Great late night spot. We came around 12 am and it wasn't super busy, food came out fast and service was quick. I love their ordering system. You scan the QR code, order AND pay all in the same place so it makes it really efficient. Food was good. What you expect a diner food to be! read more

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Came here after a concert nearby! Was open late so that was convenient for us. No wait time, sat down immediately late at night. Scanned the menu, ordered online, and paid online. Food: we wouldn't come here for the food/taste, but it was convenient! (3/5) French Dip: pretty ok, but plain. eating it with the green sauce made it taste much better! (2/5) French Toast: friend said there was not much to it, and it got boring after a while. taste/quality wasn't too great (4/5) Milkshake: pricey for a small cup, but it was a good milkshake :) This diner didn't stick out to me too much, but it could to you! read more

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The food was pretty good, and very fresh. BUT.. the service and prices did NOT match. Be prepared to pay first, which was fine but it took me by surprise. The hard menu and the scan QR Code Menu have quite a few differences. If you like good fresh food, you'll enjoy it. My husband ordered the Double Johnny w/Fries and it was $32. I ordered the Egg and French Toast it was $22 with a side salad (Iceberg lettuce, Parmesan cheese, and Caesar Dressing) $10 - and I just didn't feel like it was worth it. But just my opinion. read more

My brother-in-law recommended this place because he and his mom came here several years ago. They even spoke to the owner and found out he grew his own greens for the caldo verde. Staff: our server was by himself. You have to scan a code to see the menu and order. He was unfortunately rude and cost him his tip. He may have been having a bad day. Food: We were excited to try the caldo verde (main reason for our visit). Unfortunately, we were all disappointed. It was very salty. I had the impossible burger which was alright. We ordered fries and others order the beef w eggs and fries which they say was just ok. The restaurant is located on Polk St. It's unfortunate that my in-laws car was broken into. Uber if you decide to come here. read more

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Taking into account that you need food and it's late this may be a last resort and that's the only scenario warranting entering this establishment. The sign should read " shitty overpriced food served late" and all would be fine but to serve over salted garbage with payment requested upon ordering is not only a red flag but a reason to decline or dispute payment. If you're seated and reading this review please look elsewhere and give your body and bank account a break , f-ck this place , 18.00 for a sandwich and 7.50 for fries all of which barely edible I suggest you run while there's still time . You have been warned, enjoy your meal. read more

Quaint little spot with great burgers and fries! Milk shake was spot on too! Really tasty late night option with old fashioned appeal. read more

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I'd love to support local restaurant. The service is really good. I got the Salmon Steak, which is pricy for me. The taste is not different from other places, but my friend ordered a burger which is better than my dish. The dessert is yummy. read more

Grubstake Diner - Burgers Near Me - San Francisco, California

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In 1991*** I had a really good 2am breakfast here with my friend from Los Gatos after we checked out some music most of the night all over the city. That was the good part! In Grubsteak, a shapely gorgeous curvy and curly red headed women oooooozjng with sensuality and a little freckle in her eye made a Lazer beam connection with me when I walked up to pay the bill! 19.5 years of hell and $310,000 later..... We finally were able to not be disconnect legally and normalize my life again! . And now , back to reviews as I have a lot more money now to spend on food! This place, well, I recently went back and am shocked it has barely changed a wink!. Same loud, late night mob of drunk , young and old San Francisco residents yah know! It's a cozy Munda grungy but I like the place.... The standard American type egg and bacon was the most expensive meal I ever had! And it's true... I love you San Francisco! read more

We ordered food from Uber eats and it arrived within 30 minutes, super hot, and delicious! The A1 burger had a ton of flavor, a good portion of bacon that was cooked perfectly, and burger was still juicy. It was huge! The onion rings were hot and not greasy. The French dip was soooooo good! The bread is sturdy to keep it together while dipping in the hot au ju and the roast beef in the sandwich was juicy and not dry. Would definitely order from here next week are in town!! read more

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Food is great along with fabulous service. Very friendly people and good conversation. The diner has good seating for people watching. We enjoy eating here every time we visit. read more

Grubstake is a great late night spot in the city. The chicken wings are a 10/10. Can honestly say they are my favorite wings ever. French dip is great as well. Cant go wrong with anything on the menu. But always order the wings! Been coming here for years and never disappointed. read more

