San Francisco's Best Fast Food 2008

Burgers, dogs and excellent shakes rule the menu at this retro-hip spot.

Reviews:

• “When you need a burger and fries”
• “It’s, um, a burger joint”
• “Cool Burger joint”

Tips: Visit Burger Joint’s original joint on Valencia Street.

Burger Joint or email Burger Joint

The country’s first drive-thru chain with made-from-scratch burgers and a devout following.

Reviews:

• “Best Hamburger in San Francisco”
• “best fast food anywhere”
• “Amazing burgers”
• “horrible, worst burger I’ve ever had”
• “No what I expected”

Tips: Secret menu items include burgers protein style (wrapped in lettuce with no bun) and animal style (a patty cooked in mustard and topped with sauteed onions, extra sauce and pickles). Fries can be ordered well-done or animal style.

In-N-Out Burger

Pacific Heights location of popular Outer Sunset taqueria serves up burritos, tacos and specials filled with meat, chicken, pork, seafood.

Reviews:

• “the most amazing burritos in sf”
• “DELICIOUS!!”
• “A lunch stop staple”
• “Good food, good service, great price”

El Burrito Express or email El Burrito Express

Cajun-inspired chicken and biscuits chain proffers classic Southern favorites, seafood, sides and desserts with a tangy twist.

Reviews:

• “Crispy Chicken”
• “Oh my aching stomach…..”
• “Avoid this place”

Tips: Want to party with Popeyes? Most locations offer catering.

Popeyes Chicken and Biscuits

Quick-service eatery sates ravenous appetites with monster burgers, milk shakes and more fast-food fare.

Reviews:

• “Whats this doing here?”

Tips: Watching your figure? Try one of the low-carb menu options, such as the bun-less Six Dollar Burgers wrapped in lettuce.

Carl’s Jr.

Diners indulge in the freedom of choice at this SOMa destination for made-to-order burgers topped with gourmet goodies.

Reviews:

• “Always good and consistent for a decent price”
• “Best Burgers in Town! Custom Burger is a Must Try!”
• “Really Great Burger, Really Friendly People!”

Tips: The restaurant, which is attached to the Best Western Americania Hotel, uses naturally-raised beef from the Golden Gate Beef Company, and the buns are baked fresh each day.

Custom Burger/Lounge

The service is quick, the slices are big and fresh, and there’s tie-dye everywhere.

Reviews:

• “good for a mid-shopping snack”
• “BAY AREA’s BEST”
• “tasty, cheap, great location”
• “Outstanding!”
• “San Francisco Treat”

Tips: The lunch rush can be especially intense. To avoid long lines, go before noon or after 2pm.

Blondie’s Pizza

Sandwich franchise whets the appetite with more than 20 hot hoagies.

Quiznos Sub

Low-key local burger chain serves char-grilled patties with do-it-yourself fixings, as well as onion rings and fries.

Reviews:

• “Charbroiled”
• “Great Choice to answer that Burger Craving”
• “Great place!”
• “Grease-NO/Juicy-YESSS!!”

Tips: Non-meat eaters will find salmon and veggie burgers on the menu.

Slider’s

Spicy, savory curries and budget-friendly prices at this Indian-Pakistani destination.

Reviews:

• “Rough around the edges but good”
• “Best Cheap Indian”
• “Best Indian food for your money”
• “Can’t beat the value”
• “Best Indian-style, spicy chargrilled meats!”

Naan-N-Curry

Charbroiled meats and fresh salsas add authentic spice to this Mexicali fast-food chain.

Reviews:

• “Ultima”
• “My Favorite”

Tips: For the health conscious, the restaurant’s menu features low-carb plates like the Side-by-Side (charbroiled chicken served with a side salad with guacamole, pico de gallo, jack cheese and avocado slices), plus low-fat salads, tacos and enchiladas.

Baja Fresh Mexican Grill

A gourmet burger fix, California style, with Niman Ranch beef and delicious trimmings.

Reviews:

• “Good burgers but don’t get it overcooked”
• “What a prize spot!”
• “Great Place for a Burger”
• “Dive Delivers Great Burgers”
• “Overpriced, overrated, overhyped – Avoid like the plague”

Tips: This burger joint can cater your event, no matter what size.

BurgerMeister

Pot pies are the main attraction at this pint-sized SoMA destination on the ground floor of the 5th and Mission garage.

Tips: The restaurant offers catering for groups of 10 or more.

The Cravery

This vintage drive-in is a blast from the past on busy South Van Ness Avenue.

Reviews:

• “OK food – the owners are jerks”
• “whiz bang!”
• “Saturday Experience”

Tips: Add white mushrooms to your burger or steak sandwich for around a dollar more.

Whiz Burgers Drive-in

Financial District lunchtime standby for savory charbroiled burgers.

Tips: Nine garden burger selections means vegetarians are welcome.

Bistro Burger

Famed Vietnamese restaurant swings open its back door for gourmet take-out.

Reviews:

• “Suckage by the Embarkadero”
• “Expensive and Poor Management”
• “Fast Vietnamese with a twist at a good price from the folks behind Slanted Door.”
• “Great place to grab something quick without waiting”

Tips: Caramelized shrimp, chicken clay pots, and more family-sized cooking kits are also available for at-home preparation; a laminated recipe card is included with detailed cooking instructions.

Out the Door

Nationwide health-food chain serves made-to-order pitas with a wide variety of fresh ingredients.

Reviews:

• “Awesome idea”

The Pita Pit

Get a traditional cheesesteak or meat-free version, lovingly prepared with all the fixings.

Jay’s Cheesesteak

Tacos and burritos are custom-made with fresh ingredients at this industrial-chic Mexican chain.

Reviews:

• “HELLA GOOD STEAK BURRITOS FOR HELLA CHEAP”
• “TERRIBLE CUSTOMER SERVICE!!”
• “McBurrito as a Top 10?!”
• “Good food except….”

Tips: If you’re placing five or more orders, fax the restaurant ahead of time. Your food will be waiting at the register when you arrive.

Chipotle Mexican Grill

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