Historic John's Grill
ZAGAT RATED: Food 26 / Decor 24 / Service 25 / Cost $44
"Step back in time” at this circa-1908 Downtown “landmark”, where “solid steakhouse fare" and "strong drinks" draw “tourists and locals alike"; "one of the last old-style SF eateries", it’s also renowned as a "Dashiell Hammett hangout" (and a setting in The
Private Dining
Book your next event with us
Safety precautions
- Surfaces sanitized between seatings
- Common areas deep cleaned daily
- Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
- Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
- Contactless payment available
- Sealed or wrapped utensils used
- Limited number of seated diners
- Distancing maintained in common areas
- Extra space between tables
- Waitstaff wear masks
- Diners must wear masks unless eating or drinking
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
Popular dishes
Sam Spade's Lamb Chops
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]
33 reviews
Fried Combination Seafood
25 reviews
Ribeye Steak
26 reviews
It’s always a pleasure to eat here. John’s Grill is my favorite place to go. The food and service are always excellent and they have a great classic bar menu. They definitely know how to make you feel special. It’s also a place that knows how to make a single diner feel welcome which I definitely appreciate.
We always go to the City during the Christmas season and we went today. It is the last day before they have to shut down outdoor dining. Yes we were outside and had a parking meter across from us but thy have done an excellent job of making each table feel private Lunch was great and the people greater. Come back soon
Simply...marvelous
John and his team were fantastic as always. We enjoyed a delicious steak dinner and drank our desserts.
We had such a great dinner! The drinks were great, the food was excellent and their service was outstanding. The outdoor set up was well built and the way it is set up we were in our own little room. We will be back!!
John's Grill is a classic and did outdoor dining right. Delicious shrimp salad & sole. Outstanding service. Unique outside booths. Let them stay open.
They have been able to transfer the great service and friendliness to outside dining during the pandemic. I always have a good time and a great meal at John's.
Jeff is an awesome food server!
Went during Covid shut down and it was awesome. we were prepared to freeze your butt off and be shoved off on the side of the road. We were pleasantly surprised to see they set up a little cubicle tents that felt like you were on a train. Service was phenomenal food was really good. We had filet mignon and the medallion meal both were excellent. And oh by the way the martinis are pretty killer!!
Happy to be able to eat at John’s!
Loved the food, classic cocktails, heat lamps and great and attentive service!
They’ve done a great job adapting to outdoor dining. Our food was good. It took quite a while for drinks to come. We ordered a second drink just before the main course came out and were more than half way finished eating before the drink came. It was a little chilly outdoors but we expected that in November. Overall, it was a good experience. We will return.
Dragos is number 1 :) very good food, great prices and he's easy on the eyes heh heh
The ribeye
Wonderful Service!! I had a blast and definitely will be back!!
Set up for outdoor dining with overhead coverings and heaters. Food is excellent.
The whole experience was rushed. Veggies were cold and some broccolini pieces were cooked earlier as the color was and texture was different. Apps came out them entrees came out. As soon as we ordered one app the server walked off to place order but didn’t wait for us to tell him the second. The outdoor dining wasn’t an issue, the food and service were just sub par. I have dined here before and it was a way better experience. I believe that servers have the opportunity to do so much more and should with the altered service available now.
The best steak and clam chowder i have ever ate. The Steak melts in your mouth and is very tasteful. Its a must eat if you are in SF. I am coming back every time I am in SF.
Covid continues to take its toll. Back to outside dinning only however John's continues to remain open. With a new cover and a few heaters a good start for dining in cooler temps. They are going to need a few more heaters along the way. Food and service is why we keep coming back.
We’ve been going to John’s for years and we both agreed the food is the best it’s ever been. NY steak. Fried prawns. Veggies. All delicious Prices considerably less than equivalent old school places. Great service as always. Still enjoying the leftovers. We will be back soon
Great food and good service! A lot of San Francisco history. Love the cocktails. Great place to meet friends and celebrate special occasions or just for a night out. Old San Francisco experience.
Excellent all around. It was our anniversary and they gave us two small bottles of prosecco, complimentary.
Only one improvement: bread was cold.
Keep on thriving into 2021 and beyond! Love this place!
Birthday! Fabulous! Just like the previous-Covid time but far less buzz.
I can sum up my review very quickly - we ate there 3 times last week - that tells you something, right! There is no better place in San Francisco for steak and fries. The steak is delicious (and I think a good value) and the fries are the best I've had in the Bay Area. Sitting outside there is delightful, and I really enjoy the jazz music. We also think they have a great Caesar Salad.
Top this off with excellent and hospitable service at a fair price - who can ask for more.
The outdoor dining experience was outstanding. The food was delicious and the service attentive. It was my first pandemic dining experience that wasn’t take-out, but it was my birthday and I knew I could trust John’s Grill to take every precaution. It did not disappoint and I plan to return.
If you ask for a steak rare you get it that way. Not at many other restaurants.
Always a very good meal and good service
Outstanding visit after a 50+ year absence. Went because it was my birthday and I had a recommendation to go after a friend celebrated her birthday there. I wanted isolation and I received it, being and feeling safe from any risks of Covid-19 contact.
I have been eating at John's Grill since 1952, at age 9. Over the years, there have only been two owner's and really, nothing has changed., which means they are still utilizing the original recipes and high quality which makes it a San Francisco Restaurant Landmark.
I would recommend it to anyone!
The food was delicious, but the cocktails were ridiculous! We all loved them. Strong! haha! I don't eat meat or fish, but great salads if you are OK with shell fish!
This was a nice historic type restaurant. I had the seafood pasta. It had a lot of flavor. My husband had the burger, which was also very good. The service was excellent. We sat indoors, but there was also a nice outdoor area. I would definitely go back.
amazing place ... old school vibe ... great value ... great service !
Good food and great service. Easy parking across the street.
I’ve eaten here for some time and the quality is always top notch. Never had a bad meal. The order was 5 lamb chops and they were top quality. Very enjoyable experience when all works in harmony-rather and experience from the past. You will not be disappointed. You won’t even remember COVID.
The food and cocktails are always amazing. We can't wait until the restaurant in opened for inside dining.
Great food. Nice outdoor seating
As always John’s Grill was delicious.
Perfectly seasoned Bloody Mary’s went perfect with the lightly fried shrimp.
Service is with a smile and on time.
Go.....
We enjoyed our “new normal” dining experience. The noise came from the construction across the street. Since we opted to eat outdoors we didn’t get to enjoy the ambience of the Home of The Maltese Falcon as in past years.
Loved eating in the street! Great service....gorgeous day! It was a great day! Food excellent as always!
FAQs
You can order delivery directly from Historic John's Grill using the Order Online button. Historic John's Grill also offers delivery in partnership with Caviar. Historic John's Grill also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (415) 986-0069.
Historic John's Grill is rated 4.7 stars by 5401 OpenTable diners.
Historic John's Grill does offer gift cards which you can purchase here https://www.giftrocker.com/secure/order/?h=2168a60c.
Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable. Due to local restrictions, this restaurant may not be accepting reservations at the moment.