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Hayes Street Grill
Master Critic Review
Hayes Street Grill
8.3
Neo-traditional fish house (since 1979) across from the Symphony and Opera serving market-driven, simply grilled local seafood. Locals book it pre-show for clean flavors, crisp fries, and a rotating board of pristine fish.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mesquite-grilled petrale sole, Dungeness crab cocktail (seasonal), Oysters with beurre blanc
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: San Francisco institution focused on fresh, simply prepared seafood since 1979.
Who should go: Pre-show seafood fans and purists
When to visit: Early evening before curtain times
What to order: Grilled daily catch; oysters; crab cocktail
Insider tip: Use the nearby Civic Center Garage for painless pre-theater parking.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Civic Center Garage across the street is the most reliable option; limited street parking fills quickly before shows.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans are fine, but many pre-theater diners lean dressy.
Noise level: Moderate—lively during pre-show rush but still possible to hold conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, especially around showtimes.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; popular with business diners.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—seasonal vegetable plates and composed salads are usually available.
Vegan options: Limited—ask staff about off-menu preparations, often a couple of suitable options.
Gluten-free options: Yes—grilled fish and many sides are naturally gluten-free, staff can advise.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—the polished but unpretentious atmosphere and reliable service make it a comfortable choice for a date, especially paired with nearby shows.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible at off-hours, but around Symphony or Opera curtain times it’s risky—reservations are strongly advised.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for adults—families with older kids who enjoy seafood will do fine, but it’s not designed with young children’s amenities.
Best For
Better for: Better for straightforward, pristinely sourced seafood and a seamless pre-show meal than trend-driven spots.
Skip if: Skip if you want experimental preparations, all-vegan menus, or a long, drawn-out dining experience.