Monday Burger Night at New Taraval Cafe

Pulling into a stall on Taraval Street, we parked, and walked a block to our destination: New Taraval Cafe. 

As we walked toward the diner on the dusky Monday evening light, its sand-colored walls and blue awning were a familiar sight. This was the location of my second-ever diner date. I was back again with the same company in tow.

Cassey and I had fallen in love with New Taraval Cafe on that first visit. 

It had an unassuming charm, neighborhood feel, and super friendly staff. We’d chatted away with Orlando and I’d walked away with two bottles of his hot sauce as gifts for my dad and my brother. 

Now we were back, but this time, it was for dinner. And not just any dinner: burgers!

Monday Burger Nights at New Taraval Cafe

I’d been scrolling on Instagram and had seen @new_taraval_cafe’s post about “reinstating Monday burger nights.” I’d never experienced Monday burger nights before, but immediately DM’d Cassey to see if she wanted to return to the cafe for this classic diner meal.

Thank goodness she’s a real one and immediately agreed to join me.

How could a diner girl resist the call of this classic menu item?

Dates & Time:

Monday burger nights are from 6pm – 8pm while burger supplies last! 

FYI for fellow vegetarians out there: 

A couple of nights prior to us driving over, Cassey messaged the cafe on Facebook to ask if there would be veggie burgers available.

I’ve been a vegetarian for almost ten years now, and having been a San Francisco resident for all of those, I sometimes forget that this is something I should ask. 

Luckily, she had the wherewithal to ask, and they replied saying that they would make sure to have some Impossible burgers just for us. 

We thanked the owner for getting Impossible burgers for me and he replied, “all you have to do is ask!”

THAT is why we love ‘em!

Getting Smashed at New Taraval Cafe

They were cookin’ when we arrived (at about 6:30pm). 

The owner was working away on the grill and a woman told us it would be about a twenty-to-thirty minute wait. We sat for a moment on the little bench at the very front of the cafe, debating if we should go for a walk. Then, almost as soon as we’d sat to wait, the hostess was back again and let us a know that a table had actually opened up. 

We sat at a small two-seater against the wall and were provided with the menu for that evening. 

A cute piece of paper featuring three burger options was placed down in front of us. 

All were smash burgers with TWO patties. 

There was a classic smash burger, a Thai curry burger, and something called an Oklahoma Onion.

New Taraval Cafe Monday Burger Night Menu

Smash Burger - Double smashed patty, lettuce, tomato, caramelized onion, sauce, American cheese

Thai Curry Burger - Double smashed patty, tomato, green curry, American cheese

Oklahoma Onion - Double smashed patty, lettuce, tomato, LOTS o’ onions, sauce, American cheese

Each also came with fries. 

I was tempted to order a Coca-Cola when the hostess came back around to take our orders, but didn’t want any caffeine. 

Cassey opted for the classic smash while I decided that if I was there, I might as well try something new. I asked for the Thai Curry Burger (Impossible, please). 

At first, the hostess looked concerned, but we let her know that we had requested the vegan patties, and she shuffled away to put in our orders. 

Condiments and compliments

Once again, New Taraval Cafe won me over with its obvious connection to its neighborhood/San Francisco community. Customers came in and hung out at the counter, chatting with the owner when he could spare a moment, and catching up with one another. 

There were definitely a lot of regulars, and I loved the feeling their positive energy imbued into the place. 

While we waited for our food, Cassey and I talked condiments, singing the praises of ketchup but also debating the best dipping sauces from McDonalds. It’s been a while since I dipped anything besides french fries but I do love their honey mustard.

Speaking of French fries, we also stack ranked our favorite fry types. 

RIVETING conversationalists!

Food Reviews

Cassey, having ordered the classic smash, was well satisfied. 

“It’s a solid burger,” she said between bites.

I was totally swept up with my own burger. 10/10 I’d order it again. 

I don’t think I would have ever thought to put Thai curry on a burger had it not been on the menu, but it turned out to be finger-lickin’ good! The curry was that perfect mix between savory and sweet, the sharp flavors of lime leaves and garlic balanced with that tongue-coating coconut milk. It was the perfect sauce to go with the two smashed Impossible patties that somehow seemed juicier than the non-smashed ones I’ve had before. 

It was not easy to eat, the curry dripping down the sides, but that’s part of the fun!

Both of us finished our burgers and though we felt full… like really full… neither of us had that sick feeling you can sometimes get when you eat a super greasy fast food burger. That’s because these guys were cooked with love!

I’d recommend following @new_taraval_cafe on Instagram and checking out their next Monday Burger Night event!