. It was simple, honest, and absolutely delicious. I highly recommend it as a late-night stop when you’re in the city.
- burgersMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's a wonderful hole-in-the-wall place that serves amazing burgers. The value is great, and the decor is unassuming with a laid-back atmosphere.
- friesThe $21 Anthony Bourdain Special: A big, fatty, greasy, double cheeseburger loaded with a half pound of juicy beef between two white buns and lettuce, tomato, onion. The frozen fries aren't fresh, but they are deep fried to greasy perfection, excellent at absorbing that alcohol swirling in your belly. And it comes with a beer of choice.
- FoodI had one of the best hamburgers I’ve ever tasted in the city. The food quality was exceptional, and I highly recommend it. It's also exciting to know that Anthony Bourdain has visited this place, which speaks volumes about its reputation.
- cheeseburgerperfectly executed classic in its purest form. Simple, honest, and absolutely delicious.
- hamburgerthe hamburger was really delicious
- onion ringsThe fries and onion rings were good
- cheeseburgerscheeseburgers and fish & chips—both were tasty
- double cheeseburgerNormally I wouldn't eat at an old dive place like this, but it was featured in an Anthony Bourdain episode, and after midnight your food options are limited! And if you've been out drinking all night, Sam's double cheese burger and fries is your preemptive hangover cure! It's a tiny place with minimal atmosphere, and it feels a bit grimy, but clean enough.
Frequently criticized
- burgerthe burger and food is extremely over rated. Below average burger
- burgersburgers were basically a barbecue backyard burger for 15$
- foodthe burger and food is extremely over rated
- cheesethe cheese wasn't even melted on mine lol
- flavorthe flavor though: there is a striking resemblance to a certain famous chain's "grilled"
- food qualityI wanted to love this place, but my experience was largely negative due to the food quality. When I got my takeout home, I discovered that most of the burger was raw, not rare, but completely inedible except for the outer edges.
- friesThis place is definitely not worth the hype. Starting with the fries: they were far too soft and greasy, and it seemed like the frying oil had seen better days. The fries were seasoned rather uninspiredly and served with ketchup & mustard on a paper plate.
- 1/4 burgerGot the 1/4 burger and it’s pretty mid
- FriesFries sloppily put in
- bad crampsUpon eating the burger, I found it to be very pink and definitely raw/undercooked. The next day, I experienced stomach pain that progressed to bad cramps and frequent diarrhea every 15 minutes. This place is a health hazard, and other reviews mention it being very dirty.
If youre craving a classic, no-frills burger experience, this spot generally delivers with its "delicious" and "juicy" offerings. Just be aware that some found it "overpriced" or had issues with "frozen fries" and inconsistent cooking. Its a solid choice for a satisfying burger, but manage expectations for a gourmet experience.
Service (6.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 66% of the guests
When it comes to service, theres a lot to appreciate! Many customers, accounting for 69 positive remarks out of 105 total, praised the welcoming and friendly staff, often noting fast service and attentive individuals, including the owner who respectfully handled customer requests. This contributes to a 6.6 score, indicating an average experience.
However, its not always smooth sailing. Around 32 negative comments point to issues like unwelcoming or rude staff, slow service, and even concerns about worker hygiene. While customer satisfaction sits at a 65.7%, which is a mixed bag, these areas definitely show room for improvement.
Service
105
Reviews
65%
Satisfaction
32
negative
4
neutral
69
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, welcoming staff
- Fast service
- Attentive owner/cooks
What people don't like
- Unwelcoming, rude staff
- Slow, janky service
- Poor worker hygiene
Often praised
- serviceFrom reading the reviews here you can see that a few poor, clueless souls don't get a classic diner, but take it from me and Anthony Bourdain, this is a fantastic burger & fries, and a really relaxing atmosphere, to boot! I used to eat here when Mike ("Sam") was around and it was always a pleasure! Glad to see his family is keeping this treasure alive!
