You need to go. Wish I could keep the review that short and let the experience lend itself to your amazement, but now that I've met the character count, I'll leave it cryptic. read more

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Simple, quick and relatively cheap! Finally decided to check out this iconic spot by the water and went with the classic cheeseburger and added on fries. The fries were great and the burger was good- it comes with more of this sandwich bun vs your traditional burger bun. It was ok but overall portion wise, was a bit too much bread vs patty. Also very heavy on mustard read more

Red’s Java House - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Don't underestimate this place!!!!!! If you have ever felt ripped off by hot dog vendors on the streets, you can come here instead and have a double hot dog for just an extra 1.75. Yes, a double hot dog!!!!!!! Yummy and a good price! The service is quite great , staff is friendly! No room for vegans and a limited vegetarian menu, sorry / not sorry. This place is wonderful and full of tradition! I would recommend it to any one who loves a good dog or burger!!!!!!! read more

Red’s Java House - Double hot dog - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - San Francisco, California

Fast service and fresh off the grill and fryer. Lots of seating in the back outside so don't be intimidated if you see no one seating in the front. Sourdough bun was oh so fresh. Great place for a quick lunch before a giants game. read more

Red’s Java House - Fish and Chips - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Iconic place loved by locals and Giants fans. We've not visited in a while so it was time for another trip. Same dive-y place with nice outdoor patio to enjoy the fresh air. Hubby got the cheeseburger, we shared an order of onion rings which were perfectly fried and crispy. My fish and chips (fries) were delicious and the fish was cooked just right with crunchy crispy but too oily batter. Nevertheless, I'd order it again. Tiny containers of tartar sauce with malt vinegar was available and ketchup bottle available for table use. read more

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Lets start with the bottom line: it's a small business trying to survive in a very expensive city. I don't live close, but I'd go back, under the right conditions: warm day before a giants game with some buddies who wanted to drink beer in a casual anti-momos setting. (They do have a full bar). $17 and change. Double hamburger (both patties totaled ~1/3 lb) on a quality sour dough roll that was about a 1/3 of a long loaf. Shoestring fries. Crispy and salty. Water. To date myself- It's been awhile and I used to eat here when old man Red ran it. He used to roast coffee beans in the front. I always joked that you got a free (single patty) burger with your beer. The combo was $5. The buns were on the best sour dough rolls in SF. They toasted em on the griddle and then the meat was placed in it and was finished by being steamed under the tin dome on the griddle. It made the bun a bit chewy and with the meat, pickles, onions, and mustard-- it was spectacular. And now it's just a memory. Just like the bar next door used to be the Boon Docks. I got there around noon and I was the only person there. Total bummer. The bread, was quality, was only toasted. The meat, well, it was there. The fries were good and enough for 2. The meal was filling, but mostly by the carbs. Didn't really taste the meat. Not seeing the suits, bike messengers, or brown loafers-button up - and blue jean crew means I think they are competing against the standard burger w/ff in SF which is 18-25 and around their price point. Emotional value aside, when it comes to the actual value , "You don't enter a gunfight with a knife". read more

We took some photos, sniffed the sea air (smelled stinky), and proceeded toward Ferry Building once more. Then we saw the infamous Red's Java House like a beacon calling to us, so of course my friend and I strolled in. We got a cheeseburger to share (they were nice enough to split it in half for us); onion rings (also to share); and got us some bottles of beers. While some of the food is somewhat lackluster (cheeseburger was not good, but onion rings are great!!!) the divvy atmosphere, the beers, the people, the somewhat aggressive pigeons honing in on us, sitting by the water, and definitely the day spent together with my friend--awesome! read more

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I had researched places to eat while in San Francisco on vacation & had bookmarked Red's JH as one of the restaurants to check out because the prices were budget friendly & the majority of the previous reviews given were positive. Well, I can report that Red's Java House did not disappoint! We visited on 08/19/2022 & the food was fresh, hot, and very delicious. We ordered the fish (cod)& chips special, cheeseburger, and onion rings (definitely recommend onion rings). The portion sizes were just enough. I also ordered a margarita that was very tasty & made me feel a little bit prettier ;). You order your food once you come inside at the front counter but the bar is located in the back by the outdoor patio. There is plenty of seating indoors & outside, along w/ umbrellas that open up for shade if you decide to enjoy your food outside. It's a very casual spot located on the pier, next door to the Bay Bridge & was nice getting to enjoy our food outside. The decor was very interesting w/ old photos of past celebrities & added to the charm of Red's Java House. One the day we visited it wasn't very crowded but there were a few others just hanging out on the back patio, enjoying their food & drinks. We were able to grab street parking right in front of Red's JH at a parking meter. Till next time... XOXO, Rebecca read more

