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Brazen Head
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Brazen Head
8.0
Unmarked late-night classic with a dark, clubby room and a following since 1980. Continental/American comfort—prime rib, onion soup, and steaks—served until midnight or later.
Must-Try Dishes:
Roasted Boneless Angus Prime Rib, French Onion Soup, NY Pepper Steak
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: After-hours comfort plates in a no-sign, old-school room.
Who should go: Night owls craving steaks and cocktails
When to visit: 11pm–12am for true late-night service
What to order: Prime rib; Onion soup; NY pepper steak
Insider tip: No reservations—arrive late or be ready to wait.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only, metered spots on Buchanan or Union—expect to circle on weekends.
Dress code: Smart casual; dark jeans and a collared shirt fit the mood of the dim, old-school bar.
Noise level: Moderate—conversation-friendly at early dinner hours, hums with chatter after 10pm.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes; no reservations and bar fills fast after 9pm.
Weekday lunch: Closed for lunch—dinner only service starting at 5pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—salads and a few pasta or side options available.
Vegan options: Very limited; best suited for omnivores.
Gluten-free options: Some accommodations possible—steaks and seafood without sauces are safe bets.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—its dim lighting, booths, and classic cocktails make it ideal for a low-key, intimate first date with old-school charm.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but expect a short wait—arrive after 10pm for faster seating or grab a bar stool to start with a drink.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly; the late hours and bar-forward scene make it better suited for adults and couples.
Best For
Better for: Late-night comfort dining in a neighborhood with few after-midnight options—ideal for nightcaps or steak cravings after hours.
Skip if: You’re seeking a trendy scene, modern decor, or extensive vegetarian options—this is a throwback classic, not a contemporary hotspot.
Brazen Head
7.8
Dark-wood, no-reservations hideaway turning out steakhouse classics late into the night. It’s a cozy, old-school date spot for steak au poivre, prime rib, and a nightcap in Cow Hollow.
Must-Try Dishes:
Steak au Poivre, Prime Rib (evenings), New York Steak
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Late-night steakhouse comforts served in a dim, intimate room.
Who should go: Night-owl couples who like classic steaks
When to visit: Weeknights after 9pm for shortest waits
What to order: Steak au poivre, prime rib, NY steak
Insider tip: They don’t take reservations—grab a drink at the bar while you wait.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only—tight around peak dinner hours, but easier along Greenwich or Laguna after 9pm.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans and button-downs or simple dresses fit the old-school vibe.
Noise level: Moderate—low music and ambient chatter but still date-conversation friendly.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes since it’s walk-in only; bar seating often opens first.
Weekday lunch: Closed for lunch—dinner only from 5pm until late.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—1–2 sides and a pasta option, but focus is on steaks and seafood.
Vegan options: Minimal—possible with custom salad orders; not a core strength.
Gluten-free options: Yes—steak and grilled seafood dishes can be prepared without gluten upon request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you want intimate lighting and classic charm over flash. The dim room and cozy booths make for comfortable conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—it's walk-in only. Arrive after 9pm or during weeknights to minimize waits; the bar is the best fallback while waiting.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly—better suited for adults given late hours, bar focus, and quiet atmosphere.
Best For
Better for: Late-night steak and cocktails in a relaxed, no-fuss environment—few places in SF stay this classic past midnight.
Skip if: You want modern décor, outdoor seating, or broad vegetarian options—this is an old-school steakhouse through and through.
Brazen Head
7.9
Late-night, old-school hideaway pouring strong drinks and turning out pepper steaks, prime rib, and steak Diane at the bar. It’s the neighborhood’s off-the-radar steak stop after shows or a night on Union Street.
Must-Try Dishes:
New York Strip Pepper Steak, Prime Rib, Steak Diane
Scores:
Value: 6.3
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 6.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: After-hours steak classics in a dim, clubby nook with a full bar.
Who should go: Night-owls craving classic pepper steak
When to visit: Post-9pm for bar seats and quick service
What to order: Pepper steak, prime rib, steak Diane
Insider tip: They don’t take reservations—slide in late for best odds.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; metered spots nearby but limited after 6pm—try side streets off Lombard for best odds.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans and a button-down or nice top fit the dim, classic vibe.
Noise level: Moderate to lively late at night—conversation-friendly at bar tables, louder near the bar crowd.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes since no reservations are accepted; late arrivals after 9:30pm fare better.
Weekday lunch: Closed for lunch—dinner only from early evening through late night.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—salads and vegetable sides available but no dedicated entrees.
Vegan options: Very limited—menu centers on steaks and cream-based sauces.
Gluten-free options: Moderate—most grilled steaks and salads can be made gluten-free on request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—its dim lighting, intimate booths, and quiet bar corner make it ideal for a low-key first date or nightcap.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—they’re walk-in only. Best to arrive after 9pm or sit at the bar for quicker service.
Is it kid-friendly? Not especially—more suited for adults and late-night diners; no kids’ menu and limited space for strollers.
Best For
Better for: Late-night steak cravings, quiet solo dinners, and nostalgic old-school charm unmatched in the Marina.
Skip if: You’re after modern steakhouse polish, large groups, or a menu with extensive non-beef options.