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Best Historic Restaurants in Tenderloin

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45 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Historic John's Grill restaurant
1. Historic John's Grill
4.7
Exceptional(7484)
Price: Expensive
• American • Downtown / Union Square
Booked 62 times today
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.
A photo of Biscuits and Blues restaurant
2. Biscuits and Blues
4.6
Exceptional(2011)
Price: Expensive
• Southern • Downtown / Union Square
Located in the heart of San Francisco's historic Theater District, Biscuits and Blues is a West Coast musical landmark where every seat provides an up-close, live music experience. Our all-ages supper club is a great place for the whole family to experience America's greatest musical heritage! We have live music six nights a week featuring national and Bay Area acts. Our full bar and soulful Southern menu compliments the savory sounds of our top-notch talent. If you’re trying to decide between food and music, you can indulge in both with us! Show times and prices may vary and are dependent on specific acts. No refunds-no cancellations for show tickets. Every ticket has a seat. Singles will be assigned a bar seat or shareable table seat when available.
A photo of The Post Room restaurant
3. The Post Room
4.0
Excellent(191)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Downtown / Union Square
Booked 16 times today
In the heart of San Francisco’s Union Square, a new Mediterranean-inspired bar and lounge called The Post Room is nestled inside the historic Beacon Grand and overlooking the hotel’s grand lobby, the vibrant social venue will serve breakfast through supper every day, with brunch served on weekends and complemented by a dazzling live music program.
A photo of The Garden Court - Luxury Collection restaurant
4. The Garden Court - Luxury Collection
3.9
Excellent(2479)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • SOMA
Booked 20 times today
Featuring innovative intercontinental cuisine, the famed Garden Court offers a superb dining experience in a glorious setting. This historic landmark serves Breakfast daily, 2 Course Prix Fixe Lunch Monday-Thursday and an enchanting Afternoon Tea on Friday and Saturday. The Garden Court features a stained glass dome, Italian marble columns, Austrian crystal chandeliers and is noted on San Francisco’s Historic Register as Landmark #18. Our Executive Chef invites you to try our signature crab salad lightly dressed in our own Green Goddess Dressing, a true Palace original created in 1923.
A photo of Original Joe's - San Francisco restaurant
5. Original Joe's - San Francisco
4.7
Exceptional(4276)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • North Beach
Booked 99 times today
Original Joe’s is the quintessential, classic San Francisco dining experience. A fabric of the City for over 80 years, it is located in the heart of the historic and majestic North Beach, a mecca for natives, tourists, and culinary aficionados alike.Original Joe’s is the oldest of all existing Joe’s restaurants in the country and is the innovator of what is now nationally known as the “Joe’s Concept”. With its signature red leather booths, legendary smooth cocktails, and renowned Italian American menu, Joe’s has come to signify its own Northern Californian category of food and symbolizes classic Italian American comfort food at its finest.
A photo of Starlite restaurant
6. Starlite
4.4
Awesome(193)
Price: Expensive
• Cocktail Bar • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 36 times today
Starlite is a historic San Francisco cocktail bar with nearly a century of vibrant stories. Renowned for hosting lively parties and attracting iconic figures like Alan Ginsberg, Starlite invites guests to the Beacon Grand’s 21st-floor, featuring refreshed interiors by San Francisco designer Alice Crumeyrolle. The atmosphere is set with rich velvet fabrics and a jewel-tone palette inspired by the Art Deco Era, paying homage to the city’s icons. Crafted by Scott Baird of Trick Dog fame, the cocktails are both playful and meticulously made. Michelin-award-winning chef Johnny Spero curates a menu that celebrates San Francisco’s culinary artistry, drawing inspiration from international fare. Enhancing the experience are nightly, all-vinyl DJ sets by music director Nina Tarr.
A photo of Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar - Fairmont San Francisco restaurant
7. Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar - Fairmont San Francisco
4.0
Excellent(2023)
Price: Expensive
• Asian • Nob Hill
Booked 23 times today
A visit to San Francisco is not complete without experiencing Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar. The Tonga Room offers exceptional Polynesian Cuisine in a tropical setting that includes thunder and rainstorms. It is the perfect escape after a busy day of meetings or shopping along Union Square. Be sure to try the Mai Tai, voted the City's best by Conde Nast Traveler.This booking is for dinner service not for drinks and/or appetizers only. The Island Groove performs a live set starting at 7:00 pm. A $15 per person cover charge applies to all guests seated in the restaurant or bar during the entertainment, regardless of the time they arrive.No-show reservations/cancellations for any reason outside of 48-hours will be charged $50 per guest on the evening of the reservation. Each reservation guarantees a table in our dining room for a 2-hour experience.For Parties over 10, contact TongaRoom@Fairmont.com to discuss reservations.
