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Historic John's Grill, San Francisco, CA

Historic John's Grill

4.7
4.7
7525 Reviews
$31 to $50
American

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2 people
19:00
Booked 69 times today
  • Good for special occasions
  • Neighbourhood 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.

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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 11:45–15:30 Dinner Daily 15:30–21:00
  • 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
  • Area
    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, Takeaway, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Private dining

What 7,525 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 captivating blend of "classic ambiance" and "historic charm." Guests rave about the "amazing dining experience," delicious steaks, and fresh seafood. The live jazz and attentive service enhance the nostalgic atmosphere. While bustling and occasionally noisy, the "friendly and accommodating" staff ensure a memorable visit.
7,525 Reviews
  1. Robert

    New York City3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    What a classic spot. The place was packed! Every floor of the restaurant was full and still the service was attentive and enjoyable. Great menu and wine selection. Best jumbo shrimp cocktail I’ve had in a very long time. The bread pudding was delicious. The filet mignon outstanding.

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  2. Ken VIP

    Palm Springs230 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Outstanding service…great waiter, and very good food. Fantastic place and value in SF.

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  3. Timothy VIP

    San Francisco4 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The Food is excellent! I love this restaurant. We got in and out and in time to attend a concert nearby.

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  4. Brian

    San Francisco6 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Both our servers were outstanding! Always helpful and attentive throughout our dining experience!

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  5. Andrea

    San Francisco1 review

    5.0

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We had a wonderful experience celebrating our anniversary here. The atmosphere was lovely, and the piano and saxophone music was fantastic. It was a memorable evening!

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  6. Schuyler

    Denver23 reviews

    3.0

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 5
    Great atmosphere and vibe. Lamb chops were just ok - highly seasoned and thinly cut. Also, make sure they give you the dinner menu for dinner. Decent portion overall though. My menu said $38.95 for the lamb chops, but my bill said $49.95. When I asked about it he said I’d mistakenly been given the lunch menu. 🤔. Anyway, may give a steak a try if I get back.

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  7. PHILIPPE

    Chicago1 review

    4.0

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Excellent repas dans une ambiance agréable et un service de classe.

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  8. david

    San Francisco32 reviews

    4.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    Excellent lobster bisque and clam chowder. Entrees were very good, save the portion size which were smaller than I would have expected. Bread service delicious. Service very good. Only strange issue - the Jack LaLane Seafood salad - which looked very good- with micro greens was not available with romaine even though they served romaine with other salads. Overall it was a very good meal, though a bit off the “beaten path”.

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  9. J.W.

    Las Vegas1 review

    5.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great food with even better service! A must visit when you are in town.

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  10. Michael VIP

    Los Angeles5 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 23 March 2025

    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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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 7525 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a booking

2 people
19:00
Booked 69 times today
Google Map for Historic John's Grill

63 Ellis Street, San Francisco, CA 94102

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Cross Street
    Powell Street
  • Area
    Downtown / Union Square
  • Hours of Operation
    Lunch Daily 11:45–15:30 Dinner Daily 15:30–21:00
  • 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, Takeaway, 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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