Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
oChef » Louie’s Original – San Francisco
Louie's Original - San Francisco
Photo from Louie’s Original
Louie's Original at a glance
San Francisco Mission District
- 🍔 Hamburger-Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 76 of the guests
#1898 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#32 Hamburger-Restaurant out of 37 in San Francisco
Good
6.6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
421
Reviews
62.2%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Attentive staff
- Cozy atmosphere
- Fresh food
Frequently criticized
- High prices
- Burger inconsistency
- Cleanliness issues
The restaurant Louie’s Original is a trendy hamburger restaurant nestled in the vibrant Mission District of San Francisco. You’ll find a casual yet stylish atmosphere perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed meal.
This spot offers a fantastic dining experience, whether you’re grabbing lunch, dinner, or even a dessert. With its inviting ambiance and delicious offerings, it’s a must-visit for burger lovers in the city.
Overview: Introducting Louie's Original
Louie’s Original offers a casual dining experience with a generally pleasant atmosphere and attentive service. Many appreciate the cozy setting and the staff’s helpfulness, making for a comfortable visit.
However, some experiences with staff have been less positive, and there are concerns about the overall cleanliness. While the food at Louie’s Original often hits the mark with its fresh ingredients and satisfying burgers, opinions can be quite divided on consistency.
The value proposition, particularly regarding pricing for beverages and automatic gratuities, frequently leaves diners feeling that costs are higher than expected for the offering.
Good
6.6
out of 10
421
Reviews
62.2%
Satisfaction
123
negative
36
neutral
262
positive
Louie’s Original holds an average Restaurant Score of 6.6, with Customer Satisfaction sitting at a mixed 62.2%. This reflects a place with some clear strengths but also areas needing attention.
Feedback from 421 customer observations, including 262 positive and 123 negative remarks, indicates a varied experience. The Food (6.8) is the most discussed aspect, showing a generally acceptable quality, though consistency can be an issue.
Service (7.1) is often a highlight, with many praising the staff’s attentiveness. The Ambience (7.6) also contributes positively, offering a pleasant setting.
However, Value (3.7) stands out as a significant concern, with many finding prices, especially for drinks and added fees, to be quite high.
What people like
- Attentive, friendly staff
- Pleasant, cozy atmosphere
- Delicious fresh food
What people don't like
- Poor value for money
- Inconsistent burger quality
- Cleanliness concerns
Louie’s Original presents a mixed bag, reflected in its Recommendation Score of 6.7. If you prioritize a pleasant setting and generally good service for a casual meal, it could be a suitable choice.
However, be prepared for potential inconsistencies in food quality and a pricing structure that some find steep. Ultimately, whether Louie’s Original is for you depends on your priorities.
While the atmosphere and service often shine, the concerns around value and occasional food issues mean it might not consistently deliver a top-tier experience. Approach with realistic expectations, especially regarding the bill.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Louie's Original
Food (6.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
When it comes to the food, opinions are a bit of a mixed bag, but theres definitely a lot to love! With a solid 6.8 score and 63.3% customer satisfaction, many diners rave about the juicy Louie hamburger, delicious sweet potato fries, and tasty shakes. The fried chicken sandwich also gets a lot of praise, contributing to the 174 positive remarks out of 275 total.
However, not every dish hits the mark. Some found the food to be greasy, while others mentioned issues with overcooked patties, salty burgers, or bland fries. These points, highlighted in 74 negative comments, suggest theres still room for improvement in consistency and seasoning.
Food
275
Reviews
63%
Satisfaction
74
negative
27
neutral
174
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Juicy, delicious burgers
- Outstanding chicken sandwich
- Delicious milkshakes
What people don't like
- Greasy food
- Overcooked, dry patties
- Salty or bland seasoning
Often praised
- burgerWhen I ordered, the staff enthusiastically recommended a dish, which I happily paid a 20% tip for. After the burger was done, I wanted it split in half and tipped an extra $5. However, while I was dining, a male kitchen employee looked at me discriminatingly many times, making me feel very uncomfortable and unhappy.
- burgersThis was my favorite burger joint on Potrero Hill since it opened last October, even with its extremely minimal menu. I could overlook the limited menu because the burgers were always decent. However, they have now decided to completely eliminate table service.
- friesI had low expectations given some of the reviews, but I must disagree with all the negative feedback. We enjoyed a solid burger with bread and butter pickles on a brioche bun, yummy fries, and beer-battered onion rings that were amazing. We opted for take away, but we are excited to go back and eat a burger there and pair it with Dashe zin wine!