- staffIt has a genuine sense of community, providing a welcoming and unpretentious vibe where everyone feels at home. The staff treats you like family, ensuring each visit is not just about great food but about creating lasting memories in a place where you're always welcome.
- ServiceService were both rated a 5 out of 5
- cookIt's a tiny place with minimal atmosphere, and it feels a bit grimy, but clean enough. The cook was friendly and chill, probably a bit stoned too. Can't confirm, and can't blame him either.
- ownerowner of the store deal with un agreeable customer very respectfully
- OmarThey say cash only, but they actually take cards. Omar was very nice at the grill. I also found the $30 for a t-shirt to be a bit steep, a smart way to discourage free advertising.
- bar spotsgot spots at the bar
- cardstakes cards
- chefAlex was awesome. A true chef
- clerksgreat clerks
Frequently criticized
- servicethe service was unfriendly
- customer serviceMy experience at this restaurant was one of the worst I've ever encountered regarding customer service. From the moment I walked in, the staff was unwelcoming.
- staffThe guy serving has more concern for his looks than anything else
- advertised hoursMy experience at this restaurant was deeply disappointing. We were told they were closed at 11: 50 PM, despite their advertised hours stating they are open until 1 AM. This was particularly upsetting as my wife was wearing a Star of David necklace, leading us to feel discriminated against because we are Jewish.
- discriminated againstfeel discriminated against because we are Jewish
- eating food while workingthey were eating food while working
- employeeJonathan one of the employees was extremely gross
- employees2 guys that work at Sam's are really not good to customers
- foodsometimes not at all, they're pretty sloppy about that
- glovescooking burger with the same gloves that he touches everything
Overall, service here seems to be a bit of a gamble. If you catch them on a good day, you'll likely enjoy friendly, fast attention, but be prepared for potential inconsistencies or unwelcoming encounters.
Ambience (6.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 66% of the guests
Many guests appreciate the unique atmosphere, often praising the old-school vibe and the fun of counter seating. The fact that it stays open late is a big plus for some, adding to a genuine San Francisco experience. With 76 positive remarks, theres a definite charm and welcoming vibe for many.
However, the ambience isnt universally loved, with a score of 6.5 indicating it's pretty average, and customer satisfaction at 66.1% showing a mixed reception. Some found the place filthy and dirty, citing concerns about hygiene and limited seating. These issues contributed to 30 negative comments out of 115 total.
Ambience
115
Reviews
66%
Satisfaction
30
negative
9
neutral
76
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Old-school vibe
- Counter seating fun
- Stays open late
What people don't like
- Filthy, dirty conditions
- Poor hygiene concerns
- Limited seating options
Often praised
- atmosphereFrom reading the reviews here you can see that a few poor, clueless souls don't get a classic diner, but take it from me and Anthony Bourdain, this is a fantastic burger & fries, and a really relaxing atmosphere, to boot! I used to eat here when Mike ("Sam") was around and it was always a pleasure!
- AtmosphereAtmosphere was rated a 5 out of 5
- placePara mi es una joyita oculta esta lugar!
- old school vibesold school vibes
- vibesLoved the vibes
- North Beach stapleSuch a North Beach staple
- San Francisco experienceit's a real San Francisco experience
- San Francisco gemthis is a San Francisco gem
- ambianceI felt that much better burgers could be found at local chains like Super Duper, or really any non-fast food establishment. The place was open late and had a unique ambiance, and it was endorsed by a dead celebrity, but these aspects couldn't compensate for the overall experience. The restaurant was shockingly filthy, and the solo worker's hygiene practices, handling cash and then food without pausing, were concerning.
- authentic old school san franciscofeels like authentic old school san francisco
Frequently criticized
- cleanlinessThe place was shockingly filthy
- experiencejust not a pleasant experience at all
- placethe place requires a general renovation
- ParkingRecommended dishes include the Double Cheeseburger and Fries. Parking is unavailable and difficult to find.
