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Best Historic Restaurants in Downtown / Union Square

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43 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Historic John's Grill restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(7408)
Price: Expensive
• American • Downtown / Union Square
Booked 82 times today
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.
A photo of The Post Room restaurant
4.1
Excellent(176)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Downtown / Union Square
Booked 15 times today
In the heart of San Francisco’s Union Square, a new Mediterranean-inspired bar and lounge called The Post Room is nestled inside the historic Beacon Grand and overlooking the hotel’s grand lobby, the vibrant social venue will serve breakfast through supper every day, with brunch served on weekends and complemented by a dazzling live music program.
A photo of Starlite restaurant
4.4
Awesome(161)
Price: Expensive
• Cocktail Bar • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 53 times today
Starlite is a historic San Francisco cocktail bar with nearly a century of vibrant stories. Renowned for hosting lively parties and attracting iconic figures like Alan Ginsberg, Starlite invites guests to the Beacon Grand’s 21st-floor, featuring refreshed interiors by San Francisco designer Alice Crumeyrolle. The atmosphere is set with rich velvet fabrics and a jewel-tone palette inspired by the Art Deco Era, paying homage to the city’s icons. Crafted by Scott Baird of Trick Dog fame, the cocktails are both playful and meticulously made. Michelin-award-winning chef Johnny Spero curates a menu that celebrates San Francisco’s culinary artistry, drawing inspiration from international fare. Enhancing the experience are nightly, all-vinyl DJ sets by music director Nina Tarr.
A photo of Top of the Mark restaurant
4.3
Awesome(848)
Price: Expensive
• Tapas / Small Plates • Nob Hill
Booked 24 times today
IMPORTANT NOTICE: The Top of the Mark will not be open for cocktails on Dec. 24, 25, 31, and Jan. 1, 2025 due to our Holidays at the Mark events taking place on those days. Thank you for your understanding.Number 1 in California and San Francisco, and 2nd in the nation on USAToday's 10 Best Hotel Bars.Nestled on the 19th floor of the historic InterContinental Mark Hopkins, Top of the Mark's breathtaking panoramic views of San Francisco's skyline and iconic landmarks, including the majestic Golden Gate Bridge, the enigmatic Alcatraz, Union Square, and more, will leave you spellbound. Sip on our signature cocktails as you soak in the atmosphere of timeless sophistication. Our appetizer and dessert selection will tantalize your taste buds, with options that complement our cocktails perfectly. What's more, we offer live entertainment each Saturday evening, where you can let the music move you on the dance floor.
A photo of Biscuits and Blues restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(2013)
Price: Expensive
• Regional American (Southern) • Downtown / Union Square
Booked 1 time today
Located in the heart of San Francisco's historic Theater District, Biscuits and Blues is a West Coast musical landmark where every seat provides an up-close, live music experience. Our all-ages supper club is a great place for the whole family to experience America's greatest musical heritage! We have live music six nights a week featuring national and Bay Area acts. Our full bar and soulful Southern menu compliments the savory sounds of our top-notch talent. If you’re trying to decide between food and music, you can indulge in both with us! Show times and prices may vary and are dependent on specific acts. No refunds-no cancellations for show tickets. Every ticket has a seat. Singles will be assigned a bar seat or shareable table seat when available.
A photo of Bartlett Hall restaurant
4.0
Excellent(515)
Price: Expensive
• American • Downtown / Union Square
Booked 8 times today
Bartlett Hall, located in the heart of San Francisco’s Union Square neighborhood, is a modern saloon and eatery that fuses the city’s historic elements with today’s conveniences. With award winning beers made in house, Bartlett offers a special program that pairs beer and food delightfully. A menu of California-inspired American fare, including a variety of burgers, small plates and entrees, are served daily. Bartlett Hall is located at 242 O’Farrell Street www.bartletthallsf.com, or call 415-433-4332. Our Food Menu is available 3:00 PM-9:00 PM, Monday-Wednesday, and 12:00 PM - 9:00 PM Thursday-Sunday. Happy Hour Menu: 3:00-5:00 Monday-Friday.
A photo of Tower Salon - The Westin St. Francis restaurant
3.7
Very Good(530)
Price: Expensive
• American • Downtown / Union Square
We'd like to inform you of our current relocation to Tower Salon A while the Oak Room undergoes renovations. Tower Salon A, conveniently situated in the tower building, past the concierge desk and adjacent to the tower glass elevators, is now hosting our services.Rest assured, while our location may have changed, our commitment to providing you with our signature hearty breakfast and full American buffet remains unchanged. You can continue to expect the same wonderful dining experience you've come to love.We appreciate your continued support during this renovation period. If you have any questions or require further information, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. We look forward to welcoming you at Tower Salon A for a memorable dining experience.
A photo of The Garden Court - Luxury Collection restaurant
4.0
Excellent(2467)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • SOMA
Booked 11 times today
Featuring innovative intercontinental cuisine, the famed Garden Court offers a superb dining experience in a glorious setting. This historic landmark serves Breakfast daily, 2 Course Prix Fixe Lunch Monday-Thursday and an enchanting Afternoon Tea on Friday and Saturday. The Garden Court features a stained glass dome, Italian marble columns, Austrian crystal chandeliers and is noted on San Francisco’s Historic Register as Landmark #18. Our Executive Chef invites you to try our signature crab salad lightly dressed in our own Green Goddess Dressing, a true Palace original created in 1923.