- onion ringsThe $17 deal for a big Louie combo was definitely worth it, offering one of the better burgers I've had in the city. The chicken sandwich was moist and tasted good, and the waffle fries and onion rings were also enjoyable. My only gripe was the $4 price for a can of Coke, which felt a bit steep.
- foodsimplicity of the food, which is fresh and delicious
- waffle friesIf it didn’t have a sauce or had some other kind of sauce, it would be just as good as the burger. The waffle fries came out perfect in texture and salt level. The milkshake was thick, creamy, and had a thick layer of whip.
- FoodFood:5
- shakesThe messy cut fries were bland, and while the chicken tenders were quite good, the portion size (3 pieces for $15) and the poor runny Honey Mustard sauce made it not worth a repeat. On the positive side, the Monk Pilsner was very good, and the shakes looked superb. Next time, we'll definitely go for a shake and skip the meal.
- brioche bunSurprisingly the brioche bun was my favorite component
- chicken sandwichget a michelin star for the chicken sandwich if they tried
Frequently criticized
- onion ringsThe fries and onion rings could use a longer fry time and needed salt/seasoning
- burgerThe burger was the sloppiest, wettest, and most tasteless I've ever experienced. My fault for not asking for it well done, as it was so raw the juices ruined the bun. It was not fun to bite into such raw-ness.
- sauceWhile the Cookies and Cream milkshake was good, the main food was disappointing. The meat was dry and there was little to no sauce. The milkshake did help to improve my overall food rating.
- Little Louiea smaller bun on the Little Louie (it’s just too much bread)
- bunMy experience at this restaurant was okay, but the burger didn't quite hit the spot for me. While the meat was juicy, which is a positive, the bun felt too airy and the sauce was messy, getting everywhere. Additionally, the cheese was not melted.
- burgersburgers were too salty
- cheesethe cheese was not melted
- foodThe food was super greasy
- friesThe fries and onion rings could use a longer fry time and needed salt/seasoning
- lettucelettuce was almost transparent it was so wet
If you're craving a classic burger and some tasty sides, this spot is definitely worth a try, especially for their highly-praised Louie hamburger and shakes. Just be aware that some dishes might be inconsistent in seasoning or preparation, so manage your expectations for every item on the menu.
Service (7.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 55% of the guests
The service here generally hits the mark, with a solid score of 7.1 and customer satisfaction at 70.3%. Many guests rave about the friendly staff and attentive servers , often highlighting individuals like Pablo or Drew for their exceptional care. Out of 64 comments, 45 were positive, praising the great service and quick takeout orders , even noting managers who go above and beyond to help.
However, it's not always smooth sailing. Some experiences mention being ignored or finding the service to be mid, with 15 negative remarks. Issues like missing items in orders, unfriendly manager encounters, or long waiting times for food have occasionally left customers feeling frustrated.
Service
64
Reviews
70%
Satisfaction
15
negative
4
neutral
45
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Great customer service
- Helpful management
What people don't like
- Customers feel ignored
- Unfriendly management
- Missing order items
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at the restaurant was a mix of highs and lows. The service was great, and the custard style ice cream was absolutely amazing. However, my lunch guest found the big sister burger to be average.
- ServiceHowever, the overall experience was slightly dampened by the billing process. While I was happy with the service, I was surprised to find that a tip was included, and yet the payment machine still presented pre-populated tip suggestions of 18%, 20%, and 22%. This led to an unintentional 40% tip for a burger joint, which I only noticed after reviewing my receipt.
- staffthe staff enthusiastically recommended it to me
- customer serviceMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed a nice juicy burger and experienced the best customer service. It's a 10/10 and I highly recommend it!
- DrewHis hustle is unmatched
- JadaShe was so attentive. Gave us great recs
- PabloPablo, who was just so attentive and nice. Excellent service
- automatic tipautomatic 18% tip across the board, which is deeply appreciated
- cashiercashier was very kind
- dining experienceThe food and service were great, and the prices are very reasonable. Kassra and his team went above & beyond to ensure a very positive dining experience. I will definitely go back to try the messy fries.
Frequently criticized
- servicefelt our server was pushing too hard to get tipped
- acknowledgedMy partner and I visited the restaurant and were absolutely ignored. We waited to be seated, but no one even acknowledged us. We eventually sat at the bar and waited for some time.
- customerdirecting focus on a customer that paid already
- ignoredwas absolutely ignored
- male kitchen employeeAfter the burger was done, I wanted it split in half and tipped an extra $5. However, while I was dining, a male kitchen employee looked at me discriminatingly many times, making me feel very uncomfortable and unhappy. I did share my feelings with other staff.
