When the burger and chicken sandwich cravings hit, you’ll want this list at the ready. Go beyond the usual drive-through options and get your fast food cravings satisfied with sandwiches that are made to order and include toppings like bacon jam, Japanese sauces, queso and fresh California avocados. These spots cater to foodies and kids alike, and are perfect for that next family picnic.
San Francisco
JUST OPENED: Rocketbird
This new arrival in the chicken sandwich game is going to blow you away with their larger-than-life crispy chicken sandwiches and sides that are too good to share. Located in Dogpatch, Rocketbird is offering takeout and delivery at the moment and you can pick up your order before heading down to the new Crane Cove Park that's just a block away.
This new SF chicken sandwich concept focuses on quality ingredients, delivery-proof dishes, eco-friendly practices and out-of-this-world flavors for every eater in your family. Kids will love the Lil' Bird meal that comes with hand-battered Mary's organic chicken breast strips, fries or carrots (get the fries!) and a choice of beverages. Overcome your decision fatigue and opt for the family meal that includes 12, 16 or 20 chicken strips, sides and dipping sauces. The queso is not to be skipped and the pimento mac and cheese is a kid and parent favorite.
Bonus that you'll love: For every sandwich purchased, Rocketbird donates a meal to the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank.
1030 Illinois St.
San Francisco, CA
Online: rocketbirdchx.com
Gott's Roadside
Gott’s Roadside is a Northern California roadside restaurant emphasizing locally-sourced ingredients with a modern take on American classics and California favorites. We love their massive burger menu with fun options like the Kimchi Burger and Texas Avocado Burger. Non-burger options include the Vietnamese Chicken Salad and Baja Fish Tacos. Don't skip out on their cookies and cream milkshake made with handspun organic ice cream. Take home some of their secret sauce!
Other locations: Palo Alto, St. Helena, Napa, Walnut Creek, Marin and SFO
1 Ferry Building #6
San Francisco, CA
Online: gotts.com
Bourbon Burger Bar
Chef Michael Mina’s new Bourbon Burger Bar, offers takeout and delivery of the most indulgent and beloved burgers from his award-winning Bourbon Steak. Available for pickup and delivery, you'll have a hard time deciding which burger to take home with you. Traditionalist will love the Prime Dry Aged Steak Burger, while the Roasted Veggie Burger stands out for veggie lovers with its maitake mushroom, yuzu kosho aioli, pickled veggies, shredded napa cabbage and togarashi toasted bun. A kids cheeseburger and chicken tenders are available for smaller appetites.
101 California St. (at PABU)
San Francisco, CA
Online: bbot.menu
Tokyo Hot Chicken
Tokyo Hot Chicken is a pop-up from the culinary minds of Chef Michael Mina and MINA Group. Hot Chicken meets Japanese Karaage, Tokyo Hot Chicken is the best of two worlds, combining the Nashville Classic with Japanese flavors and ingredients. Go for the 12-piece hot chicken meal if you'll be serving a crowd, or Mutha Cluckin Sando if you don't want to share. Sides like cheddar max and wasabi mashed potatoes will round out your meal.
101 California St. (at PABU)
San Francisco, CA
Online: bbot.menu
East Bay
Boss Burger
East Bay families swear by this Albany spot that serves up both burgers and organic, free-range chicken (plus hot dogs!). They also have a pretty killer house-made veggie patty that you must get topped with cider slaw and spicy BOSS sauce.
1187 Solano Ave.
Albany, CA
Online: weareboss.com
TrueBurger
Families flock to this Oakland spot for their burgers and top-of-the-line milkshakes. Hand-formed burgers are cooked diner style on a flattop grill for that crispy texture we all love.
4101 Broadway
Oakland, CA
146 Grand Ave.
Oakland, CA
Online: trueburgeroakland.com
Peninsula/South Bay
JUST OPENED: Winner Winner Chicken
This spot at Hillsdale Mall just re-opened after originally opening just before COVID lockdowns began. Now they're ready to serve you and if you haven't been there, you definitely need to check it out! Winner offers signature Nashville-style hot fried chicken sandwiches, hot chicken tenders, gourmet inspired salads, and sides like mac and cheese, and broccoli Caesar salad. They also have Little Winner meals available for the kids with two tenders or grilled chicken, plus one side, one sauce and a kids drink.
Winner’s signature hot chicken sandwich features their specialty fried chicken: crispy, juicy and tender and offered in four spice levels (WARNING: order extra spicy, only if you dare!). The sandwich is topped with housemade tangy slaw and comeback sauce (liike Thousand Island with a kick), served on quite possibly the best bun we've ever tasted (it's made in house). Get the BBQ chicken eggrolls to share and the lemonade slushie for your beverage. If you're wanting a salad in lieu of a sandwich, go for Barry's Bootcamp with spicy chicken. It's large and in charge.
Indoor and outdoor dining are available on the mall terrace. Or order your meal to-go.
84 Hillsdale Shopping Center
San Mateo, CA
Online: winnerchicken.net
Love Burn Chicken
Love Burn serves up Nashville Hot Chicken with a unique spice blend to create the hottest chicken sandwich in the Bay Area. From a basic Level 0 to the “leave-you-on-the-floor” Level 4, they have something for all hot lovers far and wide. They are located inside Hometown Bowl in South San Francisco and are available for pick-up and delivery via UberEats, Doordash, and Grubhub.
130 Northwood Street
South San Francisco, CA
Online: loveburnchicken.com
Wahlburgers
National burger chain Wahlburgers set up shop in Palo Alto a few years ago and the Burlingame location is coming soon. Choose one of their favorite burgers like The Fiesta that comes with a southwest kick, or do your burger your way with dozens of toppings. Don't forget the fried pickles!
185 University Ave,
Palo Alto, CA
Coming Soon: 1218 Burlingame Ave.
Burlingame, CA
Online: wahlburgers.com
Marin
Amy's Drive Thru
It can't be, can it? Is this THE Amy's from all those vegetarian items in the freezer department of my grocery story? Yes it is! Head up to Rohnert Park, conveniently located basically right around the corner from Scandia Family Fun center miniature golf course. Their menu is complete with veggie burgers, fries and even organic milkshakes. Even if you're not in the area, but looking for a fun Sunday drive, Amy's won't disappoint. Get the full scoop here.
58 Golf Course Drive West
Rohnert Park, CA
5839 Paradise Dr.
Corte Madera, CA
Online: amysdrivethru.com
Shake Shack
This Marin Country Mart eatery is a favorite for families and has plenty of outdoor seating. Everyone loves Shake Shack's famous burgers, crinkle cut fries, shakes and frozen custard. The 21+ crowd can sip on wine and beer all on the spacious outdoor patio that includes a foosball table.
1401 Larkspur Landing Circle
Larkspur, CA
Other locations: San Francisco, Palo Alto, Glendale, Oakland and Santa Clara
Online: shakeshack.com
—Kate Loweth
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