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Harris’ Restaurant

2100 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA 94109
$$$$
American, Steakhouse

Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)

Harris’ Restaurant 8.5
Russian Hill
Family-run since 1984, Harris’ serves USDA Prime and dry-aged cuts—plus classics like Steak Diane—in a clubby room with nightly jazz. It’s the city’s archetypal fine-dining steakhouse for polished, unhurried service.
Must-Try Dishes: Dry-Aged Porterhouse, Bone-In New York ‘Harris’, Steak Diane
Scores:
Value: 7.6 Service: 8.7 Consistency: 8.6 Food Quality: 9 Atmosphere: 8.9 Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Dry-aged USDA Prime program and nightly live jazz in a classic room.
Who should go: Steak traditionalists seeking a polished evening
When to visit: Reserve weekends; weeknights 5–6 pm are calmer
What to order: Porterhouse; Harris bone-in New York; Steak Diane
Insider tip: Request the Pacific Lounge for cocktails before dinner.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet service available for around $15; street parking is limited and fills quickly after 6 pm.
Dress code: Upscale attire recommended; smart casual to business formal. Jackets are common, jeans acceptable if dressy.
Noise level: Moderate – background jazz adds ambiance but you can carry a conversation without shouting.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation; prime hours book weeks in advance.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable – dinner-only restaurant.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – a few composed vegetarian entrées and sides like salads, potatoes, and vegetable plates.
Vegan options: Limited – can adjust sides (e.g., baked potato, sautéed vegetables) but entrées are minimal.
Gluten-free options: Yes – steaks and many sides are naturally gluten-free; kitchen accommodates requests.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes – the elegant setting, live jazz, and attentive service make it a strong choice for a romantic, memorable evening.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly on weeknights if you arrive early (before 6 pm), but reservations are strongly recommended, especially weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Better suited for adults and older teens; there’s no children’s menu, and the polished atmosphere is less casual for young kids.
Best For
Better for: Classic fine-dining steakhouse experience with dry-aged cuts, polished old-school service, and live jazz – more formal than trend-driven spots.
Skip if: If you prefer modern, casual steakhouses or budget-friendly meals; also not ideal for strict vegans or very young families.
Harris’ Restaurant 8.4
Nob Hill
Family-run since 1984, Harris’ deals in dry-aged Midwestern beef, a deep wine list, and a clubby room with nightly jazz. It’s the classic white-tablecloth steak date—porterhouse, martinis, and old-school service done with care.
Must-Try Dishes: Dry-aged porterhouse, Bone-in New York strip, Steak tartare
Scores:
Value: 7 Service: 8.6 Consistency: 8.7 Food Quality: 8.8 Atmosphere: 9.1 Cultural Relevance: 8.9
What makes it special: Dry-aged steaks and nightly jazz in a polished, old-San-Francisco room.
Who should go: Classic steakhouse fans seeking ceremony
When to visit: Tue–Thu evenings for easier reservations
What to order: Porterhouse, creamed spinach, martini
Insider tip: Request a booth along the wall for the best acoustics and privacy.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet service is available for around $15; limited street parking nearby becomes challenging after 6pm.
Dress code: Upscale attire recommended—jackets, dresses, or smart separates; jeans are acceptable if dressed up.
Noise level: Moderate—live jazz adds ambiance, but conversation at your table is comfortable.
Weekend wait: Expect 45–60 minutes without a reservation; bar seating can sometimes be quicker.
Weekday lunch: No lunch service; dinner only.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but available—salads, sides like creamed spinach and baked potato, and some pasta options.
Vegan options: Very limited—mostly sides or custom-requested plates.
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, if you want a high-end, classic steakhouse setting with polish and live jazz; ideal for making an impression rather than a casual meet-up.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible at the bar or very early in the evening, but dinner reservations are strongly recommended on all nights.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly—geared more toward adults and celebrations; children are welcome but there are no special kids’ menus or amenities.
Best For
Better for: Perfect for special-occasion steak nights with refined service, nightly jazz, and a deep wine list.
Skip if: If you’re looking for a quick or casual steak dinner, or if vegan/vegetarian dining is the priority, consider alternatives.
Harris’ Restaurant 8.2
Nob Hill
Old-school steakhouse known for dry-aged Midwestern beef, a deep wine list, and live jazz in the lounge. It’s a quieter, white-tablecloth alternative for prime cuts along Van Ness.
Must-Try Dishes: Bone-in ribeye, Tableside Caesar salad, New York strip
Scores:
Value: 7.4 Service: 8.4 Consistency: 8.8 Food Quality: 8.6 Atmosphere: 8.1 Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Dry-aged steaks and classic service with live jazz ambiance.
Who should go: Steak traditionalists and wine lovers
When to visit: Prime weekend slots fill early—reserve ahead
What to order: Ribeye; tableside Caesar; baked potato
Insider tip: The Pacific Lounge bar menu is a lower-key way in.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet service available for around $15; limited street parking nearby, especially tough after 6pm.
Dress code: Business casual to dressy; jackets and dresses common, jeans acceptable if polished.
Noise level: Moderate—jazz in the lounge and dining room buzz, but table conversation is comfortable.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation; prime times book weeks out.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, easy seating.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—salads, sides, and a few pasta/veg plates are offered.
Vegan options: Very limited; customization possible but not a focus.
Gluten-free options: Yes—steaks and many sides are naturally gluten-free; ask staff for guidance.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—classic white-tablecloth ambiance and live jazz create a refined, romantic setting without being overly flashy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible at the Pacific Lounge bar or early/late seatings, but prime dining hours almost always require reservations.
Is it kid-friendly? Better suited for adults; high chairs available but the atmosphere skews formal and quieter.
Best For
Better for: A quieter, classic steakhouse experience with live jazz and a deep wine program compared to louder, trendier modern steakhouses.
Skip if: You want inventive cuisine, casual prices, or a lively, high-energy scene—this is more old-school and formal.