Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
oChef » Hi-Way Burger & Fry – San Francisco
Hi-Way Burger & Fry - San Francisco
Photo from Hi-Way Burger & Fry
Hi-Way Burger & Fry at a glance
San Francisco North Beach
- 🍔 Hamburger-Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 36 of the guests
#1707 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#19 Hamburger-Restaurant out of 37 in San Francisco
Good
6.9 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
244
Reviews
67.2%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- burger quality
- cleanliness
- good value
Frequently criticized
- poor service
- hidden fees
- difficult parking
The restaurant, a classic Hamburger Restaurant, invites you to experience the vibrant culinary scene of San Francisco. Nestled in the charming North Beach neighborhood, Hi-Way Burger & Fry offers a casual and welcoming atmosphere perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed meal.
Whether you’re craving a delicious burger for lunch or dinner, this spot provides a convenient and satisfying dining experience. You’ll find it’s a great place for families too, ensuring everyone enjoys their visit.
Overview: Introducting Hi-Way Burger & Fry
Hi-Way Burger & Fry offers a straightforward experience where the focus is clearly on the food. Many appreciate the quality of the burger and the overall cleanliness of the place, often noting the friendly staff who make the visit pleasant.
It’s a spot that gets the basics right, especially for a quick bite. However, the experience isn’t entirely consistent.
While some praise the service, others have encountered less than ideal interactions, with reports of rude staff or a lack of customer support. This suggests that while the core offering is solid, the human element can sometimes be a mixed bag.
Good
6.9
out of 10
244
Reviews
67.2%
Satisfaction
52
negative
28
neutral
164
positive
Hi-Way Burger & Fry holds a respectable overall score of 6.9 out of 10, which is considered good, yet customer satisfaction sits at a more mixed 67.2%. This divergence suggests that while many find it a solid choice, there’s a segment of customers who leave feeling less than fully satisfied.
This assessment is drawn from 244 customer remarks, with 164 positive observations and 52 negative ones. Delving into specifics, Food stands out as a strong point with a score of (7.6), frequently praised for its quality.
Ambience (6.4) and Value (5.8) are perceived as average, offering a decent but not exceptional experience. The primary area for improvement appears to be Service, which scored (4.9), indicating that interactions with staff can sometimes fall short of expectations.
What people like
- Quality burgers
- Clean dining
- Affordable options
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service
- Unexpected fees
- Parking challenges
If you’re looking for a reliable burger joint with good food and a clean setting, Hi-Way Burger & Fry is generally worth considering. The strong 7.2 recommendation score indicates that most patrons would suggest giving it a try, especially if your priority is a satisfying meal over a flawless service experience.
However, be prepared for potentially inconsistent service and keep an eye out for additional fees that might affect the overall value. It’s a place that delivers on its core promise of burgers and fries, but managing expectations regarding service and final cost will lead to a more enjoyable visit.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Hi-Way Burger & Fry
Food (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 92% of the guests
The food here generally hits the mark, with a good score of 7.6 and customer satisfaction at a solid 75.9%. Many of the 120 positive comments praise the delicious burgers, especially the quality patties and crispy warm buns. Customers also rave about the sweet potato fries, tasty milkshakes, and impressive gluten-free options, highlighting fresh ingredients and great flavors.
However, not everyone is completely won over. Out of 19 negative remarks, some felt the menu lacked originality, describing it as just another burger and fry joint. Concerns were raised about the meat's flavor, the bun sometimes overpowering the patty, and occasional issues with cold food or perceived frozen ingredients.
A few found the shredded iceberg lettuce unappealing.
Food
158
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
19
negative
19
neutral
120
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Quality burgers shine
- Excellent gluten-free choices
- Sweet potato fries impress
What people don't like
- Lacks menu originality
- Meat flavor inconsistent
- Food sometimes cold
Often praised
- burgerMy experience was very positive. The photos didn't do it justice, but this was a really good burger, and a lot bigger than I expected. I ordered the double with Jack cheese, pickles, and peppers added (which were free), along with onion.
