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House of Prime Rib
Master Critic Reviews (5 Lists)
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.
House of Prime Rib
8.6
Vibes:
Birthday & Celebration Central
Date Night Magic
Group Dining Gatherings
Trendy Table Hotspots
Since 1949, this old-school prime rib house serves tableside carved beef with a full set-menu of sides, strong martinis, and polished pacing. Locals book it for anniversaries and celebratory date nights where value and tradition still carry the room.
Must-Try Dishes:
House of Prime Rib cut, King Henry VIII cut, Yorkshire pudding & creamed spinach
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 9.1
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 7.1
Cultural Relevance: 9.3
What makes it special: Tableside-carved prime rib with a complete meal of classic sides.
Who should go: Celebration diners who love classic beef rituals
When to visit: Book late-evening midweek for calmer pacing
What to order: House cut, creamed spinach, Yorkshire pudding
Insider tip: Ask for extra horseradish and a second popover—often obliged.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Van Ness and Polk is limited and fills quickly; valet service is available evenings for around $15.
Dress code: Smart casual to semi-formal; jackets and dresses are common, though neat jeans are acceptable.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during peak hours; conversations are possible at two-tops but the main dining room can be lively.
Weekend wait: Without a reservation, waits can exceed 90 minutes; bar seating is first-come-first-served.
Weekday lunch: Not open for lunch; dinner-only service starting late afternoon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but available—sides like creamed spinach, salads, and baked potato can be ordered as a meal.
Vegan options: Very limited; only basic salads and plain sides without butter or cream.
Gluten-free options: Gluten-free requests accommodated for sides and prime rib; Yorkshire pudding and some sauces contain gluten.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for established couples or special occasions. The heavy, traditional meal and celebratory vibe may feel too formal for a casual first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible but not recommended; walk-ins can face waits of over an hour. The bar area is the best bet for same-day dining.
Is it kid-friendly? The restaurant caters mostly to adults and celebrations, but children are allowed. No special kids’ menu; better for older kids comfortable with long dinners.
Best For
Better for: This spot excels in tradition, large portions, and polished tableside service compared to trendier steakhouses.
Skip if: If you’re seeking modern cuts beyond prime rib, lighter dining, or a quiet, intimate setting, consider an alternative steakhouse.
House of Prime Rib
8.8
Classic San Francisco steakhouse serving 21-day aged prime rib carved tableside with traditional sides. Families come for the ritual—spinning salad, Yorkshire pudding, and friendly, old-school service in wood-paneled rooms.
Must-Try Dishes:
House of Prime Rib Cut, Yorkshire Pudding, Creamed Spinach
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 9.2
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 9.1
Cultural Relevance: 9.4
What makes it special: Tableside prime rib tradition with all the classic fixings.
Who should go: Families celebrating milestones
When to visit: Early dinner seatings 4–6pm or late after 8:30
What to order: Prime rib, creamed spinach, baked potato
Insider tip: Ask for a smaller ‘City Cut’ for kids and lighter appetites.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet service available for around $15; nearby street parking is extremely limited after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual to business casual—collared shirts, slacks, or nice jeans are fine; many guests lean dressy for celebrations.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—conversations at your table are possible, but the room hums with celebration energy.
Weekend wait: Expect 60–90 minutes without a reservation; prime hours are often fully booked weeks ahead.
Weekday lunch: Not open for lunch; evenings only.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—salad, sides like baked potato, creamed spinach (made with dairy), and Yorkshire pudding.
Vegan options: Very limited—side salads and plain baked potatoes are the main options; call ahead for accommodations.
Gluten-free options: Some options available (salads, potatoes, prime rib itself); no dedicated prep area, so cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want a classic San Francisco icon with theatrical service, though the bustling vibe is better for fun than intimacy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? It’s possible but not advised—walk-ins often face 1–2 hour waits, especially on weekends. Reservations book weeks in advance.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—kids often enjoy the salad spinning and sides; a smaller ‘City Cut’ portion suits younger diners. Best for ages 7+ who can handle a lively dining room.
