Went back after quite a few months. They now feature Niman Ranch organic ground beef in all their burgers. Love that. Their burgers are so tasty. I reckon they are the best in the city, and they still have a huge number of veggie options (half the menu). Their fries are tasty, their onion rings are tasty. I want to venture to try their fish and chips because it looks so good, but I always end up with a scrumptious burger. read more

I only get hamburgers or cheeseburgers here -- no fries. Why so stingy? Because prices are a bit high. Yes, they use Angus or Niman beef but should a simple hamburger (no cheese or fries, mind you) cost almost $7. I think not. The food is good. Don't get me wrong. But, I think I should be able to get a bit more bang for my buck. Service is good. The people are friendly and your order is prompt. Nevertheless, I tend to avoid this place unless I am in need for a burger and I'm too lazy to drive (I'm walking distance from this place.) 3 stars. read more

The food here is below average for the area and average for a burger joint. There's just no reason to choose Tower Burger unless you couldn't find parking in West Portal or Glen Park; the parking is literally the best thing about this place. I've been coming here on and off since I was in high school, and not much has changed. It's the same plain interior, same standard menu. Kind of run down after so many years. The only changes have been the price hikes and more inconsistency. You can have a good meal here (and in general, it seems like the burger patties are of good quality), you just don't know when. The toppings are often cool or undercooked, and the shakes can be icy. The burger is always medium-well no matter how you order it. I just don't know why you'd pay almost $20 (with tip) for a so-so burger, fries and a soda when you can get better for the same price literally anywhere, or comparable offerings for less. Convenience? Without the parking lot this place would've been gone years ago, and that's sad. read more

Not bad. Met a friend here for a late bite after school and was surprised to see a woman resembling my mother greet me at the register. She even gave me the same disapproving look when I ordered cheddar on my burger and a side of onion rings. :) I had no expectations when I agreed to go here. Just had my vacuous buddha to fill with something hot. The perfectly prepared medium rare burger and toasted bun with fresh fixins and fryer-hot onion rings were a pleasant surprise. read more

Tower Burger makes good burgers and great fries, among other things, in a small strip mall. That's really all you need to know. Tower has been around for about 10 years for a reason: they take the food business seriously. You should go because they offer brown mustard, vinegar and hot sauce in addiiton to the standard four condiments. You should go because the restaurant is very clean. You should go because the food is prepared quickly and consistently. You shouldn't if you're heavily interested in the decor; it's inoffensive but unremarkable. Mixed in with pictures of landscapes and animals are large prints based on food still-lifes. Add in Montana and Young jerseys and you have the visual. (Now would someone tell all the bandwagon Niners fans who abandoned the team 10 years ago to buy Patrick Willis jerseys? He is your best player.) Here, a burger cooked "medium" really means medium....not medium well! Thank you!!! It was pink in the middle and held together nicely. I ate a California burger (avocado, swiss, sprouts) plus bacon. I didn't really want the sprouts but the roughage can't hurt. Along with the side of fries and tax, my total was $10.83, making this a very good deal. And by the way, the cook those fries in a very tasty oil. I even ate up the small little crunchy fry bits. read more

Good burgers and good people. Very hard working people. I come here once a week. I love the California Burgers and got to have a milk shake.

Dear Tower Burger, Thank you for being there. Working across thee way at Juvenile Hall can be rough somtimes, but your consistency alleves my anxiety on my darker days. Your prices are fair and the burgers succeed at re-fueling me, making it so I can take on more violence and tragedy, systemic psychosis, and a few more hours of plying the trade. Red meat is most popular here but your Paris Burger reigns supreme. (brie and mushrooms top this burger/gourmet comfort fuel) But if you are trying to stay healthy, the tuna salad is an effective stand-by. During the school year's noon hour, you get over-run by nearby highschool students and I hesitate at your doors until the bell rings and they empty out. It's only because I like you with fewer folks, quieter, and more devoted to me. Sincerely, me read more

