Skip In-N-Out. This Is the West Coast's Best Burger Joint
By Stacy Adimando, CNTraveler.com
When a burger-and-fry hankering strikes, San Franciscans leave In-N-Out Burger and Umami to the tourists. Instead, locals get their fix at ROAM Artisan Burgers, which, in name alone, just sounds way more “San Francisco” right off the bat. ROAM keeps with all the traditional fast food concepts we all love—instant gratification counter service, inexpensive prices, and burgers that come packaged in those awesome paper wrappers. But SFers prefer ROAM above all the other California-based burger chains for overall tastiness and quality of ingredients.
For example, those bigger-than-your-head milkshakes are made with delicious local dairy products from Strauss Family Creamery. We’re not talking just about your standard vanilla shake, either—ROAM shakes come in salted caramel, coconut, or coffee made with cult favorite Blue Bottle Coffee. If you crave a soda with your burger, ROAM offers housemade options in seasonal flavors like prickly pear and blood orange—not to mention kombucha, wine, and beer too.
See More: America’s Best Sandwiches
But enough about beverages: In the burger department, the offerings are oh-so-California. If you’re not into 100 percent grass-fed beef, you can swap in free-range turkey, bison, elk, ostrich, or an organic veggie patty—and opt to get any of these atop a gluten-free bun or a lettuce wrap instead. Pickles are made in-house, and other “standard” add-ons are taken up a notch: think aged cheeses, a choice between watercress or butter lettuce, a mound of oil and vinegar slaw, or an organic free-range egg.
Last but not least, there are three kinds of fries to suit your fancy: classic russet, sweet potato, or the elusive zucchini shoestring. Why choose? Order the Fry-Fecta—a hefty basket of all three. Best. Burger spot. Ever. (1785 Union Street or 1923 Fillmore Street;www.roamburgers.com)
More From Condé Nast Traveler:
The Friendliest (and Unfriendliest) Cities in America
We Dare You to Walk Across These Bridges
What You Need to Know About Sochi
