You’ve circled the parking lot twice, and now you’re wondering if the lunch special inside is worth the gas money you just burned. Before you make that decision, you need the real breakdown of the Nation’s Giant Hamburgers Menu with Prices so you know exactly what you are paying for. This guide cuts through the noise and gives you the actual costs, portion sizes, and the best value picks on the board.
Nation’s Giant Hamburgers is a legendary Bay Area chain that has been slinging massive patties since 1963. They don’t do fancy; they do big, fresh, and affordable. But menus change, and prices shift, so here is the current lowdown on what you will spend for that famous “Giant” experience.
Nation’s Giant Hamburgers Menu With Prices
We have broken down the entire menu into categories so you can plan your order before you even walk up to the counter. This is the most accurate pricing snapshot available right now, based on standard store locations in the San Francisco Bay Area. Remember, franchise locations might have a slight price difference of 10 to 30 cents, but this is your solid baseline.
The Famous Giant Burgers
This is why you are here. The patties are thin, wide, and crispy on the edges, just like the classic California style. You can get them single, double, or triple. The “Giant” part refers to the sheer width of the patty, not necessarily the height.
- Giant Cheeseburger: $7.45 (Single), $10.25 (Double), $13.05 (Triple)
- Giant Hamburger: $6.95 (Single), $9.75 (Double), $12.55 (Triple)
- Bacon Giant Cheeseburger: $8.45 (Single), $11.25 (Double)
- Mushroom Giant Cheeseburger: $8.15 (Single), $10.95 (Double)
- Chili Giant Cheeseburger: $8.45 (Single), $11.25 (Double)
Every burger comes with lettuce, tomato, onion, and your choice of sauce. The “Special Sauce” is a thousand-island style dressing that is tangy and sweet. If you want extra patties beyond the triple, they will charge you around $2.80 per additional patty.
Chicken Sandwiches And Grilled Options
Not a beef eater? Nation’s still has you covered with a few solid alternatives. These are not frozen pucks; they are grilled or fried to order.
- Giant Chicken Breast Sandwich: $7.25 (Grilled or Fried)
- Giant Chicken Club Sandwich: $8.75
- Teriyaki Chicken Sandwich: $7.65
- Fish Fillet Sandwich: $7.15 (Available during Lent and Fridays)
The chicken breast is massive and often hangs off the bun. If you are hungry, this is a solid pick. The Teriyaki option is brushed with a sweet glaze and grilled pineapple, which is a nice change of pace.
Hot Dogs And Chili Specialties
Nation’s is known for their chili. It is a meaty, beanless chili that is perfect on hot dogs and fries. These items are cheaper than the burgers but still fill you up.
- Giant Hot Dog: $5.25
- Chili Giant Dog: $6.45
- Bacon Chili Cheese Dog: $7.15
- Chili Cheese Fries: $6.95 (Large)
Do not skip the chili. It is slow-cooked and has a nice kick to it. The hot dogs are snappy and grilled, not boiled. You can get a side of chili for $1.50 if you want to dip your fries.
Fresh Cut Fries And Sides
The fries are cut fresh daily. They are not the crispy, shoestring type. They are thicker, skin-on, and sometimes a little limp, but they taste like real potatoes. You can order them “well done” if you want them crunchier.
- Small Fries: $3.25
- Medium Fries: $3.95
- Large Fries: $4.65
- Onion Rings: $4.95 (Large basket)
- Mozzarella Sticks: $5.95 (6 pieces)
If you are splitting fries with a friend, get the medium. The large is enough for three people. The onion rings are battered and crispy, but they can be greasy. Order them fresh and ask for extra napkins.
Salads And Lighter Fare
Yes, they have salads. They are not the highlight of the menu, but they are fresh and crisp if you need a break from fried food.
- Giant Chef Salad: $8.95
- Chicken Caesar Salad: $8.75
- Side Salad: $3.95
The Chef Salad comes with turkey, ham, and cheese. The dressings are standard store-bought packets, so do not expect house-made vinaigrette. It is a decent option, but you are here for the burgers.
Breakfast Menu (Served All Day)
This is a hidden gem. Nation’s serves breakfast all day, every day. The portions are huge and the prices are low. If you want breakfast for dinner, this is the spot.
- Giant Breakfast Burrito: $7.95 (Eggs, cheese, potatoes, and your choice of bacon, sausage, or ham)
- Country Breakfast: $8.45 (Two eggs, hash browns, toast, and choice of meat)
- Pancake Stack: $5.95 (Three giant buttermilk pancakes)
- Eggs Benedict: $8.95 (Available on weekends only)
The breakfast burrito is massive. It is wrapped in a huge flour tortilla and grilled until crispy. You will not finish it in one sitting. The pancakes are the size of dinner plates.
Shakes And Malts
You cannot leave without trying a shake. They are thick, hand-dipped, and made with real ice cream. They are so thick that you will need to wait a minute for them to soften before you can use the straw.
