Historic John's Grill

4.7

7299 Reviews

$31 to $50

American

Make a reservation

2 people

Nov 28, 2024

9:00 PM

Booked 25 times today

Experiences are available.

Good for special occasions
Charming
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.

Order delivery or takeout

Private dining

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View details

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–9:30 pm
Phone number
(415) 986-0069
Website
http://johnsgrill.com/
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.

Location
63 Ellis Street, San Francisco, CA 94102
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

Featured in

100 San Francisco Bay Area Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

Experiences

Thanksgiving
Nov 28, 2024 only
The restaurant is offering a Thanksgiving meal featuring a selection that includes steaks, seafood, and the traditional turkey dinner. We look forward to serving you.

Popular dishes

New England Clam Chowder$8.95
Lobster Bisque$9.95
Lunch Salad$6.95
Seasonal greens, with vinaigrette dressing
- With Bleu Cheese Dressing$7.95
Caesar a la John's$14.95
Bay Shrimp Louie$17.95
Roquefort Salad$17.95
bay shrimp, avocado
Roasted Beet Salad$15.95
Candied walnuts, feta cheese, lemon aioli topped with micro greens
Jack LaLanne's Favorite Salad$29.95
Seasonal greens, crab, shrimp, avocado, mushrooms, tomato tossed in our famous creamy bleu cheese vinaigrette dressing

Seafood & Shellfish

All the below entrees served with seasonal vegetables

Grilled Pacific Snapper$17.95
Sauce Piquante (spiced tomato sauce)
Jumbo Prawns Dijonnaise$19.95
Sautéed with mushrooms, wine, garlic and Dijon cream
Broiled Salmon$22.95
Served with Hollandaise Sauce and mashed potatoes
Petrale Amandine$18.95
Sliced almonds, Lemon butter sauce
Fried Jumbo Prawns$19.95
Fried Sea Scallops$28.95
Fried Oysters$16.95
Fried Combination Seafood$25.95
Coated with herbed breadcrumbs and accompanied by tartar sauce

John's Featured Steaks

Served with seasonal vegetables & baked Idaho potato. All of our steaks are sourced from Black Angus Midwest Corn-fed beef, the finest available. They are naturally aged in order to ensure maximum flavor and tenderness. Each steak is hand selected and hand cut in California to meet our exact specification. Add 3 Fried Jumbo Prawns to any steak $12, Add 4 Oz Maine Lobster Tail to any steak $19.95, Side Peppercorn or Bearnaise Sauce $3

New York Steak$31.95
Ribeye Steak$36.95
Filet Mignon$38.95
Surf and Turf$43.95
New York Steak & 3 Fried Jumbo Prawns

Sam Spade's Lamb Chops

Sam Spade's Lamb Chops$35.95
Served with baked potato and sliced tomatoes [Sam Spade went to John's Grill, asked the waiter to hurry his order of chops, baked potato, sliced tomatoes...and was smoking a cigarette with his coffee when... The Maltese Falcon]

Sandwiches & Pasta

Broiled 1/2 Lb. Deluxe Burger$19.95
Broiled New York Steak Sandwich$24.95
All Accompanied by French Fries
Tortellone$15.95
Filled with sundried tomato, romano, parmigiano and ricotta cheese in a basil cream sauce topped with shredded Grana Padano cheese
Maine Lobster Ravioli$18.95
Herbed tomato cream
Chicken Linguine Alfredo$18.95
Fisherman's Pasta$25.95
Linguine, jumbo prawns, salmon, snapper, mushrooms in basil cream

On the Side

Baked Idaho Potato$5.95
French Fries$6.95
Sautéed Mushrooms$7.95
Fresh Creamed Spinach$7.95
Caramelized Onions$7.95

Chef's Weekly Special

Fish & Chips$17.95
Anchor Steam beer batter, wild caught Pollock with caper tartar sauce
Crispy Chicken Sandwich on Brioche$17.95
Roasted garlic-sundried tomato aioli
Heirloom Tomato & Burrata Cheese$16.95
Aged balsamic, extra virgin olive oil and basil
Medallions of Beef$32.95
Medallions of Filet mignon, béarnaise sauce served with Parmesan mashed potato and seasonal vegetables

What 7,299 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
4.7Service
4.6Ambience
4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

San Francisco
American

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Historic John's Grill is a cherished San Francisco institution with a "classic old school" vibe and "amazing food." Guests rave about the "best steak in town," attentive service, and vibrant atmosphere. The historic ambiance, coupled with live jazz, creates a truly "memorable dining experience" perfect for both locals and visitors.

