American Eatery

Of all the great sandwich options in the Ferry Building, I chose their ($ 10) burger, and I’m sorry to report that it didn’t live up to expectations and wasn’t worth the price tag. It was a smallish burger on a smallish bun with a thin slice of cheddar and a burger sauce that was simply glorified ketchup. I was expecting something handmade and artisanal as befits the Ferry Building vendors, but this burger was a dry, machine-​made, standard fast-​food patty. To think I could have had a brisket sandwich (Il Cane Rosso) or pulled pork (Boccalone) – I could shoot myself!
Also, it’s essential that they clean their tables on a regular basis, instead of expecting their customers to sit down at filthy tables.

This is Prather Ranch’s eatery, and naturally the feature the superior Prather Ranch certified humane grass fed meats. Their sign says slow food served fast and they are correct, we ordered a meatball torpedo and chili, both were saved super fast, looked good smelled good and had a lovely, distinctly different, flavor profile.
The staff is friendly as well as being quick, we went back to the counter afterwards, during a rare quiet spell and were all et interview them thoroughly. They were well trained, eager to help us answer questions and knew the answer to ever question we asked. They graciously spent time
The iced tea was amazing, it wasn’t watered dow like anywhere else, it was full strength and tasted great. They offer free refills so you’ll be completely satisfied.
The food was lukewarm to cool in spots, it really should have been served hot. I don’t know how they keep their food warm or how they reheat it but that process definitely needs improvement.
There are two tables to sit down at eat so we shared a table with two other couples, I really wish that The Ferry Building Marketplace would install more tables along the wall of the short crosswise hallways
Overall we liked it and will return, I will just ask them to make sure that our food is served hot and it will be fine.

Legit lunchtime establishment in the Ferry building, but be warned that it gets busy. Had the roast beef sandwich and beef tallow fries for a quick working lunch, and came away pretty satisfied. Acme bread makes the world go round, combined with good tender roast beef, and well fried french fries. Can’t go wrong! Did wait a shade longer than I wanted to, but since we came right in the middle of lunch rush all is forgiven. Definitely pay attention to the special of the day, which was a lamb burger, as that looks pretty tasty as well!

The burgers here are amazing. The meat is seasoned in a very delicious way.
However, DO NOT come here on a busy weekend unless you have time to wait twice because they messed your order up.
These guys do not have their shit together when they’re busy!
AND they had the nerve to try to argue that I ordered the wrong burger.
#starvingbutmyfriendsarefull

Time: 1:21pm/69°F partly sunny
Purpose: With the Bart shut down for the weekends. No friends wanted to visit or let alone drive in to SF. I was lazy and staving after a mid morning workout.
Ambiance: Located within steps of Frog Hollow its located on a side hall of the ferry building. Very simple set-​up with two communal tables out front that sits six each. A walk-​up stand and eat counter mounted to wall for those who chose not to sit. Small front counter with two registers, electronic menu board, self help utensil station, self pump coffee pots. The drill here is pay for order and you’ll be given a vibrating pager. I suggest not to toss receipt till your order is in hand because the pager may work. Saw couple of fail pagers clerk left food on counter without calling peoples orders. Some couldn’t speak english because they were tourist.
Staff: A girl about late 20s kinda conceited looking. She seems although she don’t want to be there at all. The orders coming out were getting cold because there wasn’t any help for her. She’s does everything herself even at it peak lunch time.
Cleanliness: Grade A, clean front and back no complaints. The communal table needs wipe down, sticky dried ketchup. Fries on floor no attempt to clean it up. It was still there when I left. No trash can, but was told to use the one in the common areas.
Eats/​Drinks: Lamb burger $ 10 was not as good as before. Patty was dried and lukewarm. I like patty to be near edge of bun. This patty was not only dried, it was small too. I waited over ten minutes for lukewarm food is unwarranted. Buns were cold top and bottom without meeting the grill. Sharp cheese barely melted. I only like the arugula out of the burger. Tallow fries $ 2 were like chopped up shoelace version. Even the fries were lukewarm to cold. What’s going on here? Looks like fries were previously stuff in parchment bag and sat under heat light. This meal including the so call tallow fries is worth no more than $ 5 – 6.
Main Features: PRMC Dry-​aged burger and tallow fries.
Products/​Services: Burger, fries, salad, hot dogs, bone broth, sides, entrée. Coffee by America’s Best, soda by Boylan, iced tea, bottled water, chock chip cookie.
Punch Lines: Long wait time, not engaging, less than mediocre, pricey, light bites, occasional spotty service, off putting, nothing out of the ordinary, tucked away in ferry building, quite bland, not as great, go elsewhere, struggling service.
Tradeoffs: Only thing this place has is going are tallow fries and Prather Ranch meat use. Gott’s got this place number for service and quality.
Final Thoughts: I must have hit my head this morning during workout. I can’t even recall where my $ 13.14 went or what I do with it. It’s not that I’ve amnesia, I did do something with it. It must have been something lacking interest for me not to remember. Oh yea, thats right! I remember now, I went to grab a bite at AE, but couldn’t recall what was so remarkable about it? Hmm!

