John's Grill1st time in san franciscoWe chose John's Grill through our hotel guide and googled the reviews which were right on the money. The atmosphere was quite nice which included an excellent jazz guitarist . The customers on the 2nd level were enjoying themselves so it was slightly noisy. The filet was an excellent cut but could have used a little more seasoning for my taste. Overall it was a pleasant dinner and evening.6/12/2013 12:00:00 AMThe waitstaff was very courteousThe waitstaff was very courteous and quick. Our drink order was taken soon after being seated, and drinks arrived within a short time. The meals arrived very soon after being ordered. The food was good, but I think this place is more noticeable for its history and ambiance. The live musician seated directly behind me was very pleasant--quiet enough that we could talk easily, and the music was very much worth listening to. The dinner made for an enjoyable evening. I will definitely return the next time I am in San Francisco.6/7/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat Steaks!I love this place! The steaks are great and the wines are priced fair. They also had a great guitar player upstairs the night we were there.6/6/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat food and atmosphereBetween us we had steak and red snapper - both very enjoyable. There were a few floors to the restaurant and we were on the ground floor near the bar. Nice table and you could hear the live jazz being played. Good buzz to the restaurant and we would go back.6/4/2013 12:00:00 AMFun restaurant with lots ofFun restaurant with lots of history. Food was great. Really enjoyed our meal.6/3/2013 12:00:00 AMnotableloved everything, my first time in s.f. great food, would like to go back again.6/3/2013 12:00:00 AMYum yum!I was just walking by the 1st time, but really needed a drink. I went over to the bar, an could not help but notice the beautiful atmosphere. Everyone seated seemed to be enjoying their self. I had an almond martini. It was tasteful and I felt that buzz, quickly :). I could not help my senses. The food smelt so good. I then told the bar tender I would be back.
Two days later. I enjoyed a yummy seafood cannelloni dish. Wow! I want some more. my mouth is still watering.
A friendly staff as well.5/26/2013 12:00:00 AMFamily Dinner at John'sOur family group of 15, mostly adults enjoyed every aspect of John's Grill. We were met with a smile at the door, promptly led to our table on the 3rd floor, and immediately received menus and drink orders. The wait staff was conscientious and friendly and there to see to our needs and desires. With a big group there was much diversity in the dishes ordered, however, every dish appeared simultaneously and cooked to perfection! Whether it was steak or seafood, everyone raved about the flavor and the quality of their meal. We have been to John's many times in our visits to the City, and will continue to come back for many years to come. Thanks5/26/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat fun placeGreat fun place with rich San Francisco history and good food with friendly service5/25/2013 12:00:00 AMFamily Weekend in the City!Our adult kids were visiting from New York and our family spent the weekend in San Francisco. Thre were six of us who had dinner at John's Grill - our first time. The evening was fantastic. Our drinks, serivice and meals were excellent. It will now be our "go to" any time we are having dinner in San Francisco. We were still raving about the meal days later. I would hjghly recommend!.5/25/2013 12:00:00 AMForget movies, think memoriesI was in town for a conference, with my girlfriend, on her birthday, and needed to make dinner reservations on a Friday night in a city I don't know well. I am so happy I found John's Grill on OpenTable! The place is famous for the Maltese Falcon but actually it was the customer service, food and atmosphere that impressed us the most - we were seated upstairs across from the live jazz guitarist who we could've listened to all night; great cocktails and local draught beer; steaks were very good (and we're from Chicago!) and reasonably-priced even before you consider that sides come as standard; but most of all the staff were so friendly and helpful, right down to the candle in the dessert and mellow happy birthday played on jazz guitar!5/24/2013 12:00:00 AMvibrant animated satisfiedCustomers were enjoying themselves with the great food and reasonable prices. There was a wonderful hubbub that you only really get from locals I guess. They know where to go to have fun. For us visitors this was great. Of all the places that could have been recommended to us downtown by a friend who lived here John's was the one they chose for us.5/19/2013 12:00:00 AMA wonderful experienceThis was our second trip to John's Grill and we weren't disappointed. As crowded as they were, we had excellent service and the food was fantastic. When we stay in Union Square, this is on our 'go-to' list of restaurants. Very classy and 'old-school' with a modern feel. Lots of history as well.5/18/2013 12:00:00 AMA great piece of SF historyGreat drinks ( the Bloody Mary is perfect), very fresh seafood well prepared, in a comfortable period setting. Be sure to check out all the pictures! Parking across the street.5/17/2013 12:00:00 AMSimple and elegantJohn's Grill wasn't a restaurant that tried to woo you with bells and whistles, because frankly they didn't need to. This quaint little destination was a pleasure to dine at because the food was simple, yet it thoroughly demonstrated typical San Francisco fare. Definitely a great find.5/17/2013 12:00:00 AMNostalgic type restaurant.Nostalgic type restaurant. Food and service was outstanding. Very reasonable prices for San Francisco dining.5/12/2013 12:00:00 AMNice dinnerHistoric restaurant with great food and superior service5/12/2013 12:00:00 AMHighlight of a tripOur great trip to San Francisco was highlighted by a terrific dinner at John's Grill. Being a fan of old movies like the Maltese Falcon is not required to enjoy an excellent meal at John's Grill, but we had fun discussing our favorite old black & whites. The steaks were perfectly cooked, portions were ample and the service was excellent. John's is on our "must do" list whenever visiting San Francisco.5/10/2013 12:00:00 AMGood Steady Great FoodJohn's Grill is fun for eats in the City.
