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Red's Java House - San Francisco
Photo from Red’s Java House
Red's Java House at a glance
San Francisco South Beach
- 🍔 Hamburger-Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 104 of the guests
#1587 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#17 Hamburger-Restaurant out of 37 in San Francisco
Good
7.1 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
493
Reviews
69.4%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Waterfront views
- Quick service
- Classic burgers
Frequently criticized
- Poor hygiene
- High cost
- Slow lines
The hamburger restaurant Red’s Java House in San Francisco’s vibrant South Beach neighborhood offers a truly unique dining experience. You’ll find yourself immersed in a historic and cozy atmosphere, perfect for a casual meal.
This iconic spot is known for its lively sports ambiance, making it an ideal place to catch a game while enjoying a quick bite. Whether you’re starting your day with breakfast or grabbing lunch, you’re in for a treat.
Overview: Introducting Red's Java House
Red’s Java House offers a unique experience, often praised for its fantastic atmosphere and scenic outdoor patio right on the water. Many appreciate the quick service and the friendly staff, making it a pleasant spot for a casual meal.
It’s a place where the setting often enhances the overall visit. However, some visits to Red’s Java House can be a mixed bag.
Concerns have been raised about the cleanliness, with mentions of flies and a noticeable odor inside. While some food items are enjoyed, others find the burger quality inconsistent, suggesting room for improvement in certain areas.
Good
7.1
out of 10
493
Reviews
69.4%
Satisfaction
94
negative
57
neutral
342
positive
Red’s Java House holds a respectable overall score of 7.1, placing it firmly in the good category. However, customer satisfaction sits at 69.4%, indicating a somewhat mixed reception among patrons.
This suggests that while many have positive experiences, a notable portion finds aspects that could be improved. These insights are drawn from a substantial volume of feedback, with 342 positive remarks against 94 negative observations out of 493 total customer comments.
Diving deeper, the Ambience (7.7) stands out as a strong point, often praised for its waterfront setting. Service (7) also generally performs well, with efficient and friendly interactions noted.
The Food (6.9) receives a good score, though it’s a frequent topic of discussion. Where Red’s Java House sees more room for improvement is in Value (5.7), which falls into the average range, suggesting that some customers feel the pricing doesn’t always align with the experience.
What people like
- Waterfront atmosphere
- Friendly, quick service
- Classic burger fare
What people don't like
- Cleanliness concerns
- Perceived high prices
- Long wait times
Red’s Java House, with a recommendation score of 7.4, presents itself as a casual spot with a strong sense of place. If you’re seeking a relaxed waterfront setting and appreciate straightforward, classic American fare, it could be a fitting choice.
It’s particularly appealing for those prioritizing atmosphere over culinary refinement. However, be prepared for potential inconsistencies in food quality and service efficiency, and consider the value proposition carefully.
While it offers a unique experience, those expecting pristine conditions or gourmet dining might find it falls short. It’s a place to visit with specific expectations in mind.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Red's Java House
Food (6.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 92% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot offers a bit of a mixed bag, with a 6.9 score indicating it's generally good, though customer satisfaction sits at a 63.7% mixed level. Based on 160 positive comments out of 251 total remarks, many rave about the unique sourdough burgers, delicious fish & chips, crispy onion rings, and the refreshing cold beer. However, 47 negative remarks point to some significant downsides.
Concerns include tough or overly thick bread for burgers, a perception of poor quality or frozen food (especially breakfast items), and complaints about plain or spongy burger patties, suggesting the quality might not always match expectations.
Food
251
Reviews
63%
Satisfaction
47
negative
44
neutral
160
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Sourdough burgers shine
- Delicious fish & chips
- Crispy onion rings
What people don't like
- Poor food quality
- Tough burger bread
- Plain burger patties
Often praised
- foodThe atmosphere was a perfect 5, and it's a great spot to sit on the water. The food received a 4, and the service was also rated a 4. I enjoyed a double cheeseburger and fries for lunch, which was part of a meal that cost around $20–30 per person.
- burgerIt might sound goofy, but Red’s is my favorite restaurant in San Francisco. There’s just nothing better than sitting out on the water on a warm summer day eating a burger with an icy cold Diet Coke.
- burgersthe breakfast and burgers are simple, stick-to-your-bones divvy staples
- onion ringsWhen I sat down, I felt all my troubles slip away. I had an egg salad sandwich and onion rings. The food was really fresh and the atmosphere was tranquil.