My friend and I went to the Ferry Building for lunch and between Gott’s and American Eatery, we picked the latter because the line at Gott’s was (and pretty much always is) ridiculous around lunchtime.
I’m pretty sure you’re supposed to get a burger or sandwich or hot dog or something here, but I wound up getting the PRATHERTARIAN PALEO BOWL ($ 10) instead. No idea what that first word means and no, I’m not actually intentionally paleo, but I really like roasted veggies and the roasted cauliflower was calling to me more than anything else at the time.
The bowl comes with roasted cauliflower rice, braised greens, pickled red onion and either braised heritage pork or dry-​aged Prather Ranch beef (or roasted sweet potatoes for any vegetarians out there). I wanted the beef, but was told that the paleo bowl didn’t have the option of beef that day. I can’t imagine that they ran out of beef at 12pm, so I’m not really sure what that meant. I ended up going with the pork, which turned out to be pretty solid. Tender and a little fatty. The bowl overall was simple and pretty easy to make yourself at home, but it was still good and I’d probably order it again if I wanted something healthier. The portion size is rather small though, especially for $ 10, but everything in the Ferry Building is on the pricier/​overpriced side.

I had a phenomenal bacon cheeseburger here a few weeks ago — so good that I started craving another one — especially the bacon which was other worldly. So I set out this afternoon to walk the 1.5 miles just to relive that amazing experience and Wow was I disappointed. I ordered the same burger but what I received didn’t have any bacon on it, nor did it have the BBQ sauce I’d ordered. The line was too long to even think about turning the burger back, so I have to rate what should be an outstanding eatery only 3 stars because their quality control leaves much to be desired.
Tip for everyone eating here — check your food the moment you receive it while you’re still at the counter!

As a salad-​hater, I surprisingly left American Eatery thoroughly impressed and satisfied with their steak salad. I usually choose heartier menu items but for some reason was in healthy-​mode this particular day. Medium-​rare sliced steak, avocados, grilled onions, and heirloom tomatoes mixed with lettuce and balsamic made for the perfect hearty girl salad! I would definitely return for this and their burgers which I hear are quite good… ;)

So far I’ve only tried their signature breakfast sandwich with maple pork sausage, over easy fried egg and sharp cheddar. Well balanced flavors of savory and sweet. The Acme challah bread they use is amazing. Every bit of this sandwich is delicious to the last bite and is a hearty start to the day.

Ordered the Mission burger. So delicious and yummy. The meat was done medium and it was so nice and succulent. Definitely a good burger joint.