- ambianceBut the ambiance was very unusual: loud rap music
- atmosphereAnd if you've been out drinking all night, Sam's double cheese burger and fries is your preemptive hangover cure! It's a tiny place with minimal atmosphere, and it feels a bit grimy, but clean enough. The cook was friendly and chill, probably a bit stoned too.
- cleaningit's evident that no one cleans here
- cockroachThe old school atmosphere also added to the charm. However, the dining experience was severely marred by the discovery of a cockroach in the ceiling. While they killed it, the sight understandably put me in a "disgusted" mode, and I nearly vomited.
- crowdedözellikle haftasonları çevrede içkili mekanlar olduğundan kalabalık ve sıra oluyor.
- dirtiest placedirtiest place I have ever seen
If youre after a genuine old-school vibe and a unique San Francisco experience, and arent bothered by a potentially dirty or limited seating environment, this place might be worth a visit. But if cleanliness and comfort are high on your list, you might want to manage your expectations.
Value (5.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 23% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot seems to be a bit of a mixed bag, landing an average score of 5.5 with a mixed customer satisfaction of 50%. Many folks appreciate the good price, finding it a great value for an inexpensive meal, especially for combos. Out of 28 total comments, 14 were positive, highlighting terms like price and value.
However, the value proposition isn't universally loved, with 11 negative comments pointing to issues like high cost and items being overpriced. Some felt the burger price was too steep, making it not worth the money. It seems the cost can quickly add up, leaving some customers feeling like they paid too much.
Value
28
Reviews
50%
Satisfaction
11
negative
3
neutral
14
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Good prices
- Reasonable for area
- Inexpensive meal
What people don't like
- Overpriced items
- Not worth price
- Too expensive
Often praised
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was a mix of positives and a significant negative. I enjoyed a good burger at a good price, complemented by good service. The old school atmosphere also added to the charm.
- pricesThe food was good, though not great, and the prices were good. If you like the idea of a unique, divey burger place with good but not great food and good prices, do it.
- cash and cardCash and Card.
- combothis combo saves you a whooping $1 rather than ordering separately
- inexpensive meallooking for an inexpensive meal
- valueGreat value
- value cheeseburgerbest value cheeseburger in the city
Frequently criticized
- priceFor $17, I received only 7 parry wings and frozen fries. I believe it would be better to use fresh potatoes if you're going to charge that much.
- $2020$ down the drain for nothing
- 100 dollars100 dollars for 4 people left me aggravated
- 5 star reviewsAll 5 star reviews are fake
- burger price12$ just the burger with the friendliness of the staff it is not worth it at all
- costfor 5× the cost
- pricesAll in all, a solid burger with little fuss, but unfortunately lacking that certain something. The prices are also a bit too high for what you get.
- t-shirt$30 for a t shirt
If you're looking for an inexpensive meal and stick to the basics or combos, you might find some good value here. But be mindful of the cost of individual items, as many feel the prices can quickly become too high for what you get.
How are the prices at Sam's Pizza & Burgers?
You’re looking at roughly 18 per person – reported by 105 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 stick to the $11–$20 range, with a good number also spending a bit more in the $21–$30 bracket. So, prices definitely cluster around that sweet spot!
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 105 reviews.
Comparing value for money at this restaurant against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels pretty fair for a Hamburger Restaurant. It offers a solid mid-range option without breaking the bank, which is always a good thing!
Customer Reviews: what people think about Sam's Pizza & Burgers
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Moderate (16–30 min.)
4
Burger Joint's Reputation Fading
Formerly my favorite burger joint, my experience has unfortunately declined lately. The restaurant seems to be floating on historic reputation. Now, the burger is very average, and while not terrible, it's not a particularly great deal.
The service is hit or miss; sometimes the food comes quickly, and other times it doesn't arrive at all. They are pretty sloppy about that, and several times recently, I've just not gotten my order and had to leave. I'd recommend Buster's, which is just around the corner, for a much better burger and less expensive option.