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I've driven past Red's Java House often and always saw it as that comforting little shack to grab some grub. It took me a while before making an actual visit here. I was lucky enough to find some parking right in front. Red's Java House is located on a busy street but there's plenty of spots along the sidewalk! Upon entrance, you're greeted with a bunch of history--photos and newspapers framed--as well as a retro decorated interior. The menu is also hand written and not exactly what you see nowadays with those digitalized menus. It was refreshing in a way. What did bother me quite a bit was the swarm of flies flying around in the interior--personally would not be comfortable dining there. However, there's outdoor seating with a spectacular view of the bay bridge. I went in already prepared for my order - a classic Cheeseburger. Shortly after placing my order, I was given my burger (there wasn't a number system or anything in place but it seems the employees just recognize which order is whose). Opening up my burger, you see diced onions, pickles, and melted cheese on a patty embedded between the famous sourdough bread. If I'm being honest, I thought the burger fell a bit short. The patty wasn't as juicy and was a bit on the drier side and as the sourdough bread was unfamiliar to me, it just didn't come together and was a bit difficult to chew. Other than the history this place holds and the fabulous view of the Bay Bridge, I'm not sure if I'd head back to this place anytime soon. The food was not memorable and the flies in the inside bothered me a bit too much--but hey, that's just me. read more

Red’s Java House - Cheeseburger - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - San Francisco, California

An SF staple! They've got charm, and the vibe/dive checks out, but unfortunately the food leaves something to be desired. I ordered their famous double cheeseburger, which comes on a sourdough loaf. The meat was thin, dry, and overcooked. The addition of fries and a side of chili and beans brought this "casual" meal to just over $25. Which is obviously too much for what it is. That said, a burger on a beer on the back patio in the summertime will have you feeling like happiest skipper on the sea, and that alone salvages the experience. Certainly not to be missed if you're in the area and out of other, better food options. read more

Red’s Java House - Double Cheeseburger on sourdough loaf. Only 1/2 the loaf, and combo price (w/ fries) is a whopping $18. The meat was overcooked and dry. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Wow! Still here after decades! And since I'm over 21! I can get the Bud and a burger combo now! lol Great view Simple menu in chalk Old school 70's all the way Just make sure you get chips over fries!! Very cool little hang forever it seems Total docs of San Francisco Bay! read more

I've been here on several occasions and every visit has been nothing but excellent. The food is cooked to perfection. They serve up one of the tastiest burgers in the area. The menu is simple, so they focus on quality. Great place to hang out and enjoy the beautiful views the city has to offer. A full bar in the rear of the building is available for those who wish to relax with a cocktail. There is plenty of seating for groups or couples. Affordable prices and plenty of parking. It gets busy at times, so be prepared if you see a line. read more

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I ordered the eggplant sandwich, it was by far the best meal I've had in San Francisco! I loved the sauce on the sourdough bread, it was a great touch and nothing like anything I've tried before. Friendly staff and cute restaurant with good vibes. read more

Red’s Java House - Eggplant Sandwich - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - San Francisco, California

5 customers before us but with as many people in the kitchen it took them a while to even take our order. The fish and chips I had was actually pretty good with fish flakey and not over-cooked. And the hamburger was of medium-size in a large French bread hoagie-type bun with NO veggies and too much bread. My hubby says it was tasty but wouldn't seek it out again. As for me, the meat is plain-tasting; I make better home-made hamburgers than that. The tables were dirty. We had to clear ours. I even saw a couple of customers asking for a cloth which to wipe the tables, and that they would do it themselves. Hmmm. read more

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Overcooked dry burger, undercooked fries and a bottle of beer; $30. Save your money

This isn't the best option for vegetarians. They don't really have any veggie-friendly entrees except for an eggplant sandwich that is only served on Tuesdays. However, I came with a big group and service was impressively fast. Their fries are skinny shoestring style, similar to McDonald's but a bit better. They were nice and crispy. They have a large outdoor patio in the back of the restaurant that's great for enjoying some fresh air while you eat. read more

Great location for views, but probably not the best option for a burger. Red's Java House has all the makings of a classic dive in SF with all the pictures on the walls and older people coming to relive their memories. But the double cheeseburger was probably the blandest burger I've ever had. It just comes dressed with mustard, onions, pickles, and unseasoned patties. The sourdough for the buns was the most interesting part of that dish. The garlic fries, however, are good. They were thinly cut and crisp and had a good garnish of raw garlic. Service was quick and friendly. Go for the experience, but save your money on another burger. read more