The red lights of the "TOWER BURGER" sign have been calling to me, as I traveled on Portola, for some time now. For some reason, I was intrigued. And, now I know all about it. Tower Burger is, as Eric M. said, a neighborhood burger joint. There is no need to schlep here. If you're in the area or live nearby -- fine. If not, no schlep for you. The burgers were average. Good? Yes. Great? No. I had a bacon burger with BBQ on it. I did not love their BBQ sauce but the burger was juicy like I like it. It did come out super fast so that was a plus. We were in and out in less than 20 minutes tonight. It is a little ghetto inside. They've obviously spent some money on the accent wall paint and the lighting fixtures and on DUCT TAPE. There is upholstered bench seating along the restaurant's longest wall. It is ripped in many, many spots. This has been covered up with duct tape. Kinda cheesy & tacky if you ask me. It was hard to find a spot to sit where I wouldn't have to sit on tape. So, now I know. read more

Good food in a pinch. I live nearby and work from home often. This place has saved me many times from ordering a pizza or getting into my car and wasting 45 minutes on a mid day food finding odyssey. The burgers are big, juicy, and flavorful. Salads are bland and don't taste fresh - but that's what you get for ordering salad at a place with burger in its name. TIP: Skip the fries and go for some onion rings.....mmmm. Then be prepared for a mid afternoon siesta once you've finished your plate. Oh, how I miss the Doggie Diner. read more

I would have never noticed this burger joint had Tim not taken me. It's on Portola right by Twin Peaks, in a small strip mall that reminds me of the suburbs in Ohio. There are booths and a soda fountain where you can make a suicide. Now whenever I'm craving burger, I crave Tower Burger (since In 'N Out is too far). We went there for dinner yesterday--we shared a cheeseburger (Neiman Ranch beef!), fish n' chips (light and flaky like the tempura in Japan), and a Mitchell's chocolate milkshake. I was thoroughly satisfied and in a great mood. It's family owned and worked- Korean folks! I love nice Korean families. read more

Great burgers made from local quality beef which means you can get a burger that is cooked to order, instead of cooked to the point of no taste. Honestly, if I am not cooking it, this is the best burger I have found in SF. Only downside is all sandwiches and burgers come with mayo as a standard and on hung over lunch excursions I have a tendency to forget... Fries rock here. Cooked crispy when you ask. Refeills on sodas and tea are free. Quick easy and painless experience. Plus it close to the house! read more

First of all, let's get one thing straight -- This is not a destination restaurant like Zuni. People aren't driving in from San Bruno or even Hayes Valley for some Tower Burger. TB is a neighborhood burger joint. If you live in Miraloma, Forest Hill, West Portal, Twin Peaks, or Glen Park, TB gets the job done -- a very good burger or chicken sandwich for a decent price by SF standards. The atmosphere isn't anything special; in fact, it could probably use an upgrade. But the people are nice, and if you want takeout, your dinner will be ready within minutes of your call. The burgers themselves aren't heavily seasoned, but the extra fixings on top are generous. Yes, fries (not bad) or rings (better) are extra, but you get a mammoth portion that could easily feed two burgered adults. All told, Tower Burger serves a satisfying, hot dinner for two that should set you back well less than $20 -- even less if you do take out and drink your own beer at home. And on a foggy night on Portola, what else could you want? read more

This is my FAVORITE Burger Joint in all of the Bay Area! I love the fact that its a hearty burger joint, yet still intimate enough to talk without having to yell with your friends. I simply devour the Onion Rings! No other place makes Onion Rings the way they do...... yummmmm soOoo good! Burgers are also so juicy and flavorful. I'm drooling as Im typing this up. =) IF you've never tried this Tower Burger... I suggest you try it soon. Its a locals favorite and the customer service is great, they are so friendly and attentive. This is a perfect place to go if you want to unwind and relax in calm environment while enjoying a juicy burger! (droool...) read more

This is your standard grill fare with burgers, tuna melts, some salads, and fish-n-chips, but after dancing around the menu, I always come back to the burgers. This is the food you can get cravings for: thick and plump, oily juices running down your chin, high-quality meat lovin' BURGER. Partner with some decent fries (not too crisp, not too squishy) and shakes made from Mitchell's ice cream. Sure, maybe it's not the best burger in the entire city, but when it's close and reasonably priced for what it is, it becomes a gem of the neighborhood. Staff is ridiculously friendly, service is speedy! Atmosphere is a little noisy due to layout and being a popular hangout for the gradeschool sports teams families post-game. But hey, get it takeout: they even go so far as to cut the top corner of your styrofoam box so that the steamy goodness doesn't make your bun and fries all soggy. read more