Nice that it's open so late but the food is pretty average. Would order french toast again because I ended up with soggy undercooked bread. Tap water sink is right in front of the tables making it hard to want any water. Staff is nice but the food is very average. read more

Grubstake Diner - expectation - Burgers Near Me - San Francisco, California

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These wings are terrible. I couldn't wait to come back to Grubsteak after moving away 3 years ago. For 10 years this was my "go-to" late night spot. There was a vibe and the food was amazing. It was 12:30am on a Tuesday and I chose Grubsteak over a limited number of options. With that said, I wish I went elsewhere. Also wish I just went to bed. Ordered wings that were soggy, had no bite to them and flavor didn't exist. Like they were boiled, then grilled. Grubsteak burger hit the spot and the fries were cooked perfectly. I'm sitting here and was going to run a 1 star based on the wings however moving to 2 as the burger is consistent and in line with the Grubsteak i remember. Don't order the wings or let me know if I am off the mark. Also don't expect beers after midnight. For $27 you might be better off getting a burger and fries at McDonald's. Michael read more

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We waited 1 hour for food to come out on a Saturday, barely anyone was here. When the food finally came out he started yelling at my husband when my husband asked why it took so long! How the hell does it take 1 hour to make our food! The waiter then started yelling back at my husband telling him we shouldn't have came if we couldn't wait. You don't yell at your customers! Food sucked! To be real, we came here after bar hopping hungry af, this WAS the spot to go to. Not no more! Gary was really nice and tried to offer us lollipops but it didn't make up for the disservice we got from this place. This used to be the place we would take our out of town guests after those late nights. HELL to NO! Jon Taffer needs to rescue this San Francisco staple restaurant STAT! read more

Service was great, and the place is really nice (+ open late) However, I ordered a patty melt, fries and milkshake + tip was over $55. The food is not worth the price but the place and service is nice read more

Had the Grubstake Burger, it was SOOO GOOD. I usually let my camera eat before me but it looked so juicy and delicious I devoured it! It was 2 am. Everything was warm and amazing. Ordered a side of mozzarella sticks and they were also really good. Shout out to Jose, he was very sweet and awesome! 10/10 will be back! read more

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Since the pandemic began, I've been averaging about three takeout meals a week. Actually trying a lot of different places to spread the business around. And I totally understand there are unique challenges during these strange time, so I have been a lot more liberal with 4- and 5-star ratings. However, all this takeout over the past 6 months has given me a pretty good baseline expectation about what I can expect from a restaurant during these times. Sadly, my order here fell way below that benchmark. An essential part of one of the dishes was missing. And for what I did receive, the menu description was completely false. Additionally, the food quality just wasn't that good. French Dip Sandwich: Their French Dip was missing the au jus, which essentially defines a French Dip as it is the Dip. Additionally, the "slow roasted beef" was not that at all, but actually the same quick griddled crispy beef as in the Classic Philly. And it was pretty bland as a standalone sandwich. Classic Philly: It checked the boxes with bare minimum effort. The steak was thinly sliced and griddled crispy, but had that reheated beef taste rather than when joints griddle up the raw steak fresh. There was cheese sauce, which tasted fine, but it was very sparsely added. The sauteed onions where ok. The roll was soft, but just didn't have the same chewy mouthfeel of a typical Philly Cheesesteak. Fire Grilled Buffalo Wings: So I liked the flavor, but their wings weren't crispy or even firm. It kinda tasted reheated rather than made fresh to order. read more

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We used to go to the diner when the old owner Santos added Portuguese food on the menu. Yelp has really old information and what we were told was that the owner retired eight years ago and the new owner took the Portuguese menu off. I had a ham and cheese sandwich, which was OK not the greatest that I've had. It was very disappointed because this was a Friday night and it was so dead. When the old owner was there, it used to be so packed there was no room for seating. You actually had to wait. I don't think I will go back because the menu is not the greatest. They don't have a lot of things on the menu anymore. When we were there, it was so quiet that we could hear the Spanish music from the back where the kitchen was and the cooks were talking so loud because I'm assuming they had nothing to do because it was so dead. Overall, a very disappointing experience. I'm assuming that the basic menu is for people who are partying late night and drinking and just wanna bite to eat. read more

Open late, nice and clean, and huge portions! This place has that true diner feeling. read more