A photo of Original Joe's - San Francisco restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(4215)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • North Beach
Booked 60 times today
Original Joe’s is the quintessential, classic San Francisco dining experience. A fabric of the City for over 80 years, it is located in the heart of the historic and majestic North Beach, a mecca for natives, tourists, and culinary aficionados alike.Original Joe’s is the oldest of all existing Joe’s restaurants in the country and is the innovator of what is now nationally known as the “Joe’s Concept”. With its signature red leather booths, legendary smooth cocktails, and renowned Italian American menu, Joe’s has come to signify its own Northern Californian category of food and symbolizes classic Italian American comfort food at its finest.
A photo of Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar - Fairmont San Francisco restaurant
4.0
Excellent(1999)
Price: Expensive
• Asian • Nob Hill
Booked 36 times today
A visit to San Francisco is not complete without experiencing Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar. The Tonga Room offers exceptional Polynesian Cuisine in a tropical setting that includes thunder and rainstorms. It is the perfect escape after a busy day of meetings or shopping along Union Square. Be sure to try the Mai Tai, voted the City's best by Conde Nast Traveler.Dinner is seated on a first-come first-served basis for all parties under 10. Hurricane Bar guests are welcomed on a first-come first-served basis.The Island Groove performs a live set starting at 7:00 pm. A $15 per person cover charge applies to all guests seated in the restaurant or bar during the entertainment, regardless of the time they arrive.If you would like to make a reservation for 10 or more people to the Tonga Room, please give us a call at 415-772-5000 or email us at tongaroom@fairmont.com.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Eloice
    San Francisco Bay Area •6 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    This was the first time we've been back since the last remake. It has been a decades long family tradition to visit during the holiday season. We were not disappointed. The drinks were good and the tuna crudo was especially delicious.
    More info
    StarlitePrice: Expensive• Cocktail Bar• Financial District / Embarcadero
    4.4
  • Linda
    San Francisco Bay Area •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    We have been enjoying Christmas Brunch at the Top of the Mark for over 25 years. This year was the best organized and the "people flow" was so much better. Excellent food and the lovely young woman who made my yummy omelet was so professional and crisp and fun to watch. I understand that the new manager, is Amu" I think is her name, who wore a spectacular magenta dress, kept everything smoothly running and was so gracious. I had the privilege of thanking her personally. Frank was our expert server (he has worked there over 25 years) and he was unruffled and did not miss a beat even when dealing with the crass and rude and snarky pair who sat behind us. THANK YOU Mark Hopkins for making our Christmas, yet again, memorable.
    More info
    Top of the MarkPrice: Expensive• Tapas / Small Plates• Nob Hill
    4.3
  • SarahVIP
    London •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    Our Christmas Day Brunch experience was fantastic. I have some food allergies so I had emailed The Post Room Team in advance and received a prompt, reassuring reply from the chef, Jose, who had clearly given my questions thoughtful and thorough consideration. On the day, I received personal service from Jose who was committed to avoiding issues with cross-contamination. All the food we ate was delicious and the dining room team could not have been more welcoming or accommodating. We were so well looked after, it was a faultless festive experience. We only went out for our Christmas meal this year because I had recent hand surgery and can’t cook much. However, our experience at The Post Room was so delightful, I am considering doing it again next year. Thank you to Jose and the whole team.
    More info
    The Post RoomPrice: Expensive• Californian• Downtown / Union Square
    4.1
  • BVIP
    San Francisco Bay Area •133 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    We ordered drinks, which came promptly and were good. Both of us had jambalaya. It was quite tasty. The show started somewhat late, so we had time for another round of drinks. Once the show started, and during and after the show, service was less available. It took us a bit of time to get our check, but we were able to chat with the performers, so it was fun. The parking discount at the Mason-Ellis garage worked out well. We highly recommend Biscuits and Blues for dinner and a show! We'll definitely be back.
    More info
    Biscuits and BluesPrice: Expensive• Regional American (Southern)• Downtown / Union Square
    4.7
  • LisaVIP
    San Francisco Bay Area •60 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    Lunch after a matinee is one of our Holiday traditions- this year it was just perfect. The restaurant was packed with diners waiting for tables lined up at the bar, so thank goodness we had a reservation (on a Monday at 3:00PM- who knew?). Once past that minor inconvenience, everything was absolutely wonderful. We shared the Tortelloni appetizer and even though I am an accomplished Italian home cook, it was the best we have ever had. Then we shared the Jack LaLane salad - partly because we grew up with him on TV and the nostalgia was undeniable- and it was perfect. It had a respectable amount of seafood and avocado and was very large. My husband said his Manhatten was excellent. We left vowing to come back soon and often.
    More info
    Historic John's GrillPrice: Expensive• American• Downtown / Union Square
    4.7
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