- fish and chipsI found myself in this situation on a sunny Thursday afternoon, and Red's was there to deliver. If your day is calling for some great fish and chips in a relaxing bay front outdoor patio, this is your spot.
- beerThis is a fun place to grab a beer and a bite before the game. There are a lot of fun SF pics all over the walls, adding to the atmosphere.
- friesI had the classic Cheeseburger & 🍟 ... it was amazing!
- sourdoughit's real sourdough. It's chewy, it's toasty brown on the outside and it's tangy.
- sourdough breadspecial sourdough bread that gives them a unique touch
- breakfastthe breakfast and burgers are simple, stick-to-your-bones divvy staples
Frequently criticized
- burgerThe burger was tasteless and a spongy patty
- breadon bread that I don't like
- foodThe food was high school cafeteria grade
- bunin a large French bread hoagie-type bun with NO veggies and too much bread
- chilirename their chili and stop serving it over fries
- double cheeseburgerThe food was disappointing, described as high school cafeteria grade with a frozen Costco patty and fake cheese. I paid $14 for a double cheeseburger and was severely let down at the quality of the ingredients given the premium price.
- hamburgerthe meat is plain tasting- I make better home-made hamburgers than that
- Burgerlooking for a tasty Burger
- beer selectionThey have some great old photos, including a priceless one of Peaches Christ showing righteous disgust. The only minor quibble is the rather pedestrian beer selection. The food is standard fried fare, which is perfect for the location.
- boiled hot doga cheap boiled hot dog on a cheap bun
If youre craving a classic sourdough burger, some fish & chips, or crispy onion rings with a cold beer, youll likely be pleased. However, if you're looking for gourmet quality or a stellar breakfast, you might find the food disappointing.
Service (7 out of 10)
mentioned by 42% of the guests
When it comes to service, many guests have had a great experience, often highlighting the fast service and friendly staff. With 41 positive remarks out of 59 total, it's clear that many appreciate the polite workers and even an awesome cook who made their visit enjoyable. The service earned a solid score of 7, indicating a generally good performance.
However, there are some bumps in the road. A few guests reported instances of rudeness from staff, feeling rushed to order, or encountering long lines. These 13 negative observations contribute to a customer satisfaction of 69.5%, which, while not bad, suggests a mixed experience where consistency could be improved, especially regarding occasional staff behavior and self-service elements.
Service
59
Reviews
69%
Satisfaction
13
negative
5
neutral
41
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fast service
- Friendly staff
- Polite workers
What people don't like
- Rude staff
- Long lines
- Feeling rushed
Often praised
- serviceThe atmosphere was a perfect 5, and it's a great spot to sit on the water. The food received a 4, and the service was also rated a 4. I enjoyed a double cheeseburger and fries for lunch, which was part of a meal that cost around $20–30 per person.
- staffFriendly staff
- ServiceService:5
- bareasily accessible bar
- cashierMy experience at this restaurant was a mix of positive and negative. The service and atmosphere were great; I loved the music they played, and the cashier was friendly. However, the place smelled bad and had flies all around.
- cookthe cook was awesome
- dine inI chose to dine in
- foodfood came out fast
- food was preppedThe fries were okay, nothing special. There was a long line to order, but the food was prepped quickly.
- lady taking orderthe lady taking the order so polite
Frequently criticized
- serviceit took them a while to even order
- Apple Payput his machine hella close for the Apple Pay
- business hoursNo update to business hours showing closure
- guy with glassesthe guy with glasses was very rude
- lazinessThis was pure laziness
- linethe line was long and slow
- line to orderLong line to order
- ownersbegged who I assumed were the owners that came out and sat behind me, then told them no
- rudenesswas the rudeness that turned away a group of school kids
- rushing usrushing us to order and pay
If youre looking for quick service and a friendly face, youll likely be pleased. Just be prepared that there might be an occasional hiccup with staff attitude or a bit of a wait, but overall, it's a decent bet.
Ambience (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 76% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot truly shines, boasting a 7.7 score and a fantastic 82.5% customer satisfaction! Many of the 127 positive comments rave about the wonderful outdoor seating, especially with that stunning Bay Bridge view. Guests love the rich history and the overall great vibe, making it a classic hangout.
