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Historic John's Grill, San Francisco, CA

Historic John's Grill

4.7
4.7
6710 Reviews
$31 to $50
American
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.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 44 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Private dining

Private dining

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Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Cuisines
    American, Steak, Seafood
  • Hours of operation
    Lunch Daily 11:45 am–3:30 pm Dinner Daily 3:30 pm–9:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (415) 986-0069
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive chef
    Mauricio Sibrian
  • Catering
    Cancellation policy: A party of six or more must be confirmed with a valid credit card. Any cancellations must be made prior to 24 hour of reservation to avoid a $30 charge per person. This policy also applies if you need to reduce the number of guests in your party.
  • Private party facilities
    Historic John's Grill 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
    John Konstin: (415) 986-0069
  • 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

What 6,710 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
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.4Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • San Francisco

    American

6,710 Reviews
  1. JanetK

    Exclusive

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Very good - tables close - good food - timely service - wait staff kind and helpful

    Is this helpful?

  2. jczii

    New York Area

    109 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    109 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The menu is basic steak and seafood. It was all done great. We really enjoyed finally not having the fancy sauces nor pretentious atmosphere. Very comfortable, quality woodwork and classic decorations of past celebrities that have frequented this place. Our server let us chat when done eating, and very attentive while not disturbing during our dining. Convenient location near Union Square and not on a hill!!!

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  3. AdsH

    New York Area

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food and friendly staff! Highly recommend for any occasion.

    Is this helpful?

  4. JohnH

    San Francisco

    7 reviews

    3.0

    7 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall3food3service3ambience2
    This is a tourist restaurant pulling in the masses for a pedestrian meal. The was pleasant and helpful but if your looking for a St Elmo's or even Ruth's Chris experience this is not your place

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  5. CarleyS

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The whole experience was amazing. Staff were Incredible. It was my birthday and they couldn’t be more attentive. From the doorman to the waiter everything was perfect ! Food I didn’t want to end! I will be back!

    Is this helpful?

  6. NanR

    San Francisco

    13 reviews

    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We went last evening to celebrate my husband’s birthday and were treated so well. We were greeted with a Happy Birthday when we entered from the host and our menus had the charming touch of Happy Birthday and the date printed on them. Our waitress was perfect- fun, energetic, and unobtrusively attentive. And, to top a great meal off, a special birthday dessert was brought out. We have always enjoyed John’s Grill, and they really out did themselves for our celebration.

    Is this helpful?

  7. LauraP

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Very comfortable. Waiters were attentive without being annoying. Food was delicious and draft beer was a good price.

    Is this helpful?

  8. FaithW

    Las Vegas

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    A great experience in a classic atmosphere with really good food, fine service and great pours on our drinks. It is old school, a bit noisy, and not exactly fancy for the price point. But halibut and snapper were terrific, big portions, and martini was ice cold. Even the sourdough bread basket was a treat. Only thing lacking in my opinion was the creamed spinach, it was watery and bland. Otherwise we loved it!

    Is this helpful?

  9. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall4food4service4ambience5
    Very cozy and warm place. We ate the salmon dish and the fish platter another evening and the food is good. It would be nice if the restaurant also had wifi.

    Is this helpful?

  10. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    What a wonderful place to dine and celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary. John’s made our experience special. Every time we’re in San Francisco we go to the only place with the best service and food and that’s at Johns

    Is this helpful?

  11. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on September 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We were there for our 38th Anniversary! We got there 30 min early and was seated immediately. Right way we noticed the menu had Happy Anniversary across the top of the menu! Our waiter Boom was very attentive at just the right moments! I had the filet, it was cooked perfectly. Loved the clean crispy vegetables and the blue cheese vinaigrette for the salad was the best I have had! We finished with a complementary flan! Got to sit in the Maltese Falcon booth! Go there and learn the history behind the booth! 5 star service from beginning to end!

    1 person found this helpful

  12. ToniB

    Switzerland

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 15, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Great choice overall. Noise is a problem but than again it‘s lively. Only negative on the food was my veggies could have been cooked bit longer

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  13. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything was fantastic. Only complaint was they let people smoke outside that were waiting for a table and had front door open fully and it wafted in and filled bottom floor of tables. Was gross and took away from the aromas of our food and wine. Request upstairs seating (we will next time) if you hate cigarette smoke like we do when you are eating. They should have had them stand 25 ft from the door but that didn't happen. We will be back.

    1 person found this helpful

  14. Analama

    San Francisco

    33 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    33 reviews

    Dined on September 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a great pre-theater dinner. Sharing the Jack LaLanne salad and the filet mignon medallions made for the perfect meal for two. I love John's Grill!

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  15. IvanM

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This place is great. Buzzing with a cool vibe. The food is fantastic and I cannot wait to visit again but I will need to wait until I am back in Sab Fran.

    Is this helpful?

  16. NDMDAD

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 12, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience3
    Baked potato was cold and waiter do not know etiquette

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  17. Brugelita

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was delicious, the ambiance was classic and relaxed, and the wait staff was fantastic.

    Is this helpful?

  18. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on September 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The Petrale Sole & Filet Mignon are always 5 star! Always a wonderful experience!

