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Historic John's Grill, San Francisco, CA

Historic John's Grill

4.7
4.7
7491 Reviews
$31 to $50
American

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 p.m.
Booked 55 times today
  • Good for special occasions
  • Charming
  • Neighbourhood gem
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.

Order delivery or takeout

Private dining

Private dining

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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–9:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (415) 986-0069
  • 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
  • Neighbourhood
    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 7,491 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
  • 4.6Food
  • 4.6Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.4Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • San Francisco

    American

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Historic John's Grill offers a "fantastic experience" with its "classic San Francisco" vibe and "excellent food and service." Known for its "perfectly cooked steaks" and "amazing" seafood dishes, it provides "great value" amidst a "vintage ambiance." Despite occasional noise, the "historic atmosphere" and "friendly staff" make it a "must-visit" spot.

7,491 Reviews
  1. Sandy

    San Francisco

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Historic John's did not disappoint! It was hard to pick from the menu because there were so many yummy options, but i chose halibut and my husband a filet. They were both delicious - quality cuts, cooked perfectly, served with great fresh veggie sides. Service was attentive but not annoying. We were heading to a show and their service was quick and efficient. It was a little loud, but in a fun, energetic way. Next time, we will sit upstairs where a live jazz singer was performing. Thanks for a delicious meal and dining experience, Historic John's! Marcus and Corey from 101.3 always rave about you and now I know why!

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  2. Geoff

    Sacramento

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    John’s Grill has always been a great dining experience

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  3. WILLIAM

    VIP

    San Francisco

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    everything was absolutely wonderful. From the initial greetings, servers, food, and overall ambience was absolutely top-notch. 

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  4. Chase

    Los Angeles

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    A staple for us when we come to town. We both had ribeye and it was perfectly cooked. Live jazz band on the second floor was amazing. Kristin gave us the best service we have ever had at John’s! Can’t wait to come back!

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  5. Millicent

    Sacramento

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Live music nightly, wonderful service and good food.

    Is this helpful?

  6. Federico

    VIP

    Monterrey

    21 reviews

    3.0

    21 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 3
    It is a nice restaurant, the food great. We did want it to have it as a special occasion, but it was more like a normal dining place. Maybe due to the service that it was not extraordinary, it was just average.

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  7. paul

    Las Vegas

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 16, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great meal! Steak & baked potato were cooked perfect! Awesome dining experience!

    Is this helpful?

  8. Erick

    VIP

    Las Vegas

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on February 16, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 4
    Slow service but may have been because it was extremely busy with NBA All-Star game and Chinese New Year parade

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  9. Val

    VIP

    San Francisco

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on February 16, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Nice place to eat near union square. A little noisy but food is good and wait staff is good. Bread could be warmer. Also, needs a smaller steak option.

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  10. Michelle

    San Francisco

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on February 15, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    John’s grill did a great job of managing so many people for Valentine’s Day! Can’t wait to go back♥️

    Is this helpful?

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 7491 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 p.m.
Booked 55 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
  • Neighbourhood
    Downtown / Union Square
  • Hours of Operation
    Lunch Daily 11:45 am–3:30 pm Dinner Daily 3:30 pm–9:00 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
  • 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
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  • Cookie Preferences
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