Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
oChef » Carls Jr – San Francisco
Carls Jr - San Francisco
Photo from Carls Jr
Carls Jr at a glance
San Francisco Union Square
- 🍔 Fast-Food-Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 66 of the guests
#2306 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#19 Fast-Food-Restaurant out of 35 in San Francisco
Average
5 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
311
Reviews
40.8%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Fresh burgers
- EBT friendly
Frequently criticized
- High prices
- Unsafe atmosphere
The fast food restaurant Carl’s Jr. in San Francisco’s vibrant Union Square neighborhood offers you a convenient spot for a quick bite. Whether you’re exploring the city or just passing through, you’ll find a casual atmosphere perfect for a relaxed meal.
This location provides various dining options throughout the day, ensuring you can grab something delicious whenever hunger strikes. You can enjoy everything from breakfast to late-night food, making it a versatile choice for your dining needs.
Overview: Introducting Carls Jr
At Carls Jr, you’ll find that the food often hits the mark, with many appreciating the fresh burgers and tasty shakes. However, the dining experience can be a mixed bag, sometimes impacted by the surrounding location or the general atmosphere.
While some praise the staff for their friendly demeanor and the convenience of 24-hour availability, others have noted issues with slow service and surprisingly high prices, making the overall value proposition a point of contention.
Average
5
out of 10
311
Reviews
40.8%
Satisfaction
158
negative
26
neutral
127
positive
Overall, Carls Jr registers an average Restaurant Score of 5, with Customer Satisfaction sitting at a 40.8% mixed level. This reflects a somewhat divided customer base, as seen in the 127 positive and 158 negative opinions gathered from 311 total comments.
Diving deeper, Food stands out as a relative strength (6.3), often praised for its quality. Service (4.8) is more of an average affair, while Ambience (3.9) and Value (3.8) tend to be areas where the restaurant struggles to consistently impress patrons.
What people like
- Fresh burgers, good shakes
- 24-hour availability
- EBT acceptance
What people don't like
- High prices
- Unsafe/gritty atmosphere
- Slow, inconsistent service
With a Recommendation Score of 5.4, Carls Jr presents a mixed proposition. While the food often satisfies, the overall experience is frequently hampered by concerns regarding pricing and the dining environment.
If you’re seeking a quick, decent burger and appreciate 24/7 access or EBT options, it might serve your needs. However, be prepared for potentially high costs and an atmosphere that might not always feel welcoming.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Carls Jr
Food (6.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 71% of the guests
When it comes to the food, many customers found things to love, with a solid 6.3 score and a decent number of positive remarks (62 out of 104 total comments). Folks often rave about the juicy patties, delicious burgers, and the variety of shakes, sometimes even calling it a taste explosion or praising the fresh ingredients. However, the customer satisfaction sits at a somewhat mixed 59.6%, indicating there's room for improvement.
Some diners encountered issues like dried up or soggy fries, flat patties, or even rotten lettuce. A few also felt the food quality was horrible or that the hamburgers were simply too expensive for what you get, with 33 negative comments.
Food
104
Reviews
59%
Satisfaction
33
negative
9
neutral
62
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Juicy burgers
- Delicious shakes
- Fresh ingredients
What people don't like
- Poor fries
- Subpar ingredients
- Inconsistent quality
Often praised
- foodThis means it can take a while, but I usually have the time. The food is good; I typically order the chicken strips combo and chocolate cake. I usually order and then go sit in my car to wait for about 15 minutes.
- burgersMy experience at this restaurant was positive, particularly with the food quality. They do a good job at keeping the burgers fresh. The only drawback is the seating, which could be improved by opening up more space.
- FoodMy experience at this restaurant was marked by excellent food, rated a 5 out of 5. The service and atmosphere were also quite good, both receiving a 4 out of 4.
- burgerI liked the burger, and it's good that they speak Spanish in the store. However, it's more expensive than In-N-Out in Los Angeles, with a combo costing at least $17 per person.
- Burger KingThe security was a joke, completely useless; they watched but didn't see anything. I would suggest going to Burger King, less than 50 feet further, as it's fresher and friendlier.
- milkshakespretty good milkshakes though
- shakesI think they have great shakes!
- Beyond Famous Star with CheeseI enjoyed their Beyond Famous Star with Cheese
- Cali burger combosuggested a Cali burger combo that was on special and came to under $9. Great choice!
- Fries with skin onFries with skin on were freshly cooked
Frequently criticized
- foodThe price per person is estimated at $10–20. The reviewer rated the atmosphere a 1, service a 2, and food a 2, though it is accessible with a wheelchair.
