Historic John's Grill

4.7

7459 Reviews

$31 to $50

American

Make a booking

2 people

22 Jan 2025

20:30

Booked 68 times today

Experiences are available.

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.

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.
Private party contact
Events Team: (415) 986-0069

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

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

Experiences

Valentine's Day
US$95.00 per person
14 Feb 2025 only
Join us at John's Grill this Valentine's Day for an unforgettable dining experience! Delight in a variety of culinary options or choose our exquisite Pre Fix menu for just $95 per person, featuring a luxurious Lobster Bisque, succulent Filet and Lobster, followed by a delectable dessert. Let us handle the cooking while you sit back and enjoy a romantic evening. With our exceptional selection of steaks, chops, and more, we are dedicated to making your celebration special. We look forward to serving you and helping create wonderful memories this Valentine's Day!

Popular dishes

Belvedere MartiniUS$16.00
Belvedere vodka, Dry Vermouth, "shaken"
Pear MartiniUS$16.00
Grey Goose La Poire (Pear), sweet & sour, with a splash of ginger ale
Pomegranate CosmopolitanUS$16.00
Young & Yonder Vodka, PAMA Liqueur, Cointreau, cranberry juice, lime juice
French GimletUS$16.00
H.O.B.S. Gin, St.Germain, fresh lime juice, simple syrup
French MartiniUS$16.00
Young & Yonder Vodka, Chambord, pineapple juice
VesperUS$16.00
Nolet's Gin, Young & Yonder Vodka, Lillet Blanc
Bogie's Old FashionedUS$16.00
Bulleit Bourbon, Muddled Sugar, Angostura Bitters, Orange with a splash of soda
Bulleit Rye ManhattanUS$16.00
Bulleit Rye, Sweet Vermouth, dashes of bitters
Gold RushUS$16.00
Bulleit Bourbon, honey syrup, lemon juice and served on the rocks
Cazadores PalomaUS$15.00
Cazadores Blanco, lime juice, grapefruit, club soda
Aperol SpritzUS$15.00
Aperol, Prosecco with a splash of soda
Moscow MuleUS$15.00
Young & Yonder Vodka, Ginger beer & lime juice
NegroniUS$15.00
H.O.B.S. Gin, Campari, Sweet Vermouth

Spirits

Single Malt Scotch

Balvenie 12yr
Glenfiddich 12yr / 18yr
Glenlivet 12yr
Glenmorangie
Highland Park 12yr / 18yr
Lagavulin 16yr
Laphroaig 10yr
Macallan 12yr / 18yr
Oban 14yr

Blended Scotch

Johnnie Walker Black Label
Johnnie Walker Blue Label
Johnnie Walker Red Label

Tequila

Casamigos Anejo
Casamigos Reposado
Cazadores Blanco
Clase Azul Anejo
Clase Azul Reposado
Don Julio Blanco
Don Julio 70
Don Julio 1942
Patron Silver

Gin

Beefeater
Bombay
Bombay Sapphire
Hendrick's
HOBS
Nolet's
Tanqueray
Tanqueray 10

Vodka

Absolut
Absolut Mandarin
Belvedere
Chopin
Grey Goose
Ketel One
Ketel One Citroen
Tito's
Young & Yonder

Bourbon / Rye

Angel's Envy
Basil Hayden
Buffalo Trace
Bulleit Bourbon / Rye
Gentleman Jack
Jack Daniel's
Jim Beam
Knob Creek
Maker's Mark
Templeton Rye
Woodford Reserve
Woodinville Rye
Elijah Craig Rye

Cognac

Courvoisier VS
Hennessy VS
Remy VSOP
Remy XO

Beer

Draught Beer

Anchor Steam
Budweiser
Bud Light
Hoegaarden
Lagunitas IPA
Stella Artois

Bottled Beer

Heineken 0.0 (Non Alcoholic)

Mocktails

$10

Shirley Ginger
Ginger Beer, club Soda, lime juice, grenadine
Virgin Paloma
Grapefruit juice, lime juice, syrup & a pinch of salt