Grubstake Diner - Open late, nice and clean, and huge portions! This place had that true diner feeling. - Burgers Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Stopped by with my husband and kids as we were passing through SF and needed a quick dinner for cheap. We all got chicken tenders and cheese burgers. Food was good for the price, I do wish they had a cheddar cheese option but oh well. Service was good, they had qr codes which we were fine with. There was gentleman that promptly got us waters and seemed available for table service if you wanted it. Food was fast and fresh. The place itself is cute, its shaped like an old train caboose. Booths are small but the whole vibe was fun. read more

The service was 4-5 stars but this review is for the food. This place used to be good but they have fallen into the deep end. All the food was a joke. $60 of wasted money and I didn't even finish my food. I paid $26 for a party melt that wasn't even a patty melt, and I got charged $6 for fries that I thought came with my meal. I also ordered the potato skins. Not one skin on my plate. Just sliced potatoes with cheese and bacon. SMH. I won't be returning unless my friends physically carry me in while I'm inebriated. Even then I'll still have enough sense to not order the food. read more

Grubstake Diner - Their joke of a Patty Melt Burger - Burgers Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Amazing location to enjoy hearty yet unfussy food in San Francisco. Service was prompt and the menu is quite comprehensive with various bottled craft beers to choose from. A bit pricier than expected but still worth a visit. read more

Grubstake Diner - Burgers Near Me - San Francisco, California

Good food, fast service, open late. Not sure if it was owner but the older man was very nice. read more

Grubstake Diner - Potato Skins - Burgers Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Grubstake is open late! Always my go to place for late night food. I get breakfast food every time but they do have other stuff. The sausage is literally a game changer. Favorite thing on the menu. Speaking of the menu, the prices are a little high so just be prepared for that, its definitely not a Dennys. read more

Grubstake Diner - The best sausage!!! - Burgers Near Me - San Francisco, California

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This is a good burger joint. Yeah it's an older place with character. Yes like many independent shops it's order up front. The the price points is on point and the quality is up to par. The staff are down to earth no frills folks, but for me that's the charm. This is an old school working class diner that delivers an excellent burger, and I think the best fries in SF! The choco shake was smooth and tasted liked from soft serve but smoother. read more

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Had some takeout here in 2020 during the pandemic and had salmon delivered that was undercooked (rubbery and pink while outer later appeared cooked). Just a memory that I unlocked while scrolling through DoorDash just now read more

This was pretty underwhelming but can't complain - it was the only food option open past 2 am nearby. Caldo Verde soup - 1/5 My friend is Portuguese and not a picky eater. We were craving soup. This was hands down, the worst soup I'd ever gotten at a restaurant lol. It tasted like thickened water with boiled chopped chives and no seasoning or flavor. At $9 per small bowl it was the absolute worst. Breakfast plate (don't remember what it was called) - 3/5 Portuguese sausage, eggs, and fries. The fries were not crispy, kind of soggy. Mozzarella sticks - 3/5 Standard drunk food with slow but friendly service. It took forever to get our bill but I get it, it was 3 am at this point (because they took 20 min to bring the bill). Maybe this place is better for lunch? Not sure but I won't be back. read more

Grubstake Diner - Burgers Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Food was great but pricey. In my opinion, fries should come with the burger if its priced at $19 and up. We got the A1 burger and the Grubstake burger and onion rings to share. Onion rings 9/10 but they need a better sauce to go with them. A1 burger 9/10 the A1 sauce helps with the dryness of meat and Grubstake. Burger 7.5/10, good that has a lot of bacon but would prefer the A1. Waiter was really nice and is only waiting customers by himself, he can definitely handle it but he should have someone to support him with the customers. Ambiance is very calm, someone was painting at a corner, one medium sized group of friends, and me and my partner. It is a small little hut in the city that feels like home but the prices were lower I would definitely come more often. read more

Grubstake Diner - Onion Rings - Burgers Near Me - San Francisco, California

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It's 1:45 in the morning and I'm awake writing this review. I ordered take out and not 1 thing was enjoyable. Not a single thing. I ordered a milkshake; in the pictures they depict a delicious smooth texture with sprinkles. What I actually received was a watered down sorry excuse of a milkshake. It wasn't even filled to the top of the cup, did I mention there was no whipped cream?! I also ordered chicken fingers. They looked like overcooked chicken patties from Walmart. They tasted like it too. Now the worst part; the "famous apple pie".... *heavy sigh*....it arrived frozen. And I ordered ice cream to go with it; they sent 2 little side sauce cups filled with ice cream...it wasn't even close to 1 full scoop. Never again. read more

