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

by Lorraine Sanders

Faced with a seemingly infinite variety of potential combinations, indecisive Ingrids are in for a challenge here and in the adjacent, low-lit lounge, where the 21-plus crowd builds its own libations, too. Patties range from the tried-and-true angus to exotic kobe beef, while add-ons from grilled pineapple to red pepper feta tapenade present even more gustatory decisions. Three toppings are included in the price, while all-American pie and sweet potato fries take the meal the extra mile.

02/08/08

Always good and consistent for a decent price

by sensualwine

I travel to San Francisco twice a month from Sacramento to visit Federal Agencies in the new Federal Building. I walk to the Fed Bldg from the Hotel Whitcomb and try to vary my route occassionally to get to know the area. I have tried several spots from fancy to funky with mixed results. The Burgers here are alway good and always consistent and I can get in and out quickly at a decent price.

• Pros: Great Juicy Burgers
• Cons: not much else to eat other than burgers

12/18/07

Best Burgers in Town! Custom Burger is a Must Try!

by seniored12

Delicious!!! A must try! Perfectly cooked burgers, unique toppings and dressings and made just the way you like it. I love their sweet potato fries! I must admit, I'm not much a burger or fries fan, but when a trusted friend "highly recommended" it, I decided to give it a shot. It was definitely worth it. If you plan to go during the lunch hour, I suggest calling in and picking up your burger at the bar. The line can sometimes get long, but I guarantee that it's worth the wait. This is surely San Francisco's hot spot for the best burgers in town!

• Pros: great burgers and fries, specialty toppings, modern ambiance
• Cons: sometimes a long line during weekday lunch hours

09/13/07

Really Great Burger, Really Friendly People!

by joefoodster

This new place is a beacon on otherwise lackluster 7th Street.

Custom Burger offers a variety of unique burgers -- Angus, Kobe, Chicken, Turkey, Lamb and Vegetable were featured at my visit. Supposedly the line-up changes on a regular basis. The meats come from local Golden Gate Meat Company that claims the beef is naturally raised here in California.

"Custom" means you create your own burger combination in five steps. (1) Select your burger, (2) Add on premiums (cheeses, bacon, avocado, etc), (3) Top it Off (over a dozen interesting choices and you get to pick three at no additional charge), (4) Sauce it Up (pick one of 14 unique sauces like Ketchupeno, Chipotle Mayo, Cucumber Raita ... you get the idea!), and (5) Name your bun (of which a half dozen selections baked fresh by a local award-winning bakery are featured). The base burger prices range from 5.99 to 9.99 depending on the one you select.

Our lunch group tried the kobe burger, angus burger and the chicken burgers ... all were perfectly cooked and delicious. Fries and onions rings (also served with a sauce of your choice) were also top-notch!

We skipped the shakes and homemade organic pies (whimper), but they looked really good.

Upscale bottled beverages, a couple salads, chili, wines and beers round out the menu.

The atmosphere was bright, extremely clean and attractive. You order at the counter (smiling, helpful folks helped us through the process) and servers bring the food to your table.

We work in a nearby office building and really appreciate this new addition to the neighborhood.

The lounge half of the space (actually next door) is also pretty cool looking. It's a darker blue and green space with a great sound system, flatscreens and friendly vibe. We didn't order cocktails, but stopped in to take a peak. We were told they offer full table service in the lounge area. The "custom" theme is carried on with the drink menu (which looked awesome).

• Pros: Ambience, Great Burgers, Cool Adjacent Bar, Reasonable Prices, Friendly Service
• Cons: Parking