By the Glass

White Wines

Prosecco D.O.C., Voveti, Italy, 187
- GlassUS$12.00
Sparkling Wine, Chandon, Brut, California, 187
- GlassUS$15.00
Champagne, Moët Chandon, Brut Imperial, France, 187
- GlassUS$24.00
Chardonnay, John's Grill Private Label, California
- GlassUS$13.00
- BottleUS$52.00
Chardonnay, Wrath EX, Monterey, 2020
- GlassUS$14.00
- BottleUS$56.00
Chardonnay, Hendry, "Barrel Fermented", Napa, 2020
- GlassUS$17.00
- BottleUS$68.00
Sauvignon Blanc, Hunt & Harvest, Napa, 2022
- GlassUS$14.00
- BottleUS$56.00
Sauvignon Blanc, Easton, Sierra Foothills, 2021
- GlassUS$15.00
- BottleUS$60.00
Rosé, Whispering Angel Caves d'Esclans, Côtes de Provence, France, 2022
- GlassUS$14.00
- BottleUS$56.00
Rosé, Hampton Water, South of France, 2021
- GlassUS$15.00
- BottleUS$60.00
Riesling, Tatomer, "Vandenberg", Santa Barbara County, 2020
- GlassUS$15.00
- BottleUS$60.00
Pinot Gris, Lichen Estate, Anderson Valley, 2019
- GlassUS$14.00
- BottleUS$56.00
Blanc de Noir, "White Pinot Noir", Blindfold, Sonoma County, 2021
- GlassUS$15.00
- BottleUS$60.00
Chablis, Domaine Vocoret & Fils, 2020
- GlassUS$17.00
- BottleUS$68.00

Red Wines

Merlot, Hunt & Harvest, Napa, 2016
- GlassUS$17.00
- BottleUS$68.00
Merlot, Grgich Hills, Estate, Napa, 2019
- GlassUS$19.00
- BottleUS$76.00
Pinot Noir, Hunt & Harvest, Willamette Valley, Oregon, 2016
- GlassUS$15.00
- BottleUS$60.00
Pinot Noir, Hendry, "HRW", Napa, 2021
- GlassUS$16.00
- BottleUS$64.00
Cabernet Sauvignon, John's Grill Private Label, Paso Robles
- GlassUS$14.00
- BottleUS$56.00
Cabernet Sauvignon, Hendry, "HRW", Napa, 2020
- GlassUS$18.00
- BottleUS$72.00
Cabernet Sauvignon, Turnbull, Napa, 2020
- GlassUS$23.00
- BottleUS$92.00
Cabernet Sauvignon, Grgich Hills, Estate, Napa, 2018
- GlassUS$26.00
- BottleUS$104.00
Zinfandel, Grgich Hills, Estate, Napa, 2018
- GlassUS$17.00
- BottleUS$68.00
Malbec, Hendry, "Block 14", Napa, 2019
- GlassUS$19.00
- BottleUS$76.00
Chianti Classico, "Dievole", Petrignano,Tuscany, Italy, 2019
- GlassUS$20.00
- BottleUS$80.00

Half Bottles

Sauvignon Blanc, Grgich Hills, Estate, Napa, 2020US$33.00
Chardonnay, Chalk Hill, Chalk Hill Appellation, 2018US$40.00
Pinot Noir, Hendry, Napa, 2021US$38.00
Merlot, Pride Mountain Vineyards, Napa / Sonoma, 2018US$55.00
Red blend, Quintessa (Cab-Mer-CabFranc), Napa, 2018US$244.00
Cabernet Sauvignon, Hendry, Napa, 2017US$60.00
Cabernet Sauvignon, Opus One, Robert Mondavi, Napa, 2016US$368.00
Zinfandel, Frog's Leap, Napa, 2019US$36.00

By the Bottle

Sparkling Wines & French Champagne

Brut, Gloria Ferrer, "Anniversary", Cuvée, Sonoma, 2012US$72.00
Brut Rosé, Roederer Estate, Anderson Valley, NVUS$75.00
Champagne, Jean Laurent, Blanc de Noirs, France, NVUS$100.00
Champagne, Louis Roederer Brut Collection 243, France, NVUS$133.00
Champagne, Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label, France, NVUS$143.00
Champagne, Bollinger, Brut, France, NVUS$192.00
Limited
Champagne, Dom Perignon, France, 2010US$350.00