Steady good food.
Professional waiters. Fast service. Nice menu.5/5/2013 12:00:00 AMChops and tomatoesChops and tomatoes and make it snappy. I'm in a hurry. I love John's. I always look for Sam Spade and expect to see him. Bogart at least. Around the corner from Powell Steet cable car and BART station. How could you ever beat that. Oh yea, the Apple Store across the street! You haven't been to the city if you don't know John's Grill. Meanwhile, read The Maltese Falcon.5/5/2013 12:00:00 AM20th Wedding AnniversaryMy husband surprised me with a trip to San Francisco and we just happened to find this restaurant online and loved the comments and the description of the place. The food and service were exceptional. Our waitress surprised us by bringing 2 flutes of champagne and the Flan dessert for our anniversary. Definitely will be returning when we get the chance to return to San Francisco!5/5/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat food and classic atmosphereGreat atmosphere and we felt like we had gone back in time to the gritty pages of Dashall Hamitt's great dectective story. I would not have been surprised if Bogart had walked in wearing his classic trench coat and hat. We had a party of 10 for lunch and the food was great and reasonably priced.5/4/2013 12:00:00 AMOld School DiningThe atmosphere and dependable menu is perfect for a dress up night with a group. Thanks again for another fun meal!5/4/2013 12:00:00 AMOld School and Iconic EstablishmentThis place eminates old school, starting with the neon sign, the intimate atmosphere, and the menu selection. The food was good, but was definetley not the primary draw. The service was awesome, allowing for easy reservations and very attentive service staff. The location had live music (guitar and piano) which added great atmosphere and class to the night. Fun place to visit when in San Francisco5/4/2013 12:00:00 AMSo fun!This historic spot is a favorite! We got to listen and sing along with the jazz guitarist. The food was great, service even better.5/3/2013 12:00:00 AMHistoric Johns GrillThe name says it all. Step back in time when everything was a bit more simple. The menu is basic steak and seafood, but don't think that is not a good thing.
Awesome service and great drinks, a must visit while in San Francisco.5/3/2013 12:00:00 AMOur group loved it!Our group of seven had reservations for 7:30 and were promptly seated upstairs, which seemed a bit quieter than downstairs. We opted for Jumbo Prawns, Salmon, and two vegetarian en/trees, which we all enjoyed. A few of us opted for simple desserts of berries (fresh and delightful) or ice cream. Service was excellent, including handling the multiple credit card and cash contributions to the tab. A guitarist quietly played mellow background music, adding a nice touch to the busy scene.4/30/2013 12:00:00 AMI had the swordfish with mustardI had the swordfish with mustard cream was ok. The service was awesome from the host to the server. I was seating next to the bar in the back and the bartender was entertaining with his customers.4/27/2013 12:00:00 AMFood was great. The noiseFood was great. The noise level his very very loud which makes it difficult to talk.4/27/2013 12:00:00 AMWe were at John's to celebrateWe were at John's to celebrate our very special friend's 75th birthday. The Maitre'D and the Host were both aware of the event and brought us a round of drinks because we had to wait about 30 minutes for our table to clear. Once seated, we had the best service from our Server, Tony, who never hovered, but was always there for us. The steaks and lamb were superb, as was the zinfandel Tony recommended. We could not have had better service and our friend was all smiles and compliments for the entire experience. Pretty good for a grumpy old Brit. I hav e already requested that we come back for my birthday, but don't know if I want to wait until October.4/27/2013 12:00:00 AMThe Oysters Wellington & ChickenThe Oysters Wellington & Chicken Jerusalem were both outstanding. Waiter was very attentive and service fast. If you're looking for a quiet, romantic place I would go elsewhere.4/27/2013 12:00:00 AMWaiters were very attentive,Waiters were very attentive, good wholesome food. Extensive wine and cocktail list. Will probably go again.4/26/2013 12:00:00 AMTouristy but you can stillTouristy but you can still see why Sam Spade liked it.4/22/2013 12:00:00 AMThird time here and I loveThird time here and I love it but my friend's steak was a little too well done. Kind of brought down the mood. My steak was perfect but you want everyone to have the same experience. Waitress was okay but not great or particularly friendly. Had a gentleman upstairs last visit and he was possibly the best waiter we have ever had. Keep him!!!4/22/2013 12:00:00 AMA real San Francisco landmarkA real San Francisco landmark and home to Dashiell Hammett's "Maltese Falcon", John's Grill is legendary. We've lived in The City for two years now and finally got around to checking out one of the world's most famous restaurants. We weren't disappointed. Stopped in for a Sunday lunch with friends and soaked