Historic John's Grill

4.7

7296 Reviews

$31 to $50

American

Make a reservation

2 people

Nov 23, 2024

10:00 PM

Booked 71 times today

Experiences are available.

Good for special occasions
Charming
Neighborhood gem

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

Book your next event with us

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 7,296 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.

7,296 Reviews

M
Mark
San Francisco
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined 1 day 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!
Is this helpful?
r
rafael
San Francisco
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Excellent service and friendly staff. Great food and atmosphere.
Is this helpful?
SB
StevenB
Portland
7 reviews
vip
5.0
7 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great food and wonderful service. We will return.
Is this helpful?
D
Dean
San Francisco
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Food great. Service staff friendly. Atmosphere old time San Francisco
Is this helpful?
S
Steve
San Francisco
39 reviews
5.0
39 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
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
Is this helpful?
L
Lisa
San Francisco
32 reviews
vip
5.0
32 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
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 7 days ago
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.
Is this helpful?
P
Paul
Las Vegas
8 reviews
4.0
8 reviews
Dined on November 15, 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 3
This is a classic steak house....kind of NY style. The menu is interesting and features something for everyone. We started with escargot and they were really good. Both of us had the Halibut. It was delicious. I had a baked potato, he had masked.....go with the mashed; the sauce with the fish is amazing and goes great with the mash. Veggies were tasty and cooked perfectly. I felt the service was kind of rushed but attentive. A jazz duo played and I thought it was kind of loud. I would go back.
Is this helpful?
R
Raisetheroof
San Francisco
14 reviews
5.0
14 reviews
Dined on November 15, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We celebrated a milestone birthday at John’s with good friends. Food and atmosphere were excellent. Servers very attentive and really made the evening special.
Is this helpful?
A
Aislinn
Salt Lake City
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 10, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Amazing!! The best food and the best service. One of my favorite places in SF
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 7296 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 23, 2024

10:00 PM

Booked 71 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