- burgerthe burger I had wasn’t evenly heated up
- friesfries were cold, seemed like they were from hours earlier
- milkshake$8 for a milkshake and I'm talkin small-size
- FoodFood:1
- Impossible Burgerplease please please bring back the Impossible Burger
- Original burgerBought the Original burger . Looks nothing like what they advertised.
- basic burgerone basic burger meat and cheese only for my dog.The total 5 items? $63.54
- burgersburgers 🍔 not what I expected
- charbroiled chicken club combosad charbroiled chicken club combo with onion rings
If you're craving a classic burger and shake, you might find some real gems here, especially if you catch them on a good day. But be prepared for a potentially inconsistent experience, as some items might not live up to expectations or could feel overpriced.
Service (4.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 74% of the guests
Service here presents a mixed picture, with an average score of 4.8 and customer satisfaction sitting at a mixed 42.6%. Despite this, many of the 43 positive remarks highlight the dedication of the staff and friendly employees, often praising helpful security guards and the invaluable 24-hour availability. Customers frequently commend good customer service and support, making some visits genuinely positive.
However, the 53 negative comments point to significant areas for improvement. Common complaints include rude staff and cashiers, alongside issues with slow service and poor communication, which sometimes lead to order mistakes. Some experiences describe unhelpful security or a general lack of respect, indicating a need for more consistent and attentive service across the board.
Service
101
Reviews
42%
Satisfaction
53
negative
5
neutral
43
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Helpful security
- 24/7 convenience
What people don't like
- Rude staff
- Slow service
- Poor communication
Often praised
- serviceThe burger itself was nice, with enjoyable sauteed onions and sauce, and the fries with skin on were freshly cooked. Hugo's amazing service extended to cleaning tables and checking on my meal. Despite the positive food and service aspects, the overall feeling of unease in the dining area, where it felt like things could escalate, was a significant drawback.
- staffThis was presumably also due to unwelcome guests. The food was very tasty and the staff were super friendly. Unfortunately, the location lowers the overall rating.
- security guardHowever, the experience was slightly marred by an irritating homeless man outside. Fortunately, the nice security guard was awesome and asked him to leave us alone, which helped salvage the overall positive experience.
- ServiceMy experience at this restaurant was marked by excellent food, rated a 5 out of 5. The service and atmosphere were also quite good, both receiving a 4 out of 4. A notable moment involved a lady working this morning, who was dusting something on the ceiling.
- 24-hour availabilityThis location's 24-hour availability was a lifesaver!
- EvelinThe employee Evelin is amazing!
- Spanish speaking staffI liked the burger, and it's good that they speak Spanish in the store. However, it's more expensive than In-N-Out in Los Angeles, with a combo costing at least $17 per person.
- availabilityI'm giving this place 3 stars because while they deserve praise for being open above and beyond recognition, they consistently fall short with a less than adequate experience to match. On the positive side, it's one of the ONLY places open 24/7 within a 3-mile radius, which is incredible, especially in a city like San Francisco where commerce virtually shuts down by 7 pm and looks like a ghost town by 10 pm. I've lived here for 16 years and traveled extensively, never seeing anything like it.
- crewthis goes out to that crew.
- customer servicehave wonderful customer service
Frequently criticized
- serviceOn the positive side, they accept EBT, which is a huge plus for those who are homeless or elderly and need hot meals. However, the service is quite slow; it took them about half an hour to make a milkshake or chicken nuggets. It's also hella expensive, even though EBT is considered 'free money'.
- security guardThe security guard wasn't in uniform and the way he was yelling and cussing
- staffThe people that work here can't be bothered to help you at all.
- securityI never experienced such rudeness ever. The main manager at night was very rude to me and had security immediately remove me when she couldn’t read my coupon. Unbelievable!
- cashierThe facilities were also terrible. Kudos to the guard who tries his best to keep it clean, but the cashier charged us $40 for two $8 hamburgers. Unfortunately, since I paid by card, I didn't realize until later.
- customerYou don't do your customer like that
- respecthe had already breached his duty to treat his customers with respect
- SF re-openedidiots don’t understand this
- ServiceService:1
- app codethey scammed my code and said that it wasn’t available
If you're looking for a convenient, late-night option, especially given its 24-hour availability, this place can be a lifesaver. Just be aware that service can be a mixed bag, so prepare for potentially inconsistent experiences.
