Historic John's Grill

4.7

7498 Reviews

$31 to $50

American

Make a reservation

2 people

Mar 2, 2025

March 2025

9:30 p.m.

Find next available

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Booked 57 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.

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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
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
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

Featured in

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

Popular dishes

Belvedere MartiniUS$16.00
Belvedere vodka, Dry Vermouth, "shaken"
Pear MartiniUS$16.00
Grey Goose La Poire (Pear), sweet & sour, with a splash of ginger ale
Pomegranate CosmopolitanUS$16.00
Young & Yonder Vodka, PAMA Liqueur, Cointreau, cranberry juice, lime juice
French GimletUS$16.00
H.O.B.S. Gin, St.Germain, fresh lime juice, simple syrup
French MartiniUS$16.00
Young & Yonder Vodka, Chambord, pineapple juice
VesperUS$16.00
Nolet's Gin, Young & Yonder Vodka, Lillet Blanc
Bogie's Old FashionedUS$16.00
Bulleit Bourbon, Muddled Sugar, Angostura Bitters, Orange with a splash of soda
Bulleit Rye ManhattanUS$16.00
Bulleit Rye, Sweet Vermouth, dashes of bitters
Gold RushUS$16.00
Bulleit Bourbon, honey syrup, lemon juice and served on the rocks
Cazadores PalomaUS$15.00
Cazadores Blanco, lime juice, grapefruit, club soda
Aperol SpritzUS$15.00
Aperol, Prosecco with a splash of soda
Moscow MuleUS$15.00
Young & Yonder Vodka, Ginger beer & lime juice
NegroniUS$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

$10

Shirley Ginger
Ginger Beer, club Soda, lime juice, grenadine
Virgin Paloma
Grapefruit juice, lime juice, syrup & a pinch of salt

By the Glass

White Wines

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

Red Wines

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

Half Bottles

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

By the Bottle

Sparkling Wines & French Champagne

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

White Wine

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

Red Wine

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

What 7,498 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

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

San Francisco
American

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Historic John's Grill is a San Francisco staple offering "wonderful steaks, wonderful people" in a lively, historic setting. Guests rave about the "amazing jazz band" and "perfectly cooked" dishes like halibut and filet mignon. The ambiance is "old school" with a "touch of historic atmosphere," making it a must-visit for both locals and tourists.

7,498 Reviews

B
janetB
San Francisco
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined today
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
This is our go to for date night in the city . Never disappoints us. Oh yeah .. get the ribeye steak .. really good !!
Is this helpful?
g
gene
San Francisco
14 reviews
4.0
14 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
I love old fashioned restaurants! Nothing inventive here, just good old school food!
Is this helpful?
A
Aleta
VIP
San Francisco
23 reviews
5.0
23 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Perfect drinks and dinner. Cool sounds. Great crowd. Our kind of place.
Is this helpful?
NR
NubiaR
San Francisco
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
We were fortunate to go when some jazz music was playing upstairs. It was good ambience and nice music. I ordered the prefixe menu of lobster bisque, which was good but lacking lobster pieces. My felt mignon with lobster tail were delicious. Made perfectly. Came with bake potato and vegetables and a delicious mousse tarte. Overall a great, meal.
Is this helpful?
M
Mark
San Francisco
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
John's Grill is always a wonderful place to go. Great service and food along a wonderful atmosphere.
Is this helpful?
M
Mona
San Francisco
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Native San Franciscan who loves the legendary restaurant.
Is this helpful?
t
thomas
VIP
San Francisco
162 reviews
5.0
162 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
Our waitress was not as personable as most employees of the restaurant. Her service was okay , but with attitude.
Is this helpful?
R
Roy
San Francisco
23 reviews
5.0
23 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We always enjoy the historic John’s Grill. The service and the food is amazing!!! Love the ambiance and the staff!! Our waiter was very attentive and friendly checking on us often to make sure we were taken care of!!
Is this helpful?
S
Sandy
San Francisco
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on February 23, 2025
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!
Is this helpful?
G
Geoff
Sacramento
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 23, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
John’s Grill has always been a great dining experience
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 7498 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

Mar 2, 2025

March 2025

9:30 p.m.

Find next available

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Booked 57 times today

Order delivery or takeout

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

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

Sun	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat

Sun	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat

Historic John's Grill

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

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Private dining

Dining areas

Additional information

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

Ribeye Steak

Filet Mignon

New York Steak

Specialty Cocktails

Belvedere MartiniUS$16.00

Pear MartiniUS$16.00

Pomegranate CosmopolitanUS$16.00

French GimletUS$16.00

French MartiniUS$16.00

VesperUS$16.00

Bogie's Old FashionedUS$16.00

Bulleit Rye ManhattanUS$16.00

Gold RushUS$16.00

Cazadores PalomaUS$15.00

Aperol SpritzUS$15.00

Moscow MuleUS$15.00

NegroniUS$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