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John's Grill in San Francisco

John's Grill in San Francisco

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4.4 (3871)

Steak Houses Cocktail Bars Restaurants Seafood Restaurants

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John's Grill is a steak house in San Francisco, CA.

John's Grill Review Summary

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Reviews & Ratings

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4.4

(3871 Reviews)

5

4

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2

1

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Eva Forman -Google user

a month ago

I went to John's Grill because I was told it's a historical restaurant, and the spot for seafood in San Francisco. I was initially suspicious. It wasn't super busy yet we waited too long to be served cold bread. That said, the table bread, though...Read More

DinnerAtmosphere: 52 people, 3-4 peopleIndoor dining area, Bar area, Booth seating

Dan Baxter -Google user

4 weeks ago

If you’re looking for a place in San Francisco where history, noir legend, and a downright excellent burger intersect, John’s Grill is the joint. Open since 1908, it’s one of the city’s oldest institutions—and it wears its years well, with dark wood paneling, old photos,...Read More

If you’re looking for a place in San Francisco where history, noir legend, and a downright excellent burger intersect, John’s Grill is the joint. Open since 1908, it’s one of the city’s oldest institutions—and it wears its years well, with dark wood paneling, old photos, and the kind of bar that makes you feel like you should be plotting something clever with a trench coat and a fedora. How many times will you be able say that you ate at a legit, literary landmark? Literary buffs will appreciate its claim to fame: this was one of Dashiell Hammett’s haunts, and he dropped it right into The Maltese Falcon. Sam Spade ordered chops and tomatoes here, and the restaurant has leaned into that legacy ever since. From the Maltese Falcon memorabilia to napkins that literally read “Home of the Maltese Falcon,” the theme is embraced with a wink but never feels over the top. Think classy homage, not tourist trap. Now, onto the food—which, let’s be honest, is why most of us show up. I had the broiled cheeseburger with cheddar, and it was perfection. Juicy, flavorful, cooked exactly to order, and topped with just the right amount of melted cheddar. The fries? Golden, crispy, seasoned just right, and honestly some of the best in town. They strike that elusive balance between crunchy exterior and fluffy interior, the kind of fry that borders on its own mystery of, "where did all the fries disappear to?" Your list of potential suspects should be fairly short! The service was sharp and friendly, the cocktails strong enough to make you forget you paid San Francisco prices, and the vibe was exactly what you’d hope for in a landmark restaurant—lively but not chaotic, classy but approachable. In short: John’s Grill isn’t just riding on its history, it’s still delivering the goods. Whether you’re hungry to be a part of history or just hungry for one of the best burgers and fries in the city, this is a stop worth making. And if you happen to solve a mystery or two while you’re here - consider it part of the atmosphere!

$30–50Atmosphere: 5Varies by time / day1 person, 2 people, 3-4 people, 5-8 peopleSomewhat difficult to find parkingPaid parking lot, Free street parking, Paid street parking, Paid parking garage

Travis Bohrer -Google user

Edited a month ago

My wife and I ate here on a Tuesday night. We both had wine. My wife had a glass of malbec and I had a merlot. Both wines were excellent. For starters, my wife had the lobster bisque, and I had the clam chowder. Both soups were...Read More

Dinner$50–100Atmosphere: 5New England Clam Chowder, Lobster Bisque, Baked Idaho PotatoNo wait

Su -Google user

4 weeks ago

Ribeye here was sooo good!!🥩Honestly, if you come, definitely get a steak!!! The clam chowder was thick and tasty, and I tried the Chicken Jerusalem too. It was good, but try steak here haha. Place was pretty busy and packed but the service was super...Read More

Atmosphere: 5

rj r -Google user

3 months ago

Walked into John's Grill, located in a historic building, for lunch by myself on a Sunday at 11:45am opening. I sat at the downstairs bar, the bartenders were cordial, with experienced bartender training a new bartender. Both bartenders very cordial and helpful, while being very...Read More

Lunch$30–50Atmosphere: 5Quiet, easy to talkIndoor dining area, Bar area, Counter seating

Susanne Millar -Google user

2 weeks ago

This is a great old establishment restaurant in San Francisco. My family has been going here for decades. But, we hadn't been in a while and it did not disappoint. Service was still excellent, especially our waiter, Dana. We had the escargot appetizer and it was...Read More

Lunch$20–30Atmosphere: 4Reservations recommended3-4 peoplePlenty of parkingPaid street parking, Paid parking garage

Michael Bruce -Google user

a month ago

Always been curious about John’s Grill every time I’ve been to San Francisco. The neon sign says 63 cocktails after all. So we got a last minute reservation and gave it a try. It’s an old school restaurant with dark paneling, portraits...Read More

Dinner$50–100Atmosphere: 5Moderate noise3-4 people

Mark h -Google user

a week ago

Walked in and the place had that perfect hum — energy buzzing, jazz piano rolling in the background like silk on the ears. Straight away, you know you’re in for a proper evening. Lamb Chops — absolutely nailed. Juicy, seasoned spot-on, cooked with precision. That perfect...Read More

Atmosphere: 5

Kamu Martin -Google user

a week ago

Dana is awesome, her service is the best in town. the food is fantastic and the atmosphere is top notch. Definitely a must try in San Francisco.

