The Overnight Broadcast

Sydney C Walton Square, Front & Jackson

I don’t have a clown phobia, but the idea of eating in an amusement park setting surrounded by the things sounded like a new level of hell to me, so I always skipped the place. Today was my first visit.

The facts:

1. Came in around 12:45, lunch rush. Long line, moved quickly.
2. Ordered 9oz burger, medium, pepperjack and bacon. $13.
3. About 15-20 minutes to complete the order and be on my way (takeout).
4. Everyone was very nice.
5. Delicious! Er, fries… eh.

The fancy:

Of course there was a long line, but that’s to be expected when you’re on the edge of the Financial District during the lunch hour. The line moved quickly and the friendly lady at the counter took my order and handed me a number.

Since I was getting takeout, I shuffled to left and waited along the wall next to the grill. Checked out the decor and it’s nice in that ski lodge sort of way, like everyone else mentioned. Was looking for that clown picture but couldn’t find it or didn’t look hard enough.

It took about 15-20 minutes to get the order because someone ahead of me had called in a large order for their group/office/whatever. Normally I’d grumble about having to wait that long for a burger and fries, but c’mon, this order was huge and the entire kitchen was hustling to get everything out the door ASAP. I think it’s great that they accommodated a big order like that on short notice and it’s something I’ll keep in mind when I need to make a similar order.

My order was boxed up about a minute after Big Order Person departed, with the server apologizing for the wait (and just to drive that point home: everyone working here was nice and professional, great staff) and I was on my way home.

I enjoyed everything about this burger. The bun, a little on the large size but perfect for absorbing the juices from the medium rare burger, cooked exactly to the title and with a subtle but consistent smoky flavor from the grill. The lettuce and tomato were fresh and the pickles were thick-cut dill slices, just the way I liked them. The bacon, oh, delicious thick maple bacon that I had to resist the temptation of peeling off the burger and eating as an appetizer.

As for the fries, they were crisp and perfectly salted but they had a peculiar undertaste that suggested there was something more processed than cutting and deep-frying going on. I’d probably get the greens next time.

Pickles is a nice local option to have for lunch. While on the pricier side of FiDi/North Beach/Chinatown options, it’s a refreshing change from the usual litany of predictable boxed salads or rice plate specials.

Pickles
42 Columbus Ave @ Jackson
San Francisco, CA 94111
(415) 421-2540