Red’s Java House

Red's Java House is a classic spot with over 70 years of history, located just below the Bay Bridge. It transports you back to the 1950s, and the reality is, their cuisine is really good. I've been a couple of times and their service is always very friendly. Their burgers are made with a special sourdough bread that gives them a unique touch. The mustard, onions, and pickles add a surprising flavor, and their onion rings are a must-try. Pair it with a house special Bloody Mary and enjoy the spectacular view. A great place to start your day in San Francisco.

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".

I wish we'd known or the menu had said that burgers were on sourdough rolls. Why?? A hard sad, slab of sourdough. Dry burgers, watery chili. Indoors full of flies, outdoors no shade and more parking lot adjacent to waterfront than actual waterfront. Cashier was friendly and it was "cheap" for San Francisco. Wouldn't recommend or go again.

Red's Java House is such a historic place along the SF waterfront. Despite living in the Bay Area for decades, we finally got the chance to experience this classic American diner. The ambience here really takes you back to the '50s, with red vinyl seatings, and photos and memorabilia on the walls. I read that the latest owner tried to ''modernize' the place but encountered fierce resistance from loyal customers. It is like a place where time stood still. Anthony Bourdain made this place famous when he dined here and praised the diner.As for the food, the menu presents many American classics but with a local twist. For example, the burger and hot dogs are served in sourdough bread rather than the conventional buns. We ordered the double burger, double dogs, fish and chips (french fries) and an order of onion rings, and they were good for the kind of American comfort food you expect. We enjoyed the food but what people really come here for is the ambience and a connection to the past.

I thought there was a hot dog soda deal...it's $8 for hotdog with pickles mustard etc...I didn't get a soda--no deal..it's super fun kitschy diner..the red seats are funny..the indoor ephemera is cool and fun to browse..the owner was 85 and he's not here now...the weather is nice at pier 30 and the bridge is nice...bridge to bridge...the menu is neat..old-fashioned diner..ephemera old-time and confusing prices...visited after going to the Fleet Week Expo this year.

It doesn't look like much but it is a gem. I had the corned beef and it was outstanding! Definitely A great stop for good food

Such a fun place! They make delicious burgers, hot dogs, and a few other comfort food items. Prices are fair and they cooks are super fast! They have a full bar and covered patio. There is also plenty of outdoor seating with umbrellas for shade. It's a short walk to Oracle Park, so it's a good place to go before a Giants gane.

Re's Java House is a San Francisco iconic place on the dock of San Francisco Bay.I am embarrassed to admit I have lived in San Francisco since 2001. My eldest son is a French fried expert. He flies 777 commercial airline and has been on 5 continents, tasting what the world has to offer culinary wise.Today, a cold raining and flooding February, he drove up to San Francisco to have lunch. I asked him where he wanted to have a late lunch? He immediately said, "Have you ever been to Red's Java House?" I responded "no never". We set out to check the hut like structure beneath the Willie Brown Bay Bridge. It was pouring down sheets of water, and we dashed out of our car. Fortunately, I found street parking on The Embarcadero about 30 feet from the front door.Well, we enter, and it honestly felt like we were stepping back to the 1940s a decade after the cafe had survived fires, waterfront development, and a global pandemic! Wow! We stepped up to the counter after reading the menu posted on the wall. We were greeted by Samuel with a big smile and understanding that I was a Red's Java House "virgin" and was very patience.I ordered the fish & Chips and my bieg-a-terian 6'2" son orders two orders of delicious French fries and a Coke.We sat next to the Bay window looking out at the Bay. Classic. There is able seating with diner style stool with vinyl coverings, photos of two many celebrities, movie stars and musicians. I did note several candid photos of the late Anthony Bourdain chomping on a burger and a beer----a tradition for 90 years.I walked in the back and noted amble seating on the dock where my son shared he enjoyed previous visits when it was sunny---perhaps with a Jimmy Buffett type band playing Margaritaville and sucking down some cold ones.Red's Java House was purchased from its original owner from a former news boy Tom "Red" McGarvey and his brother Mike in 1955 hence its current name. I believe Red's Java House should be a National Historic Site for Good food, friendly service, friend & family gathering and incredible views! Make sure to stop in before a concert, SF Giants or Warriors game.

We couldn't have asked for a more beautiful day to stop by Red's, so I am sure that helped. The service was friendly, the dock/patio was comfy and sunny that day. You'll definitely want to keep an eye out for the birds looking for a snack!Apparently, Red's is a real discussion starter on social media... much could be settled if they hung a pic of "Red" lol The authenticity of fish and chips was a whole nother issue but let me say... I loved them! They were the perfect batter to fish ratio, not greasy at all and the crunch was perfect. The burger was also noms though I don't love raw onions. All in all, a fun little slice of San Francisco history to visit and the food is yummy too.

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.