There were so many options at the Ferry Building Farmer’s Market but I eventually chose to eat at American Eatery because it looked like a great place for some burgers and fries. My friend ordered the Western Burger and I ordered the Stonebreaker’s BBQ Beef Sandwich and Old Fashioned Tallow Fries. I really loved the way they cooked their dry-​aged Prather Ranch beef. It went well with their house BBQ sauce. The horseradish aioli sauce was the perfect touch to my already delicious sandwich. The fries were a bit salty for my taste. There were only two tables for seating but they were taken so we stood on the side, where there was a counter for us to stand and eat at.
This place is a little pricey for a sandwich, but it is the Ferry Building and everything in that area is around the same price. I would recommend you try this BBQ Beef Sandwich though. It is worth a try!

My friend and I came here after thinking about what we should both eat. He said the sandwiches were calling out to him. I agreed to try it since the prices were not as bad as all the other vendors in the ferry building. My friend ordered said sandwich and I ordered the chili. Looking at his order, I thought to myself, «No sides? That sucks.» Looking at my order, my cup of chili seemed small. But, like I said, the prices were rather fair.
Munching on our lunch, I was rather amazed on the taste of the food. I REALLY wish I knew exactly what he ordered because it was soooooo good! I remember it was a beef sandwich, which had a pulled pork consistency, with arugula, and sauerkraut. My chili was pretty amazing! Yes, it was a smaller portion to my liking (keep in mind I did not have much to eat earlier that day and I am pregnant with a penchant for savory food). I describe the taste of the chili as pure (yes, pure); pure in a sense that I did not sense any artificial ingredients, the spices were just right, not too salty, and left me feeling quite happy. I bought another cup of chili for a my dinner.
As for the customer service, I enjoyed my experience there. I wish I took down the name of the lady who helped my friend and me so I can tell you guys that she was easygoing and personable.
Also, I just have to note the soda selection there — particularly the root beer. I normally don’t drink soda, but I couldn’t resist trying their root beer since it claimed to be made with real sugar. It was the most heavenly-​tasting root beer I’ve ever had!

When visiting the Ferry Building Farmers Market on a Saturday around lunch, finding a place to eat without a huge line is no easy task. With Hog Island and Gott’s lines way too long, we ran across the American Eatery, where to our delight, there was no line! It’s a little bit hidden, around the corner from Prather Ranch Meats (it’s actually their own little restaurant). There are only a few tables to sit at and a little counter where you can stand and eat, but even if you can’t find a spot, you can head outside and people watch while you eat.
I got the Far Far West Burger and my wife got the Roasted Garlic Burger. Both were excellent burgers. The bun was nice and toasted, the meat was perfectly cooked (little bit of pink inside), the toppings gave the burger great flavor yet didn’t overpower the meat, which was great as you might expect from Prather Ranch. The burgers aren’t cheap (11.99÷10.99) but it’s what you might expect for a high quality burger at the Ferry Building. I’d definitely come back for more!

I stopped in here on a late Saturday afternoon after a visit to Alcatraz to pick up something to go to take back to my hotel. I turned out to be a good choice.
I got the Grilled Berkshire Pork Loin Sandwich (Chili-​marinated pork, crispy onion rings, house-​made pickled chili slaw, and house-​made mayo) and a side order of tallow french fries (made with fresh, hand-​cut Kennebec potatoes and fried in Prather Ranch beef tallow). Both were excellent. The fries were perhaps the best I’ve ever had.
The sandwich was a little pricey at $ 11.49 but not entirely out of line given the quality ingredients and the location. At $ 2.49, thought the fries were a bargain.
Pro-​tip: Like a lot of places in the Ferry Building, this one closes early, $ 4.00 p.m. on Saturdays. I got there just in the nick of time, and got a bit of stink eye from the woman working the register.

