0 Followers
EPIC Steak
Master Critic Reviews (5 Lists)
EPIC Steak
8.5
Modern steakhouse on the Embarcadero with sweeping Bay Bridge views and a kitchen led in tandem with Waterbar. Prime cuts, confident sides, and dialed service make it a go-to for celebratory nights.
Must-Try Dishes:
Dry-aged ribeye, Steak tartare, EPIC burger
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 9.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Waterfront steaks with postcard views of the Bay Bridge.
Who should go: Steak fans and special-occasion groups
When to visit: Golden hour for bridge views and photos
What to order: Dry-aged ribeye; creamed spinach; EPIC burger
Insider tip: Reserve patio or mezzanine for the best view lines.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet is available for around $15; nearby lots and garages fill quickly during peak dining hours. Street parking is scarce after 6pm along the Embarcadero.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans are fine if paired with a nice shirt or blazer. Many guests lean dressy for evenings and celebrations.
Noise level: Moderate to lively in the main dining room, quieter on the patio or mezzanine. Conversation with your table is comfortable but the energy is buzzy.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation; reservations are highly recommended.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait; walk-ins often seated quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several composed salads, vegetable sides, and a few main-course adaptations are available.
Vegan options: Limited—can request modifications to sides and salads, but entrées are sparse.
Gluten-free options: Yes—steaks and many sides are naturally gluten-free, and the staff can guide substitutions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—romantic Bay Bridge views and polished service create an impressive backdrop. It works best if you’re looking for a more upscale, celebratory vibe rather than a casual hangout.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly for lunch or early happy hour. For dinner, especially weekends, reservations are strongly advised. Walk-ins may wait at the bar or patio until a table frees up.
Is it kid-friendly? Children are welcome, but the menu and atmosphere skew adult. Families with older kids celebrating a special occasion will feel comfortable, but it’s not geared toward young children.
Best For
Better for: Celebratory dinners with prime steak and iconic waterfront views—few steakhouses match the Bay Bridge backdrop.
Skip if: If you want a quiet, low-key meal or need extensive vegan options, other spots may suit you better.
EPIC Steak
8.6
Waterfront steakhouse with a weekend brunch built for photos—towering seafood, caviar blinis, and sunlight on the Bay Bridge. Since 2008, it’s a go-to for celebratory daytime meals with polished service and lively energy.
Must-Try Dishes:
Caviar Blinis, Daily Pacific Oyster Selection, Seafood Platter
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 9.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.9
What makes it special: Dramatic Bay Bridge views with a luxe, seafood-forward brunch.
Who should go: Celebration groups and view seekers
When to visit: 11:30–12:30 for best light and easier seating
What to order: Caviar blinis; oysters; seafood platter
Insider tip: Ask for window tables; patio fills fast on sunny days.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet available on-site (~$15); metered street parking limited and competitive, especially weekends.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans are fine if paired with a nice top or jacket. Many diners lean dressy for the views.
Noise level: Moderate to lively; conversation is possible but the room buzzes during peak brunch hours.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation; brunch waits can be longer on sunny days.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait if seated before noon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — seasonal salads, pastas, and egg-based brunch dishes.
Vegan options: Limited — 1–2 entrée modifications possible; best to confirm with server.
Gluten-free options: Yes — gluten-free bread available, and several proteins/seafood dishes are naturally GF.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — waterfront views and polished service create an impressive setting, though the energy is more lively than intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Walk-ins are possible, but expect long waits at peak brunch hours. Reservations are strongly recommended for window or patio seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who can sit through a meal. High chairs are limited, and the vibe skews more adult and celebratory.
Best For
Better for: Scenic Bay Bridge views, celebratory brunch spreads, and seafood towers that impress visually.
Skip if: You want a quiet, intimate brunch or strictly plant-based dining — nearby cafés may suit better.
EPIC Steak
8.3
Vibes:
Birthday & Celebration Central
Family Friendly Favorites
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Group Dining Gatherings
Modern waterfront steakhouse known for dry-aged cuts and Bay Bridge panoramas. Weekend brunch and straightforward kids-friendly sides make it practical for celebratory family meals.
Must-Try Dishes:
Ribeye from the broiler, Roasted marrow toast, Mac & cheese
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Big-view steakhouse with reliable pacing and shareable sides.
Who should go: Families celebrating milestones
When to visit: Weekend brunch or early dinner
What to order: Ribeye; mac & cheese; broccolini
Insider tip: Ask for a window table facing the bridge at sunset.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet service available for around $15; limited metered street parking nearby, especially tight after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans are fine, but most guests lean dressy for the waterfront setting.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—conversation is possible at most tables, but prime hours bring buzz from groups and celebrations.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation; strongly advised to book ahead.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, though patio seating may fill on sunny days.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several starters, salads, and sides can make a full meal.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 composed dishes plus modifiable sides.