However, it's not all sunshine, as 25 negative comments point to some areas needing attention. Some guests reported the place smelled bad, with issues like flies and dirty tables. There were also mentions of a lingering bathroom smell, which certainly detracts from the overall experience.
Ambience
154
Reviews
82%
Satisfaction
25
negative
2
neutral
127
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great outdoor seating
- Stunning Bay views
- Rich history/vibe
What people don't like
- Unpleasant odors
- Presence of flies
- Dirty tables
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at this tasty burger joint near Oracle was fantastic. Located right on the water, it offers a great atmosphere with a bar and TVs. The food, service, and atmosphere were all top-notch, contributing to a highly enjoyable visit.
- historyYou come here for the location and the history.
- patioWe did not eat there, but everything looked good. We had a beer on the patio before the Giants game. A regular stop for us when we go to games.
- outdoor patioI found myself in this situation on a sunny Thursday afternoon, and Red's was there to deliver. If your day is calling for some great fish and chips in a relaxing bay front outdoor patio, this is your spot.
- outdoor seatingAmbience is great, has outdoor seating.
- viewMy experience at this restaurant was incredibly rustic and calming. It's a very quiet place with a beautiful view of the harbor and the bay bridge. When I sat down, I felt all my troubles slip away.
- back patiositting out on the back patio right on the water
- barFun bar to be at before an event
- bayMy experience at this restaurant was primarily defined by its wonderful setting. I highly recommend getting a burger on a sourdough roll and sitting outside in the sunshine to watch the bay. It's a classic San Francisco spot that should not be missed.
- deckThe deck is great to have a beer
Frequently criticized
- fliesThe service and atmosphere were great; I loved the music they played, and the cashier was friendly. However, the place smelled bad and had flies all around. The food was disappointing, described as high school cafeteria grade with a frozen Costco patty and fake cheese.
- parkingSomewhat difficult to find parking
- tablesThe tables were dirty. We had to clear ours.
- bathroom smellUpon walking in, I was immediately struck by the presence of tones of flies and a foul odor that made the atmosphere unpleasant. The tables were sticky, and the overall environment smelled like a bathroom. I have serious doubts about their ability to pass a health inspection.
- fancy placeIt's conveniently located close to the ballpark and Pier 39. This is not a super fancy place like many restaurants in the area, and I love it.
- health inspectionwon’t pass a health inspection
- insideThe inside is dirty with swarms of flies
- loud vehiclesloud vehicles are clearly audible
- mom & pop experiencelacking the good ol' mom & pop experience
- odorit stinks
If you're looking for a place with incredible views, rich history, and a lively outdoor atmosphere, this spot is definitely worth a visit. Just be prepared that some indoor areas might have cleanliness issues, particularly regarding flies and odors, which could impact your experience.
Value (5.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 23% of the guests
Many diners appreciate the wallet-friendly options and combo deals here, especially the popular cheap beer-burger combo which often comes in under $20. With 14 positive remarks out of 29 total comments, it seems theres definitely good value to be found if you know what to order, making it an affordable choice for some. However, the overall sentiment is a bit of a mixed bag, with customer satisfaction at 48.3% and an average score of 5.7.
Some guests felt the experience was on the expensive side, calling certain items overpriced and even mentioning shameless prices' for the quality, as reflected in 9 negative comments.
Value
29
Reviews
48%
Satisfaction
9
negative
6
neutral
14
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Good combo deals
- Affordable options
- Beer-burger value
What people don't like
- Overpriced for quality
- Can feel expensive
- Disappointing ingredients
Often praised
- pricegreat price too
- pricesat very reasonable prices
- affordablelast affordable ones with good food and drinks
- beer and a burgerget a beer and a burger for under $20
- buckets of beerI enjoyed a fresh hamburger served on sourdough, paired with a cold beer. It's a great spot for groups, and they offer a good deal on buckets of beer!
- cheap beer-burger combocheap beer-burger combo a plus
- combo dealsGood combo deals too
- good valueAnd they're a good value.
- low pricesThe tables can become messy if the staff is busy and customers don't clean up. I'd recommend checking this place out if you're looking for fast food and drinks at low prices.