- Regular Shake: $5.95 (Vanilla, Chocolate, Strawberry)
- Malt: $6.25
- Specialty Shake: $6.75 (Pineapple, Banana, Oreo)
- Float: $4.95
The shakes are worth every penny. They are not watery or artificial tasting. The strawberry shake has real strawberry chunks in it. If you are feeling indulgent, add whipped cream and a cherry for free.
Drinks And Beverages
Standard fountain drinks are available, but they also have some unique options.
- Soft Drink (Medium): $2.75
- Soft Drink (Large): $3.25
- Fresh Brewed Iced Tea: $2.95
- Orange Juice: $3.50 (Fresh squeezed)
- Chocolate Milk: $2.50
The fresh squeezed orange juice is a nice touch. They squeeze it to order, so it is not from concentrate. The iced tea is unsweetened, so ask for sugar packets if you like it sweet.
Value Meals And Combos
If you want to save a few bucks, look for the combo deals. They are not always listed on the main menu board, so you have to ask.
- The Giant Combo: Add fries and a drink to any burger for $3.50 extra.
- Two Can Eat For $20: Two double cheeseburgers, a large fry, and two medium drinks.
- Family Pack: Four burgers, two large fries, and a pitcher of soda for $25.99.
The “Two Can Eat” deal is the best value on the menu. It is not advertised heavily, but it exists at most corporate locations. Just ask the cashier if they have any current specials running.
Pricing Tips And Money Savers
Here are a few insider tricks to keep your total low when you visit Nation’s Giant Hamburgers.
- Skip the triple: The double is enough for most people. The triple is just excessive.
- Water is free: They have a self-serve water station. Save $3 and skip the soda.
- Share the fries: The medium fry is huge. Split it between two people.
- Check for senior discounts: If you are over 60, many locations offer 10% off.
- Use the app: The Nation’s app sometimes has digital coupons for free fries or a discounted shake.
You can easily eat for under $10 if you stick to a single burger and water. If you go all out with a double, fries, and a shake, expect to pay around $18 to $20 per person.
Ordering Tips For First Timers
If you have never been to Nation’s before, here is how to make the most of your first visit.
- Order at the counter: There is no table service. You order, pay, and take a number.
- Specify “well done”: If you like crispy edges on your patty, ask for it well done.
- Get the sauce on the side: The special sauce can make the bun soggy if you are taking it to go.
- Check your bag before you leave: They often forget napkins or extra ketchup.
- Find a seat first: During peak lunch hours (12-1 PM), seating is limited. Send one person to grab a table while another orders.
The staff is usually friendly but busy. Do not expect them to hold your hand through the menu. Know what you want before you step up to the register.
Location Variations And Pricing
Nation’s has locations in San Francisco, Oakland, Daly City, and a few other Bay Area spots. The prices we listed above are averages. The downtown San Francisco location on Mission Street tends to be about 5% more expensive due to rent and labor costs. The suburban locations in the Peninsula are usually cheaper.
If you are visiting the original location in the Excelsior district of San Francisco, expect a slightly older, more worn-down dining room. That is part of the charm. The food is consistent across all locations, though. The grill cooks are trained the same way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Nation’s Giant Hamburgers expensive?
No, it is actually quite affordable. A single burger is under $7, and a full meal with a drink and fries will run you about $12 to $14. Compared to other fast-casual burger joints, it is a good deal for the portion size.
What is the most popular item on the menu?
The Giant Cheeseburger with a double patty is the most ordered item. The chili cheese fries are a close second. Most regulars order the double cheeseburger and a chocolate shake.
Does Nation’s Giant Hamburgers have a secret menu?
Not officially, but you can ask for a “Rodeo Burger” which is a cheeseburger with onion rings and BBQ sauce on it. Some locations will make it if they are not too busy. You can also ask for a “Protein Style” burger wrapped in lettuce, but they might charge extra for it.
Are the burgers really “Giant”?
The patties are wider than the bun, so they hang over the edges. The patty is thin, though. It is not a thick, gourmet-style burger. It is a classic, smashed-style patty that is crispy on the edges and juicy in the middle.
What are the hours of operation?
Most locations open at 6:00 AM for breakfast and close at 10:00 PM or 11:00 PM on weekends. The drive-thru, if the location has one, often stays open an hour later than the dining room.
Now you have the full picture of the Nation’s Giant Hamburgers menu with prices. You know exactly what to order, what to skip, and how to get the best bang for your buck. Go ahead and park the car. The lunch special is worth it, especially if you grab the double cheeseburger and split the fries. Your wallet and your stomach will both thank you for making the smart choice today.
So next time you are circling the block, remember this guide. You have the knowledge to order like a regular, avoid the overpriced items, and walk out satisfied without breaking the bank. The burgers are fresh, the shakes are thick, and the prices are fair. That is a rare combination in today’s fast food world.
Go ahead and give it a try. You will see why this local chain has survived for over six decades while other burger spots have come and gone. It is simple, honest food at a price that makes sense. And that is exactly what you want when you are hungry and on a budget.