Sam’s Burgers
The Verdict
"Anthony Bourdain ate here on The Layover and called it "top three in the world." plus It's great for late night food after the bar. "
What you need to know
Sam’s Burgers has been on Broadway in North Beach since 1966, when it opened as the neighborhood’s first fast food burger spot. The room is small, with stools at the counter, wooden wall paneling, and decades of collaged photos and autographs from regulars and famous visitors. The place is recognized as a San Francisco Legacy Business.
The Food
The menu lists Sam’s Cheeseburger, Double Cheeseburger, Triple Cheeseburger, Spicy Wings, Fried Shrimp, Chicken Nuggets, Fish & Chips, hot dogs (regular, Polish, corn), Onion Rings, and French Fries. No pizza despite the original sign. Same short menu for roughly 60 years.
The Story
Anthony Bourdain featured Sam’s on The Layover and described it on the show as one of the top three burgers in the world. Mike Shawa, the namesake “Sam” of the modern era, ran the counter for nearly 50 years before passing away in 2016. His three sons run it now.
Filmed here
Productions the city recorded shooting at or beside Sam’s Burgers.
- Broadway between Powell and Davis34m awayAnt-Man 2015
- Broadway34m awayA Night Full of Rain 1978
- 373 Columbus Avenue51m awayMurder in the First, Season 1 2014
- Caffe Trieste, 601 Vallejo st66m awayGoliath- Season 4 2021
From the San Francisco Film Commission permit record.
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