Gluten-free options: Yes—steak and seafood dishes can be prepared gluten-free; staff is accustomed to requests.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you want an impressive Bay Bridge view and lively energy. It’s less intimate than a tucked-away bistro, but memorable for special occasions.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly at off-peak times, but dinner and patio seating almost always require advance booking.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—kids’ portions of sides and simpler proteins make it workable. Ages 6+ will be most comfortable in the bustling dining room.
Best For
Better for: Epic views and celebration-ready steakhouse energy—ideal for birthdays, family milestones, and group dining.
Skip if: You want a quiet, budget-friendly steakhouse or a low-key dinner spot; nearby casual grills or taquerias may suit better.
EPIC Steak
8.5
Waterfront steakhouse from chef-owner Parke Ulrich serving dry-aged cuts and wood-grilled steaks with Bay Bridge views. Since 2008, it’s a polished, date-night classic where land-and-sea pairings meet a deep wine list.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bone-in ribeye, Filet mignon with béarnaise, Wagyu tartare
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Prime steaks with iconic Bay views and seasoned steakhouse service.
Who should go: Couples wanting a classic waterfront steak night
When to visit: Golden hour for views; reserve weekends
What to order: Bone-in ribeye; filet mignon; oysters to start
Insider tip: Ask for a window two-top at sunset for the bridge glow.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet service available for around $15; limited metered street parking nearby but difficult during peak hours.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning upscale—collared shirts and dresses recommended; jeans acceptable if neat.
Noise level: Moderate to lively in the main dining room; outdoor terrace is quieter and better for conversation.
Weekend wait: Expect 45–60 minutes without a reservation; reservations strongly recommended.
Weekday lunch: Typically little to no wait; walk-ins usually accommodated.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several composed vegetable dishes and sides available.
Vegan options: Limited—salads and select sides can be modified, but no dedicated vegan entrées.
Gluten-free options: Yes—many proteins and sides are gluten-free; staff can guide substitutions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—romantic waterfront setting with Bay Bridge views creates a strong impression without being overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible on weekdays or off-hours, but weekends and prime dinner times almost always require a reservation.
Is it kid-friendly? Not especially—atmosphere leans adult and date-focused; older children are fine but no kid-specific menu or amenities.
Best For
Better for: Unmatched Bay Bridge views and a polished steakhouse experience with both land and sea options.
Skip if: If you want a casual, budget-friendly steak or strictly vegan dining, look elsewhere.
EPIC Steak
8.4
Waterfront steakhouse known for dry-aged cuts and Bay Bridge views. Plates lean classic—well-seared steaks, sturdy sides, deep wine list—served in a polished room built for occasions.
Must-Try Dishes:
Dry-aged bone-in ribeye, Center-cut filet mignon, Creamed spinach
Scores:
Value: 7.5
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 9.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Prime steaks with panoramic waterfront views and a deep cellar.
Who should go: Celebrations and client dinners
When to visit: Golden hour for views; weeknights for quieter tables
What to order: Bone-in ribeye, filet mignon, potatoes gratin
Insider tip: Ask for upstairs bay-view seating when reserving.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet service is available for around $15; street parking nearby is limited and fills quickly, especially after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning upscale—collared shirts and dresses are common. Dark denim is acceptable if paired with dressier shoes or jackets.
Noise level: Moderate. You can hold a conversation, but the dining room energy rises during peak dinner hours.
Weekend wait: Without a reservation, waits can exceed 60 minutes; walk-ins often redirected to the bar or patio.
Weekday lunch: Generally little to no wait if you book; walk-ins may wait 10–15 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—sides and composed plates like roasted vegetables and salads provide solid choices.
Vegan options: Limited—salads and some sides can be adapted; best to confirm with the server.
Gluten-free options: Yes—steaks and many sides are naturally gluten-free; staff can guide substitutions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—sweeping Bay Bridge views and polished service create a romantic setting, though the formality leans more toward serious occasions than casual icebreakers.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Walk-ins are possible, especially at the bar or outdoor patio, but prime dining-room tables almost always require advance booking.
Is it kid-friendly? The space and menu are geared toward adults, but children are welcome. No dedicated kids’ menu, though staff can prepare simpler plates.
Best For
Better for: Epic Steak excels at special-occasion dining with dramatic views and classic, well-executed steaks in a luxury setting.
Skip if: If you’re seeking a casual or budget-friendly steak fix, or prefer experimental flavors over classic cuts, better options exist elsewhere.