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Historic John's Grill, San Francisco, CA

Historic John's Grill

4.7
4.7
7550 Reviews
$31 to $50
American
63 Ellis Street, San Francisco, CA 94102

Make a reservation

2 people
SunMonTueWedThuFriSat
7:00 PM
Booked 72 times today

About this restaurant

  • Good for special occasions
  • Neighborhood gem
  • Charming
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 7,550 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
  • 4.6Food
  • 4.6Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.4Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • San Francisco

    American

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Historic John's Grill is a celebrated San Francisco institution known for its vintage charm and "fantastic food." Renowned for its perfectly cooked steaks and live jazz, the restaurant offers a bustling atmosphere that "never disappoints." With "excellent service" and a storied history, it's a must-visit for steak and seafood lovers alike.
7,550 Reviews
  1. Mark VIP

    San Francisco59 reviews

    4.0

    Dined today

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    A classic! Food was very good, we ate yostairs with live Jazz..good buzz in the room!

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  2. Alessandra

    New York City1 review

    4.0

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    Purtroppo suonano fino alle 9. Il cameriere porta il conto senza averlo chiesto. Carne ottima. Non esiste un kids menu

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  3. Amanda

    Atlanta1 review

    5.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    This was our first time at John’s, we had a party of 9. We were immediately shown to our table and the service was immediate. Our waitress was on-point but also there when you needed without being asked. We all were impressed with the history and gorgeous presentation of the whole experience. Food was terrific. Not only will we return, I will recommend to friends.

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  4. Anne VIP

    Atlanta16 reviews

    4.0

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    Atmosphere is spectacular with light jazz in the background. Service was good with polite staff and adequate time between courses. Food was average with slight chemical taste to steak. Lobster was good but bisque was corn not lobster. Worth a visit

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  5. kara

    San Francisco4 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great service! Great food and cocktails! Enjoyed every moment!

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  6. Jim VIP

    San Francisco56 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 20, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Food, service, ambience always exceptional. Fried Prawns with a baked potato. Yum. Espresso Martini for dessert. A bit loud and crowded but it was Easter.

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  7. Saphanda

    San Francisco1 review

    5.0

    Dined on April 20, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Very clean, elegant environment. Casual to dress wear. Professional staff experience.

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  8. Kathleen VIP

    San Francisco82 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 20, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    This restaurant holds a special place in my heart. The ghosts that wander about are truly friendly and welcoming. It’s our go to place after demonstrations.

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  9. Ilene VIP

    New York City1 review

    5.0

    Dined on April 16, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Loved the live jazz dinner music! Staff was very friendly. Great service!

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  10. Pablo VIP

    San Francisco6 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 14, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Enjoyed food and excellent customer service by David, Angel and Alejandra

    Is this helpful?

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 7550 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 72 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
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  • Terms of Use
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  • Cookie Preferences
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