Red’s Java House - Crisp garlic fries - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Passive aggressive, rude attitude and over priced food. I was trying to tell my friend to wait to pay so we can look for other places and he pushed his Apple Pay closer to my friends phone and made her pay without waiting as I said "stop and wait". No respect at all. Maybe he was having a bad morning but it doesn't excuse the bad customer service. I work with people in the daily bases and it's not hard to have common curtsey. read more

Overpriced cafeteria food. My husbands chili cheese burger was watery and couldn't even find the patty. Even my sons pancakes were horrible. Just no read more

This is a San Francisco institution. Located along the Embarcadero it draws folks who want to experience cheap eats under the Bay Bridge and enjoy spectacular views of the City waterfront. Yesterday our group of ebikers dropped in for an early lunch. We parked our bikes by the fence that bordered the outdoor patio where we ate. That way we could keep an eye on our bikes. Red's is definitely a dive. It's like a shack amongst million dollar real estate & views. There were flies swarming inside as we placed our orders. Four of our five orders were for the fish & chips. For $15 you get two deep fried battered cod and fries. We also got a pitcher of beer for $28. We poured the beer into plastic cups. Like at a picnic. It was a gorgeous day in the City by the Bay. read more

Red’s Java House - Fish and Chips - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - San Francisco, California

I thought the Java house was a coffee house. After seconds, I realized it was a classic dive bar that served food. The beer was cold. The atmosphere was unique classic I loved it. The service was good. The beer and burger special is unbeatable recommend this is a stop along the Embarcadero. read more

Red’s Java House - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - San Francisco, California

This is the perfect place to stop on your walk by the water to on the way to a Giants game. Bourdain visited here too which is pretty cool. We popped in a little tipsy and very hungry on a recommendation from locals. Simple but delicious food. The fish and chips were awesome and came out as hot and as perfectly crisp as you can get. The place was hopping and had a line out the door but the line went quickly and the food came out the same way. We also got their burger which is served on a sourdough roll with mustard, onion and pickle. Hell yeah! read more

An icon of SF waterfront dive bars underneath the Bay Bridge. Small bar, small menu but It's worth to have a beer in the patio just for views. (If they could only remove the chain link security fence) Walls are lined with nostalgia and Anthony Bourdain's visit a few years back. Old timers could probably share incredible stories On cool days bundle up, on sunny days bring suntan lotion and Maui Jim's. Didn't try the food, but that's not the point now, is it? read more

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I pride myself in being a true local having lived in different SF hoods since I was baby. This place always brings back good memories and part of the charm of this place is that they HAVEN'T CHANGED A THING in decades. The new owner has definitely kept the locals' interests and suggestions to heart. Great views, simple but solid burger on a great crunchy sourdough roll. Pairs awesome with fries and a Lagunitas IPA. You may think it's just a shack but to us locals, this place is gold read more

Red’s Java House - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - San Francisco, California

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My dear friend invited me here for the first time some 40 years ago, it was delicious and I never stopped going since. I remember when the burgers were $1.25 and they were simple delicious and filling. Although the ownership and menu has changed, their burger are still the reason I return when in the area. Prices are higher, but worth it still. read more

The sandwiches are soooo yummy! I heard if you have a boat they will throw your food down in a bucket

No Java! My first time in this place, expected to find coffee and espresso and it didn't have either. Typical American burgers, fries, basic hot dogs. Back patio is nice but the food is so so! The cashier was sweet though so I'll give this place 3-stars. read more

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We stop by here on our bike ride. Red's is kind enough to let us park our bikes in their outdoor patio. The prices are reasonable and The view of the water and the weather is always great. Their fish and chips are excellent. I've had my share so we ordered their Wednesday special - the meatball sandwich. It actually came with fries which we ordered crispy. Actually the meatball sandwich was excellent! It had a tomato base sauce with melted cheese on a nice hard roll. My only complaint is that there were only two... count them... two meatballs in the entire sandwich. I mean I'm sharing this sandwich with my husband so I got one meatball and he got one meatball. Go Figure. I guess I'm not ordering a meatball sandwich anymore. read more

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Cute spot to eat in or out. Food sucks tho. And no one greets you unfortunately you don't know how it works.... Do you sit and someone takes your order ? No, you pull up to the first window and wait to be attended.... Then sit wherever you want and then they call your name on the loud speaker..... then to get your food you got to a door opening near the spot you ordered and they give you your food tray.... Breakfast sold only in the early morning. Not many kid options, or even healthy options. No salads, no veggies... Better food, more options, welcoming people & maybe a little bit of music and this spot can turn around great. read more

