30 Photos
ZipPicks Awards
Best Steakhouse in Russian Hill
Best Date Night Steakhouse in Russian Hill
Best Family Friendly American in Russian Hill
Best Trendy American in Russian Hill
Master Critic Review
House of Prime Rib
8.7
Since 1949, this landmark carves 21-day aged prime rib tableside with classic English trimmings. Locals book far ahead for consistent roasts, martinis, and old-school service that runs like a ritual.
Must-Try Dishes:
House of Prime Rib Cut, Creamed Spinach, Yorkshire Pudding
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 9.2
What makes it special: Prime rib carved from roving silver carts with full classic sides.
Who should go: Traditional steak lovers and celebration dinners
When to visit: Book weeks ahead; earliest weeknight slots are easiest
What to order: House Cut; creamed spinach; Yorkshire pudding
Insider tip: Ask for the City Cut seared if you like a steak-like crust.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet service available ($15); limited metered street parking in the neighborhood, especially tight after 6 pm.
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy—jackets and cocktail attire fit in, though a neat button-down and slacks are fine. Jeans are acceptable if styled sharp.
Noise level: Moderate to high—conversations are possible at tables, but the large dining room buzzes with activity.
Weekend wait: Reservations are essential; without one, waits can exceed 90 minutes or walk-ins may not be seated at all.
Weekday lunch: No lunch service—dinner only, with weeknights slightly easier to book if planned 2–3 weeks ahead.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—salads and side dishes like creamed spinach, baked potatoes, and Yorkshire pudding, but entrées are meat-focused.
Vegan options: Very limited—salads can be customized, but no dedicated vegan entrées.
Gluten-free options: Yes—prime rib, potatoes, and several sides can be served gluten-free upon request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you’re looking for a classic, old-school San Francisco experience with polish and ritual. It’s more formal and celebratory than casual, so ideal for making an impression.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Highly unlikely—this is one of the city’s toughest reservations. Arrive early to try for bar seating, but expect long waits or no availability.
Is it kid-friendly? Older children and teens can enjoy it, especially for family celebrations. It’s less suited for toddlers—no kids’ menu and long meal pacing.
Best For
Better for: Classic prime rib ritual with generous portions, English-style sides, and a sense of tradition unmatched in San Francisco.
Skip if: You prefer modern steakhouses with a broad steak selection, lighter ambiance, or extensive non-beef options.
Hours
Monday5pm - 10pm
Tuesday5pm - 10pm
Wednesday5pm - 10pm
Thursday5pm - 10pm
Friday5pm - 10pm
Saturday4pm - 10pm
Sunday4pm - 10pm