0 Followers
Sam's Grill & Seafood Restaurant
Master Critic Reviews (6 Lists)
Sam's Grill & Seafood Restaurant
8.1
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Comfort Food Classics
Business Lunch Power Players
Group Dining Gatherings
Old-school San Francisco grill (since 1867) serving straightforward chops, steak frites, and classic seafood with brisk, buttoned-up service. Families appreciate the roomy booths and simple, familiar plates that arrive quickly at lunch.
Must-Try Dishes:
NY steak frites, Dungeness crab cakes, Louis salad
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 9.2
What makes it special: 150+ years of SF grill tradition with curtained booths.
Who should go: Families who like classic steak and seafood
When to visit: Weekdays 11:15–12:00 for fastest seating
What to order: Steak frites; crab cakes; Louis salad
Insider tip: Request a curtained booth for quieter family conversations.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Limited street parking on Belden Place and Bush Street; nearby Sutter-Stockton Garage offers hourly rates with evening validation from some downtown businesses.
Dress code: Smart casual—collared shirts or blouses fit the vibe; jeans are fine if neat. Business attire common at lunch.
Noise level: Moderate during peak lunch hours, but quieter in curtained booths and after 7pm.
Weekend wait: Usually no wait since weekends are calmer downtown, but reservations recommended for larger families.
Weekday lunch: Arrive before noon to avoid a 15–20 minute wait during the FiDi rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but thoughtful—salads, veggie sides, and pasta specials available upon request.
Vegan options: Minimal—may accommodate with off-menu modifications like grilled vegetables or plain salads.
Gluten-free options: Good awareness—steak and seafood plates can be adjusted; ask about sauces and bread service.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for comfortable, conversation-driven meals than romantic ambience; classic booths work well for a relaxed, old-school vibe.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, especially at lunch if you arrive before 11:45am; evenings are generally open, but groups should call ahead.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—high chairs available, simple menu items like fries, grilled fish, and chicken keep younger diners happy. Best for kids 8+ who can appreciate a quieter setting.
Best For
Better for: Classic San Francisco history and straightforward seafood or steak at fair value; quieter and less pretentious than trendier FiDi spots.
Skip if: You’re seeking trendy cocktails, outdoor dining, or contemporary plating—try Wayfare Tavern or The Vault instead.
Sam's Grill & Seafood Restaurant
8.0
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Comfort Food Classics
Group Dining Gatherings
Hidden Gems Heaven
Old-school San Francisco grill (since 1867) known for steak frites, chops, and classic seafood with tuxedoed service and curtained booths. A reliable FiDi lunch standby for straightforward plates, quick seating, and discreet business conversations.
Must-Try Dishes:
NY steak frites, Prime rib (when offered), Crab cakes
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.9
What makes it special: 150+ years of SF grill tradition with dependable steak plates.
Who should go: Pros wanting classic, low-key lunch
When to visit: 11:15–12:00 for easiest seating and service
What to order: NY steak frites; prime rib (availability varies); crab cakes
Insider tip: Request a curtained booth for privacy; ask for steak frites extra-crispy.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking can be tricky around Belden Place; use the Sutter-Stockton or 555 California garages nearby for easiest access.
Dress code: Business casual to smart casual—most guests come from nearby offices in suits or collared shirts.
Noise level: Moderate during lunch rush; conversations remain private thanks to curtained booths and soft acoustics.
Weekend wait: Closed weekends—weekday-only operation.
Weekday lunch: Typically seated immediately before 12pm; brief 10–15 minute waits after noon peak.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—expect 2–3 lighter options like salads and vegetable sides.
Vegan options: Minimal—best for mixed groups where others are ordering seafood or steak.
Gluten-free options: Some dishes can be adapted; servers knowledgeable and can advise substitutions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re both into old-school SF charm—white tablecloths, curtained booths, and classic service make it more executive than romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, for weekday lunches—arriving before 11:45am nearly guarantees a booth; after noon expect short waits.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young children—formal atmosphere and limited kids’ options; fine for older teens with adult palates.
Best For
Better for: Ideal for quick, traditional business lunches where privacy and efficiency matter more than trendiness.
Skip if: You’re seeking modern steakhouse theatrics, extensive wine pairings, or a lively after-hours scene—try The Vault Steakhouse instead.
Sam's Grill & Seafood Restaurant
7.9
Historic San Francisco grill (since 1867) known for classic chops, steak frites, and seafood in a throwback dining room just off Kearny. Old-school service and steady execution make it a low-key date option when you want steak without the fanfare.
Must-Try Dishes:
New York Steak Frites (Flannery Beef), Creamed Spinach, Crab Cakes
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 7.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.9
What makes it special: 150+ years of SF grill tradition with steaks and chops.