Lunch$50–100Atmosphere: 5Flan, New England Clam Chowder, Salad, Maine Lobster Ravioli, Pecan Pie3-4 people

Eddie Tadlock -Google user

a month ago

Dana was awesome! Not too intrusive. Friendly, and the timing was spectacular. You have a great team member!

Atmosphere: 5

W. Family -Google user

4 weeks ago

This place is great! The filet minion was cooked perfect and so flavorful. The music was fantastic. Katie our server was Wonderful! Even the manager was wonderful and we received A+ Service. I would highly recommend. Food was wonderful, drinks, and atmosphere.

Atmosphere: 5

Denilson Aldair Tenorio Sanchez -Google user

3 weeks ago

Omg this place was awesome! The food was amazing and very tasty!!! The dining room area very fine as they show on the pictures, and the service was exceptional!! I personally want to thank the hostess and the server! I asked for their names and...Read More

Dinner$50–100Atmosphere: 5Not sure

Cara -Google user

a month ago

I throughly enjoyed this meal here my 1st time in San Francisco. Steak and lobster were on point. Service was great. Dana was very kind, relatable, and attentive. I will be back for the escargot. I was please with my visit.

Lunch$100+Atmosphere: 52 people

Anyra Papsys -Google user

4 months ago

Incredibly friendly, great service! And I was even dining alone. Every person I encountered was so kind. And the jazz upstairs was a very fun vibe… had a martini and the tuna tartare that was so delicious! Not just a historic spot, but a quality...Read More

Atmosphere: 5

Chasity Norton -Google user

5 months ago

We visited this place back in Oct. 2024. Walking by, we could hear the jazz playing from outside so decided to stop through this iconic restaurant, established back in 1908. So thrilled to grab a table upstairs right next to the band. We weren't very...Read More

Atmosphere: 5

Ollie Harrison -Google user

2 months ago

Fantastic place, incredible food, jazz entertainment while dining. What more could you want? Oh wait they have amazing customer support and service too! Brillant place and would fully recommend.

Dinner$50–100Atmosphere: 5Suitable for all group sizes

Winston Wolf -Google user

a month ago

It's a great place with a character and history. Fillet mignon was soft and delicious. The staff is genuinely nice, which is rare nowadays in SF.

Atmosphere: 5

Celine Roest -Google user

a week ago

John's Grill is an awesome place with such an authentic San Francisco vibe and so much history. We had a great date night, the New York strip and the burger were delicious!

Atmosphere: 5

Johnny Griffiths -Google user

5 months ago

I love a classic steakhouse… I’ve been to John’s Grill a dozen times, so hear this… True to the classics, John’s is dimly lit with mahogany walls and waiters dressed in black with a tie. John’s Grill, founded in 1908, occupies the same narrow, 3 story building on...Read More

Dine inDinner$50–100Atmosphere: 5Steak, Baked Idaho Potato

Sue Skidmore -Google user

a month ago

So happy to see that Johns Grill has not lost its magic. Steaks, sides and cocktails were all excellent and reasonably priced. Service was attentive and accurate. You feel the Old SF vibe. Highly resommend!

Atmosphere: 5

Features

From the business

Identifies as Latino-owned

Service options

Outdoor seating

Delivery

Takeout

Dine-in

Highlights

Fast service

Great coffee

Great dessert

Popular for

Lunch

Dinner

Solo dining

Accessibility

Wheelchair accessible entrance

Wheelchair accessible restroom

Wheelchair accessible seating

Offerings

Alcohol

Beer

Cocktails

Coffee

Comfort food

Hard liquor

Late-night food

Vegetarian options

Wine

Dining options

Brunch

Lunch

Dinner

Catering

Dessert

Seating

Amenities

Bar onsite

Gender-neutral restroom

Restroom

Wi-Fi

Atmosphere

Casual

Cozy

Historic

Romantic

Trendy

Upscale

Crowd

Family-friendly

Groups

LGBTQ+ friendly

Tourists

Transgender safespace

Planning

Lunch reservations recommended

Dinner reservations recommended

Accepts reservations

Payments

Credit cards

Debit cards

NFC mobile payments

Children

Good for kids

High chairs

Parking

Paid parking garage

Paid parking lot

Paid street parking

Parking

Other

LGBTQ+ friendly

Identifies as Latino-owned

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