Absolutely excellent. The service is on a par with the food - the fact that they wave hello to me when I come in and wave goodbye when I leave is total aces. The biggest problem I have with this place is actually choosing what to eat. read more

i am in LOVE with their mushroom burger! it's super juicy and good. they cook it just right with the meat still a little pink in the center. they also don't skimp on the mushrooms. they have really good onion rings too but you have to order that separately. the price is good and the service is great! fast and friendly. **they do close at nine so don't think of going there anytime after that** read more

Tower Burger - Burgers Near Me - San Francisco, California

Why I did not get a burger in a restaurant that says "burger" in its name is beyond me. The picture of a club sandwich on Yelp swayed my better judgement. The sandwich to look nice. However, they use processed turkey and too much dark leafy green lettuce. The lettuce did not add to the sandwich. It was more like a filler with no taste or crunch. Don't get it. The fries are not as good as other Yelp reviews stated. They were kind of soggy. My friend said her burger was pretty good. If, we go again I'll try the burger and onion rings. The staff was nice and efficient. The place was full at around 1 o'clock on a Friday. Lots of takeout during the time we were there. read more

Props for the family-owned burger joint! Even though I don't regularly consume burgers (especially prepared with Niman Ranch meat), I just needed to this time around. I ordered the Tower Burger - and it was simply wonderful. Just the right amount of tenderness and juiciness in the beef - medium rare too...aah, simply delightful. The burger will simply take you into burger nirvana and then you will simply forget your current environment for a second or two. Even though I did not order a milkshake, they definitely appear delicious ... so order one. And if you're one of those 5-a-day fruit&veggie nut, then order a side salad. It's large enough to satisfy your daily requirement whilst offering some vegetation along with that carnivorous burger. Excellent burgers at Tower Burger... I'd come again. read more

Ordered a tuna melt and they basically didn't put cheese on one whole half of the sandwich. When I asked to fix it they tried to argue with me about it when I was showing them that one half of the sandwich didn't have cheese. Additionally the cheese wasn't melted all the way. Like as if they just placed a slice of kraft singles on the sandwich with no attempts in melting. read more

My first visit to Tower Burger was a good experience. I felt like my burger was perfectly cooked, and the fixins were fresh. I was glad to see that they use Niman Ranch meats (it seems to becoming a standard 'round these parts). I gave them another shot tonight, and this time around was a bit of a mediocre experience. The burger, although cooked to my specs, was a bit lackluster in flavor (it didn't even seemed seasoned... even a little salt n' pepper coulda helped) and the bun was a bit soggy. I depended on the condiments to carry the burger. I will say that I do like their fries. They're fresh and crispy without being too crunchy, yet soft and piping hot on the inside. I can't help but reach in the bag on my way home and pull a few fries out to eat while still hot. I also appreciate that they vent the styro containers for to-go orders. They were very very quick this time around and I was in and outta there within a few minutes. Haven't had the shakes or eaten in yet, so I'll prolly give it another chance. read more

I came here today with a friend because Creighton's was closed. I was like "mmm burgers & fries" since burgers and fries sound very appealing to me. But I felt that a veggie burger for around $7-$8 that plain is not worth it. It didn't taste very satisfying. It just tasted better with fries. read more

I thought I would try this place after not having been there in quite some time. The chicken sandwich I ordered was absolutely horrible. The chicken was hard and crunchy and it cost over $10. I should have brought it back for a refund except that its take out now and I had already driven home. I will never go back to this terrible restaurant. The sandwich was awful. read more

Tower Burger is a reason why San Francisco is amazing - MOM and POP restaurants that are original and amazing! Came off my flight and went straight here with a friend for a burger and was PLEASANTLY SURPRISED. I was expecting an average burger, something to quell the beast in my belly, but the "Tower Burger" was perfectly cooked, moist, delicious and flavorful! The patty was cooked perfectly medium rare to my liking as well. The cheese melted around the patty and in my mouth! My friend ordered the 4 prawns + 2 fish and chips - OMG, even better than the burger were the prawns, sinfully crunchy and buttery! So good, the fish was amazing and the fries were addicting. I didn't get a chance to try the coleslaw that came with this meal, but then again, I didn't want to waste my stomach volume w/ vegetables (even vegetables swimming in mayo). The restaurant is very low key, you order at the counter and they bring it out to your table - come eat, have a good burger and be on your merry way. The lady taking our order was a little rushed but I expect that type of service in these kinds of places - its about the food not the experience here! read more

