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ZipPicks Awards

Best American in San Francisco

Vibe Check this spot

Food Quality 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5
Consistency 5
Cultural Relevance 5

0 / 5 selected

Master Critic Review

High Horse 7.8
Chinatown
Cocktail-first New American lounge with exposed brick, late hours, and a compact menu of satisfying bar plates. A lively Jackson Square option for after-work drinks that can stretch into dinner.
Must-Try Dishes: Steak frites with chimichurri, Chicken pesto sandwich, Bacon & broccoli pizza
Scores:
Value: 6.6 Service: 7.6 Consistency: 7.5 Food Quality: 7.8 Atmosphere: 8.6 Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: Cocktail bar energy with legit New American plates till late.
Who should go: After-work crews and cocktail seekers
When to visit: Weeknights 5–8pm for the best buzz
What to order: Steak frites; chicken pesto sandwich; house pizzas
Insider tip: Grab bar stools—service is quickest and the vibe is best there.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in Jackson Square after 6pm; nearby paid garages on Sansome and Battery are your best bet.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans and a nice top work fine, but most guests lean elevated for evening drinks.
Noise level: Lively—expect upbeat music and post-work chatter, but still manageable for conversation if seated at the bar or side tables.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation; bar seating moves faster.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; service is quick for daytime visits.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several small plates and pizzas are vegetarian-friendly.
Vegan options: Limited—ask staff; a couple of sides and salads can be modified.
Gluten-free options: Some items are naturally gluten-free; no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—especially for casual dates that start with cocktails. The lighting and crowd make it social yet approachable.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually, yes—bar and lounge seating are first-come, first-served, but groups should reserve on busy evenings.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal—primarily a cocktail bar with a 21+ crowd after 6pm. Lunch or early happy hour may be fine for teens.
Best For
Better for: Creative cocktails, casual group meetups, and lively after-work energy.
Skip if: You want a quiet meal, fine dining experience, or expansive dinner menu.

Hours

Monday11am - 12am
Tuesday11am - 12am
Wednesday11am - 12am
Thursday11am - 12am
Friday11am - 12am
Saturday2pm - 12am
SundayClosed