(415) 421-2540
42 Columbus Ave
San Francisco,
CA
94111
37.7961
-122.4037
Neighborhoods: Northeast, Financial District
What People Are Saying About Pickles Restaurant
The Editor
Joanna Currier
Citysearch
For nearly 50 years, the clown-themed incarnations of this FiDi eatery offered greasy American standards and a campy, corny j'ne sais quoi that garnered a loyal if dwindling following. Gone now are the scary clowns and even scarier food; the establishment now toes the line between fast-food counter (patrons order their Prather Ranch burgers, beer battered onion rings and East Coast-style frozen custard sundaes from a register at the front) and sit-down lunch destination (Chef Matthew Kerley comes from the kitchens of Zinnia, Slow Club and Myth; beer and wine are served). Looking up at the…
02/26/07
Consistent Quality, Decent Price.
by scoday
So I was reading the reviews above and thought I would chime in. I am by no means a food editor for the local newspaper but I really do consider myself a burger connoisseur. I am an SF transplant so I will put that out there to dispel the idea that only natives like Clown Alley. I have been going here on and off for a year, and I have yet to be disappointed. One of the ratings said the burgers weren't thick, but I think they are pretty darn thick they are not those little thin burgers you see at other places. Granted the service might seem "OK" at peak times, but stroll in after the lunch rush and it is very relaxed here. There are plenty of combo's you can get, just plain burger, cheese burger, double, etc.. I have had burgers from Maine to Florida, Boston to San Francisco and overseas countless times (almost always a disappointment). Clown Alley may not be the best burger, but it is a solid, consistent, yummy treat. I would personally suggest just get the burger, the meat is so good you don't 'need' the cheese. Also, Clown Alley is one of FEW places that have bitter pickles one of my personal favorites!!
- Pros: Nice patio in the summer, decent burger, very consistent
- Cons: Fries are a little too chunky for my liking but that is me.
10/10/06
Craving a real burger?, this is it!
by jmrents
Flame broiled, fresh beef, with real lettuce and tomato. Even the pickles are perfect on these burgers! While this is "fast food" it isn't industrialized, it's good and fresh. Friendly staff, quick in and out....this place will satisfy that need for a burger.
06/05/06
Disappointed - only Average burgers
by christina94109
I went here because of the City Search rating but I was disappointed that the burger was only average. I like thick juicy burgers and the burger here was too thin and dry for my taste. Average fries too. Not good for groups. Price is decent. I have no objections to eating here but I'm looking for a better burger.
- Cons: Parking, Dry burgers
The Details on Pickles Restaurant
The Extras:
Diners can nosh until 3am on Fridays and Saturdays.
What to Drink:
Domestic beers on tap cost only $2.75.
Know Before You Go:
Even though the restaurant's currently only open for weekday lunch, look forward to dinner and late-night eats coming in April.
Where to Sit:
The enclosed patio is bright and airy, and the fireplace is warm enough to keep it heated on the coldest wintery days.
The Extras:
Order the signature Pot of Pickles for a house-made assortment of pickled veggies.
Join Us on Facebook
Follow Us on Twitter