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John's Grill
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
John's Grill
8.2
Since 1908, this old-school steak and chop house has anchored Union Square with leather banquettes, live jazz, and straightforward plates. A favorite for classic martinis and steaks before or after a show.
Must-Try Dishes:
New York Strip Steak, Sam Spade’s Lamb Chops, Petrale Sole Almondine
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: Century-plus legacy with nightly jazz and classic steakhouse fare.
Who should go: Traditionalists who love history
When to visit: 6–8 pm pre-theater or late after 9
What to order: NY strip, Sam Spade’s chops, wedge salad
Insider tip: Request a table upstairs near the Maltese Falcon memorabilia.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Closest option is the Union Square Garage two blocks away; street parking is limited and competitive after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual—slacks or dark jeans with a collared shirt or blouse; business attire fits right in.
Noise level: Moderate to lively with nightly jazz; conversation is possible but expect background music and chatter.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; walk-ins are seated quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—salads, pastas, and some side dishes are suitable.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 items, mostly salads and vegetable sides.
Gluten-free options: Yes—steaks and many entrees can be made gluten-free; staff is accustomed to requests.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, especially if your date appreciates history and classic ambiance. The live jazz adds charm, though it leans more traditional than trendy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible, but expect waits at peak dinner hours. Reservations are strongly recommended for weekends and pre-theater evenings.
Is it kid-friendly? More adult-focused with a cocktail and jazz atmosphere. Older kids who can handle a formal dining setting are fine, but it’s not geared toward young children.
Best For
Better for: History lovers and those who want classic steakhouse fare with live music in an old-San Francisco setting.
Skip if: You’re seeking cutting-edge cuisine, very quiet dining, or extensive vegan options—modern steakhouses may serve better.
John's Grill
7.9
Historic steak-and-seafood house (since 1908) serving classic cuts, chops, and martinis steps from Powell Street. White-tablecloth service, nightly live jazz, and a bustling, old-SF atmosphere.
Must-Try Dishes:
New York Sirloin, Bone-in Ribeye, Lamb Chops
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: Legacy SF steakhouse with nightly live jazz and classic cuts.
Who should go: Classic steakhouse fans and visiting clients
When to visit: Pre-theater dinner or late lunch for easier seating
What to order: New York sirloin, ribeye, martini
Insider tip: Use the Ellis-O’Farrell Garage across the street for easy parking.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Ellis-O’Farrell Garage directly across the street; street parking is scarce and time-limited in Union Square.
Dress code: Business casual to dressy; jackets not required but many diners lean polished for theater or business dinners.
Noise level: Lively with live jazz; conversation possible but expect background music and a bustling crowd.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation; reservations strongly recommended.
Weekday lunch: Usually seated quickly; 5–10 minutes max.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Some pasta and salad options, though limited.
Vegan options: Very limited; modifications may be possible if requested.
Gluten-free options: Yes—steak and seafood can be prepared gluten-free upon request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—its historic setting, live jazz, and classic martinis create an old-school romantic atmosphere. Ideal if your date enjoys traditional charm.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible, but risky. Walk-ins may find space at the bar or late evening, but reservations are recommended, especially pre-theater.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for adults—families with older kids will be fine, but the polished atmosphere and late-night jazz don’t cater to young children.
Best For
Better for: Historic ambiance, live music, and classic steakhouse tradition in the heart of Union Square.
Skip if: You want cutting-edge cuisine, a quiet environment, or robust vegan options.
John's Grill
8.6
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Group Dining Gatherings
Live Music Showtime
Trendy Table Hotspots
Union Square classic (since 1908) known for chops, steaks, and old-school service that moves efficiently at midday. White-tablecloth booths and a central location make it reliable for client lunches near Powell Street.
Must-Try Dishes:
New York Strip, Petrale Sole, Crab Louis
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 9.2
What makes it special: Historic downtown steak-and-chops house with business-friendly pacing.
Who should go: Clients and teams near Market Street
When to visit: 11:45am–1:15pm for smooth turn times
What to order: NY strip; petrale sole; crab Louis
Insider tip: Use the Ellis–O’Farrell Garage across the street for parking.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Ellis–O’Farrell Garage directly across the street; valet not offered; limited street parking nearby.
Dress code: Business casual to business formal; sport coats common but not required.
Noise level: Moderate to lively; can hold a conversation but expect background chatter and occasional live music in the evenings.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation; reservations strongly advised.
Weekday lunch: Usually seated within 10–15 minutes; prime noon slots may have a short wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but available—salads and pasta dishes can be customized.
Vegan options: Very limited—request modifications, but options are minimal.
Gluten-free options: Several items available; grilled proteins and salads work well, but no dedicated prep space.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if your date enjoys classic steakhouses with history and white-tablecloth formality; less ideal if you’re seeking something trendy or quiet.
Can I get a table without a reservation? At lunch, usually yes with a short wait; at dinner or weekends, a reservation is highly recommended to avoid long waits.
Is it kid-friendly? Older kids and teens may enjoy the classic steakhouse fare; not ideal for toddlers as the space is geared toward adults and business diners.
Best For
Better for: Power lunches, client meetings, and classic steakhouse atmosphere with efficient, old-school service.
Skip if: You want avant-garde cuisine, quiet ambiance, or extensive vegan options—other Union Square spots may fit better.
John's Grill
8.6
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Group Dining Gatherings
Trendy Table Hotspots
Happy Hour Hotspots
Downtown classic (since 1908) serving steaks, chops, and petrale sole a short walk from Powell Street. White-tablecloth service and reliable midday hours make it a straight-shooting choice for client lunches near Union Square.
Must-Try Dishes:
New York strip with creamed spinach, Petrale sole meunière, Dungeness crab Louis
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 8.1
Cultural Relevance: 9.2
What makes it special: Historic Union Square power room with old-school steakhouse fare.
Who should go: Clients and colleagues near Market Street
When to visit: 11:45am–1:15pm for smooth turn times
What to order: NY strip; petrale sole; crab Louis
Insider tip: Ask about private rooms upstairs for quieter negotiations.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Closest options are Union Square garages (Sutter-Stockton and Ellis-O’Farrell); no in-house valet. Street parking is scarce midday.
Dress code: Business casual to suit-and-tie—most guests are professionals. Jeans acceptable if paired with a collared shirt or jacket.
Noise level: Moderate during peak lunch; conversational at smaller tables but the main floor hums with business chatter.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation on Fridays/Saturdays.
Weekday lunch: Often immediate seating before noon; short wait after 12:15pm if walk-in.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—salads, pasta primavera, and sides can be built into a meal.
Vegan options: Limited—salads can be customized but mains are protein-heavy.
Gluten-free options: Yes—many grilled proteins and salads; ask for bread substitutions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal—it’s more of a power-lunch and dealmaking environment than romantic. Better for professional meetings than courtship.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, particularly before 12:00pm. A reservation is strongly advised for prime lunch hours or Friday dinner.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly. While children are welcome, the atmosphere and menu skew adult. Best suited for teens and older who enjoy steakhouse fare.
Best For
Better for: Historic San Francisco credibility, central Union Square location, and a straightforward steakhouse menu that signals tradition and reliability to clients.
Skip if: You want cutting-edge cuisine, plant-forward menus, or a romantic ambiance. Choose elsewhere if seeking quiet intimacy over professional energy.