Sam's

About

Perhaps because we spend much of our day at A16 inundated with pecorino cheeses, rich braises, and pizza, our tired taste buds often want satisfying food at the end of the night that does not play tribute to any part of Italy. After one particularly long week, we all needed a good burger. We headed to Sam's on Broadway and piled into the counter seats at this narrow, inconspicuous joint. Ignoring the dismal pizza spinning under a heat lamp in the window, we ordered cheeseburgers, onion rings, and fries. The onion rings were excellent: crisp with a light batter that stays on the onion ring even after the first bite. The burgers were reminiscent of a high school football game's snack bar, but in a good way. And where else in San Francisco can you have a cheeseburger, onion rings, and a cold beer for $8? We all agreed that Sam's, with its odd, dusty memorabilia and cheery service, was a perfect spot for budget-minded late night eating. - Kate Leahy