Best Historic Restaurants in Downtown / Union Square

46 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Historic John's Grill restaurant

1. Historic John's Grill

4.7

Exceptional(7297)

Price: Expensive

• American • Downtown / Union Square

Booked 42 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.

2. The Post Room

4.4

Awesome(135)

Price: Expensive

• Californian • Downtown / Union Square

Booked 29 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.

3. Starlite

4.4

Awesome(145)

Price: Expensive

• Cocktail Bar • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 30 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.

4. Top of the Mark

4.3

Awesome(822)

Price: Expensive

• Tapas / Small Plates • Nob Hill

Booked 38 times today

Number 1 in California and San Francisco, and 2nd in the nation on USAToday's 10 Best Hotel Bars.Nestled on the 19th floor of the historic InterContinental Mark Hopkins, Top of the Mark's breathtaking panoramic views of San Francisco's skyline and iconic landmarks, including the majestic Golden Gate Bridge, the enigmatic Alcatraz, Union Square, and more, will leave you spellbound. Sip on our signature cocktails as you soak in the atmosphere of timeless sophistication. Our appetizer and dessert selection will tantalize your taste buds, with options that complement our cocktails perfectly. What's more, we offer live entertainment each Saturday evening, where you can let the music move you on the dance floor.Join us at San Francisco's legendary sky lounge, the Top of the Mark, for a night filled with unforgettable moments, where every sip, bite, and dance move is a journey into the extraordinary.

A photo of Biscuits and Blues restaurant

5. Biscuits and Blues

4.7

Exceptional(2013)

Price: Expensive

• Southern • Downtown / Union Square

Booked 10 times today

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.

6. Bartlett Hall

4.0

Excellent(516)

Price: Expensive

• American • Downtown / Union Square

Booked 3 times today

Bartlett Hall, located in the heart of San Francisco’s Union Square neighborhood, is a modern saloon and eatery that fuses the city’s historic elements with today’s conveniences. With award winning beers made in house, Bartlett offers a special program that pairs beer and food delightfully. A menu of California-inspired American fare, including a variety of burgers, small plates and entrees, are served daily. Bartlett Hall is located at 242 O’Farrell Street www.bartletthallsf.com, or call 415-433-4332. Our Food Menu is available 3:00 PM-9:00 PM, Monday-Wednesday, and 12:00 PM - 9:00 PM Thursday-Sunday. Happy Hour Menu: 3:00-5:00 Monday-Friday.

A photo of Tower Salon - The Westin St. Francis restaurant

7. Tower Salon - The Westin St. Francis

3.7

Very Good(532)

Price: Expensive

• American • Downtown / Union Square

We'd like to inform you of our current relocation to Tower Salon A while the Oak Room undergoes renovations. Tower Salon A, conveniently situated in the tower building, past the concierge desk and adjacent to the tower glass elevators, is now hosting our services.Rest assured, while our location may have changed, our commitment to providing you with our signature hearty breakfast and full American buffet remains unchanged. You can continue to expect the same wonderful dining experience you've come to love.We appreciate your continued support during this renovation period. If you have any questions or require further information, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. We look forward to welcoming you at Tower Salon A for a memorable dining experience.

A photo of The Garden Court - Luxury Collection restaurant

8. The Garden Court - Luxury Collection

4.1

Excellent(2458)

Price: Expensive

• Californian • SOMA

Booked 18 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

9. Original Joe's - San Francisco

4.7

Exceptional(4163)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • North Beach

Booked 109 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 Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar - Fairmont San Francisco restaurant

10. Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar - Fairmont San Francisco

4.1

Excellent(1985)

Price: Expensive

• Asian • Nob Hill

Booked 4 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.Dinner is seated on a first-come first-served basis for all parties under 10. Hurricane Bar guests are welcomed on a first-come first-served basis.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.If you would like to make a reservation for 10 or more people to the Tonga Room, please give us a call at 415-772-5000 or email us at tongaroom@fairmont.com.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

M
Mark
San Francisco Bay Area •5 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
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!
More info
Historic John's GrillPrice: Expensive• American• Downtown / Union Square
•
4.7
N
Nancy
San Francisco Bay Area •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Celebrated my Dad's 80th Birthday listening to great Live music and eating delicious food! We will definitely be back SOON! Cheers & Love Biscuit & Blues and we will see you soon!
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Biscuits and BluesPrice: Expensive• Southern• Downtown / Union Square
•
4.7
M
Matthew
Philadelphia County •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Great ambience
More info
StarlitePrice: Expensive• Cocktail Bar• Financial District / Embarcadero
•
4.4
E
Emilyvip
San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
Wonderful service and good enough food. The room is cozy with a fire.
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The Post RoomPrice: Expensive• Californian• Downtown / Union Square
•
4.4
W
Williamvip
San Francisco Bay Area •26 reviews
5.0
Dined on 17 Nov 2024
A group of us, 8 in all, visited the Top of the Mark this past Saturday, Nov 16, 2024, and had an absolutely terrific time dancing and listening to Carla Helmbrecht (what talent!). The dance floor was filled with peeps (we loved dancing to "Fly Me To The Moon" and "The Way You Look Tonight"! The view on the 19th floor was breathtaking. The sky was perfectly clear and we could see bridge to bridge, Salesforce Tower, the Pyramid, Sutro Tower, Alcatraz - amazing! The table service was attentive without being intrusive, as always. The appetizers and cocktails were deeeelish. We've been going to the Top of the Mark for over 15 years and it hasn't lost one step in charm and fun. A great spot for date night, a party, as special gathering or an evening, solo!
More info
Top of the MarkPrice: Expensive• Tapas / Small Plates• Nob Hill
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4.3

Best Historic Restaurants in Downtown / Union Square

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46 restaurants available nearby

1. Historic John's Grill

2. The Post Room

3. Starlite

4. Top of the Mark

5. Biscuits and Blues

6. Bartlett Hall

7. Tower Salon - The Westin St. Francis

8. The Garden Court - Luxury Collection

9. Original Joe's - San Francisco

10. Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar - Fairmont San Francisco

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