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Historic John's Grill, San Francisco, CA

Historic John's Grill

4.7
4.7
7424 Reviews
$31 to $50
American

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2 people
19:00
Booked 47 times today
  • Good for special occasions
  • Charming
  • Neighbourhood 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.

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Private dining

Private dining

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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 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
  • 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
    Gluten-free Options, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Vegan

Featured in

Menu

Appetizers

  • EscargotsUS$11.95

    Garlic cream

    • Jumbo Prawn CocktailUS$17.95

      Soup & Salads

      • New England Clam ChowderUS$8.95

        • Lobster BisqueUS$9.95

          • Lunch SaladUS$6.95

            Seasonal greens, with vinaigrette dressing

            • With Bleu Cheese DressingUS$7.95

          • Caesar a la John'sUS$14.95

            • Bay Shrimp LouieUS$17.95

              • Roquefort SaladUS$17.95

                bay shrimp, avocado

                • Roasted Beet SaladUS$15.95

                  Candied walnuts, feta cheese, lemon aioli topped with micro greens

                  • Jack LaLanne's Favorite SaladUS$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 SnapperUS$17.95

                      Sauce Piquante (spiced tomato sauce)

                      • Jumbo Prawns DijonnaiseUS$19.95

                        Sautéed with mushrooms, wine, garlic and Dijon cream

                        • Broiled SalmonUS$22.95

                          Served with Hollandaise Sauce and mashed potatoes

                          • Petrale AmandineUS$18.95

                            Sliced almonds, Lemon butter sauce

                            • Fried Jumbo PrawnsUS$19.95

                              • Fried Sea ScallopsUS$28.95

                                • Fried OystersUS$16.95

                                  • Fried Combination SeafoodUS$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 SteakUS$31.95

                                      • Ribeye SteakUS$36.95

                                        • Filet MignonUS$38.95

                                          • Surf and TurfUS$43.95

                                            New York Steak & 3 Fried Jumbo Prawns

                                            Sam Spade's Lamb Chops

                                            • Sam Spade's Lamb ChopsUS$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 BurgerUS$19.95

                                                • Broiled New York Steak SandwichUS$24.95

                                                  All Accompanied by French Fries

                                                  • TortelloneUS$15.95

                                                    Filled with sundried tomato, romano, parmigiano and ricotta cheese in a basil cream sauce topped with shredded Grana Padano cheese

                                                    • Maine Lobster RavioliUS$18.95

                                                      Herbed tomato cream

                                                      • Chicken Linguine AlfredoUS$18.95

                                                        • Fisherman's PastaUS$25.95

                                                          Linguine, jumbo prawns, salmon, snapper, mushrooms in basil cream

                                                          On the Side

                                                          • Baked Idaho PotatoUS$5.95

                                                            • French FriesUS$6.95

                                                              • Sautéed MushroomsUS$7.95

                                                                • Fresh Creamed SpinachUS$7.95

                                                                  • Caramelized OnionsUS$7.95

                                                                    Chef's Weekly Special

                                                                    • Fish & ChipsUS$17.95

                                                                      Anchor Steam beer batter, wild caught Pollock with caper tartar sauce

                                                                      • Crispy Chicken Sandwich on BriocheUS$17.95

                                                                        Roasted garlic-sundried tomato aioli

                                                                        • Heirloom Tomato & Burrata CheeseUS$16.95

                                                                          Aged balsamic, extra virgin olive oil and basil

                                                                          • Medallions of BeefUS$32.95

                                                                            Medallions of Filet mignon, béarnaise sauce served with Parmesan mashed potato and seasonal vegetables

                                                                            Last updated: 18 June 2023

                                                                            What 7,424 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

                                                                            Noise • Moderate

                                                                            Diners' Choice Awards

                                                                            • San Francisco

                                                                              American

                                                                            Review summary

                                                                            AI-generated from verified diner reviews
                                                                            Historic John's Grill is a San Francisco treasure, celebrated for its "wonderful food" and "excellent service." With its "old world charm" and "classic SF vibes," the restaurant offers a memorable dining experience. Guests appreciate the "live jazz" and "energetic atmosphere." It's a "must-visit" for both locals and visitors.

                                                                            7,424 Reviews

                                                                            1. Laura

                                                                              San Francisco

                                                                              1 review

                                                                              5.0

                                                                              1 review

                                                                              Dined 1 day ago

                                                                              1. Overall 5
                                                                              2. Food 5
                                                                              3. Service 5
                                                                              4. Ambience 5
                                                                              We had an incredible experience at John’s Grill! The food was absolutely amazing – every dish was packed with flavor and cooked to perfection. The service was equally impressive; the staff was attentive and friendly, and special props to the bartender for being incredibly efficient and quick. This place is a gem, and I can’t wait to come back. Highly recommend!