Can't beat their late night offerings. I wouldn't miss the potato skins, the French dip, and a strawberry shake minus the sprinkles, any time of the year. read more

OMGGGG what a gem!!! My gf and I went for brunch and the food was AMAZING. We had the fried rice stuffed pineapple with fried chicken, the avocado Benedict. The service was excellent, the two girls at the bar were very attentive and great offering recommendations. The ambience was so nice as well. They are doggy friendly and I loved the pet costume contest. We will definitely come back read more

Grubstake Diner - Avocado Benedict and fried rice stuffed pineapple - Burgers Near Me - San Francisco, California

I have been coming here since 2006 and it's one of my favorite diners in the Bay Area. The food is delicious, reasonably priced, and even though it's near the heart of San Francisco, parking has never been an issue to find. Their grilled chicken wings are the best I have had anywhere. The atmosphere is unique, charming, and the staff are always welcoming and kind. I highly recommend this place! A great late night/date night fun chill vibe. read more

Food was delicious, pancakes were tasty, the French toast tasted good, the kids gobbled up the burgers and shakes. The place is cozy and looks like a trolley inside. 2 thumbs up read more

Great drunk food. Great burgers, fries, wings and such. They are open late. It's my go to spot after going out late at night.

Came for the first time with my friend for a late night snack. We had the potato skins, chicken wings, and apple pie. Everything was so amazing. The chicken wings were perfect spice level and LITERALLY melted off the bone. The apple pie is a must. It's a cute small cable car diner and server is very nice and funny. Will def be back!! read more

Grubstake Diner - Our Famous Apple Pie - Burgers Near Me - San Francisco, California

I was very disappointed in this place. The ambiance is unique, but everything else is lacking. Service was nonexistent. Food is mediocre at best. WAY OVERPRICED!! Most places include side dishes, such as fries, with hamburgers or sandwiches, but this place charges $7.50 for an average serving of mediocre fries on top of an overly expensive burger. There were no other customers when we walked in, but I had to yell to the kitchen 5 times to get the waiter's attention because he was chatting with the cooks. He gave us water and pointed to the QR code on the table for the menu and ordering. No explanation or offering help. Just self-serve ordering. Waiter brought the food, but we never saw him again. He never checked on us. We paid online. He barely said goodbye. Worst service. Way overpriced. Definitely NOT recommended. read more

Grubstake in pre-COVID times was always epic for a mix of diner and portugués food. During COVID they have scaled back to predominantly diner food but they are crushing it! Pancakes, eggs, and Portuguese sausage were excellent - I hope everyone comes here as more things open up, they are an awesome local biz. read more

A good option for late night food! Came here yesterday and had the potato skins with cheese and bacon. Nothing crazy but a solid 2am snack for when you're not picky. The place was packed, it took my group of six about 15 minutes to get a table and another 15 for the food. Bathroom was nasty. Service was fine for us but a little touch and go overall. Will probably be back! read more

Worst restaurant in town. McDonald's serves you better food with better service. Any time I've eaten there I always regret it.

I have only eaten their a few thymes, in spite of its close proximity to my Tenderhill (aka Nob Loin, Upper Tenderloin , whatever) home. Personally the whole experience was dope ,and ever so San Francisco. What other City in The Americas has a rail road car just plopped down in the middle of its Russian Hill? The have loved my burgers there, and all the sides as well. The whole little Portuguese thing going on is very tasty and in my estimation, very Iberian. I would go eat there now and provide more prescient data on Grubstake Diner if not for the fact that they just closed 7 minutes ago , in theory. In theory , because based on my personal experience , this singular Russian Hill American Diner with tones of Portugal closed 7 minutes ago but perhaps longer cuz their hours may have changed. So thank you Yelp for not waking me in thyme. I could have given a very fresh , even poignant review one day before my 68th birthday and maybe given a little boost to the Polk Street. instead some poor server is out a tip , Grubstake lost a cover and I am depressed laying in bed salivating about what may never be: My Last Supper as a 67 year old at a very cool place in my new home: The City by the Bay Bye read more