- managerUnprofessional and unfriendly manager
- missing itemsThe cheeseburger was flavorless, and the meat patties were not smashed evenly, making the burger difficult to eat. Our server was nice, but had to be reminded twice about missing items in our order.
- orderTheir chicken strips are the best I've ever had. I also recently had an issue where my order unfortunately did not survive the trip back to where I work, like a 10-minute walk away, because it was raining and my umbrella was not enough to keep the bag from getting soggy. The bag ripped and I lost half my lunch.
- serverserver did nothing about it
- sister's orderthey messed up my sisters order
If youre looking for a place with generally good service and a friendly vibe, youll likely be pleased. While there are occasional hiccups, the positive experiences, often highlighting attentive staff, suggest it's worth a visit. Just be aware that some guests have encountered slower service or minor order issues.
Ambience (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 37% of the guests
The ambience here generally hits the mark, scoring a 7.6 and earning a good customer satisfaction of 85.4%. Many of the 35 positive remarks out of 41 total praise the atmosphere, vibes, and music, noting its a cozy place with comfortable seats and a great overall feel, often playing 90s rap or 70s jams. However, a few of the 4 negative comments raise concerns.
Some found the chairs uncomfortable, wishing for cushions, while others mentioned unsanitary habits and even roaches, which are definite red flags. Parking' also proved somewhat difficult for a couple of guests.
Ambience
41
Reviews
85%
Satisfaction
4
negative
2
neutral
35
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great atmosphere
- Good music selection
- Comfortable seating
What people don't like
- Unsanitary conditions
- Uncomfortable chairs
- Difficult parking
Often praised
- atmosphereThe atmosphere was family oriented mom's dad's and single people.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:4
- musicI literally started to feel sick after eating just a few. The place itself is cozy with great music, and it could have been a vibe – a great place to hang out after a long day. However, this is one experience I will not be giving a second chance.
- placeThe onion rings were also perfect and great. I love this place so much that I'll be back tomorrow. Thank you soooooo much!
- 90s rap musicplaying 90s rap in the restaurant didn't hurt either
- Parking optionsParking options:Free street parking
- Parking spaceParking space:Plenty of parking
- ambianceThe ambience is really nice too with indoor and outdoor seating.
- burger logoSuch a cute burger logo as well
- burger placeI also wished there were tomatoes to balance out the flavors. Despite these issues, I'm still happy for the addition of a fancy-ish but still chill burger place in the neighborhood. Our expectations were perhaps high given it's from a Michelin-starred team.
Frequently criticized
- chairsThe chair should have had cushion too, because it was cold
- parkingService was good, rated a 4. Finding parking was somewhat difficult. Overall, it's a place worth eating at, but be mindful of the costs.
- roachesthey had roaches
- unsanitary habitsIts really unsanitary
If youre looking for a spot with generally good vibes and music, youll likely enjoy the atmosphere here. Just be aware that a few guests reported issues with cleanliness and seating comfort, which might be a dealbreaker for some.
Value (3.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 33% of the guests
While the overall value might be a sticking point for some, a few guests did find the price to be quite reasonable and fair, especially appreciating the free parking and ample space available. These positive remarks, accounting for 8 out of 41 customer comments, suggest that for some, the overall cost felt justified. However, the general consensus leans heavily towards disappointment, reflected in a low score of 3.7 and customer satisfaction at just 19.5%.
Many felt the prices were expensive, particularly for beverages and small portion sizes. Frequent complaints about mandatory fees, automatic gratuity, and a confusing billing process were highlighted in 30 customer remarks, leaving many feeling nickel and dimed.
Value
41
Reviews
19%
Satisfaction
30
negative
3
neutral
8
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fair base prices
- Free, ample parking
What people don't like
- Expensive drinks
- Hidden service fees
- Confusing billing system
Often praised
- pricesI feel the prices were fair
- Super Duper BurgersHowever, the cheese wasn’t melted, and there was way too much lettuce. For the price, I’ll stick to Super Duper Burgers; they’re half the price and just as good or better.
- billThe food was good, and my kids loved it! When I ordered, the staff enthusiastically recommended a dish, which I happily paid a 20% tip for. After the burger was done, I wanted it split in half and tipped an extra $5.
- costthe cost was absolutely fair
- free parkingThe food was excellent, and the service was top-notch. They also offer free parking in a plenty of parking lot, which is a big plus.