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                                                                            2. Joseph

                                                                              Richmond

                                                                              5 reviews

                                                                              5.0

                                                                              5 reviews

                                                                              Dined 1 day ago

                                                                              1. Overall 5
                                                                              2. Food 5
                                                                              3. Service 5
                                                                              4. Ambience 5
                                                                              NYE dine solo at bar. Was well-cared for and watched the world go by with great food and the company of newly made friends for the evening.

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                                                                            3. Jennifer

                                                                              VIP

                                                                              San Francisco

                                                                              15 reviews

                                                                              5.0

                                                                              15 reviews

                                                                              Dined 1 day ago

                                                                              1. Overall 5
                                                                              2. Food 4
                                                                              3. Service 4
                                                                              4. Ambience 5
                                                                              What a fun festive atmosphere. Can’t get a better streak anywhere.

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                                                                            4. Sébastien

                                                                              San Francisco

                                                                              20 reviews

                                                                              5.0

                                                                              20 reviews

                                                                              Dined 1 day ago

                                                                              1. Overall 5
                                                                              2. Food 4
                                                                              3. Service 5
                                                                              4. Ambience 5
                                                                              It was the New Year’s Eve, it was really crowded. My reservation was at 8PM but I had to wait 20 minutes to get my table. It was a small issue because overall the experience was really great! The food was excellent, I got the bisque and the filet mignon, they were both really good. The vibe was really great too. I was impressed by the service. They had so much to do during that night but they have done a perfect job.

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                                                                            5. Nancy

                                                                              VIP

                                                                              San Francisco

                                                                              13 reviews

                                                                              5.0

                                                                              13 reviews

                                                                              Dined 1 day ago

                                                                              1. Overall 5
                                                                              2. Food 5
                                                                              3. Service 5
                                                                              4. Ambience 4
                                                                              Even though it was NYE and exceptionally busy all the staff were friendly and courteous. I had the Roquefort salad and it was craveable. Halibut was abut over cooked but still yummy. Pear martinis so good!

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                                                                            6. Cyndi

                                                                              San Francisco

                                                                              9 reviews

                                                                              5.0

                                                                              9 reviews

                                                                              Dined 1 day ago

                                                                              1. Overall 5
                                                                              2. Food 5
                                                                              3. Service 5
                                                                              4. Ambience 5
                                                                              Fabulous choice for NYE dinner will definitely be back!

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                                                                            7. Nina

                                                                              VIP

                                                                              San Francisco

                                                                              113 reviews

                                                                              5.0

                                                                              113 reviews

                                                                              Dined 1 day ago

                                                                              1. Overall 5
                                                                              2. Food 5
                                                                              3. Service 5
                                                                              4. Ambience 5
                                                                              We went out for an early New Years Eve Dinner. We didn’t expect anything “festive”. But John’s Grill was exceptional! The food was delicious, as always! One of the best steaks/value in SF. And they came by with trays of festive Happy New Year horns, hats, headbands…. It really added something to our dinner. While it was packed, we weren’t rushed. So don’t think you now you have to wait a year to go to John’s Grill. All year long they offer delicious steaks, excellent fries, great salads and all at reasonable prices - and the restaurant is packed with “atmosphere”!

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                                                                            8. Lucia

                                                                              VIP

                                                                              Phoenix

                                                                              28 reviews

                                                                              5.0

                                                                              28 reviews

                                                                              Dined 1 day ago

                                                                              1. Overall 5
                                                                              2. Food 5
                                                                              3. Service 5
                                                                              4. Ambience 5
                                                                              Perfect way to start New Year’s Eve festivities with lobster bisque, escargot, French bread, steak, lobster, chicken Jerusalem and bread pudding. Let’s not forget the Domaine Chandon split and Cab from Paso Robles. Got a table against the wall and a terrific waiter who acted like it wasn’t the busiest eve of the year. Loved the balloons, hats and noisemakers given to all the guests. We were impressed right down to our exit where the doorman kindly took our picture under the iconic sign. You’re always “ in good hands” at John’s Grill.

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                                                                            9. Shannon

                                                                              San Francisco

                                                                              1 review

                                                                              3.0

                                                                              1 review

                                                                              Dined 1 day ago

                                                                              1. Overall 3
                                                                              2. Food 2
                                                                              3. Service 5
                                                                              4. Ambience 5
                                                                              Vibe was great, service on point. Handed out fun New Years Eve party favors. Was stoked to be there with our family and friends. Food however, mediocre at best. Small portions of unexciting food. Disappointing quality overall in the plates ordered.

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                                                                            10. steve

                                                                              San Francisco

                                                                              5 reviews

                                                                              5.0

                                                                              5 reviews

                                                                              Dined 1 day ago

                                                                              1. Overall 5
                                                                              2. Food 5
                                                                              3. Service 5
                                                                              4. Ambience 5
                                                                              Quality experience with a seasoned server Great window table The four of us had a perfect time

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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 7424 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 47 times today

                                                                            Order delivery or takeout

                                                                            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 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
                                                                              Gluten-free Options, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Vegan
                                                                            • 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.

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