White Wine

Albariño, La Marea, "Kristy Vineyard", Monterey County, 2021US$50.00
Rosé, Paradigm, "Rosé of Merlot", Oakville, Napa, 2022US$68.00
Sauvignon Blanc, Turnbull, Napa, 2021US$58.00
Sauvignon Blanc, Frog's Leap, Napa, 2021US$60.00
Sauvignon Blanc, Massican, Napa, 2021US$63.00
Sauvignon Blanc, Cloudy Bay, Marlborough, New Zealand, 2022US$68.00
Sauvignon Blanc, Robert Mondavi, Napa, 2019US$70.00
Chardonnay, Frog's Leap, 'Shale and Stone', Napa, 2020US$65.00
Chardonnay, Robert Mondavi, Napa Valley, 2018US$70.00
Chardonnay, Eric Kent, "1 KM West", Sonoma Coast, 2017US$74.00
Chardonnay, Grgich Hills, Estate, Napa, 2020US$84.00
Chardonnay, Pride Mountain Vineyards, Napa / Sonoma, 2020US$87.00
Chardonnay, The Prisoner, Carneros, 2021US$88.00
Chardonnay, Cakebread Cellars, Napa, 2021US$95.00
Chardonnay, Kistler, Les Noisetier, Sonoma Coast, 2021US$100.00
Chardonnay, Cobb "Doc's Ranch Joann's Block", Sonoma, 2018US$118.00

Red Wine

Red Blend, Gamay & Dolcetto, Infinite Air Castles, "Day Wines", Willamette Valley, 2021US$65.00
Red Blend, Mark Ryan, "Long Haul" (Mer-Cab-PV-CabFranc), Columbia Valley, 2019US$97.00
Red Blend, The Prisoner, California, 2021US$105.00
Red Blend, Shafer "Td-9" (Cab-Mer-Mal-PV), Napa, 2019US$117.00
Red Blend, Quintessa (Cab-Mer-CabFranc), Napa, 2019US$450.00
Pinot Noir, Lichen Estate, "Moonglow", Anderson Valley, 2019US$65.00
Pinot Noir, Flowers, Sonoma Coast, 2021US$100.00
Pinot Noir, Kistler, Russian River Valley, 2020US$113.00
Pinot Noir, The Prisoner, Sonoma Coast, 2021US$114.00
Pinot Noir, EnRoute, "Les Pommiers", Russian River, 2021US$115.00
Pinot Noir, Cobb, "Emmaline Ann Vineyard", Sonoma, 2019US$125.00
Merlot, Hendry, Napa Valley, 2019US$70.00
Merlot, Paradigm, Napa, 2019US$104.00
Merlot, Pride Mountain Vineyards, Napa / Sonoma, 2019US$113.00
Merlot, Arietta, Napa, 2018US$125.00
Brunello di Montalcino, Castiglion del Bosco, Montalcino, Italy, 2017US$110.00
Cabernet Franc, Paradigm, Oakville, Napa Valley, 2019US$155.00
Cabernet Sauvignon, Rodney Strong, Knights Valley, Sonoma, 2019US$70.00
Cabernet Sauvignon, Foley Johnson, Estate, Napa, 2020US$90.00
Cabernet Sauvignon, Vinoce, Napa, 2018US$100.00
Cabernet Sauvignon, "Post & Beam", By Far Niente", Napa, 2021US$105.00
Cabernet Sauvignon, Hendry, Napa, 2017US$118.00
Cabernet Sauvignon, The Prisoner, Napa, 2019US$122.00
Cabernet Sauvignon, Faust, Napa, 2020US$135.00
Cabernet Sauvignon, Frog's Leap, Estate, Rutherford, 2019US$135.00
Cabernet Sauvignon, Pride Mountain Vineyards, Napa / Sonoma, 2019US$145.00
Cabernet Sauvignon, Paradigm, Napa, 2018US$145.00
Cabernet Sauvignon, Double Diamond, "Schrader Cellars", Napa, 2019US$147.00
Cabernet Sauvignon, Joseph Phelps, Napa, 2019US$155.00
Cabernet Sauvignon, Robert Mondavi, The Estates, "Oakville", Napa, 2018US$160.00
Cabernet Sauvignon, Larkmead, "White Label", Napa, 2019US$200.00
Cabernet Sauvignon, Shafer, One Point Five, Napa, 2019US$210.00
Cabernet Sauvignon, "The Pact", By Faust, Coombsville Napa, 2019US$245.00
Cabernet Sauvignon, Nickel & Nickel, De Carle Vineyard, Napa, 2019US$245.00
Cabernet Sauvignon, "Overture", By Opus One, Napa, NVUS$263.00
Cabernet Sauvignon, Shafer "Hillside Select", Napa, 2017US$500.00
Cabernet Sauvignon, Opus One, Robert Mondavi, Napa, 2018US$683.00
Cabernet Sauvignon, Caymus, "Special Edition", Napa, 2009US$750.00
Limited
Syrah, Red Car, Estate Vineyard, Fort Ross - Seaview, Sonoma Coast, 2018US$88.00
Zinfandel, Hendry, "Block 28", Napa, 2018US$65.00
Zinfandel, Frog's Leap, Napa, 2020US$72.00
Zinfandel, Robert Biale, "Black Chicken", Napa, 2021US$92.00

