Originally on the hunt for yummy ramen. Instead me and the fam bam settled on burgers after ducking out from Christmas in the Park and looking for something to eat. Don’t get me wrong, ramen was indeed here at the SOFA Marketplace, but who can deny wrapping your hands around a proper burger and a cold winter’s night. The SOFA Marketplace is sort of the red headed stepchild of its import tuner model older sister just north and a few blocks over. Smaller, barren with stalls, it serves as a decent stop over for the late denizens of the downtown weekend scene. We got Konjoe burger’s sister outlet here doing the ramen and izakaya thing and around the corner is Poke Bowl. At the front of the house is On the Flip Side. As mentioned earlier, burgers are the latest victim of the hipster food scene. I order a basic cheese burger and fries. To me a baseline burger of meat, cheese and bun and a side of fries is all you need. Alot of that other stuff is just noise or window dressing. A little over ten and as I get ready to hand over my card, she sneezes. I look… she looks and we both look at my card. She excuses herself and walks over to the sink and washes up. Thank you. Transaction done I wait a few while the kids order is ready. Grilled cheese and tomato soup. Again baseline grub done right and kid friendly. Because really, what kid wants to negotiate over microgreens, olive oil drizzle and caramelized onions. Unpretentious and well done. For us grown folk, our burgers arrive and its what I expected. Decently sized and cooked to my liking. Bun to burger ratio is just right. Fries are on point. I skipped the drink planing for hot chocolate later on. But more importantly, I like me soda fountain wherever I get my burger. Just sayin’
Gary S.
Place rating: 4 Berkeley, CA
4.5 stars for this burger bar that I’d definitely revisit if I’m in the area again. Strong recommendation: the southwest burger. Corn on a burger?! Actually, yes. And it works, especially in combination with the onion rings, chipotle aioli, and a juicy slab of beef. The best thing to say about Flipside is the customer service. Our cajun fries came out a little cold and way too salty and they made us another order with no questions asked. I highly recommend checking this place out if you’re venturing this way and craving a tasty burger!
Jason C.
Place rating: 5 Union City, CA
If you want a good burger, this Place is amazing! The fries that were originally given with our food was not really that warm. They immediately made new fries for us, no questions asked. I ordered the back & bleu burger and it was amazing. The only complaint I have is they are little more expensive than normal burger places. But they are close to the convention Center, so it’s probably part of the reason.
Darci P.
Place rating: 5 Los Gatos, CA
They have a lot more options that burgers now — salads, soups, grilled cheese. Very fresh and high quality produce, ingredients, and vegetarian friendly.
Holly M.
Place rating: 3 San Jose, CA
Ordered pesto fries and hamburger w pineapple, jalepenos, lettuce. Pros: friendly staff. Reasonable prices. Sriracha sauce is tasty. Cons: my pesto fries were too oily soggy to eat. Just ate top half and threw out the rest. To be honest, hamburger was nothing special. Though, it was not ‘bad.’ I’d visit this place again and order regular fries with the Sriracha sauce on side.
Di W.
Place rating: 2 San Francisco, CA
The burger patties taste a little different here. I think if you like healthy burger then you might like their burgers. The grill they use is not an actual burger grill so it lacks that grilled burger favor. It tastes a little bland and you can taste the strong beef smell. Personally I like Sliders San Jose and five guys type of burgers. The price is a little high but usually I don’t mind paying higher price for good quality. I could not finish my burger because of the strong beef smell. This is the first time that I had to throw away my burger. I’m not saying their burger is that bad but it’s just not the normal burger that I’m used to. The beef smell was so strong…
Celissa G.
Place rating: 5 San Jose, CA
First time here with the other half. We ordered a turkey burger and a beef burger, both were made with non GMO Organic meats. We also shared the chipotle pesto fries. Oh my gosh! This place is definitely going to blow up soon. Great food and friendly, helpful service
Nancy O.
Place rating: 5 San Jose, CA
This review is for the salad with your choice of protein. I chose the tuna, raw, with spicy mayo on top of mixed greens. For a full size being $ 8.99 and for the portions, it’s a steal. They are generous with the fish & they make it as you order. The fish is fresh from both times I’ve had it & the flavor of the sauces are on point. Perfect amount of spice to mayo ratio. So good. I guarantee you will enjoy this even more than poke bowl in the same market. I’ve had both and this takes the cake hands down, price is great, quality, flavor & portion is wonderful.
Leia K.
Place rating: 5 San Jose, CA
Best place to get a burger on 1st street. If you want an organic homestyle burger, this is it.
Tram N.
