Historic John's Grill

Name: Historic John's Grill
Address: 63 Ellis Street, San Francisco, CA, United States, 94102
Telephone: (415) 986-0069
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.7

4.7 (7582)

$31 to $50

American

63 Ellis Street, San Francisco, CA 94102

Make a reservation

2 people

Jun 20, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 62 times today

About this restaurant

Neighborhood gem
Good for special occasions
Lively

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.

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–9:15 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
Neighborhood
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
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

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

Private dining

Popular dishes

Belvedere Martini$16.00
Belvedere vodka, Dry Vermouth, "shaken"
Pear Martini$16.00
Grey Goose La Poire (Pear), sweet & sour, with a splash of ginger ale
Pomegranate Cosmopolitan$16.00
Young & Yonder Vodka, PAMA Liqueur, Cointreau, cranberry juice, lime juice
French Gimlet$16.00
H.O.B.S. Gin, St.Germain, fresh lime juice, simple syrup
French Martini$16.00
Young & Yonder Vodka, Chambord, pineapple juice
Vesper$16.00
Nolet's Gin, Young & Yonder Vodka, Lillet Blanc
Bogie's Old Fashioned$16.00
Bulleit Bourbon, Muddled Sugar, Angostura Bitters, Orange with a splash of soda
Bulleit Rye Manhattan$16.00
Bulleit Rye, Sweet Vermouth, dashes of bitters
Gold Rush$16.00
Bulleit Bourbon, honey syrup, lemon juice and served on the rocks
Cazadores Paloma$15.00
Cazadores Blanco, lime juice, grapefruit, club soda
Aperol Spritz$15.00
Aperol, Prosecco with a splash of soda
Moscow Mule$15.00
Young & Yonder Vodka, Ginger beer & lime juice
Negroni$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

Strawberry Lemonade$12.00

By the Glass

White Wines

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

Red Wines

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

Half Bottles

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

By the Bottle

Sparkling Wines & French Champagne

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

White Wine

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

Red Wine

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

What 7,582 people are saying

Historic John's Grill reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

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
4.7Service
4.6Ambience
4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

San Francisco
American

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Historic John's Grill offers a "great, fun, and lively vibe" with live jazz music and a warm, friendly staff. Diners rave about the "perfectly cooked steaks" and "excellent service" in a setting rich with San Francisco history. A "must-visit" for authentic atmosphere and "outstanding" food.

7,582 Reviews

J
John VIP
Montana48 reviews
4.0
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 3
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 3
The rib eye was about 5/8 of an inch thick. Heavily spiced. Bread and salad were greater
Is this helpful?
J
Jill VIP
San Francisco Bay Area59 reviews
4.0
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
We made early reservations at John's to accommodate after-dinner theatre plans and expected a quiet experience at 5:15, but the restaurant was already busy (which was nice to see). The waiter was quick and accommodating without hovering. My husband enjoyed the chicken Jerusalem and called it "outstanding". For me. the waiter suggested the halibut over the salmon, so I had that with a baked potato and mixed vegies; it was all very flavorful and cooked perfectly. Our daughter was happy with the ahi tuna appetizer as her main course in addition to sharing in our tomato & burrata appetizer. My only criticism is that we should have been given separate small plates for the shared appetizer since the bread & butter plates were already taken up with...bread & butter. As it was we moved the bread to the tabletop to use the plates for the appetizer which required a knife and fork. We've been here only once before and had rushed through dinner to make those theatre tickets, so we agreed we'd come back with more allowance for time. We had an appetizer through dessert in just over 75 minutes and had more than enough time. Next time we'll come without any after-dinner plans!
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E
Eugene VIP
San Francisco Bay Area99 reviews
4.0
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 3
Decent to excellent food Terrible service or worse
Is this helpful?
K
Kathryn VIP
San Francisco Bay Area151 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Have never been here before but glad we gave it a try before the theater. Great food and got us in and out promptly to make our curtain time.
Is this helpful?
A
Adi
San Francisco Bay Area2 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Was perfect. Dinner on the bar, great food, great service, great old fashion!
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b
bob
Sacramento / Sacramento Valley11 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Almost everything was great. Only "down" point was the bottle of wine we ordered was out of stock and second choice took too long to get to the table. Otherwise, very good!
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C
Carl
Unspecified1 review
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
As a long-time San Francisco resident, I'm almost embarrassed to admit that my recent visit was my first to John's Grill. What a mistake that's been! From the moment we walked in, the service was impeccable – attentive without being overbearing, and genuinely warm. Our server clearly knew the menu inside and out, offering fantastic recommendations. And the food! The steaks were perfectly cooked and incredibly flavorful, and the sides were just as impressive. It's clear why John's Grill has been a San Francisco institution for so long. I'm already planning my next visit and kicking myself for waiting so long.
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B
Bob VIP
San Francisco Bay Area103 reviews
4.0
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Historic John"s Grill is a great place to dine when visiting San Francisco: it is a fun place to eat. It has a great, fun, and lively vibe (choose to dine on the second floor when they have music); it has good good without the sobbish attitude and presentation (I always have the sole); and it has a warm and friendly staff (visit with them, ask how they are doing, connect face-to-face, and put your mobile on silent).
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C
Corinne
Sacramento / Sacramento Valley1 review
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The service was great. Ordered a chicken dish, it was moist and flavorful. I would definitely eat here again
Is this helpful?
K
Kathleen VIP
San Francisco Bay Area84 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
This is one of my favorite spots to dine after a great demonstration.
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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 7582 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

Jun 20, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 62 times today

63 Ellis Street, San Francisco, CA 94102

Dining areas

Additional information

Cross street
Powell Street
Neighborhood
Downtown / Union Square
Hours of operation
Lunch Daily 11:45 am–3:30 pm Dinner Daily 3:30 pm–9:15 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
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

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 reservation

About this restaurant

Dining areas

Additional information

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

The Maltese Falcon Room

Hammet's Den

Astor Room

The Club Room

Custom inquiry

Ribeye Steak

Filet Mignon

New York Steak

Specialty Cocktails

Belvedere Martini$16.00

Pear Martini$16.00

Pomegranate Cosmopolitan$16.00

French Gimlet$16.00

French Martini$16.00

Vesper$16.00

Bogie's Old Fashioned$16.00

Bulleit Rye Manhattan$16.00

Gold Rush$16.00

Cazadores Paloma$15.00

Aperol Spritz$15.00

Moscow Mule$15.00

Negroni$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