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Historic John's Grill, San Francisco, CA

Historic John's Grill

4.7
4.7
7546 Reviews
$31 to $50
American
63 Ellis Street, San Francisco, CA 94102

Make a reservation

2 people
9:30 PM
Booked 71 times today

About this restaurant

  • Good for special occasions
  • Neighborhood gem
  • Charming
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.

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–9:15 pm
  • Phone number
  • 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
  • Neighborhood
    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

Private dining

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What 7,546 people are saying

Historic John's Grill reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

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 is a beloved San Francisco staple known for its "fantastic food," "outstanding service," and "nostalgic decor." Guests rave about the perfectly cooked steaks and live jazz music, creating a "bustling place to be" vibe. The staff is consistently praised as "attentive and friendly," making it perfect for special occasions or a memorable dining experience.

7,546 Reviews
  1. Anne VIP

    Atlanta16 reviews

    4.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    Atmosphere is spectacular with light jazz in the background. Service was good with polite staff and adequate time between courses. Food was average with slight chemical taste to steak. Lobster was good but bisque was corn not lobster. Worth a visit

    Is this helpful?

  2. kara

    San Francisco4 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great service! Great food and cocktails! Enjoyed every moment!

    Is this helpful?

  3. Jim VIP

    San Francisco56 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Food, service, ambience always exceptional. Fried Prawns with a baked potato. Yum. Espresso Martini for dessert. A bit loud and crowded but it was Easter.

    Is this helpful?

  4. Saphanda

    San Francisco1 review

    5.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Very clean, elegant environment. Casual to dress wear. Professional staff experience.

    Is this helpful?

  5. Kathleen VIP

    San Francisco82 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    This restaurant holds a special place in my heart. The ghosts that wander about are truly friendly and welcoming. It’s our go to place after demonstrations.

    Is this helpful?

  6. Ilene VIP

    New York City1 review

    5.0

    Dined on April 16, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Loved the live jazz dinner music! Staff was very friendly. Great service!

    Is this helpful?

  7. Pablo VIP

    San Francisco6 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 14, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Enjoyed food and excellent customer service by David, Angel and Alejandra

    Is this helpful?

  8. Keegan VIP

    San Francisco12 reviews

    3.0

    Dined on April 13, 2025

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 3
    Food was really good. The service was ok. The seating though was less than average. Tables are cramped, it’s super loud, and we saw no live jazz and occasionally heard jazz music over the speakers. Barely any room on the tables. Super close to other tables, could overhear everyone’s conversations. Also the drinks we were so excited about but they had ice chunks and were overall just ok.

    Is this helpful?

  9. Patti VIP

    San Francisco23 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 11, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    San Francisco steakhouse with great waiters, lovely charm and old world feel.

    Is this helpful?

  10. Clifton VIP

    San Francisco9 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 9, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Always the greatest, never disappoints. Perfect New York steak everytime.

    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 7546 OpenTable diners.

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

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. San Francisco Bay Area
  4. San Francisco
  5. Downtown / Union Square

Make a reservation

2 people
9:30 PM
Booked 71 times today
Google Map for Historic John's Grill

63 Ellis Street, San Francisco, CA 94102

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Cross street
    Powell Street
  • Neighborhood
    Downtown / Union Square
  • Hours of operation
    Lunch Daily 11:45 am–3:30 pm Dinner Daily 3:30 pm–9:15 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
  • 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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