- burger5
- deal5
- service5
- food2
- order2
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
9
Simple, Classic Burger Spot
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Simplicity always makes a customer happy. My experience at Sam’s Burgers was fantastic! It's an old-fashioned, no-frills restaurant in the heart of San Francisco, and we loved it!
We ordered cheeseburgers and fish & chips—both were tasty and satisfying. What surprised us most was that the same person was the cashier, chef, and server! Even with that, the service was quick and friendly.
If you’re looking for a simple, classic spot with good food and a local vibe, Sam’s is worth a visit.
- cheeseburgers8
- fish & chips8
- service9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
10
Amazing Burger Experience!
As an Anthony Bourdain fan, I admit I'm a bit biased, but this experience was amazing. I appreciate Bourdain's "elite pleb taste, " and this place delivers. While it might not be the exact burger Bourdain had, it's incredibly close.
I'll definitely be coming back here again.
- burger10
- Food5
- Atmosphere5
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
10
Hidden Gem for Burgers!
My experience at Sam’s Pizza & Burgers was fantastic! I tried their double cheeseburger and fries, and it was a truly satisfying meal. The burger was cooked perfectly, incredibly juicy, and topped with just the right amount of melted cheese and fresh ingredients, showcasing the quality of their ingredients.
The fries were also excellent – crispy and hot. The service was notably friendly and quick, even during a busy lunch rush. For anyone seeking a classic burger joint that consistently delivers, Sam’s is the place to go.
I highly recommend it!
- double cheeseburger10
- burger10
- quality9
Visit Type
- Delivery
Service Type
- Delivery
1
Undercooked food and a health hazard
I ordered a cheeseburger through DoorDash, but it arrived with nothing on it – just the patty and bun. The fries were sloppily placed in the bag, which was wide open when I received it. Upon eating the burger, I found it to be very pink and definitely raw/undercooked.
The next day, I experienced stomach pain that progressed to bad cramps and frequent diarrhea every 15 minutes. This place is a health hazard, and other reviews mention it being very dirty. I suspect all the 5-star reviews are fake.
It was $20 down the drain for nothing.
- cheeseburger1
- burger1
- Fries2
What Sam's Pizza & Burgers offers
Crowd
- Tourists
- College students
Payments
- Credit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Late-night food
- Wine
- Beer
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Lunch
Service Options
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Delivery
- Dine-in
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
- Paid parking garage
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Historic
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
What are the parking options available at Sam's Pizza & Burgers in North Beach?
When you visit Sam’s Pizza & Burgers, you’ll find several parking options in the North Beach area. While finding a space can sometimes be somewhat difficult, free street parking, paid street parking, and paid parking garages are all available for your convenience. Plan your visit accordingly to secure your spot.
Does Sam's Pizza & Burgers offer late-night dining and is it accessible?
Yes, Sam’s Pizza & Burgers caters to your late-night cravings, making it a perfect spot for a quick bite after hours. The restaurant also ensures accessibility with a wheelchair accessible entrance and seating, so everyone can comfortably enjoy their meal. You can even bring your dog to dine outside.
What kind of food is Sam's Pizza & Burgers known for?
Sam’s Pizza & Burgers is particularly noted for its classic, straightforward burgers, which many customers find delicious and perfectly executed. They also offer items like fries and onion rings that complement their main dishes.
How is the overall experience rated at Sam's Pizza & Burgers?
The restaurant has an overall score of 6.9, with customer satisfaction at 67.6%. Food scores well at 7.3, while Service is 6.6 and Ambience is 6.5. Value is the lowest at 5.5, indicating mixed feelings about pricing.
What are some common concerns customers have about Sam's Pizza & Burgers?
Some customers have expressed concerns about the cleanliness of the establishment, with mentions of it being ‘filthy’ or ‘grimy’. There have also been reports of undercooked food and a perception that the prices are a bit high for what is offered.