Best For
Better for: Celebratory family dinners and out-of-town guests wanting the classic San Francisco steakhouse ritual.
Skip if: You want a quiet, intimate meal, flexible dietary options, or a quick casual dinner.
House of Prime Rib
8.7
Classic San Francisco roast-beef temple serving prime rib carved tableside with all the traditional fixings. Reservations are tough for a reason—it's a celebratory, old-school night out that still delivers.
Must-Try Dishes:
King Henry cut prime rib, Creamed spinach, Yorkshire pudding
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 8.8
Consistency: 9.2
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 9.3
What makes it special: Tableside prime rib service with time-tested ritual and polish.
Who should go: Steak lovers marking an occasion
When to visit: Book weeks ahead; earliest seatings move fastest
What to order: Prime rib; creamed spinach; Yorkshire pudding
Insider tip: Ask for ‘seared’ prime rib if you like a crust.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet available for around $15; street parking on Van Ness is metered and competitive, especially after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual—collared shirts, dresses, and neat jeans are common; guests often lean slightly dressy for the celebratory vibe.
Noise level: Moderate to loud—conversations are possible but the bustling, celebratory energy carries through the dining room.
Weekend wait: Without a reservation, waits can exceed 90 minutes or you may not be seated at all.
Weekday lunch: No lunch service—dinner only.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—salads, sides like creamed spinach, and baked potato are available, but entrées are beef-focused.
Vegan options: Very limited—few sides without dairy, no dedicated vegan entrées.
Gluten-free options: Yes—prime rib and many sides can be made gluten-free; ask for adjustments.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for milestone dates or celebrations than a first date—it's lively, indulgent, and centered around hearty portions rather than intimacy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible at the bar for walk-ins, but tables are almost always reserved weeks out. Arrive early if trying without a booking.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—older kids who enjoy beef and family outings will be comfortable. No kids’ menu, but portions are shareable.
Best For
Better for: Classic prime rib ritual with tableside carving and old-school polish that few modern steakhouses replicate.
Skip if: Skip if you want a broad menu beyond beef, a quiet setting, or vegan-friendly options.
House of Prime Rib
8.9
A classic steakhouse serving tender prime rib in an elegant, old-school atmosphere, perfect for a memorable date night.
Must-Try Dishes:
Prime Rib, Yorkshire Pudding, Creamed Spinach
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 9.3
Food Quality: 9.4
Atmosphere: 9.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: House specialty prime rib served with classic sides in a refined atmosphere.
Who should go: Couples celebrating special moments or anniversaries.
When to visit: Evenings for an intimate, upscale dining experience.
What to order: Prime Rib, Yorkshire Pudding, Creamed Spinach.
Insider tip: Request the horseradish sauce for an extra kick with your prime rib.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet $20, limited street parking available after 6pm
Dress code: Smart casual, business casual attire recommended
Noise level: Moderate - can hear your date, but it gets livelier during weekends
Weekend wait: 45-60 min without reservation
Weekday lunch: No wait typically
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - vegetarian options like sautéed vegetables and mashed potatoes
Vegan options: Limited - some sides are vegan-friendly, but the menu is meat-focused
Gluten-free options: Yes - they offer gluten-free sides and have dedicated prep areas
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, it’s perfect for a first date with its elegant atmosphere and romantic vibes. The intimate setting and refined service create a memorable experience.
Can I get a table without a reservation? It’s possible, but highly recommended to book a reservation, especially on weekends, as the restaurant is very popular and fills up quickly.
Is it kid-friendly? While the upscale setting is ideal for adults, kids are welcome. However, the ambiance is more suited for adults, and the menu is meat-heavy, so younger kids may have limited options.
Best For
Better for: Perfect for a special occasion, especially if you're craving high-quality prime rib in a luxurious setting. It’s ideal for those looking for a formal, elegant dining experience.
Skip if: If you prefer a more casual atmosphere or a place with a wider range of non-steak options, consider other steakhouses like Harris’ or The Grill on the Alley.