- under $20burger for under $20
Frequently criticized
- pricepaid $14 for a double cheeseburger and was severely let down at the quality of the ingredients given the premium price
- expensive sideOn the expensive 🫰🏼 side
- hot dogthat cost about 10.00 with a can of Coke
- overpricedOverpriced and poor quality food
- parkingpaid for parking for nothing
- price per personPrice per person:$50–100
- shameless pricesWhile the workers were great – happy and singing along to music, doing their best with the ingredients – the food quality was unacceptable for the price. I would be embarrassed to serve such low quality food at these shameless prices. We felt swindled.
- walletmy wallet are both hurt
If you're seeking specific combo deals or a quick, affordable meal, this place could be a good fit. However, be aware that some find the regular menu items overpriced for their quality, so choose carefully to ensure a satisfying experience.
How are the prices at Red's Java House?
You’re looking at roughly 22 per person – reported by 104 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Hamburger Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average is 22, it’s interesting to note that the majority of guests actually spend a bit less, with a big cluster of prices falling into the $11–$20 range. This suggests there are plenty of great value options, even with some higher-end choices available.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 104 reviews.
How does this restaurant’s value stack up against similar spots in San Francisco?
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Hamburger Restaurant. It seems like you can find a good meal here, whether you’re looking for a quick, affordable bite or something a little more premium.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Red's Java House
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
8
Charming Old School Burger Joint
My first visit to this restaurant was on a busy baseball game day, so I'd recommend avoiding game days if you prefer fewer crowds. The place has an old school charm that I absolutely loved. The service was great, with the lady taking orders being both nice and efficient.
I tried the burger and fries combo with added coleslaw. The burger bun was excellent, and the beef patties were good. My only suggestion regarding the burger is that they are heavy on the mustard, so be sure to ask for mayo if you like it.
The fries were above average and a good portion size. The coleslaw, which I believe was made in-house, was decent. Overall, it was a good experience, and I would go back again.
- old school charm10
- service8
- lady taking orders8
- mustard4
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Surprisingly Good Burger!
First time here and I was not expecting the burger to be this good. It's a bit different from a traditional burger, but their bread choice for the burger is so GOOD! I will definitely be coming back when I find myself this close to the bridge.
Hats off gents. 🤤🤤🤤
- burger9
- bread choice10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Great Coffee, Meals, and Atmosphere
This is a great place to grab coffee and watch the waves, or to sit with friends and have a meal. The inside is nice and quiet, or you can enjoy the breezy outside. They also offer good combo deals on burgers, hotdogs, and more.
- coffee8
- meals8
- inside atmosphere8
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Great Affordable Bar with a View
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's a fun bar to be at before an event, and it's likely one of the last affordable places with good food and drinks. The patio on the water is great, the bar is easily accessible, and the food truly impressed me!
- bar9
- affordable9
- good food9
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
8
Fast Service, Good Food, Watch for Flies
My experience at this restaurant was largely positive, despite a minor issue. I found it to be a great stop with no line and incredibly fast service. The food was good and served as quickly as one can order.
The only drawback was the presence of flies.
- line9
- service10
- food9
- flies2
What Red's Java House offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Offerings
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Quick bite
- Coffee
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Counter service
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
- Dogs allowed
Parking
- Paid parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Historic
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
Is Red's Java House accessible for everyone?
Yes, Red’s Java House is committed to accessibility. You’ll find a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restrooms, ensuring a comfortable visit for all guests. The venue also features a gender-neutral restroom for your convenience.
Is Red's Java House family-friendly and pet-friendly?
Yes, Red’s Java House is good for kids, providing a kids’ menu and high chairs. For pet owners, dogs are allowed outside, so you can enjoy your meal with your furry companion. It’s a welcoming spot for the whole family.
How does Red's Java House rate overall?
Red’s Java House has an overall score of **7.1** and a customer satisfaction of **69.4%**. Its **Ambience** (7.7) and **Service** (7) are rated well, while **Food** (6.9) is good, and **Value** (5.7) is considered average.
What makes Red's Java House a popular spot?
Many patrons appreciate Red’s Java House for its unique **waterfront atmosphere** and scenic **outdoor patio**. The **friendly staff** and quick service are also frequently mentioned positives, alongside its classic burger and breakfast options.
What are some common concerns at Red's Java House?
Some customers have noted issues with **cleanliness**, including mentions of **flies** and an **odor** inside. There are also comments about **long lines** and the perception that some items are **overpriced** for their quality.