Ambience (3.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 54% of the guests
On the brighter side, some customers genuinely appreciate the restaurants vibe, with 13 positive remarks out of 64 total. Many highlight the clean place and great atmosphere, often noting its convenience as its open 24/7. The Wheelchair accessibility is also a definite plus, contributing to a comfortable experience for those who find it.
However, the overall ambience receives a rather poor 3.9 score, with customer satisfaction at a low 20.3%, reflecting the 42 negative opinions. Many concerns revolve around the location attracting a seedy element, with issues like unavailable restrooms and the presence of a homeless man making some feel unsafe. The lack of indoor dining options also detracts from the experience.
Ambience
64
Reviews
20%
Satisfaction
42
negative
9
neutral
13
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Always open
- Clean environment
- Easy wheelchair access
What people don't like
- Unsafe surroundings
- No indoor seating
- No public restrooms
Often praised
- atmospherecomfortable atmosphere
- AtmosphereMy experience at this restaurant was marked by excellent food, rated a 5 out of 5. The service and atmosphere were also quite good, both receiving a 4 out of 4. A notable moment involved a lady working this morning, who was dusting something on the ceiling.
- Noise levelNoise level:Very quiet
- Powell barPowell barr is cool
- Wheelchair accessibilityWheelchair accessibility:Access is level to counter from sidewalk
- bikini model adsThey brought the bikini model ads back!!
- clean placethe place was clean
- more branchesWish the have more branch at silver ,sunset ,clement area.
- open 24 hoursbeing open 24 hours a day makes it worth it
- open 24/7it stays open 24/7
Frequently criticized
- locationAlthough the location is pretty gritty, my experience at this restaurant was positive. The burgers and chicken sandwiches I've gotten here have been really good.
- atmosphereThe price per person is estimated at $10–20. The reviewer rated the atmosphere a 1, service a 2, and food a 2, though it is accessible with a wheelchair.
- areaIt's best to go there quickly, get burgers and just as quickly get out of there, you can't sit in it, everything is just to take away. And in this area you do not like to stay.
- facilitiesthe facilities were terrible
- homeless peopleThe restaurant is located on the edge of a rather shady street with many homeless people and addicts. The soda machine was turned off because, according to the staff, many homeless people come in, so we had to wait for them to turn it on.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:1
- SFI did not feel safe in there with shady characters inside. It's a real shame that SF has really gone down hill.
- average placean average place to meet someone
- bathroomthe bathroom is still not open
- clientelesketchiest of the sketchy clientele
If you're looking for a quick grab-and-go meal and prioritize convenience like 24/7 availability, this spot might work. However, be prepared for a challenging surrounding environment and limited facilities, which significantly impact the overall dining experience.
Value (3.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 37% of the guests
When it comes to value, there are a few bright spots, especially if youre looking for budget-friendly options. Many appreciate the EBT acceptance, which is a huge plus for some, alongside a popular happy hour offering $2 shakes and other items at a great price. These positive sentiments come from 9 customer remarks.
However, the overall picture for value isnt quite as rosy, with a score of just 3.8 and customer satisfaction at a low 21.4%. A significant number of 30 negative comments highlight that many find the prices to be expensive, overpriced, and generally pricey, often feeling it's not worth the cost compared to other fast-food options.
Value
42
Reviews
21%
Satisfaction
30
negative
3
neutral
9
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Accepts EBT payments
- Great happy hour
What people don't like
- Wildly expensive
- Totally not worth it
- No deals offered
Often praised
- $2 shakesI love the happy hour from 2-5 pm with its $2 shakes! The food was great, earning a 4/5.
- EBTthey accept EBT. That is so convenient!
- EBT FoodMy experience at this restaurant was marked by the notable absence of a restroom, even for paying customers. On the positive side, they do accept EBT Food, which might be helpful for some. The service was rated a 5, the atmosphere a 4, and the food a 4.
- EBT acceptancethey accept EBT, which is a huge plus
- EBT friendlyit is EBT friendly
- Price per personPrice per person:$1–10
- great priceburger and shake for a great price
- happy hourLove the happy hour
- pricesglad the prices are so outrageous
Frequently criticized
- pricesprices are WAYYYY ASTRONOMICALLY HIGH
- priceI liked the burger, and it's good that they speak Spanish in the store. However, it's more expensive than In-N-Out in Los Angeles, with a combo costing at least $17 per person. They do offer unlimited drinks.
