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Historic John's Grill, San Francisco, CA

Historic John's Grill

4.7
4.7
7521 Reviews
$31 to $50
American

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 43 times today
  • 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.
Private dining

Private dining

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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–9:00 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

What 7,521 people are saying

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 in San Francisco offers a delightful blend of "old school" charm and modern service. Known for its "fantastic" atmosphere and live jazz, the restaurant serves "succulent" lamb chops and steaks "cooked to perfection". Patrons rave about the "friendly" and "attentive" staff, making it a must-visit.
7,521 Reviews
  1. Michael VIP

    Los Angeles5 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    This was our first time and we will be back. Steaks were excellent, as were the fries, beet salad, and sourdough bread they kept refilling. Our server was delightful and attentive. Her timing was perfect, and we hope to see here again next time we’re there.

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  2. Malcolm VIP

    San Francisco22 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    We were seated next to a big table set for a dozen or so, with one guy there. Then it filled up with a group of prominent San Franciscans. The event: A birthday lunch for former mayor and Speaker of the Assembly Willie Brown. When he arrived, he took over the room. What fun!

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  3. Hank and Sidne VIP

    San Francisco76 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    John's Grill is fantastic. Great atmosphere and nostalgic decor. Great little bar. Caesar salard always with fresh greens and not overly dressed. Lamb chops best my wife ever had. The Snapper was fresh and prepared in a nice tomato sauce Our server, Jason, was teriffic. Polite, helpful with our menu choices.

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  4. Thomas

    San Francisco4 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    Very long/honest pours on cocktails. Service attentive, but can be a bit delayed at peak hours. Steaks/meat dishes cooked well to order. Sides predictable but delicious. Classic old-school roadhouse/bistro cuisine. Not a culinary adventure, but solid, predictably delicious fare served in an authentic aura of San Francisco in its 20th century hey-day.

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  5. Robert

    San Francisco10 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on March 17, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Fabulous historic restaurant with great food and live jazz music upstairs!

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  6. Ariana

    San Francisco1 review

    5.0

    Dined on March 16, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Amazing everything was amazing last night. My boyfriend enjoyed his birthday dinner. Food was amazing drinks were amazing ambiance was amazing 10 all around

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  7. Verx

    San Francisco22 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on March 15, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Exceeded expectations. Official critics tend to dismiss it as a classic with just ok food. But all of our dishes exceeded expectations. Lamb chops were succulent and perfectly grilled. Service was crisp and accommodating. Even the sound system was top-notch piping in classical jazz complementing the historic vibe.

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  8. Gregory VIP

    Greater Boston33 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on March 15, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Go to spot in SFO…one of the most reasonable steak meals…service and drinks awesome and they had a live band!!

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  9. Gordon

    London4 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on March 12, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Love this restaurant and everything was great this visit.

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  10. John

    Hawaii4 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on March 10, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Another great experience at the Grill. Especially enjoyed the jazz

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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 7521 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 43 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–9:00 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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