Along with Boccalone, American Eatery (part of Prather Ranch Meat Co.) was my fiancée and my second choice for lunch at the Ferry Building. What better way to celebrate buying $ 30 worth of truffle salt than to indulge in 2 different lunch options, amirite?
As I only had about a third of this lunch, my review may be a bit skewed. Thankfully for American Eatery, my review is definitely skewed towards the «excellent» portion of my food-​enjoyment scale!
My fiancée originally had her eyes set on the «Grilled Berkshire Pork Loin Sandwich», but at the last moment audibled instead for the «Stonebreaker’s BBQ Sandwich».
Let me start the meat– O M G was this beef perfect. In the description, it says that it’s smoked for 12 hours. What appeared to be brisket, the meat in the sandwich was so unbelievably tender that I was actually in shock. While incredibly tender, the beef retained it’s shape and bite unlike something you’d find with a good, roasted prime rib, which I’m not a huge fan of. Simply put, this was some of the best beef I’ve had to date, and given it’s being piled on in a sandwich for less than $ 10 is a win all-​around in my books. And this isn’t your «lean beef» sandwich option either. There are a few chunks of that wonderful beef fat hiding around in the sandwich, amounting to a flavour explosion in your mouth.
Coating the meat was their mesquite BBQ sauce, which I found delicious but a touch too sweet. I’m a huge fan of smokey sauces, and this variation of BBQ sauce isn’t that. That said, the natural smokey flavour of the beef does shine through the slightly sweet sauce, so it wasn’t too much of an issue given my particular preferences.
Wrapping everything up is the bun, which is soft but holds up just fine given the amount of sauce used in the sandwich. This is to be expected from the great Acme Bread Co., who also happen to supply the great buns that border the great ingredients in the sandwich. The bread did not get soggy at any point, and like the bread at Roli Roti it had a great texture that was neither too «sticky» or too dry.
I enjoyed this sandwich far more than the Boccalone choice I made, which was odd because my fiancée enjoyed my lunch more than hers. I am happy that I was able to try it, because I know where I’ll be going the next time I’m in San Francisco. Mind-​blowing porchetta and BBQ brisket within steps of each other? Only in San Francisco’s Ferry Building!

Yes it’s a bit pricey but I would expect to pay these prices for quality ingredients. If you’re used to McDonalds and Jack in the Box, you’re in the wrong place and you’re going to freak at the prices. But those of us with high standards of health will gladly pay for better quality ingredients.
I had the Chili Dog with no bun. Although it didn’t look pretty (basically a hot dog in a chili bath!), it was delicious and protein-​packed! Just what I wanted. Yum!

I was meeting up with friends at the Ferry Building and I was so hungry from the Bay to Breakers event that I opted for a burger after the run!
I ordered a Far far west burger — Roasted Crimini & Tree Oyster Mushrooms, Swiss, Far West Mushroom Aioli /​/​$ 11.99
You won’t be disappointed by this burger, especially if you like mushrooms. The only draw back is there were no ‘greens’ or veggies in the burger, so I felt like it was just a patty + mushrooms. Also the price was a bit too much, at $ 12 for a burger that I could finish in just a couple bites! A bit overrated, don’t you think? haha.
I guess this is the premium I have to pay for this burger place since it’s located in a prime location of the Ferry Building right along Embarcadero. There was no seating area inside that we could find, so we ventured outside to sit along the water /​on some benches. It’s wonderful on a breezy, sunny day…

