What is the best American restaurant in San Francisco?

Waterbar is our top pick for American restaurants in San Francisco, scoring 8.6/10. Floor-to-ceiling aquariums and unobstructed Bay Bridge views from a waterfront patio

Any insider tips for Waterbar?

Request patio seating for direct Bay Bridge sightlines

What should I order at Waterbar?

Start with the crab cocktail, choose a whole fish entrée, end with the sticky toffee pudding

When should I visit Waterbar?

Happy hour for oysters and bridge views at sunset

Who should go to Waterbar?

Date night couples and groups celebrating special occasions

Any insider tips for Town Hall?

Reserve the patio for lower noise during midweek meetings.

What should I order at Town Hall?

Fried chicken, butter lettuce salad, shrimp & grits

When should I visit Town Hall?

11:45–12:30 before the room fills

Who should go to Town Hall?

Teams and clients who like hearty plates

Any insider tips for Perry’s (Embarcadero)?

Ask for patio seating facing the Bay Bridge when it’s calm.

What should I order at Perry’s (Embarcadero)?

Perry’s Burger; add bacon or avocado; cottage chips

When should I visit Perry’s (Embarcadero)?

Early dinner to beat peak patio demand

Who should go to Perry’s (Embarcadero)?

Families and casual business meetups

Any insider tips for The Bird?

The breading is naturally gluten-free, so the sandwich works for GF diners without a separate menu item

What should I order at The Bird?

Get the classic fried chicken sandwich with a side of curly fries, then finish with the apple fritters — or go spicy if you want heat from the berbere blend

When should I visit The Bird?

Mon–Fri 3–6pm happy hour for $1-off beers and discount wings

Who should go to The Bird?

Lunch crowds wanting a legit chicken sandwich under $11

Best Business Lunch American Restaurants in San Francisco (94105)

6 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked

Last Updated: March 2026

Save

Our Top Pick

Waterbar

Floor-to-ceiling aquariums and unobstructed Bay Bridge views from a waterfront patio

Notable Picks

#1 Waterbar

8.6

$$$ Financial District

Vibes: Date Night Magic Birthday & Celebration Central Happy Hour Hotspots Outdoor Dining Oasis

Coastal American seafood with a business-friendly dining room and Bay Bridge views. Lunch runs on time with a polished raw bar and grilled fish mains that suit client meetings.

Must-Try Dishes: Swordfish, Sticky Toffee Pudding, Sourdough Bread

What Makes it Special: Floor-to-ceiling aquariums and unobstructed Bay Bridge views from a waterfront patio

View Full Review →

#2 Town Hall

8.4

$$ Financial District

Vibes: Business Lunch Power Players Group Dining Gatherings Comfort Food Classics Trendy Table Hotspots

New American with Southern leanings in a brick-and-beam SoMa space built for dealmaking. Service is seasoned, portions are generous, and the menu travels well for working lunches.

Must-Try Dishes: Buttermilk fried chicken, Hangtown fry, Jalapeño cornbread

What Makes it Special: Comfort-forward business lunch classics delivered with crisp pacing.

View Full Review →

#3 Perry’s (Embarcadero)

8.0

$$ Financial District

Vibes: Comfort Food Classics Family Friendly Favorites Outdoor Dining Oasis Business Lunch Power Players

Classic American saloon fare—burgers, steaks, and big salads—served steps from the waterfront. Friendly, efficient service and a roomy layout make it dependable for casual client catch-ups.

Must-Try Dishes: Perry’s Burger, House-Made Veggie Burger, Cottage Chips

What Makes it Special: An SF classic for a no-nonsense burger near the waterfront.

View Full Review →

Worthy Picks

#4 The Grove – Yerba Buena

7.9

$$ Financial District

Vibes: Family Friendly Favorites Brunch Bliss Spots Group Dining Gatherings Quick Bites Champions

All-day American café built for speed: orders at the counter, food delivered to the table, plenty of seating inside and out. Reliable for mixed-diet teams with salads, sandwiches, and comfort favorites.

Must-Try Dishes: Chicken pot pie, French toast, Cobb salad

View Full Review →

#5 The Bird

7.8

$ Financial District

Vibes: Quick Bites Champions Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance Happy Hour Hotspots

Fast-casual fried chicken sandwiches with crisp seasoning and consistent execution. Ideal for quick stand-ups or walk-back-to-office lunches around New Montgomery.

Must-Try Dishes: Fried Chicken Sandwich, Spicy Fried Chicken Sandwich, Tater Tots

What Makes it Special: Free-range dark-meat chicken with berbere spice on fresh-baked buns from a Richmond bakery, with gluten-free breading and house-made apple slaw — all for around $10

View Full Review →

#6 Woodlands Market

7.6

$$ Financial District

Vibes: Quick Bites Champions Healthy Haven Family Friendly Favorites Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance

Neighborhood market with a strong deli program—made-to-order sandwiches, hot bar, and grab-and-go—steps from the Transbay hub. A practical, underrated option when teams need speed and variety.

Must-Try Dishes: Rotisserie chicken plate, Italian combo sandwich, Seasonal salad bar

View Full Review →