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Historic John's Grill, San Francisco, CA

Historic John's Grill

4.7 (7554)
$31 to $50
American
63 Ellis Street, San Francisco, CA 94102

Make a reservation

2 people
SunMonTueWedThuFriSat
10:00 PM
Booked 53 times today

About this restaurant

  • Good for special occasions
  • Neighborhood gem
  • Good for business meals
John's Grill has been a San Francisco tradition since 1908. This historic restaurant is one of the city's oldest and most famous and is a favorite of celebrities who enjoy great steaks, expertly prepared fresh seafood with excellent service and a one of a kind atmosphere. John's Grill was a setting in author Dashiell Hammett, The Maltese Falcon.

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    American, Steak, Seafood
  • Hours of operation
    Lunch Daily 11:45 am–3:30 pm Dinner Daily 3:30 pm–9:15 pm
  • Phone number
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive chef
    Mauricio Sibrian
  • Private party facilities
    Historic John's Grill is a landmark restaurant established in 1908 offers private dining rooms for 20 - 300 guests. Classic San Francisco atmosphere offering local seafood and fine cuts of steaks and chops. Chosen as top 10 by Esquire and featured in Gourmet.
  • Private party contact
    Events Team: (415) 986-0069
  • Neighborhood
    Downtown / Union Square
  • Cross street
    Powell Street
  • Parking details
    There is a parking garage directly across the street, Ellis - O'Farrell Garage.https://www.sfmta.com/garages-lots/ellis-ofarrell-garageParking near John's Grill:https://www.parkinsf.com/sanfrancisco/parking-near/John%27s+Grill
  • Public transit
    BART / MUNI at Powell Street Station
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Private dining

What 7,554 people are saying

Historic John's Grill reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7
4.7 based on recent ratings
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.4Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • San Francisco

    American

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Historic John's Grill is a beloved San Francisco institution known for its "wonderful old San Francisco charm" and "excellent food and service." Diners rave about the "best steaks in San Francisco" and "perfectly cooked" seafood. The "live jazz" and "nostalgic decor" enhance the vibrant atmosphere. A must-visit for food and history lovers.
7,554 Reviews
  1. Jacqui

    Melbourne1 review

    5.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Thank you for a wonderful evening. The food was amazing, the service exceptional and the music was fabulous. An experience that these two Aussies will treasure and remember as a highlight of our visit to San Francisco.

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  2. Drew VIP

    San Francisco15 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Wonderful old San Francisco charm, with great food and service to boot. We really enjoyed our evening there. We are both native San Franciscans and had never eaten there. We will definitely return to this gem.

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  3. Lisa

    San Francisco4 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Had a lunch reservation and arrived 20 minutes early, they seated us right away. The service was very good. The noise level was not too loud. Drinks were good and reasonably priced. We both had the Shrimp Louie and it was great. The french bread was delicious. We have eaten here 5 or 6 times and it has always been enjoyable. Love the feel of this historic SF gem!

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  4. Agnes VIP

    Sacramento38 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    I had the Petrale Sole and it was excellent. And the creamed spinach is to die for!

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  5. Gustavo VIP

    Sacramento472 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Excellent meal and service. I was here over 20 years ago. Glad I came back while in the City! Highly recommend!

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  6. Carolyne VIP

    San Francisco3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on May 8, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Three former San Francisco journalists get together quarterly for lunch at a spot where tourists, locals, and political power players come for lunch. John's is not far from City Hall and accessible for visitors and everyday people alike. We like John's Grill for the great value, consistency of the food, which is always delicious, and prompt service. This is not the spot for precious bites, so if it's lunch or dinner prepared with tweezers and microgreens, this is not fore you. It's a spot for unpretentious, hearty fare at market prices. I've never been disappointed in 25 years. What more can I say? John's is on my list of favorites in San Francisco.

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  7. Alexis

    Central Coast1 review

    5.0

    Dined on May 6, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    Delicious food, kind servers. Busy and a bit loud but that’s to be expected with a popular restaurant and live music.

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  8. Carly

    New York City6 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on May 5, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    Was a nice experience! Food was pretty good and service good but not extra special.

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  9. kathy

    San Francisco10 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on May 4, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The service is sublime. The food is great. The drinks are stiff. The price is reasonable. The old school surroundings with dark wood, lovely windows, and narrow stairs make it so special. Gawk at the celebrity photos and the Maltese Falcon on the way to the restroom. I love this place!

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  10. Tracey

    San Francisco13 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on May 4, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Rib eye was perfectly cooked - medium well with a little char on the edges. Espresso martini was one of the best I’ve had. Can’t wait to return.

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FAQs

Historic John's Grill offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (415) 986-0069.

Historic John's Grill is rated 4.7 stars by 7554 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. San Francisco Bay Area
  4. San Francisco
  5. Downtown / Union Square

Make a reservation


Booked 53 times today
Google Map for Historic John's Grill

63 Ellis Street, San Francisco, CA 94102

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Cross street
    Powell Street
  • Neighborhood
    Downtown / Union Square
  • Hours of operation
    Lunch Daily 11:45 am–3:30 pm Dinner Daily 3:30 pm–9:15 pm
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    American, Steak, Seafood
  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    There is a parking garage directly across the street, Ellis - O'Farrell Garage.https://www.sfmta.com/garages-lots/ellis-ofarrell-garageParking near John's Grill:https://www.parkinsf.com/sanfrancisco/parking-near/John%27s+Grill
  • Public transit
    BART / MUNI at Powell Street Station
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Mauricio Sibrian
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Phone number
  • Private party facilities
    Historic John's Grill is a landmark restaurant established in 1908 offers private dining rooms for 20 - 300 guests. Classic San Francisco atmosphere offering local seafood and fine cuts of steaks and chops. Chosen as top 10 by Esquire and featured in Gourmet.
  • Private party contact
    Events Team: (415) 986-0069
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
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