up the vibe and enjoyed a real old-fashioned, early twentieth century-style meal.4/21/2013 12:00:00 AMgreat restaurant great food greatI have been coming to this restaurant for many years and have never been disappointed. Whenever I visit San Francisco from United Kingdom I make a point of having at least one lunch at Johns Grill and in particular I always have Sam Spade chops4/21/2013 12:00:00 AMLoved Johns!!! Would go thereLoved Johns!!! Would go there again in a heartbeat!4/20/2013 12:00:00 AMExcellent food with one ofExcellent food with one of the most delicious red snapper that I have ever had and the sourdough bread was wonderful. Went on a Friday night and it was packed. They have you pretty well packed in with very close tables and very loud atmosphere. If the food wasn't soooo good, I would not be very impressed.4/19/2013 12:00:00 AMFood came so quickly - madeFood came so quickly - made me think it was pre-cooked. Great classic steakhouse feel to John's.4/18/2013 12:00:00 AMClassic standard, up to dateWhen you want a good steak, this is the place! (No worries, fish is featured prominently on the menu.) Service was exceptional. And they know how to make a proper cocktail. We were a moderate sized group and they really went out of their way to accommodate us. All this and The Maltese Falcon, what's not to love? Not our first time, we'll be back!4/18/2013 12:00:00 AMJohn's GrillI was excited to dine in the same restaurant that Dashiell Hammett frequented. Nice men's club decor. Attentive but non intrusive waiter, very nice not to be rushed by the wait staff while my friends and I visited and caught up after a long separation. I liked the whole experience. I did think the food was just a little too ordinary. We all had the steaks, my rib-eye was a bit thin and not at all tasty. Bit of a disappointment since that will be the first of very few steaks I will eat this year.
I would go there again, next time maybe the lamb.
Thanks.....tnm4/17/2013 12:00:00 AMNice restaurant within walkingNice restaurant within walking distance of shopping and hotels on Union Square. Found it because we could see their sign outside our hotel window! Then checked Open Table and it was listed. Very good entree (almost too much food!) Excellent service.4/17/2013 12:00:00 AMFirst visited John's GrillFirst visited John's Grill in the late 40's Back on a few occasions since. A remarkable place for good/outstanding food. Do not recall waiter's name but he is one of the best4/15/2013 12:00:00 AMExcellent food and drinks TheExcellent food and drinks
The steaks are wonderful and cooked perfect.
We come from out of for special occasions.4/13/2013 12:00:00 AMWe ate lunch at John's GrillWe ate lunch at John's Grill two days in a row. Both lunches the first day were extraordinary ("Lamplighter" and "Jack Lalanne's Favorite Salad"). The second day one lunch was again extraordinary ("Fried Scallops) but the lettuce in the Jack Lalaine salad was not very crispy and the blue cheese dressing not as wonderful as the day before. There were also fewer wait staff present the second day (Saturday) and our server was not as knowledgable about the menu. The restaurant was drafty and there was a cigar smoker somewhere close by - maybe upstairs or outside the open door. Nevertheless, we will definately eat at this restaurant again and highly recommend it.4/13/2013 12:00:00 AMChill Spot!John’s Grill was a very chill spot, nestled on a side street, off of the busy Market Street in San Francisco. The restaurant is very easy to get to, if you’re traveling via public transportation. We chose to dine here while visiting SF, from reading positive previous reviews. I echo the thoughts of all of those reviews. The food was very delicious. We received white table cloth service. The waiter was excellent. The walls are covered with photos from historical icons who dined there. I’m giving John’s two thumbs up!4/12/2013 12:00:00 AMThe table and seats were aThe table and seats were a little too close for us 4 tall people. And we had a hard time hearing one another what with the noise level.4/11/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat food, friendly serviceGreat food, friendly service with energetic bar scene!4/11/2013 12:00:00 AMNice old San Francisco feel.Nice old San Francisco feel. Food was average and over priced.4/8/2013 12:00:00 AMA Smooth Slice of HistorySan Franciscans are fortunate; much of our local history has survived to make a visit here a study in Americana. Those of us who live here relish the moments we spend in our own past as well as in our dynamic present. In many parts of the country, history and culture have become too cute, too quaint. In our city it remains, a background rich in taste, rich in tradition, a stunning story ever new (and ever old) in the telling. John's is a place to share with our children, our grandchildren, and with our friends from elsewhere who have not outlived their pleasure in the past. On my recent visit, a grandniece "discovered" Sam Spade and now intends to "rent" him. Iowa friends rejoiced in revisiting their memories. Good show all around!4/7/2013 12:00:00 AM