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The San Franciscan
Master Critic Reviews (6 Lists)
The San Franciscan
8.7
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Date Night Magic
Group Dining Gatherings
Birthday & Celebration Central
The San Franciscan is a dark-paneled, old-school steakhouse where prime rib, martinis, and live music define the experience. South Bay regulars treat it as a go-to for hearty American steakhouse fare, big portions, and a throwback bar vibe that hasn’t changed much in decades.
Must-Try Dishes:
Prime Rib, New York Steak, French Onion Soup
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.9
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Classic steakhouse with big cuts, stiff drinks, and vintage supper-club energy.
Who should go: Steak lovers and groups wanting an old-school night out.
When to visit: Prime-time weekend dinners or late-night bar visits for music.
What to order: Prime rib, New York steak, French onion soup.
Insider tip: Sit in the lounge for a slightly more casual experience and live music.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: On-site lot with ample spaces behind the restaurant; street parking on Sepulveda is available but fills quickly on weekends.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans are fine but most guests lean classic and slightly dressy for the steakhouse vibe.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during peak dinner hours due to live music; conversation is easier in booth seating or early evening.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially during prime rib rush hours.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; walk-ins are seated quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: A few options like salads, sides, and baked potatoes, but the menu skews heavily protein-forward.
Vegan options: Very limited; most items include butter or sauces—best to call ahead for accommodations.
Gluten-free options: Several steaks and proteins can be prepared gluten-free; alert your server for modifications and sauce adjustments.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you’re aiming for a classic, old-school supper-club feel—dim lighting, cozy booths, and live music set a retro-romantic tone. Not ideal if you want a quieter, modern atmosphere.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes, especially on weeknights. On weekends, the lounge is your best bet for walk-ins, but expect waits of 30–60 minutes during prime dinner hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Kids are welcome, and booths help families settle in comfortably, but the ambiance is geared toward adults. Early dinners work best for families with younger children.
Best For
Better for: Prime rib, live music nights, and a nostalgic steakhouse atmosphere you won’t find at newer South Bay spots.
Skip if: You want a modern, airy dining room, lighter fare, or a menu with strong vegetarian or vegan coverage.
The San Franciscan
8.4
The San Franciscan is a classic South Torrance steakhouse dating back to 1963, known for prime rib, martinis, and red-leather-booth nostalgia. Locals treat it as the go-to spot for hearty steakhouse plates, karaoke, and late-night bar energy that still feels rooted in old-school supper-club culture.
Must-Try Dishes:
Prime rib with baked potato, Ribeye steak, French onion soup
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: Old-school steakhouse with nightly prime rib, strong drinks, and decades of local history.
Who should go: Steak lovers craving classic prime rib and vintage ambiance.
When to visit: Prime-time weekend dinners or late-night bar hours with live entertainment.
What to order: Prime rib, ribeye steak, French onion soup.
Insider tip: Sit in the bar or lounge on live-music nights for the full supper-club feel.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Shared lot parking along Sepulveda plus overflow in adjacent plazas; fills quickly during peak dinner and karaoke nights.
Dress code: Classic steakhouse smart casual — jeans are fine, but most guests lean dressy with collared shirts or blouses.
Noise level: Moderate to loud depending on the hour; dining room stays conversation-friendly, but the bar and lounge get lively during music and karaoke.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially during early prime rib hours.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; immediate seating is common.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but workable — salads, baked potato, sides, and a few non-meat starters.
Vegan options: Very limited — expect to rely on salads and basic sides; not a strong vegan destination.
Gluten-free options: Several naturally gluten-free items like steaks, potatoes, and veggies; staff can guide substitutions, but cross-contact should be confirmed.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want a classic, moody steakhouse with vintage charm and a slightly theatrical vibe; less ideal if you prefer quieter, minimalist spaces.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes on weekdays and later in the evening; on weekends, expect a wait unless you arrive early or are willing to dine in the bar area.
Is it kid-friendly? Suitable for older kids and teens who enjoy hearty plates; younger children are welcome but the dim lighting and bar-forward energy may feel more adult-oriented.
Best For
Better for: Prime rib, stiff cocktails, and true old-school ambiance that newer steakhouses can’t replicate.
Skip if: You want modern fine-dining plating, extensive vegan choices, or a quiet, minimalist dining room.
The San Franciscan
8.7
The San Franciscan is a dark, retro steakhouse off Sepulveda known for prime rib, stiff drinks, and a bar that turns into a neighborhood hangout. Red booths, low lighting, and karaoke nights make it feel like a time capsule, but the steaks and lobster keep generations of South Bay diners treating it as their go-to special-occasion spot.