- foodThe food was excellent
- burgersOur burgers came to us cold-warm which was really disappointing.
- sweet potato friespaired perfectly with the sweet potato fries
- friesFries are the same style as in n out, but slightly better
- onion ringsEnjoyed really great onion rings here.
- cheeseburgerExcellent cheeseburger... de loin le meilleur mangé aux USA pour moi.
- smash burgersThis humble spot serves up spot on smash burgers. It's a heavily slept-on burger spot in NB, and in so many ways, it's better than its more famous competitors.
- BBQ sauceBBQ sauce gets added
- Broccoli crownsBroccoli crowns
Frequently criticized
- foodI have been eating here since they opened. My last experience was so bad due to the employees' attitude and the food! I will never eat again!
- Chicago-style hot dogChicago-style hot dog penoso
- French FriesGot this through DoorDash so it came a little soggy
- bunthe bun is larger than a regular burger
- burgerThere's a lot of competition for burger flavors in San Francisco, but this place is really low on flavor and quality. I ordered a burger with fries.
- burger and fry jointMy experience at this restaurant was that it's just another "burger and fry" joint, which is exactly what North Beach needs, apparently. I question the originality of offering burgers and fries, especially in a neighborhood known for its Italian vibe.
- burgers and friesOrdered burgers and fries and was very disappointed.
- cheese friesrealised after they gave us normal fries but paid for cheese fries
- cheeseburgercost me 22.00 dollars cheese burger 4oz patty
- double cheeseburgerthey aren’t great at all. I ordered a double cheeseburger
If you're craving a solid burger and delicious sides, this spot is definitely worth a visit, especially for its quality ingredients and gluten-free choices. While a few minor critiques exist regarding originality or occasional execution, the overall food experience is quite positive and satisfying.
Service (4.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 50% of the guests
Lets talk service! Many diners have highlighted the positive aspects, praising the staff for being very nice and friendly, and noting that the service itself is often fast and prompt. Specific mentions often go to the cook and cashier for their pleasant demeanor.
With 18 positive remarks out of 41 total, theres a definite appreciation for the personal touch. On the flip side, there are notable concerns, particularly around wait times for orders and the employees attitude of some staff, including the guy on the register. Some experiences describe rudeness or a lack of customer support.
This mixed bag of feedback, with 22 negative comments, contributes to an average score of 4.9 and a mixed customer satisfaction of 43.9%, indicating areas needing attention.
Service
41
Reviews
43%
Satisfaction
22
negative
1
neutral
18
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Fast service
- Excellent personal treatment
What people don't like
- Rude staff
- Long wait times
- Poor customer service
Often praised
- servicethe service is totally fine
- staffthe staff is friendly
- cashierthe cook and the cashier were so nice and pleasant too
- cookthe cook and the cashier were so nice and pleasant too
- foodFood is made in 10 minutes
- ownersowners were nice
- people working hereThe people working here are really nice
- personal serviceTrato personal excelente 😁👏
Frequently criticized
- customer serviceI typically avoid this place because their patties taste burnt, but I made an exception this time as it's conveniently located. However, this lack of customer support has convinced me that I'd be happier at other establishments that show a modicum of respect to their customers.
- workersThe food was excellent, and the place was clean. The only thing that could be improved is the staff's demeanor; they seemed very tired 😫 😉.
- ServiceServicio pésimo
- deliveryperson who went to bring the delivery is not taken care of properly
- employees attitudeemployees attitude
- guy behind counterI came to pick up food under my name, but the guy behind the counter gave me such a hard time. It made me wonder, am I really going to steal a hi-way burger?
- guy on the registerThe guy on the register , really rude
- limited staffThey have limited staff and was overwhelmed during dinner.
- older manolder man came out and started yelling
- orderhad an some issue with the order I made
If youre looking for friendly staff and quick service, you might find it here. However, be prepared for potential inconsistencies, including long wait times and occasional rude interactions. Its a bit of a gamble, so manage your expectations.
