Sam’s Burgers

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.