Pickles Restaurant--CLOSED

So I was reading the reviews above and thought I would chime in. I am by no means a food editor for the local newspaper but I really do consider myself a burger connoisseur. I am an SF transplant so I will put that out there to dispel the idea that only natives like Clown Alley. I have been going here on and off for a year, and I have yet to be disappointed. One of the ratings said the burgers weren't thick, but I think they are pretty darn thick they are not those little thin burgers you see at other places. Granted the service might seem ""OK"" at peak times, but stroll in after the lunch rush and it is very relaxed here. There are plenty of combo's you can get, just plain burger, cheese burger, double, etc.. I have had burgers from Maine to Florida, Boston to San Francisco and overseas countless times (almost always a disappointment). Clown Alley may not be the best burger, but it is a solid, consistent, yummy treat. I would personally suggest just get the burger, the meat is so good you don't 'need' the cheese. Also, Clown Alley is one of FEW places that have bitter pickles one of my personal favorites!! Pros: Nice patio in the summer, decent burger, very consistent Cons: Fries are a little too chunky for my liking but that is me. more

Flame broiled, fresh beef, with real lettuce and tomato. Even the pickles are perfect on these burgers! While this is ""fast food"" it isn't industrialized, it's good and fresh. Friendly staff, quick in and out....this place will satisfy that need for a burger. more

I went here because of the City Search rating but I was disappointed that the burger was only average. I like thick juicy burgers and the burger here was too thin and dry for my taste. Average fries too. Not good for groups. Price is decent. I have no objections to eating here but I'm looking for a better burger. Cons: Parking, Dry burgers more

Best Burgers in SF! Lunch or late-night, this place always serves the best burgers, fries, and shakes in San Francisco. The interior is a little cold, but it's a burger place... Always a stop after the bars in North Beach. Locals favorite, if you say Clown Alley and somebody doesn't know what you're talkin about, they're not from here. Pros: FOOD, INSIDE & PATIO, OPEN LATE!! Cons: NOT OPEN SUNDAY? more

most people who grew up in SF love this place, faults and all. as a transplant, i found it to be above average. but there are better tasting burgers in nearby (old ship saloon & bistro burger). they're also very busy and don't seem to have time to pay attention to particular orders during the rush. but the milkshakes are fantastic and the fries are only $1.25 a pop. they've also got a cool little condiment bar with everything you'd need even bbq sauce. it's not as cheap as you'd think this would be. burger, fries and a drink can set you back $7. Pros: cheap fries, good milkshakes, SF natives love it Cons: not dirt cheap more

I was disheartened last month when I passed by the location of the Clown Alley on Lombard St. and found it to be closed. So it is a pleasent surprise to find out that the location on Columbus Ave is still open. I when I lived in SF a visit was always a treat. I hope it hasn't changed. Pros: Good food, Professional employee, Interesting atmospher Cons: Crowded, Somewhat Pricey more