Place rating: 4 Santa Cruz, CA
**organic** **local** **non-GMO** Fuck yeah! Came to the SoFa area for the disappointing Hawaiian Poke Bowl and landed here because I needed to get Gavin something to eat. I ordered him a turkey burger and a small order of fries. Their burgers are priced at $ 7.99 which is extremely reasonable; beef, turkey, and veggie. You get to pick up to 4 toppings(lettuce, tomatoes, onions, mushrooms, pickles, etc.), the sauce(ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, etc.) and any add-ons you want. I added cheese for a buck more. Gavin’s turkey burger had the following: lettuce, mushrooms, pickles, and ketchup. It was piping hot when it was called out. I was eager to try a bite because it looked scrumptious. The fries were made to order and oh my goodness, it was fried perfectly and seasoned just right. The turkey burger was juicy AF. I could eat that w/o any condiments. I usually only use mustard but the hell w/mustard on this burger. It didn’t need anything. Note: toppings cost $.50 each. Tip: Bring your own drink. I ordered a bottle of water and it cost me $ 2.50 which is a total jip but I do not allow my kids to drink soda. The milkshake on the menu board was enticing but offering dessert daily can lead to demanding, spoiled, unhealthy, and diabetic habits so I refrained. I’d come back for myself.
Trina H.
Place rating: 5 San Jose, CA
PESTOCHIPOTEFRIES. Yum!!! Stopped by randomly, wasn’t planning on a burger for dinner but it was good! Cherry tomatoes on the burger was a nice touch. The girls here are friendly and i enjoyed the burger and fries. A bit pricey, but you expect it at these upcoming eateries. Trying to find parking just to eat here? Maybe not worth the trouble. But if you’re in the area, definitely check them out. :)
Cassy I.
Place rating: 5 Eugene, OR
Anyone love pesto and chipotle sauce? Well try the new chipotle pesto fries here! They’re so delicious!
B J.
Place rating: 1 California City, CA
I usually try not to write a negative review, but I really felt I had to post something due to what I would consider horrible flaws with their health and safety codes!!! I found it interesting they have their California Safety Inspection posted near the cash register like saying… hey we passed!!! My experience as I ordered 3 burgers to GO, and 2 large fries. I had mentioned I was on a time frame so wanted to know if it would be too long. She said no… maybe 5 minutes! I took a seat to wait for my order to go. The young girl brought the burgers to my table, but they were not wrapped to go, so I asked to please wrap them to go since I had to go back to my meeting. When I walked back to the counter I asked her where the fries were, she walked away and I saw her dump the fries in the cooker. I asked her if she had forgottten to make the fries when she took my order, and she didn’t say much. I asked her how long it would take, and she said another 5 min. As I stood there watching her fidgit with the fires, like shaking the basket would make them cook faster, a gentlemen who was painting a mural on the outside wall came into the food area, and had 2 small bottles. One was white and one was red… I thought he was mixing catsup and mayo, then I realized what he was mixing was PAINT!!! He was mixing the paint on the same counter they had cut the tomatoes, and made the burgers!!! I told him that was a violation of a health code!!! He just looked at me and walked away!!! When the young girl came back to the counter I told her that mixing paint where they prepare the food is a violation of a health code!!! She just walked away and went and told the other girl. She then came back and was making another burger, checking my fires, and I asked her if she wore gloves when she prepared the food!!! She had prepared a burger, took money, boxed my fries, and did NOT have gloves on or washed her hands between touching the food and taking money! Bad part was as she pulled out the fries, she turned her head and sneezed. I was at this point appalled. I asked her if she ever wears gloves and she said she does??? Guess she just forgot??? Again I usually do no write bad reviews, but there were way too many things going on that were in violation!!! I think I will put in a call to the health department on this one… needless to say by the time I got the fries, like 10 min later, and walked back to my meeting the burger was cold. For the price… not impressed, and will never return.
Trang H.
Place rating: 5 San Jose, CA
Dropped by here with friends tonight for a late dinner. It was empty at around 8:30 but that’s okay, because we got quick service. Got a Southwest and the first bite melted in my mouth. The fries were really crispy as well. We got complimented Fanta Mango, and the owners were friendly. Will stop by here again when in the area!
Janette W.
Place rating: 4 San Jose, CA
I’m always down for a hot infusion of protein at lunch time and the Flipside is my new spot. The burgers are fresh and hot, and you can order whatever you want on them. Good quality meat and a good price!
Margaret A.
Place rating: 4 San Jose, CA
Stopped by the Flipside today. It was great finding a burger bar open on Sunday in downtown San Jose. It was my first time so I tried the basic with fries. The meat is local, organic, grain fed and non-gmo beef. It was simple and dressed with onion, cheese, sweet cherry tomatoes, lettuce and organic catsup. The side of fries were crispy and HUGE! The food was not overly salted and the catsup screamed tomatoes rather than sweet corn syrup. They have fancier burgers for every taste. Definitely a go to place. The owner Cynthia is a big supporter of the Arts and when I went back to get a burger and fries for a homeless gentleman she loaded on the fries. Cynthia and her crew are a great addition to downtown and worth the short walk or drive down First Street for a yummy burger.
Bryson L.