A photo of The Empress by Boon restaurant
8. The Empress by Boon
4.3
Awesome(1408)
Price: Very Expensive
• Chinese • Chinatown
Booked 13 times today
Empress by Boon is San Francisco’s newest, must-visit epicurean destination, offering a seasonal menu in modern Cantonese gastronomy. Michelin-starred Chef Ho Chee Boon applies traditional techniques to fresh, local ingredients to produce distinctive contemporary dishes infused with Cantonese flavors. The spacious restaurant occupies the former location of Chinatown’s celebrated Empress of China with striking city views. Reimagined by Chef Boon and team, the Empress was brought back to its former glory by embracing modern design elements while incorporating restored original features, creating a welcoming atmosphere that pays homage to the history of the beloved location.
A photo of Spruce restaurant
9. Spruce
4.7
Exceptional(5458)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Presidio Heights
Booked 44 times today
Open for lunch (two courses/$65), brunch (three courses/$98), and dinner (three courses/$125), Spruce offers seasonal prix-fixe menus crafted by Chef Mark Sullivan. Each menu offers a wide range of options, as well as luxurious additions (examples: caviar, truffles) for supplemental prices. Our cuisines is complemented by an extensive wine list which holds "Wine Spectator" magazine's highest honor, a Grand Award. The bar/lounge is available for walk-ins on a first-come, first-serve basis. We look forward to welcoming you to Spruce soon!
A photo of Boulevard restaurant
10. Boulevard
4.8
Exceptional(9142)
Price: Very Expensive
• Californian • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 36 times today
Chefs Nancy Oakes, Chef Dana Younkin and our entire team, look forward to welcoming you to a refreshed and reimagined Boulevard! The dining room features a 3 course prix fixe menu with a multitude of choices. For the more spontaneous sorts; our bar, lounge and chef's counter is available on a walk-in basis and limited reservations. An a la carte menu is offered in these areas. For private events and larger groups, please check our our website.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Edith
    San Francisco Bay Area •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Joe’s was recommended from co-workers. I took my partner for his birthday since Italian food is his favorite. He said it was a wonderful experience and I agree.
    More info
    Original Joe's - San FranciscoPrice: Moderate• Italian• North Beach
    •
    4.7
  • Henry
    San Francisco Bay Area •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    2025 情人節，舊金山 Palace Hotel 玻璃屋。#呂惠松 #董台英 我們點了一份魚，一份沙拉，還有一份餐前小點 Tuna tartare。老婆頭一次吃，十分驚艷。Tuna Tartare應該是十多年前舊金山流行的 Asian fusion bar snack food。 美國人拿了生的Tuna，拌橄欖油，加奶油果。放在炸雲吞皮上吃。記得我以前吃的，Tuna裡面還放了一點梅子肉，加那一點點的酸甜。真是令人難忘的好吃。
    More info
    The Garden Court - Luxury CollectionPrice: Expensive• Californian• SOMA
    •
    3.9
  • KeithVIP
    San Diego •46 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Live Jazz music upstairs on a Thursday night - so fun! Great food and service and music - excellent cocktails, steaks, chicken Milanese and broiled halibut. Our party of 10 were well taken care of by the entire staff! Awesome vibe in a historic venue that can’t be duplicated - join the Dashiell Hammett Society! Love this place and will return.
    More info
    Historic John's GrillPrice: Expensive• American• Downtown / Union Square
    •
    4.7
  • Lisa
    Nebraska •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 9 Feb 2025
    The staff took my food allergy very seriously. They knew on the menu what was not Gluten Free, rather than having to go ask the chief. Other than pasta, almost everything was already cooked GF, which was wonderful. Great atmosphere and service as well.
    More info
    The Post RoomPrice: Expensive• Californian• Downtown / Union Square
    •
    4
  • Marcia
    San Francisco Bay Area •3 reviews
    4.0
    Dined on 11 Jan 2025
    We had a great time! The entertainment was terrific, and because the audience was small the performer was able to interact with us, making it special. The fried chicken dinner was seasoned perfectly, the catfish dinner was delicious. Cocktails were great, and staff were attentive and friendly.
    More info
    Biscuits and BluesPrice: Expensive• Southern• Downtown / Union Square
    •
    4.6

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