Ambience (6.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 29% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, this spot lands squarely in the middle, with an average score of 6.4 and customer satisfaction sitting at a mixed 64%. Many guests appreciate the overall cleanliness, the nice vibe, and even the music selection, with 16 positive comments highlighting a pleasant atmosphere, a clean place, and a pet-friendly environment. However, not everything is sunshine and roses.
Out of 25 pieces of feedback, 4 point to some snags. Issues like difficult parking and an unpleasant encounter regarding restroom access for customers were noted, suggesting that while the general feel is okay, some practical aspects and specific interactions can detract from the experience.
Ambience
25
Reviews
64%
Satisfaction
4
negative
5
neutral
16
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Spotlessly clean environment
- Pleasant music selection
- Pet-friendly atmosphere
What people don't like
- Rude restroom policy
- Challenging parking situation
Often praised
- atmosphereThe atmosphere was also a 5-star experience
- placeThe place is clean
- bathroomThey do have a nice bathroom though.
- cleanlinessplace was clean
- musicthe music is better than tolerable
- neighborhoodMy first time here and the burger was okay for the price. The place is clean and in a great neighborhood.
- noise levelNoise level:Quiet, easy to talk
- people watchingpeople watching pedestrians on Columbus St.
- pet friendlyAlso pet friendly!!
- restaurantVery clean restaurant
Frequently criticized
- Italian vibeadding to the Italian vibe of the neighborhood
- nail salonworse, a nail salon where women work on other women’s feet
- parkingParking space:Difficult to find parking
- restroomsWe intended to order food and were looking at the menu when my partner went to use the restroom. An older man then came out and aggressively stated that the restrooms were for customers only. Despite explaining we were about to order, he remained rude and confrontational.
If youre looking for a generally clean place with a decent vibe and dont mind a bit of a parking hunt, its worth a visit. Just be aware that some practicalities, like restroom access, might not be as smooth as youd hope.
Value (5.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 29% of the guests
When it comes to value, opinions are quite a mixed bag, with a 50% customer satisfaction rate and an average score of 5.8. Many customers, accounting for 10 positive remarks, appreciated the price and value, often finding it worth the money for generous portions and reasonable prices that reflect good quality. However, 7 negative comments suggest that not everyone agrees.
Some felt the price was slightly high or very expensive, especially with an undisclosed 8% 'SF Mandate' fee. The expectation to bus your own tables at these prices also left some feeling it was a bit much.
Value
20
Reviews
50%
Satisfaction
7
negative
3
neutral
10
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Good value
- Reasonable prices
- Worth the money
What people don't like
- High price
- Hidden fees
- Self-service
Often praised
- priceI thought the burgers were pretty big for the price.
- pricesold school diner style with affordable prices
- reasonable priceReasonable price as well
- restaurants du voisinageExcellent choix pour ne pas se ruiner dans un des "restaurants" du voisinage.
- splurgeit was well worth the splurge
- valueIts terrific value
- worth the moneyIt was both good and worth the money.
Frequently criticized
- priceSlightly high price for what it is
- $3.5 friessome $3.5 fries ( disgusting btw)
- 8% "SF Mandate" feean undisclosed 8% "SF Mandate" fee
- bus your own tableswhere you bus your own tables is a bit ridiculous
- counter-order burger place8% fee for a counter-order burger place
If you're looking for a spot where some find good portions for the price, it might be worth a try. But be aware that others consider it expensive, especially with extra fees and self-service, so manage your expectations on overall value.
How are the prices at Hi-Way Burger & Fry?
Expect to pay about 22 per person, based on 36 reviews. That places it in the $21–$30 category. For a Hamburger Restaurant, it’s fair – not the cheapest, but reasonable for quick bites.
While the average is 22$, it’s interesting to see that most diners actually spend a bit less, with a good chunk falling into the $11–$20 range. There are also a few who go for a more premium experience, pushing the average up.
This chart shows what people usually spend per person, using the 36 most recent reviews.
