1. NOPA (560 Divisadero St., 415-864-8643) If you can score a table at this Western Addition hot spot, you'll come close to dining on the most delicious burger. On a crispy brioche bun with basil aioli, grass-fed beef, which has been cooked over a wood-fired grill, is topped with pickled onions and a hint of iceberg lettuce. Some dare to get fancy with crispy bacon and a choice of three cheeses, but lathering this one with ketchup is simply sacrilegious. Beware of the house-made Kennebec potato fries; they're "kind of addictive," as one PopSugar reader warns.
  2. Zazie (941 Cole St., 415-564-5332) In the heart of Cole Valley, this romantic, quintessential French bistro serves up a sophisticated burger à la française with white cheddar and tomatoes provençal on a crispy, buttery bun; bacon is optional. The side of grilled Yukon gold potatoes and leafy greens is equally refined. Your date will thank you.
  3. Roam Artisan Burgers (1785 Union St., 415-440-7626) This relative newcomer to Cow Hollow has taken the city by storm with its sustainable, eco-conscious attitude, laid-back atmosphere, and delicious burgers, sides, shakes, and sodas crafted from high-quality ingredients. Every bun begins with a little customization: choose between a beef, turkey, bison, or veggie patty. From there, you can DIY with your pick of sauces, cheeses, and artisan toppings or select a specialty like the Sunny Side (with an organic, free-range egg), the French and Fries, or the Tejano. Whatever you choose, your mouthwatering burger will be just yours.
  4. Zuni (1658 Market St., 415-552-2522) The well-seasoned house-ground hamburgers (shown) at this Civic Center favorite may be recognized by their grilled rosemary focaccia buns, but their garden lettuces, aioli, heirloom tomatoes, and homemade pickles are equally effective ingredients. Optional toppings like grilled onions, portobello mushrooms, Mountain gorgonzola, and Roth Kase Private Reserve cheese up the ante. You'll devour yours in record time.
  5. Spruce (3640 Sacramento St., 415-931-5100) "The Spruce burger," as it's called at this upscale Laurel Heights neighborhood joint, is impeccably executed with a delicate English muffin bun, pickled ribbons of zucchini and red onions, and Niman Ranch beef. Indulgent optional toppings like pancetta, gruyère, and a fried egg contribute dangerously to the "melt in your mouth" factor.

Source: Flickr user Lodigs