7,299 Reviews

A
Ana
London
6 reviews
vip
5.0
6 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Although it was Thanksgiving we decided to order from the menu, and we have no regrets! Our wonderful waitress recommended I have the lamb chops (stating they were the best thing on the menu)…and they were superb! My husband had the surf and turf, but honestly we would order just the steak next time! We started our meal with the prawn cocktail (fabulous) and the lobster ravioli (too salty for our taste). Greetings from Mexico!
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P
Peter
San Francisco
3 reviews
3.0
3 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 3
Ambience good/traditional; service great; nice and quiet—I hate places where you can't have a conversation. The halibut was delicious .Worth a visit. However, you can eat real turkey cooked and carved in-house at Tommy's Joynt for 1/3 the price of the pressed, processed variety at John's.
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K
Kimberly
San Francisco
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Traditional SF restaurant. Adorably decorated for the Holidays. The hostess, bartender, waiter are all professional and accomodating. The food is fabulous. Great location while shopping in Union Square or heading to a show at the Curran Theatre. Love this place!
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M
Mark
San Francisco
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
John’s Grill is one of my most favorite restaurants in SF. The staff are efficient and friendly. The ambiance is great, and I enjoy taking first-timers to this gem. The food is great, and my favorite is Jack LaLanne seafood salad with a glass of Chardonnay. Steaks and pasta dishes are great too! Make a toast or two to Hammett, Bogart, Astor, Greenstreet etc. Save a bit of time to check out The Maltese Falcon and other film noir items upstairs. Enjoy the day!
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r
rafael
San Francisco
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Excellent service and friendly staff. Great food and atmosphere.
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SB
StevenB
Portland
7 reviews
vip
5.0
7 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great food and wonderful service. We will return.
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D
Dean
San Francisco
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 21, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Food great. Service staff friendly. Atmosphere old time San Francisco
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S
Steve
San Francisco
39 reviews
5.0
39 reviews
Dined on November 18, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Amazing food and service. Let them know we had a show following dinner and they got us out in plenty of time
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L
Lisa
San Francisco
32 reviews
vip
5.0
32 reviews
Dined on November 17, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We had a nice leisurely lunch prior to our theater date. Attentive service and delicious meals. Historic restaurant that should be on everyone’s list.
Is this helpful?
M
Marcus
San Francisco
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on November 17, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Classic San Francisco restaurant. Amazing food and a reasonable price. Service is top notch.
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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 7299 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

Nov 28, 2024

9:00 PM

Booked 25 times today

Experiences are available.

Order delivery or takeout

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–9:30 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

Website
http://johnsgrill.com/
Phone number
(415) 986-0069
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.

Featured in

100 San Francisco Bay Area Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

Historic John's Grill

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Private dining

Dining areas

Additional information

100 San Francisco Bay Area Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

Thanksgiving

Ribeye Steak

Filet Mignon

New York Steak

Appetizers

Escargots$11.95

Jumbo Prawn Cocktail$17.95

Soup & Salads

New England Clam Chowder$8.95

Lobster Bisque$9.95

Lunch Salad$6.95

Caesar a la John's$14.95

Bay Shrimp Louie$17.95

Roquefort Salad$17.95

Roasted Beet Salad$15.95

Jack LaLanne's Favorite Salad$29.95

Seafood & Shellfish

Grilled Pacific Snapper$17.95

Jumbo Prawns Dijonnaise$19.95

Broiled Salmon$22.95

Petrale Amandine$18.95

Fried Jumbo Prawns$19.95

Fried Sea Scallops$28.95

Fried Oysters$16.95

Fried Combination Seafood$25.95

John's Featured Steaks

New York Steak$31.95

Ribeye Steak$36.95

Filet Mignon$38.95

Surf and Turf$43.95

Sam Spade's Lamb Chops

Sam Spade's Lamb Chops$35.95

Sandwiches & Pasta

Broiled 1/2 Lb. Deluxe Burger$19.95

Broiled New York Steak Sandwich$24.95

Tortellone$15.95

Maine Lobster Ravioli$18.95

Chicken Linguine Alfredo$18.95

Fisherman's Pasta$25.95

On the Side

Baked Idaho Potato$5.95

French Fries$6.95

Sautéed Mushrooms$7.95

Fresh Creamed Spinach$7.95

Caramelized Onions$7.95

Chef's Weekly Special

Fish & Chips$17.95

Crispy Chicken Sandwich on Brioche$17.95

Heirloom Tomato & Burrata Cheese$16.95

Medallions of Beef$32.95

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Review summary

FAQs

Does Historic John's Grill offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Historic John's Grill restaurant rated?

Is Historic John's Grill currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Featured in

100 San Francisco Bay Area Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day