Reds Java House for an economical lunch (despite the name, it's not a coffee house). I always thought hamburgers should be round, but this place serves them on sourdough bread that is more hoggie shaped (note: while the White Castle slider is square, nobody would confuse it with an actual hamburger). Possibly the best cheap eats in SF. Two double cheeseburgers, fries, and four beers for $50 - not bad for the third most expensive city in the US. Great views, good food and cold beer. read more

Red’s Java House - Beer O'clock at Red's Java House looking out on the Bay Bridge. Anchor Pilsner. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - San Francisco, California

Red's Java House is a great place to grab a beer and some food prior to going to the Giants game. Lots of outside seating with umbrellas and the wait to get food and drinks went pretty fast. Reasonable prices for beer too. read more

Red’s Java House - Outside seating. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - San Francisco, California

Love this old burger dive, especially before a Giants baseball game! A San Francisco classic. read more

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Hard to say that I did not know what to expect but it had been so long since I was at Red's...pre-game this past Wednesday I stopped in with a friend for food. Bfast sounded great but we were about 20 minutes too late. So I ordered a burger. It was served up right away. Somehow I assumed it came with fries but it did not. A decent patty with the usual condiments on a sourdough! sourdough! was it that good or was I that hungry? Eating a burger on sourdough outdoors in the summer sun was A OK. read more

Red’s Java House - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - San Francisco, California

A classic no-frills restaurant with tasty good old-fashioned food. This seems like the kind of place you could go to everyday for lunch for 30 years and not get tired of it (judging by some of the patrons there that might actually be the case) This place seems to have been around for ages, and for good reason. Their burgers, hot dogs, and fries are all reasonably priced and delicious. The food is definitely nothing fancy, but they're very classic and definitely satisfying. The burgers and dogs all served with cheese, pickles, onions, and mustard, with the burger on a thick slab of crusty sourdough (very SF appropriate) and the hot dog on a classic soft roll. Surprisingly their onion rings were the most expensive thing we ordered, but the portion was generous and they were crunchy and delicious. They also seem to serve classic breakfast plates and other specials (fish and chips, corn beef hash, various sandwiches, etc.), which I'll definitely consider next time. If you wanna spend a nice afternoon by the bay, this is definitely a great place to stop and grab a bite with some drinks. read more

Red’s Java House - cheeseburger, cheese dog, onion rings, fries - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - San Francisco, California

Hey man, where's the veggies? Who cares! Have a beer! The cheeseburgers here are hot and delicious after a cold and windy morning. No veggies but plenty of beer. Make sure to order two! read more

Red’s Java House - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - San Francisco, California

I went to reds on a weekday for lunch. No lines. Then i realized why. I bought a double burger and onion rings for $25. It was a deal back in the day, but not anymore unfortunately. read more

Got a single cheeseburger with grilled onions and a plain double cheeseburger with fries and two canned sodas to go. Service was fast once we got to the register. We were 5th in line and that alone took 15-20 minutes. I love that it was on sourdough bread. As of 2/23/2020 still no eating indoors but they have a big patio in the back and on a beautiful day it was perfect! read more

Red’s Java House - Crispy fries and a single cheeseburger with grilled onions Yummy - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - San Francisco, California

Old school diner, grubby food, a casual bar, and seating on the bay (with or without sun). What more can you ask for? Burgers are served on a french roll, not a burger bun. They have a veggie burger option for those who are so inclined, along with a wide range of sides (fries and onion rings, along with chili, cheese fries, garlic fries, a whole lot of things). We got a double cheeseburger, a veggie burger, a regular fry and an onion ring, and damn if this wasn't one of the best lunches I've had in ages. We ate EVERYTHING and were stuffed. I even had a mimosa from the bar! Get to this place for unique burgers, some of the best fries I've ever had, and extra hot and crispy onion rings. It's well worth it. read more

Great vibes and the cheeseburger was so good with the sourdough bun. I could've eaten 5 of them

The location is nice, especially on a sunny day. You're right on the water and there's outdoor seating in the back. Customer service was great and the staff was friendly, but the food was another story. They have a simple menu of burgers and fries which made me think it might be somewhat decent since they're focus is mainly on fast food, but I was disappointed when the "cheeseburger" came out. Not on the traditional burger buns but instead it comes on sourdough that looks like a subway sandwich. Definitely not what I was expecting and the patty itself wasn't too appetizing. A lot of mustard and barely any cheese. The fries were soggy and tasteless. I'm a Bay Area native and it was my first time here. It will probably be my last. read more