How this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing here feels quite fair for a Hamburger Restaurant, especially considering the range of options available. It’s a solid choice for a good burger without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Hi-Way Burger & Fry
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Quiet
8
A Good Burger, A Nice Place
My experience at this restaurant was positive. I found it to be a good option for a meal. The burger was good, and the place itself was nice.
While not exceptional, it completely met expectations for a solid dining experience. The service was excellent, rated a 5 out of 5, and the food was also very good, rated a 4 out of 5. The atmosphere was pleasant, rated a 4 out of 5, and the noise level was quiet, making it easy to talk.
Parking was noted as difficult to find, with paid street parking available.
- burger7
- place7
- option7
- parking3
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Delicious Burgers, Worth the Price!
My experience at the restaurant was great! I tried both the spicy grilled chicken burger and the fried chicken burger. Both were good and definitely worth the money.
I'm already planning my next visit to go for the spicy grilled chicken burger again. ❤️
- spicy grilled chicken burger9
- fried chicken burger8
- worth the money9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Excellent Food and Atmosphere!
I felt compelled to write a review because I was surprised it didn't have a higher rating. Everything here is on point. The grilled chicken BLT is so so good and the burgers are delicious too.
The sweet potato fries are yum and the milkshakes are legit, and chocolatey. Best part for me is the flawless gluten free bun, and runner up, steamed broccoli option. Everything is fresh and the vibe is nice, even the music is better than tolerable.
The service and atmosphere were rated a 5, and food was also a 5.
- grilled chicken BLT9
- burgers8
- sweet potato fries8
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Best Burger in the USA!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic, primarily due to the cheeseburger, which I consider the best I've ever had in the USA. I'd even say it's the only true burger I've eaten here. While Inn n Out is a good fast-food chain, this place offers a superior burger experience.
The price was average, and the onion rings looked appealing. The fries, however, were just okay; I haven't found great fries in the US yet, and while these weren't bad, they didn't compare to the burger. It's an excellent choice for a meal that won't break the bank, especially compared to other nearby "restaurants.
" I don't understand negative comments, except perhaps for those who had the misfortune of visiting the restrooms before ordering.
- cheeseburger10
- burger10
- price6
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Solid Burger and Great Shake!
I asked a barista nearby for a recommendation, and it didn’t disappoint. My experience was centered around some solid food. I enjoyed a great shake and the sweet potato fries were also a hit.
The food quality was excellent, earning a 5/5.
- burger9
- shake9
- sweet potato fries8
What Hi-Way Burger & Fry offers
Crowd
- Tourists
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Wine
- Beer
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What dining and service options are available at Hi-Way Burger & Fry?
At Hi-Way Burger & Fry, you have several convenient service options. You can enjoy a casual dine-in experience for lunch or dinner, grab your meal to go with takeout, or have it delivered right to your door. This flexibility ensures you can enjoy their delicious offerings however you prefer.
Is Hi-Way Burger & Fry accessible and suitable for families?
Yes, Hi-Way Burger & Fry is designed to be welcoming for everyone. The restaurant features a wheelchair accessible entrance and seating, ensuring comfort for all guests. With its casual atmosphere and designation as ‘Good for kids,’ it’s an excellent choice for families looking for a relaxed and enjoyable meal out.
How does Hi-Way Burger & Fry rate overall?
Hi-Way Burger & Fry has an overall score of 6.9 out of 10, with customer satisfaction at 67.2%. Food is a strong point with a score of 7.6, while Ambience (6.4) and Value (5.8) are average. Service is the main area for improvement, scoring 4.9.
What do customers say about the food at Hi-Way Burger & Fry?
Customers frequently praise the quality of the burgers, with many finding them good and substantial. The fries and onion rings also receive positive remarks. However, some have reported receiving cold burgers or finding the overall flavor lacking.
What is the customer experience like regarding service at Hi-Way Burger & Fry?
Service at Hi-Way Burger & Fry is a mixed experience. While many customers describe the staff as friendly and nice, there are also reports of inconsistent customer support, rude employees, and issues with limited staff during busy times.