I come here for the veggie burgers with sauteed mushrooms and swiss, although they do have many options such as salad, soup, shakes, and even beer,and wine to choose from which I enjoy.The bun is always perfect and fresh.I like the skinny fries also. They have vinegar on the tables and that is a plus, another star for always being fast even when it is very busy. read more

Oh hell yeah. Get the #4 - bacon cheeseburger. The bacon gets crisped up just right, and the burger is more than enough for one person (even a foodbag like me). The fries are well-done as well - crisp and not greasy. It's easy for a place with a burger like this to skimp on fry quality and give you a limp, greasy offering, because they know you'll come for the burgers anyway. $8.77 is a fair price for dinner of this quality, and the takeout is quick even when they're busy. I've never waited more than about 8 minutes for my food, and usually it's no more than 5. Now, to talk them into delivery... read more

I would say they either need to give more quality food or charge less. If a burger, fries and a soda cost $10-12, they need to be great and BIG. The burger is average size, the drink is very small and the fries while ample, were dry for some reason (hard to get down). The chicken sandwich on a roll was pretty good. A bit dry though. The place is roomy and clean and I found the staff to be helpful and quite friendly, but overall it was over-priced. It is a nice spot really. I would expect to pay more like $7-8 for a meal here, not the $10-12 that it came out tobe for each of us. read more

Not much by way of good eats in this neck of the woods, Round Table Pizza & Tower Burger dominate the eats scene. This phenon confirms that there is a place for the stark, sterile and ho-hum eatery. Burger was plain, even with a description of "Mushroom burger * Smoothered in mushroom's", yes a few landed on the patty but not enough to tickle the taste buds. Environ. is plain, with about as much charm. Tower is producer of a 'good' burger, if compared to the giant chain joints, not so good compared to the joints like Barneys Burgers which is a 5 minute drive down the hill to Noe Valley. Goodness is relative, part of the general theory of relativity...of Burger Goodness. http://www.yelp.com/biz/barneys-gourmet-hamburger-san-francisco-2 Interestingly both Barneys Burger and Tower Burger tout using the premium beef from Niman Ranch. Its a little like thinking a Chevy will compete with a Ferrari, cos' they both are rolling on Pirrelli's. Like a burger, a car can be judged by the stuff that goes on top that makes it special, not what it is riding on. Yep, this burger joint is for the folks who utter things like: "My car gets me from point A to point B", this joint will get a burger seeker from point A to point B. Its an amazing thing to see the 4 & 5 star reviews, for this joint... I guess it helps when a joint like this is on the "friends & family plan".... read more

Sooo the interior was definitely a budget job, they had a few jerseys staple gunned on the wall, 2-3 potted plants, throw in a dozen cheap tables, and DONE!!! I was a bit confused when I walked. There was a service counter so we walked up to it and the waitress/host- perhaps she would be a hoistress, waistress, well what ever her roll was she chucked a few laminated menus at us and we ordered. Well the burger was decent, its not the best I've had and its not the worst. The fries were a it underdone, but I think that I just got them on a bad day. The price wasn't to bad, and they are close to my house so If I am craving another burger, and feeling reeeeeeeaaly lazy I probably will visit them again. My brother did get the fish and chips and he was impressed so next time perhaps I will try those. read more

Happened to stumble upon this place while in town. I was hungry as hell so went in and gave it a try. I made a good choice because this place serves up a delicious cheeseburger. I'll tell you what, you bite the fries and they bite you back.... Trust me, You won't be disappointed. read more

Tower Burger - Mushroom burger - Burgers Near Me - San Francisco, California

See all

"O we close!" That at 8:50pm on a Saturday night? After which they served someone who entered the establishment AFTER I did? Their food ain't that great, and the work ethic/attitude SUCKS. I live in their neighborhood, and have been to this place many times before. But after the treatment I received tonight, NEVER again. read more

I got a western burger delicious juicy fantastic service was wonderful they were nice and definitely will come back and eat here