Place rating: 3 San Jose, CA
So this place has a double listing on Unilocal,weird… TL;DR: The burger isn’t exceptional, but its ok. I wouldn’t go out of my way to come here necessarily. The hamburger patty itself could use some improvements. A bit disappointing. Came here and tried the surf and turf burger. It was a burger with shrimp and sriracha mayo and your usual burger veggies. At the price of $ 9 this would’ve seemed reasonable had the burger not been as thin as it was. Maybe slightly thicker than that of a McDonalds burger. Given that I had the shrimp, this didn’t seem as bad as it might have been for my friends who had the other burgers on the menu. Still though, this is a tiny burger. The sriracha mayo inside the burger basically tasted like the sriracha mayo you could buy from the store. I also ended up buying the large order of fries to share while a couple friends got small orders. When our orders came out, the small portion was as big as the large size, what a ripoff so don’t bother with the large size. Basically the small portion had the burger and fries in a box piled high. While the large portion had the same box with fries piled no higher than ¾ of the box.
Albertino M.
Place rating: 3 San Francisco, CA
Time: 1:32pm/68°F sunny Purpose: Dropping off nephew at FanimeCon decided to drive around. Check out SOFA as, I was there talking with public relations spokesperson last time and Flipside wasn’t even open yet. Just passing by and they were in fact open. Ambiance: Located in the SOFA market hall. This place is one of several places opening up with soon to be new eateries. Flip Side is located dead center upon entering. Seatings are shared with others as well as parklet seating. With all things taken into consideration, its like the size of a food truck. Just a little more extra, but not much. Counter boast a sandwich ad board, touch screen, counter top beverage fridge, stacks of nearby business cards, tip jar, CCTV. Inner back all kitchen cooking/prepping area standard stuff. Partition glass separate the patrons and kitchen staff. Staff: Two girls about late 20s college student like. Going about their lifestyle till I pop in. That kinda put a damper on their chats. They seem like family or related to them. Later, I found out, its the same owner as in San Pedro Square Noodle House that owns this joint. Both really quiet didn’t talk much while I was there, but a soon as I grab order to leave, its back to normal for them. Cleanliness: Grade A, Santa Clara inspection posted with green card meaning pass. Didn’t see any thing that would suggest filth. All tables and seating area wipe. There was even a janitor on site. He’s job was specifically clean and stack away all trays for every eatery in that complex. Eats/Drinks: Surf in’ Turf burger $ 10 and bottle of coke $ 2.50. Not a good pick for me on this day. Should kick myself in the butt. The ad board sounded more tasty than my burger. I was looking forward to a humongous stack thick patty with toasted buttery buns. What I got was a joke, small palm like size with hamburger buns of Orowheat. Sriracha mayo was a bit off not sure what made it off. Anyone can whip up sriracha mayo even my niece can do it. Iceberg lettuce was still wet from rinsing along with mayo made bun soggy. The shrimps were the frozen bag version size of a dime. Not kidding here. You get 6 – 7 pieces slather with mayo hidden beneath bun. Patty flavor was so off, it needs a major overhaul in receipe or the beef use. What made me upset was burger fits into a salad coated wax box. Seems like they know what they’re doing. What a waste of $ 10. No way burger was worth that much. Not even at $ 5 that tells you my experience. Wash it down with coke, refreshing. Main Features: Mainly burgers here with, surf in’ turf being their most pricey. Products/Services: Burgers-basic, southwest, black & bleu, surf in’ turf, hawaiian, assorted bottle drinks/water, fries. Use local grass-fed organic beef. Takes plastic(no minimum). Punch Lines: Pricey, snooty, spotty service, off putting, nothing out of the ordinary, attitude at door, industrial interior, sleeper, not as great, quite bland, pretentious, go elsewhere, street/lot parking, downtown SJ. Tradeoffs: You’re just paying for grass fed beef here, but other ingredients are just run of mill. Nothing worth noting. Silver lining here is that they’re are lucky to have other eateries with complex. Final Thoughts: You’re paying for their wages, but in return you’re getting a little bit bigger than slider size mediocre burger. Touts grass fed meat use to differentiate itself from others, but smaller portion with higher price point is how it works here.
Josephine T.
Place rating: 3 Menlo Park, CA
FIRST! The burgers are overpriced. I ordered the surf and turf burger. It was good, but for the price I would rather head to Gordon biersch. $ 10 bucks for a burger, doesn’t come with fries or anything. The guy who helped us was nice. I wouldn’t go back for a burger from this place.
Stephen I.
Place rating: 5 San Jose, CA
In the SOFA Market building next to the California Theatre is up and coming Flipside Burger of San Jose! The 2 gals that run the show feature grass feed organic non GMO local beef. Yum! Menu is basic with 5 kinds of hamburgers, Rockstar soda, French fries and on lucky days Tater Tots! Love that they have Sirachi, cool industrial wood tables and a nice smile!