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The Rotunda
Master Critic Reviews (6 Lists)
The Rotunda
8.3
Union Square’s glass-dome dining room pairs polished service with a quietly excellent burger-and-fries plate. Fries are hot, crisp, and consistent—perfect with popovers and a martini at lunch.
Must-Try Dishes:
Rotunda Burger & Fries, Lobster Club with Fries, Truffle Fries
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 9.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Refined, under-the-dome burger-and-fries experience in a landmark room.
Who should go: Shoppers seeking a polished fry fix
When to visit: Weekdays 11am–1pm for easiest seating
What to order: Rotunda burger + fries; lobster club; truffle fries
Insider tip: Ask for a window booth—best light and Union Square views.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Validated parking available at the Union Square Garage across Geary; valet also offered by Neiman Marcus for a fee during peak hours.
Dress code: Smart casual—elevated daytime attire fits best; jeans acceptable if paired with a blazer or nice top.
Noise level: Moderate—conversational with gentle background chatter from shoppers and tea service.
Weekend wait: Closed for dinner; lunch service only.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait before noon; short waits of 10–15 minutes after 12:30pm without reservation.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several composed salads and vegetarian mains available.
Vegan options: Limited—some salads can be modified; no dedicated vegan entrees.
Gluten-free options: Yes—gluten-free bread and fry options available upon request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—especially for a daytime or lunch date. The domed ceiling, natural light, and refined service make it quietly romantic without being formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually, yes on weekdays before noon or after 2pm. Reservations are recommended during holidays or peak shopping weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Best for older children or teens; highchairs available but the refined setting suits calm, well-behaved diners.
Best For
Better for: Ideal for upscale lunch with views and attentive service—more refined than nearby department store cafés.
Skip if: You’re seeking a quick grab-and-go meal or a casual fry spot; this is a sit-down experience.
The Rotunda
8.4
Fourth-floor dining room inside Neiman Marcus known for warm popovers, polished daytime service, and Union Square views. A refined American lunch-and-brunch standby where locals book for shopping-day celebrations.
Must-Try Dishes:
Popover with strawberry butter, Lobster bisque, Dungeness crab salad
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 9.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Daytime dining with signature popovers and Union Square views.
Who should go: Brunch lovers and celebratory lunch groups
When to visit: Weekdays 11am–1pm to avoid peak waits
What to order: Popovers; lobster bisque; Dungeness crab salad
Insider tip: Ask for a window table overlooking Union Square when booking.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Validated valet parking available via Neiman Marcus garage on Geary Street ($12–$15 for diners). Street parking is limited; best to use the Union Square garage directly beneath the plaza.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning polished—dressier than typical brunch spots due to the department store setting. Sundresses, blazers, or upscale denim fit well.
Noise level: Moderate—bustling at peak brunch but comfortable for conversation over lunch.
Weekend wait: N/A – The Rotunda serves daytime only, typically closing before dinner hours.
Weekday lunch: 15–30 minutes without a reservation during lunch rush; minimal waits before 11:30 a.m. or after 2 p.m.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – several composed salads, soups, and entrée options can be made vegetarian on request.
Vegan options: Limited – can adjust some salads or vegetable sides, but core dishes skew classic American.
Gluten-free options: Yes – popovers are not gluten-free, but soups, salads, and proteins can be modified; staff is knowledgeable about substitutions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes – ideal for a daytime or brunch date where you want elegance without formality. The sunlight and views over Union Square add an effortless charm.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually, yes on weekdays before noon or after 2 p.m., but weekends and holiday seasons fill quickly. Booking ahead guarantees a window table.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for well-behaved children—staff accommodates families and offers smaller portions, though the refined setting suits older kids better than toddlers.
Best For
Better for: Refined, view-filled daytime dining that feels upscale yet approachable—especially for popover and lobster bisque lovers.
Skip if: You’re looking for a casual or evening meal; the Rotunda’s elegance and daytime hours don’t suit quick bites or nightlife dining.
The Rotunda
8.3
Vibes:
Brunch Bliss Spots
Birthday & Celebration Central
Luxury Dining Elite
Instagram Worthy Wonders
Sun-splashed dome room overlooking Union Square known for mid-day indulgence—popovers, consommé, and Champagne set an upscale brunch tone. Service is polished and timing suits celebratory meetups.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken consommé with popover, Dungeness crab salad, Buttermilk fried chicken and waffle (seasonal)
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.8
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 9.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Grand glass-dome setting with classic popovers and Champagne.
Who should go: Celebration-minded brunchers near Union Square
When to visit: Late morning to early afternoon for the full experience
What to order: Popovers with strawberry butter; crab salad; Champagne
Insider tip: Request a dome-view table when booking for best light.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Neiman Marcus offers valet service in Union Square Garage ($15–$20 for brunch hours). Street parking is limited and fills early, especially weekends.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning upscale—dresses, blouses, blazers common. Jeans are acceptable if styled neatly.
Noise level: Moderate—background chatter and live dome acoustics, but you can carry on a conversation at brunch tables.
Weekend wait: Not applicable—brunch/lunch only service.
Weekday lunch: Reservations strongly advised, but walk-ins before 11:30am may be seated without delay.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—salads, popovers, soups, and pasta options are available.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 options can be adapted; best to call ahead for accommodations.
Gluten-free options: Yes—gluten-free bread available on request; some entrées adaptable.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—its dramatic dome and polished service create a memorable, celebratory setting, though it leans more formal than casual.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Occasionally on weekdays before peak lunch hours, but weekends almost always require advance booking.
Is it kid-friendly? Best for older children (10+) who can sit through a formal meal. No dedicated kids’ menu, but staff can adapt simple items.