This is our favorite neighborhood burger joint and usually go there at least twice a week. The food is great and the staff is friendly. They have Niman Ranch Meat hamburgers with plenty of options and a great chicken ceaser salad when you want something lighter. I highly recommend this place. It can be crowed at lunch due to the local schools so if your in a hurry call in your order. My only wish is for the fries to be a little better. The tend to be dry. read more

Clean, fast, and high quality beef. If you're having a meat craving on this side of town - which is not the same thing as a meat craving in the Castro, kids - this is a smart destination. The fish and chips are (is?) also fresh and good, and not greasy, and the chicken sandwiches are fine. It's not at all fancy, but fresh and satisfying. Which I suppose the Castro can be, too. read more

Awesome experience with the Hawaii burger. Meat was juicy and flavorful, fries were crispy and well flavored instead of soggy and too salty or bland. The fries and the onion rings both kept their flavor and crisp towards the end of the meal, which doesn't happen often and is certainly pleasant when it does. Solid, solid burger joint. The waiter Dave was kinda cool, he hooked us up with free drinks (tho he told us to go grab it on our own lol). read more

A solid burger place with crispy fries, juicy burgers and tasty milkshakes. It's a very casual atmosphere and decor, and I've never had trouble finding a place to sit because it's so big. I also love that this is a place where you walk in, order at the counter, and they'll bring your food over to you. I also saw people call in orders to go, which is great and I'll keep in mind for future use. There's also bottled beer in the fridge (no tap), along with a variety of sodas (even Jarritos.) As we walked in, the woman was ready to take our order right away but I'd never been there. I would recommend that they start by handing you a menu and saying "let me know when you're ready to order." Or maybe place the menus on a stand by the door? I ended up speed reading through the menu to make a selection as the woman stood there staring at me, which made me feel awkward. I'd also love it if they had a tv in there for sports games. read more

if your in this neighborhood its a great place for a burger. not my favorite in town but very good. I think this place is relly 3.5 read more

After working out at the gym (im a personal trainer) i decided to stop by to check out tower since it was on the drive home, and it would be a good stop to get my protein intake and enjoy a nice burger and onion rings since it was my day off from my strict diet. the burger was good, but it definitely was not worth the price. its my first time eating there and i was disappointed. $16 for a western burger, coleslaw, and onion rings, which by the way i only got 6 freaking rings!!!! what the hell man!!!! i would not go back there again, for people that don't care about spending 16 dollars for something thats going to leave you hungry then its a perfect fit. other places like Sliders offers better burgers and more quantity for your buck. Dont be tricked by the reviews of this place. read more

Towers above. It's a trek to get to the top of Market Street. Amazing Twin Peaks views await. So does a rather good burger. First choose between beef, turkey, chicken and veggie. Then pick a creation. You'll find plenty of innovation with cheeses, sauces and even chili. It was the chili that made my veggie burger something better than usual. Homemade and perfect for dipping and/or putting between the wheat bun. I did both and it was a sloppy, delicious mess. Don't hesitate asking for a side of their homemade BBQ sauce. Makes things even sloppier and more delicious. All yours for about eight bucks. Sides like Mitchell's milkshakes and chili cheese fries available too. Enjoy the walk up. Then get yourself the burger you deserve. read more

My cousin brought me here for lunch and their burgers are so good! They use natural niman ranch beef patties for all their burgers is a bonus for me. Their burgers have a strong char flavor that makes them super yummy! The fries are not greasy at all. Love them crispy fries and onion rings! I always ordered the California burger here which includes avocados and sprouts. I wish they serve buffalo burgers in their menu with option of adding eggs on top! I hope the owner is reading this and listen to my suggestions!!! I will be back! read more

After a day of helping my friend set up and break down her wedding stuff at Stern Grove, I decided to grab some food at Tower Burger. I went around 3pm and they were already out of the Portabello Mushroom which was my first choice. I ended up getting the brie cheese and sauteed mushrooms hambuger. I asked for medium on my burger but it was more on the medium well side. Well, no matter though, as it was juicy and flavorful. Price wise, it is almost priced right at $7 to $8 per burger. Fries are separate and so are drinks. If I do come back, I hope to get the portabella or a chicken sandwich just as a change of pace. read more