- plenty of parkingThe food was excellent, and the service was top-notch. They also offer free parking in a plenty of parking lot, which is a big plus.
- pricethe price was reasonable
Frequently criticized
- priceThat plus a bottle of ice tea and a glass of wine set us back $100
- portion sizeHowever, my lunch guest found the big sister burger to be average. The messy cut fries were bland, and while the chicken tenders were quite good, the portion size (3 pieces for $15) and the poor runny Honey Mustard sauce made it not worth a repeat. On the positive side, the Monk Pilsner was very good, and the shakes looked superb.
- Coca-Colapaid $4.56 for a CAN OF COCA-COLA
- automatic gratuitythey add 21.5% automatic gratuity to all orders
- beveragesStart selling your beverages at an affordable price!
- billNothing taken off of the bill
- billing processThe atmosphere was also a highlight, rated a 5 out of 5. My only criticism relates to the billing process. Be careful not to double tip, as they automatically charge an 18% service fee and then also ask for a tip when paying the bill.
- burger jointpaying 40% tip for a burger joint
- can of cokea can of coke was $4
- canned beveragecharging damn near $5 for a CANNED beverage
If you're highly sensitive to pricing and unexpected charges, this spot might not be for you. While some find the base prices fair, the frequent mentions of expensive beverages and mandatory fees could lead to disappointment. Be prepared for the full cost, including potential gratuity complexities, before you commit.
How are the prices at Louie's Original?
You’re looking at roughly 25 per person – reported by 76 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Hamburger Restaurant in San Francisco, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most guests are spending right in this sweet spot, with a good chunk also in the $11–$20 range, showing prices generally cluster around the average. There’s also room for those who want to treat themselves a little more!
This chart shows what people usually spend per person, using the 76 most recent reviews.
How this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
For a Hamburger Restaurant in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels pretty fair. It offers a good balance for a quality burger experience without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Louie's Original
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Fast, Substantial, and Excellent Burger
I needed a burger fast, and I was pleasantly surprised by how substantial it was. The meat and flavors were excellent, all served on a brioche bun.
- burger9
- meat10
- flavors10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
6
Good Shake, Dry Meat
My experience at the restaurant was mixed. While the Cookies and Cream milkshake was good, the main food was disappointing. The meat was dry and there was little to no sauce.
The milkshake did help to improve my overall food rating.
- Cookies and Cream milkshake8
- meat2
- sauce2
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
10
Favorite Family-Run Breakfast Spot
This is one of my favorite breakfast places, and I'm so fortunate to live within walking distance. It's a wonderful example of a family-operated establishment that truly makes San Francisco special. The food, service, and atmosphere were all exceptional.
- family-operated establishment10
- food10
- service10
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Great Burgers, Fries, and Shakes!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic. I enjoyed a delicious burger, and they also offer fries, shakes, and ice cream. The atmosphere was clean and the service was great, earning a perfect 5/5 for both.
The food also received a perfect 5/5 rating.
- burger10
- fries9
- shakes9
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Amazing Milkshake, Eager for More!
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! The new Dubai Chocolate Milkshake was a real banger. I'm already planning my next visit to try the Big Sister burger as well.
The food was excellent, and I highly recommend it.
- Dubai Chocolate Milkshake10
- Big Sister burger9
- Food10
What Louie's Original offers
Crowd
- Tourists
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
- Dessert
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Free street parking
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
Is Louie's Original accessible and easy to park at?
Yes, Louie’s Original in San Francisco’s Mission District offers a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restroom. You’ll also find free street parking, and there’s usually plenty available, making your visit convenient.
What dining options and amenities does Louie's Original provide?
Louie’s Original is great for kids, offering high chairs and a good atmosphere for families. You can enjoy lunch, dinner, or dessert with seating available. Plus, dogs are allowed outside, and there’s a bar onsite for alcoholic beverages like wine and beer.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Louie's Original?
Louie’s Original has an average Restaurant Score of 6.6 and a mixed Customer Satisfaction of 62.2%. While Ambience (7.6) and Service (7.1) are generally well-regarded, Food (6.8) receives mixed feedback, and Value (3.7) is a notable concern.
Are there any common complaints about the food at Louie's Original?
Yes, some customers have noted inconsistencies with burger quality, describing them as occasionally sloppy, tasteless, or having issues with the bun or cheese. Greasy food and under-seasoned fries/onion rings are also mentioned.
Is Louie's Original considered good value for money?
Opinions on value are largely negative. Many customers find the prices, especially for beverages and with automatic gratuities, to be high for the offering, leading to concerns about the overall cost.