What 7,459 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
San Francisco
Most Booked

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Historic John's Grill is a San Francisco gem known for its "great food and service" and "historic ambiance." A favorite for holiday dining, the restaurant offers delicious steaks, seafood, and salads with a festive atmosphere. Despite occasional crowding, patrons appreciate the "friendly and accommodating" staff, making it a top choice for locals and tourists alike.

7,459 Reviews

R
Raisetheroof
San Francisco
16 reviews
5.0
16 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Went to John’s to celebrate our anniversary. Excellent food and great service. A lovely evening.
Is this helpful?
L
LEONARD
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
It was 9 of us at the table. The live music was great. The food was excellent, and the waitress was there for our needs. Thanks we all had a wonderful time
Is this helpful?
J
John
Hong Kong
2 reviews
1.0
2 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 1
2. Food 3
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 5
Low quality gristly beef and appalling slow service from disengaged staff who simply ignored us in an all but empty restaurant - great disappointment all round
Is this helpful?
J
Jane
Chicago
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Never disappoints. Friendly and welcoming. Always great food. It's a san francisco institution. Family owned. Perfect old school cocktails. Must mention sour dough bread too. Love this restaurant.
Is this helpful?
A
Andrew
Las Vegas
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We reserved a table for 6:30 on a Sunday. We showed at 6:34 and were seated in a few minutes. We ordered a few drinks before dinner and were served them within 5 minutes. Steak was cooked to perfection and as usual the clam chowder was out of this world. It's not the cheapest meal in the world but won't break the bank. Will definitely be back.
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R
Romina
Dallas
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Nice ambience esp with live jazz duo on 2nd floor, but tables too close to each other and very loud, not a good place for conversation Service was good and steak was good (per our guests who live in Australia), seafood we ordered (lemon butter sole and snapper) nothing special
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C
Charlie
San Francisco
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
From the moment we were seated, the service was outstanding. We never wanted for anything throughout the meal. The food was served promptly, and we shared the Roquefort Salad, with was huge, and was delicious. I had the Fisherman's Pasta with basil cream sauce. It was a large portion, and the linguine was cooked to perfection and was loaded with assorted seafood (snapper and salmon) and giant succulent shrimp. My friend had the Fried Jumbo Shrimp with Baked Potato and Veggies, which he enjoyed a lot. We both had enough to eat that we had doggie bags to go with enough for another meal. This was the second time at John's Grill, and it is an outstanding dining experience. We ate early, but as we were leaving at 6:30 the musicians were arriving to perform. Next time we will go a little later so we can hear them too!
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D
Devin
VIP
San Diego
2 reviews
2.0
2 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 2
2. Food 2
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 2
Overall a very poor experience at John's. Our party was large (12), so we had to wait to get seated 10 minutes past our reservation time. Not a big deal though, these things happen. We get seated and they take our drink orders. Takes 15 minutes to get drinks and they forget the drink of the birthday girl. We order food and they forget to put in one of the appetizers. I later had to ask the waiter about it and told him to cancel it if they hadn't put it in yet since our entrees would be coming out soon. Never came back to apologize or explain what happened. We wait over an hour for our food to get brought out, it feels like we were the last ones in the restaurant to get our food. Entrees come out and everyone's steak is under-cooked over over-cooked; medium-rare is medium or rare, medium is medium-rare/rare. Forgot to put in side dishes, at least 3 people changed out their baked potato for another dish and yet were brought a baked potato. Said they could split the checks for us individually but instead of having an square/terminal/app to do it from the waiter came out one by one and had us circle what we ordered and would then bring and check run it and come back. Birthday girl and her husband had a $100 gift card to use for the place, we had to wait 10 minutes for them to get it approved. It took us almost 45 minutes from when we asked for the checks to get them paid and be able to leave (and we had somewhere to be). Ambiance was nice if a little loud, jazz musicians upstairs were friendly and gave some good energy to the room. For the price, service, inconsistency, would not recommend or return.
Is this helpful?
A
Adam Sandel
San Francisco
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
This is one of my favorite restaurants in San Francisco. The vintage ambiance is welcoming, and the food and service are reliably excellent.
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C
Carolyne
VIP
San Francisco
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
John's Grill is a convivial lunch or dinner spot. It's unpretentious and provides a great value along with a touch of historic atmosphere as well, three reasons you may find political movers and shakers eating here, as well as tourists. The Jack LaLanne salad with seafood is my favorite dish. Service is brisk and friendly.
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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 7459 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a booking