- overpricedfound the place to be overpriced
- $41.00paid $41.00 last night for a double famous
- $60.00spent $60.00 all together
- 2 for $5 dealcheating the customer by not offering the 2 for $5
- burger pricepay $20 for a burger instead
- combo mealsOn avg will cost $20.00-$25.00+Tax for most combo meals
- combo priceI liked the burger, and it's good that they speak Spanish in the store. However, it's more expensive than In-N-Out in Los Angeles, with a combo costing at least $17 per person. They do offer unlimited drinks.
- dealsNever any deals
If youre looking to save money and can take advantage of EBT or the happy hour deals, you might find some good value here. Otherwise, be prepared for prices that many customers consider quite high for what you get, potentially leaving you feeling its not worth it.
How are the prices at Carls Jr?
You’re looking at roughly 22 per person – reported by 66 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Fast Food Restaurant in San Francisco, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Interestingly, while the average is 22, a good chunk of guests actually spend less, with the largest group of prices clustering in the $11–$20 range, suggesting a nice mix of more budget-friendly and slightly higher-end options.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 66 reviews.
Comparing value for money: how this restaurant stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Fast Food Restaurant in San Francisco, offering good value for a quick bite without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Carls Jr
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
2
Location and Cleanliness Issues
My experience at this restaurant was primarily defined by its location and the surrounding environment. While the restaurant is open long hours, potentially 24 hours, and even accepts EBT hot food stamps, the surrounding environment was extremely dirty. This lack of cleanliness extended to the interior as well.
Like most fast food establishments currently, I found the prices to be overpriced.
- location2
- surrounding environment1
- interior3
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
1
Unacceptable Rudeness from Manager
I never experienced such rudeness ever. The main manager at night was very rude to me and had security immediately remove me when she couldn’t read my coupon. Unbelievable!
I have been coming here for many years as a customer and can’t believe how rude and unprofessional she treated a long-time customer to Carl’s for no reason whatsoever. Carl’s is one of my favorite restaurants and I am a loyal fan. I was extremely shocked by the disrespect and hostility received for no reason!
It ruined my night.
- restaurants8
- rudeness1
- manager1
- security1
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
8
Great First Experience at Carl's Jr.
This was my first time at Carl's Jr. while awaiting a meeting. The staff were super nice and the food was super fresh. Thank you for my fish and fries.
The coffee was a little weak.
- staff10
- food10
- fish and fries9
- coffee4
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
3
Tourist Warning: Location Concerns
As a tourist, I must warn you about the location of this fast-food restaurant. It's unfortunately situated near areas with drug problems. Despite this, the food was good (rated 4/4) and the service was also satisfactory (rated 4/4).
However, the atmosphere was very poor (rated 1/4).
- food8
- service7
- atmosphere2
- location3
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
2
Terrible Service and Overpriced Food
We went into this place to grab a quick bite. It's frequented by homeless people, and it seems that's an excuse for them to provide poor quality service. The facilities were also terrible.
Kudos to the guard who tries his best to keep it clean, but the cashier charged us $40 for two $8 hamburgers. Unfortunately, since I paid by card, I didn't realize until later. As I was on vacation, I didn't want to waste my time.
There's a Burger King with better facilities and a McDonald's just around the corner.
- service1
- facilities1
- cashier1
What Carls Jr offers
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Groups
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
- Late-night food
- Coffee
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Counter service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Drive-through
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What service options are available at Carl’s Jr. in Union Square?
At Carl’s Jr., you have several convenient service options to choose from. You can utilize the drive-through for quick service, dine-in for a relaxed meal, or opt for takeout if you’re on the go. Delivery is also available, bringing your favorite fast food directly to you.
Is Carl’s Jr. in San Francisco suitable for families with children and accessible for all?
Yes, Carl’s Jr. is good for kids, offering a dedicated kids’ menu and high chairs for younger guests. Additionally, the restaurant ensures accessibility with a wheelchair accessible entrance and a wheelchair accessible restroom, making it a welcoming spot for everyone.
How does Carls Jr generally rate with customers?
Carls Jr receives an overall Restaurant Score of 5 and Customer Satisfaction of 40.8%. While Food scores relatively well (6.3), Service (4.8), Ambience (3.9), and Value (3.8) are areas needing improvement.
What do customers appreciate most about Carls Jr?
Many customers appreciate the fresh burgers and good shakes. The convenience of 24-hour availability and the acceptance of EBT are also frequently highlighted as positive aspects.
What are the main drawbacks customers experience at Carls Jr?
Common complaints revolve around the high prices, with many finding items overpriced. The atmosphere is often described as gritty or unsafe, and some customers report slow or inconsistent service.