Best For
Better for: Celebratory brunch with Champagne and iconic popovers in a glass-dome setting unmatched by other Union Square venues.
Skip if: You want a casual, budget-friendly brunch—this is polished, upscale, and priced accordingly.
The Rotunda
8.6
Union Square’s power-lunch classic under a stained-glass dome, known for polished service and upscale American plates. Popovers with strawberry butter and a tight lunch menu make it ideal for executive meetings.
Must-Try Dishes:
Rotunda Burger, Lobster Bisque, Popovers with strawberry butter
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 9
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 9.3
Cultural Relevance: 9.1
What makes it special: Elevated lunch with signature popovers in a landmark setting.
Who should go: Deal makers and client meetings
When to visit: Weekdays 11:30–1:30 for peak energy
What to order: Lobster bisque; Rotunda Burger; Caesar salad
Insider tip: Ask for a window table; tea service follows lunch seating.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Validated parking is available at the Neiman Marcus Union Square garage; nearby Sutter-Stockton garage is the most convenient. Valet is not offered.
Dress code: Business casual; suits and dresses are common for client lunches, though smart jeans with a blazer are acceptable.
Noise level: Moderate—conversations are easy at two-tops, though peak lunch can be lively with business chatter.
Weekend wait: Not applicable—the Rotunda serves lunch and afternoon tea, no dinner service.
Weekday lunch: Reservations recommended; walk-ins may wait 15–30 minutes during peak noon hour.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—salads, pasta, and a few main dishes accommodate vegetarians.
Vegan options: Limited—options like simple salads or modified sides; no dedicated vegan entrées.
Gluten-free options: Yes—several entrées and salads can be prepared gluten-free upon request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for business or social lunches than romantic first dates—the formal setting leans professional rather than intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but expect to wait at peak times. Reservations are strongly recommended for window or dome tables.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young children—service is polished and setting formal. Older kids or teens may enjoy tea service.
Best For
Better for: Power lunches, client meetings, and upscale shopping-day meals under a landmark dome.
Skip if: You want casual, budget-friendly dining, or a lively dinner spot—the Rotunda is strictly lunch and tea service.
The Rotunda
8.6
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Luxury Dining Elite
Trendy Table Hotspots
Birthday & Celebration Central
Stained-glass dome setting for polished American lunch favorites and the signature warm popovers with strawberry butter. Service is dialed and pacing suits family celebrations or special-occasion shopping breaks.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lobster bisque, Rotunda Burger, Popovers with strawberry butter
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 9
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 9.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Landmark dome room with signature popovers and polished service.
Who should go: Families celebrating near Union Square
When to visit: Weekdays 11:30–1:30 for peak energy and views
What to order: Popovers; lobster bisque; Rotunda Burger
Insider tip: Ask for a window table; tea service follows lunch seating.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Validated valet available at Neiman Marcus garage; Union Square garages nearby, street parking limited and metered.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans acceptable but lean polished given department store setting.
Noise level: Moderate – lively lunchtime energy but still comfortable for family conversation.
Weekend wait: Not applicable – primarily lunch and tea service only.
Weekday lunch: 15–30 minutes without reservation during peak hours; reservations recommended.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – several salads, pastas, and small plates.
Vegan options: Limited – 1–2 adaptable dishes with modifications.
Gluten-free options: Yes – soups, salads, and some entrées can be adjusted; request staff guidance.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes – the dramatic stained-glass dome and polished service create a memorable setting, though it’s more daytime-special than intimate evening.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes, especially early or late lunch hours; reservations are strongly suggested for prime times.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes – families are welcome; high chairs available, and kids often enjoy the popovers and fries. Best for ages 6+ due to formal setting.
Best For
Better for: Special-occasion lunches and family celebrations in a landmark setting, with service and presentation above nearby casual American spots.
Skip if: You want casual evening dining, extensive vegan options, or budget-minded portions; alternatives nearby may fit better.
The Rotunda
8.7
Under a glass dome inside Neiman Marcus, The Rotunda serves photogenic daytime plates with white-tablecloth polish and sweeping Union Square light. Locals book it for special-occasion brunch with popovers, tea service, and refined takes on classics.
Must-Try Dishes:
Popovers with strawberry butter, Dungeness crab salad, Lobster club
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 9.2
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 9.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Iconic glass-dome setting with polished, special-occasion brunch.
Who should go: Celebrations and stylish weekend meetups
When to visit: Late morning for best natural light
What to order: Popovers, lobster club, crab salad
Insider tip: Request a window table for dome views over Union Square.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Neiman Marcus offers garage parking at Union Square; validation reduces the rate. Street parking is scarce and metered.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy—many guests dress up for the setting, though polished jeans with a blazer are acceptable.
Noise level: Moderate—tables are spaced and the dome ceiling carries sound, but conversation remains comfortable.
Weekend wait: Not applicable—The Rotunda is a daytime restaurant only.
Weekday lunch: Reservations recommended; walk-ins may wait 15–30 minutes depending on time.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several brunch items and salads can be prepared vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 customizable options, mostly salads and sides.
Gluten-free options: Yes—gluten-free bread available and many dishes can be modified.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—its glass-dome architecture, elegant service, and natural light create an impressive backdrop without being overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible on weekdays for smaller parties, but weekends and holidays almost always require advance booking.
Is it kid-friendly? Suitable for well-behaved children on special occasions. High chairs available, but the refined setting is best for ages 7+.
Best For
Better for: Celebratory daytime dining, iconic architecture, and photogenic dishes that feel elevated yet approachable.
Skip if: You want a casual, inexpensive brunch or late-night dining—the Rotunda is formal, pricey, and only open during daytime hours.