If you’re a hardcore foodie visiting The Golden Gate City, a stop at the Ferry Building Marketplace is an absolute MUST. Inside, there are stores lined with treats that produce Cracker Jack smiles. On the outside, the Ferry Plaza Farmers’ Market is one of the best that I’ve seen around. That day, I was in a groove to find a great burger and boy I wasn’t disappointed.
The American Eatery is brought to you by the Prather Ranch Meat Company. They’re a different breed of meat shop, that works closely with independent ranches and farms to provide the most sustainably raised meat of the highest standards regarding meat quality, product consistency, the humane treatment of livestock, and sustainable environmental practices. Praise the Lard!
THE MENU
— Their signature burgers are might tasty. Some of them seasonal, others permanently on the menu. Some Unilocalers complain about the mediocre service and I understand that, but you’re in the Ferry Building Marketplace dude. Consumers are in a rush, it’s crowded, and people are going to be in long lines. You have to expect that, especially on the weekends. Also, the burgers are North of the $ 10 mark so San Franciscans are gonna complain about the price tag, but living in LA, I’m used to that. Here’s a pointer to their online menu (
).
BBQ SLIDER
— Cost me 5 bucks, but it was good. Slightly bigger than the size of your palm, it was gone in a few bites. Not sure if it was worth it, but it sure got my appetite going. Walking around SF ain’t pretty, if you’re belly isn’t full.
THE FARMHOUSE
— This one is my favorite. Over easy organic egg, ham, cheddar cheese, and whole grain mustard mayonnaise. A pickle on the side does wonders.
ROASTED GARLIC BURGER
— Roasted garlic, maple bacon mayonnaise, sharp cheddar cheese, grilled onion, and wild arugula. Ooey, gooey, and delicious.
THE FAR FAR WEST
— Tasted just like a normal burger for me. Moist and cooked just right. Roasted crimini, tree oyster mushrooms, swiss cheese, far west mushroom aioli.
BOYLAN’S NATURAL SODA
— Once you guzzle down this sweetened beverage with pure cane sugar, you get one FREE refill. No preservatives and no artificial colorings — they come in Birch Beer, Lemon Lime, Black Cherry, Diet Cola, Cane Cola, and Ginger Ale.
CHRIS EATS HERE
in search of the han solo burger

Forget Gott’s. if you want a good burger done right in the ferry building, you come here.
American eatery is a little window on the side of Prather Ranch meat co. They butcher the meats here and serve it up in a delicious form of burger, sando, or hotdog. The bf and I decided to try the burger with sharp cheddar and the pork loin sandwich, along with fries and
The BURGER — I love my burgers to be harmonious. I want a big juicy patty that does not crumble apart in the middle of eating, perfectly greased buns, and toppings to just accentuate the burger, but not to overpower the taste of the meat. The dry aged beef patty was cooked to perfection at medium, and really juicy while not spilling over with grease in my hands. You can check out the perfectly pink center here:
The Pork Sandwich — The pork was tender and the slaw gave a perfect tangy balance to the sandwich. I would put this on par with the Il Cane Rosso’s and Roli Roti’s pork sandwiches. All three are different, but delicious in their own ways.
The sodas– I’m not sure if these are in house, but they are different from run of the mill sodas. I got the cherry soda and it was really refreshing, without the syrupy taste of a cherry coke (which I also love btw).
The only thing that was not up to par for me was the fries. They were all cut really short, and because the ketchup they have is pretty pungent, i had to use a bunch of frieds for just a little bit of ketchup. They were kind of brittle and flavorless.

Lunchtime madness in the Ferry Building.
Actually, to be honest: it’s lunchtime madness everywhere in the Financial District.
The mum is in town, so I take her around the Building, and before we know it, it’s lunchtime. American Eatery, the take-​out portion of the dirty-​sounding Prather Ranch Meat Co., is where we decided to dine.
+Mum orders the grilled pork loin sando: chili-​marinated pork loin, carrot, cabbage and pickled chili salad, with crispy onion rings, all stuffed into a torpedo roll. (
). This isn’t a small meal, either, and mum begins to struggle during the middle. It’s no problem, because as the amazingly caring daughter that I am, I decide to help her out. In fact, I help her out a little TOO much. It was amazingly good. I INHALED it, even after my own order:
+The all-​beef burger with sharp cheddar: a six-​ounce dry-​aged beef patty, cooked medium on an sesame roll, served with lettuce, shaved red onion, special sauce and a dill pickle spear (
). Absolutely delicious and juicy.
The line moves fairly quickly, and there aren’t many places to sit and eat, but honestly, it’s totally worth it.