    1 person found this helpful

  19. Leddy

    San Francisco

    32 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    32 reviews

    Dined on September 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Every time we eat at John's Grill we have excellent service, great food and a convivial atmosphere.

    Is this helpful?

  20. KarenD

    San Francisco

    74 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    74 reviews

    Dined on September 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The bartender Jonathan is great! We always eat our dinner at the bar. This was our best experience yet. Good food, service and drinks.

    1 person found this helpful

  21. Biscuits

    San Francisco

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great traditional San Francisco restaurant. Great service.

    Is this helpful?

  22. Bichael

    San Francisco

    17 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on September 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Good food well done for what it offers. Steaks are excellent as well as Sam Spade lamb chops. Be sure to visit the upstairs Maltese Falcon display.

    1 person found this helpful

  23. Eatmyheartout

    San Francisco

    64 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    64 reviews

    Dined on September 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent red snapper, lamb chops, lobster bisque, French fries, hamburger, shrimp cocktail—-all delicious!

    Is this helpful?

  24. Cheuton

    Los Angeles

    162 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    162 reviews

    Dined on September 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The service at Historic John's is super, from the host at the front desk, to the waiters and bus persons. Even at the busiest of times, they make eating here a pleasure. The food is always reliable and well-prepared. The cocktails are great, especially if you like a strong pour. And, of course, the Maltese Falcon!

    1 person found this helpful

  25. DonaldM

    Toronto

    74 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    74 reviews

    Dined on September 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Teriffic food. Lobster ravioli best I ever ate. We had the sole and salmon dinners. Very, very, good. Our server, Edgar, was top notch!

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  26. CarolynE

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was excellent! Service was the very best! Everything was perfect!

    Is this helpful?

  27. RobW

    Los Angeles

    35 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    35 reviews

    Dined on September 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The manager was amazing! Welcoming and seating guests while watching every aspect in the dining room. He never stood still taking care of a jammed room of delighted diners.

    1 person found this helpful

  28. Elias

    San Francisco

    70 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    70 reviews

    Dined on September 1, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    We really enjoyed John’s Grill. The service was very nice, the food was delicious and the atmosphere had last century charm. Everything was impeccable. I highly recommend a meal here for those residing in SF and those visiting too.

    1 person found this helpful

  29. ChrisB

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 31, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Best lamb I have had in a long time! Super fun place to visit. Thanks for a great meal.

    Is this helpful?

  30. ArmandoC

    Monterrey

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 30, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience4
    Nice Place near Union Square, good food and drinks

    Is this helpful?

  31. michaels

    San Francisco

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on August 30, 2023

    overall4food4service3ambience4
    It's the classic establishment with consistent food quality

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  32. JMRP

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 30, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    Nice historic place with good service, good food and a nicel wine cart.

    Is this helpful?

  33. Margie

    Cincinnati

    10 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on August 30, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent steak with great service! We had a wonderful time.

    1 person found this helpful

  34. SusieG

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    First, the service at John’s Grill was excellent; easygoing, warm and welcoming, more than helpful yet in no way intrusive. The food was superb and cooked just as I ordered. We had the filet mignon, a New York Strip, and halibut. Delicious. And, of course, the decor and ambiance is wonderfully old time San Francisco, perfect for us. There was absolutely no rush whatsoever. Still one of my favorite restaurants, especially with out of town guests. Thank you.

    Is this helpful?

  35. Eatmyheartout

    San Francisco

    64 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    64 reviews

    Dined on August 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    FOOD & Service always exceptional. Petrale Sole, lobster ravioli -outstanding! Old San Francisco and wonderful Historic environment. Read up on Dashell Hammet and watch the old movie, The Maltese Falcon!

    Is this helpful?

  36. JoNZ

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    A definite must to visit when in San Francisco, would definitely recommend and will definitely visit again when I am next in San Francisco

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  37. TrinaT

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Appreciated all the wonderful customer service and attention to all guests!!

    Is this helpful?

  38. ThomasF

    San Francisco

    5 reviews

    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on August 27, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience3
    A regular favorite of ours. Food is fantastic. Upper level a bit noisy for our tastes, prefer the ground floor.

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  39. BritneyS

    San Francisco

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on August 27, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Great service from our waiter Jeff D. I had a lovely Dinner out with friends and got Top tier service and good food.

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  40. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 26, 2023

    overall5food5service3ambience4
    Everything was great except for the tables that were too close to the front door and the elevator! Our waiter was very nice!!!

    Is this helpful?

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
    • Contactless payment available
  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
    • Staff is vaccinated

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 6710 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 44 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
  • Neighborhood
    Downtown / Union Square
  • Hours of operation
    Lunch Daily 11:45 am–3:30 pm Dinner Daily 3:30 pm–9:00 pm
  • 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
  • Phone number
    (415) 986-0069
  • Catering
    Cancellation policy: A party of six or more must be confirmed with a valid credit card. Any cancellations must be made prior to 24 hour of reservation to avoid a $30 charge per person. This policy also applies if you need to reduce the number of guests in your party.
  • Private party facilities
    Historic John's Grill 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
    John Konstin: (415) 986-0069
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