Gott’s Roadside has a rich history that dates back to the early 1940s. Founded by the Gott family, it all started as a roadside burger stand formerly known as Taylor’s Automatic Refresher located in Napa Valley. The family transformed the original joint into what is now known as Gott’s Roadside, taking inspiration from classic American diners while emphasizing fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
San Francisco has three Gott’s Roadside locations: one in the San Francisco Ferry Building, one in Mission Bay, and the other in the airport. The Ferry Building location has a massive outdoor space with plenty of seating, along with ample seating indoors as well. The restaurant boasts a fun atmosphere to enjoy a burger and a milkshake.
Gott’s Roadside’s commitment to fresh, local, and sustainable ingredients is evident in their menu. They partner with local farms and purveyors to source their produce, meat, and other ingredients, contributing to the Bay Area’s farm-to-table movement.
They offer a diverse menu from their classic burgers, which are a nod to the original roadside stand, to mouthwatering salads, tacos, and seasonal specials.
Their burgers are prepared with Niman Ranch beef and served on toasted egg buns. The Western Bacon Blue Ring Burger, featuring bacon, blue cheese, and a savory BBQ sauce, is a fan favorite. Vegans and vegetarians can also delight in the Impossible Burger, which is just as satisfying as the meaty counterparts.
For those seeking a lighter option, Gott’s offers an array of fresh salads. The Chinese Chicken Salad and Ahi Poke Salad are particularly popular.
Pair your meal with one of their famous hand-spun milkshakes, available in classic flavors like vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry. And you can’t leave without indulging in some of their crispy garlic fries or sweet potato fries.
We visited their Ferry Building location and tried the following:
California Burger
Fried egg, Cowgirl Creamery’s Wagon Wheel cheese, Zoe’s bacon, arugula, balsamic onions & mayo on a toasted sesame brioche bun.
California Chicken
Chicken, grilled & served with sliced avocado, jack cheese, romaine lettuce, tomatoes, red onion & lemon mayo on a toasted country roll.
Strawberry Shake
hand spun with organic ice cream & milk
Niman Ranch Fearless Frank
100% beef hot dog
The food was fresh and delicious but did take a long time to be prepared. I wouldn’t consider them fast food even though they serve burgers and fries. I enjoyed the vibrant atmosphere and the casual and approachable fare.
Gott’s Road Side Ferry Building is located at One Ferry Building, The Embarcadero S, San Francisco, CA.