Must-Try Dishes:
House-Cut Prime Rib, Australian Lobster Tail, Corn Chowder
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.9
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: Old-school prime rib house with a loyal following, strong pours, and karaoke nights.
Who should go: Steak lovers and groups who appreciate retro, bar-heavy energy.
When to visit: Weekend evenings for the full bar, karaoke, and prime rib scene.
What to order: House-Cut Prime Rib, Corn Chowder, Australian Lobster Tail.
Insider tip: Book around karaoke or live music nights if you want the rowdiest experience.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Private lot shared with neighboring businesses; usually available but fills during peak dinner hours. Street parking on Sepulveda is limited after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans are fine but the retro steakhouse setting leans slightly dressy for weekend dinners.
Noise level: Moderate to loud, especially on karaoke or live-music nights; quiet conversation is easier in booth seating away from the bar.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, longer on prime rib nights or special events.
Weekday lunch: No lunch service; early weekday dinners usually have minimal wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but workable—salads, sides, and a few pasta-leaning options.
Vegan options: Very limited—best for sides and salads with modifications; not a strong vegan destination.
Gluten-free options: Yes—steaks, prime rib, and several sides can be prepared gluten-free; ask for modifications.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want a retro, dim-lit steakhouse vibe with personality. The booths feel intimate, but karaoke nights can be loud—ideal for fun energy, less so for quiet getting-to-know-you conversations.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes on weeknights if you arrive early; weekends require patience or bar seating. Prime rib nights and live-music evenings fill up fast, so reservations are recommended.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat—it’s more adult-leaning due to the bar, lighting, and late-night energy, but older kids and teens will be fine during early dinner hours. Not ideal for very young children.
Best For
Better for: Prime rib, retro ambiance, strong cocktails, and a lively neighborhood bar scene that competitors can’t replicate.
Skip if: You prefer modern decor, need robust vegan options, or want a quiet dinner without bar-driven noise.
The San Franciscan
8.6
The San Franciscan is a decades-old prime rib house on Sepulveda with a dedicated banquet room that hosts everything from office parties to karaoke-heavy birthdays. Massive cuts of prime rib, stiff drinks, and a dark, wood-paneled room give private events a throwback steakhouse feel that locals have leaned on for years.
Must-Try Dishes:
House-Cut Prime Rib, Lobster Tail, Clam Chowder
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: A dedicated banquet room pairs old-school prime rib service with built-in karaoke and live-music energy.
Who should go: Steak-loving groups wanting retro, lively private dinners.
When to visit: Friday and Saturday nights for prime rib, bar buzz, and music.
What to order: Diamond-cut Prime Rib, Lobster Tail add-on, house Clam Chowder.
Insider tip: Book the banquet room on karaoke nights if you want a built-in after-dinner activity without leaving your space.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: On-site lot parking is available and usually sufficient, though it can tighten up after 7pm on weekends. Street parking on Sepulveda is possible but fills quickly.
Dress code: Smart casual. Jeans are fine, but most groups lean slightly dressy for celebrations and private events.
Noise level: Loud, especially on karaoke or live-music nights. Expect a lively, bar-forward soundtrack that can make quiet conversations tougher.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, longer if the banquet room is booked for events.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; the dining room is quieter and easier to walk into.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but workable — salads, sides, and a few pasta options serve as alternatives in a steakhouse-heavy menu.
Vegan options: Very limited — this is a traditional steakhouse; vegans will need to rely on salads and basic sides.
Gluten-free options: Several items can be made gluten-free, including prime rib (without au jus) and certain sides. Ask your server for guidance.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want a retro, lively steakhouse vibe with strong personality. The dark booths and prime rib make it memorable, but noise levels can be high, so choose it if you prefer fun energy over quiet intimacy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually on weekdays, yes. On weekends, especially during karaoke or live-music nights, a reservation is strongly recommended to avoid longer waits.
Is it kid-friendly? Kids are welcome, and the booth seating works well for families. However, the bar-driven energy and loud music on weekends may be overwhelming for younger children.
Best For
Better for: Large-group celebrations, retro steakhouse atmosphere, and private-room events with built-in entertainment like karaoke.
Skip if: You want a quiet dinner, broad vegan options, or a modern, minimalist dining room — this is a classic, lively steakhouse through and through.