2 people

22 Jan 2025

20:30

Booked 68 times today

Experiences are available.

Order delivery or takeout

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.
Private party contact
Events Team: (415) 986-0069

Featured in

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

Historic John's Grill

Make a booking

Order delivery or takeout

Private dining

Dining areas

Additional information

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

Valentine's Day

Ribeye Steak

Filet Mignon

New York Steak

Specialty Cocktails

Belvedere MartiniUS$16.00

Pear MartiniUS$16.00

Pomegranate CosmopolitanUS$16.00

French GimletUS$16.00

French MartiniUS$16.00

VesperUS$16.00

Bogie's Old FashionedUS$16.00

Bulleit Rye ManhattanUS$16.00

Gold RushUS$16.00

Cazadores PalomaUS$15.00

Aperol SpritzUS$15.00

Moscow MuleUS$15.00

NegroniUS$15.00

Spirits

Single Malt Scotch

Balvenie 12yr

Glenfiddich 12yr / 18yr

Glenlivet 12yr

Glenmorangie

Highland Park 12yr / 18yr

Lagavulin 16yr

Laphroaig 10yr

Macallan 12yr / 18yr

Oban 14yr

Blended Scotch

Johnnie Walker Black Label

Johnnie Walker Blue Label

Johnnie Walker Red Label

Tequila

Casamigos Anejo

Casamigos Reposado

Cazadores Blanco

Clase Azul Anejo

Clase Azul Reposado

Don Julio Blanco

Don Julio 70

Don Julio 1942

Patron Silver

Gin

Beefeater

Bombay

Bombay Sapphire

Hendrick's

HOBS

Nolet's

Tanqueray

Tanqueray 10

Vodka

Absolut

Absolut Mandarin

Belvedere

Chopin

Grey Goose

Ketel One

Ketel One Citroen

Tito's

Young & Yonder

Bourbon / Rye

Angel's Envy

Basil Hayden

Buffalo Trace

Bulleit Bourbon / Rye

Gentleman Jack

Jack Daniel's

Jim Beam

Knob Creek

Maker's Mark

Templeton Rye