The San Franciscan
8.8
The San Franciscan is a classic 1963-era steakhouse and cocktail lounge where prime rib, stiff drinks, and a long-running happy hour anchor the experience. Locals pack the red-leather booths for generous cuts of beef, a proper bar program, and one of the South Bay’s most enduring after-work deals.
Must-Try Dishes:
House-cut Prime Rib, Steak Sandwich, Grilled Shrimp Salad
Scores:
Value: 6.9
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: Old-school prime rib steakhouse with serious cocktails and nightly happy hour.
Who should go: Steak and martini lovers who appreciate classic, dimly lit rooms.
When to visit: Weeknight happy hour 4–7pm before karaoke and dinner rush.
What to order: House-cut prime rib, steak sandwich, classic martini.
Insider tip: Grab a lounge table near the bar for quicker drinks and full menu.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Shared lot out front plus overflow in the adjacent retail strip; fills up after 6pm but nearby street parking on Sepulveda usually turns over quickly.
Dress code: Smart casual with a classic lean; jeans are fine but most guests aim slightly dressy for the steakhouse vibe.
Noise level: Moderate-to-lively — conversations are doable in booths, but the bar gets loud during happy hour and karaoke nights.
Weekend wait: 30–50 minutes without a reservation, especially between 6–8pm when prime rib demand spikes.
Weekday lunch: No real lunch service rush — minimal wait if arriving for afternoon happy hour or early dinner.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but workable — salads, sides, and a few non-steak plates can be combined into a meal.
Vegan options: Very limited — the menu leans heavily toward steakhouse classics with minimal plant-based mains.
Gluten-free options: Good selection — prime rib, steaks, and several sides can be made gluten-free with minor adjustments.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the dim lighting, red leather booths, and strong cocktails create a cozy, classic date-night mood, especially if you want something timeless rather than trendy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually, but expect a wait during peak happy hour or weekend dinner; the lounge area often seats faster and still offers the full menu.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat — families do come for early dinners, but the bar-forward atmosphere and louder evening crowd make it better for older kids or early seating.
Best For
Better for: Prime rib, cocktails, and a nostalgic steakhouse atmosphere that newer South Bay restaurants can’t replicate.
Skip if: You want modern menus, extensive vegan options, or a quiet room — this is a true old-school steakhouse with a lively bar scene.
The San Franciscan
8.5
The San Franciscan is a 1963-era steakhouse and cocktail lounge where a long-running happy hour brings prime rib fans and bar regulars into the same red-leather booths. While beef is the headline, the bar’s sampler platters and wings-friendly appetizers make it a surprisingly strong choice when you want happy hour wings in an old-school setting.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carolina's Sampler Platter (wings and fried bites), House-cut Prime Rib, Steak Sandwich
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 6.9
Cultural Relevance: 9.2
What makes it special: Long-running prime rib steakhouse with a serious cocktail bar and nightly happy hour where wings and bar snacks ride alongside big steaks.
Who should go: Steak and martini drinkers who still want good wings at the bar.
When to visit: Weeknight happy hour before the dinner and karaoke rush hits.
What to order: Carolina's Sampler Platter, prime rib, classic steak sandwich.
Insider tip: Start with wings and a martini at the bar, then move to a booth for prime rib if you decide to turn happy hour into dinner.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Large private lot shared with neighboring businesses; fills up after 6pm but turnover is steady. Street parking on Sepulveda is available but limited during peak hours.
Dress code: Classic steakhouse smart-casual. Jeans are fine if paired with a nicer top; many guests lean dressy in the lounge.
Noise level: Moderate to lively. Bar area gets energetic during happy hour, but booth seating remains comfortable for conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially after 6:30pm.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, though the bar can fill quickly during early happy hour.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but workable—salads, sides, and a few appetizers can form a meal.
Vegan options: Very limited—expect only a couple of side dishes or modified salads.
Gluten-free options: Several proteins and salads are naturally gluten-free; staff can guide modifications for sauces and dressings.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—dim lighting, red-leather booths, and classic cocktails create a nostalgic, intimate atmosphere. The bar energy is lively but still polished enough for a relaxed first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually, yes during happy hour if you arrive before 6pm. After that, expect a wait and consider starting at the bar while you queue.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat—families do dine here, but it’s more adult-leaning due to the bar-centric layout and dim lighting. Best for older kids or teens comfortable in a classic steakhouse environment.
Best For
Better for: Classic steakhouse ambiance, strong cocktails, and a surprisingly satisfying wings-and-bar-snack lineup that pairs well with the vintage lounge feel.
Skip if: You’re looking for a modern sports-bar wing scene, extensive vegan options, or a casual, loud family environment.