Who should go: Classic steak lovers favoring tradition
When to visit: After 7:30pm for quieter booths
What to order: NY steak frites; creamed spinach; crab cakes
Insider tip: Book a booth and ask for steak frites with marrow bones.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Validated parking available at the Sutter-Stockton Garage one block away; limited street parking after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual—button-downs or blouses fit best; jackets optional but common for dinner.
Noise level: Moderate—old-school booths help with conversation, though bar chatter can rise on Fridays.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, especially near theater hours.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, but prime noon hour can fill up quickly with FiDi professionals.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—salads and sides like creamed spinach or asparagus available.
Vegan options: Minimal—best to request a custom plate from the kitchen.
Gluten-free options: Yes—many grilled proteins and seafood dishes can be made gluten-free upon request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if your date appreciates classic San Francisco charm and quiet conversation. The vintage booths and old-school service set an easy, timeless tone.
Can I get a table without a reservation? You can, particularly on weeknights, but weekends and theater hours fill quickly—reservations are strongly advised.
Is it kid-friendly? Not especially—more suited to adults or older teens. There’s no children’s menu and the atmosphere leans formal and quiet.
Best For
Better for: Classicists who prefer understated elegance and San Francisco history over flash. Ideal when you want a reliable steak or seafood dinner in calm surroundings.
Skip if: You’re seeking a trendy or modern steakhouse experience—places like The Vault or Epic Steak offer a more contemporary vibe.
Sam's Grill & Seafood Restaurant
8.4
Since 1867, this old-school San Francisco institution serves mesquite-grilled local seafood, petrale sole, and classic Louie salads with white-jacket service. FiDi regulars use it for dependable power lunches and nostalgic dinners steps from Belden Place.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mesquite-grilled petrale sole, Boston clam chowder, Crab Louie
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 9.1
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 9.3
What makes it special: Historic seafood house with mesquite grill and classic service.
Who should go: Dealmakers and SF dining traditionalists
When to visit: Weekday lunch for peak, early dinner for calm
What to order: Petrale sole; clam chowder; Crab Louie
Insider tip: Request a private booth for quieter conversation and a throwback feel.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is tight during business hours; use the Sutter-Stockton or Crocker Galleria garages within a 3-minute walk.
Dress code: Business casual; button-downs and blazers fit right in, but upscale casual attire is fine for dinner.
Noise level: Moderate – lively at lunch with business chatter, quieter at early dinner or in booth seating.
Weekend wait: Typically no wait; book ahead for large parties.
Weekday lunch: Busy between 11:45am–1:15pm, short waits for walk-ins otherwise.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: A few solid options like salads and pasta specials, but not a focus.
Vegan options: Limited – most dishes feature seafood or dairy; modifications possible on request.
Gluten-free options: Yes – several grilled fish and salad options can be made gluten-free upon request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you appreciate old-school San Francisco charm; candlelit booths and classic service create a nostalgic, low-pressure atmosphere.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually at lunch if you arrive before noon; dinner tables are often available early or late, but peak times benefit from reservations.
Is it kid-friendly? Older kids who enjoy seafood will do fine, but it’s not geared toward young children—no kids’ menu or highchairs.
Best For
Better for: Power lunches, classic seafood done simply, and a sense of San Francisco dining history few places can match.
Skip if: You’re after cutting-edge cuisine, modern interiors, or extensive vegetarian/vegan menus.
Sam's Grill & Seafood Restaurant
8.3
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Comfort Food Classics
Group Dining Gatherings
Hidden Gems Heaven
Historic FiDi institution (since the 19th century) serving classic San Francisco seafood and chops with paneled booths and brisk, old-school service. A confident pick when tradition helps the meeting.
Must-Try Dishes:
Petrale sole meunière, Crab Louis, Clam chowder
Scores:
Value: 7.5
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 9.2
What makes it special: Old-school San Francisco seafood house with private-feeling booths.
Who should go: Traditionalists and legacy clients
When to visit: 11:30–12:15 to secure booth seating
What to order: Petrale sole, Crab Louis, chowder
Insider tip: Request a curtained booth for privacy during sensitive talks.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No dedicated valet; nearby paid garages on Sutter and Bush; street parking is scarce during weekdays.
Dress code: Business casual to business formal; suits welcome but not required.
Noise level: Moderate; brisk service with some bustle, but booth curtains provide added privacy.
Weekend wait: Closed on weekends.
Weekday lunch: Reservations recommended for booths; walk-ins may wait 10–20 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – salads, pastas, and a few composed mains.
Vegan options: Very limited – may adapt salads, but core menu is seafood and chops.
Gluten-free options: Some dishes can be adapted; staff will guide substitutions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a first date; the vibe is more traditional and business-oriented. Better suited for anniversaries or established couples who appreciate old-school charm.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, though lunch rush fills booths quickly. Call ahead if privacy is essential; counter seating is usually available.
Is it kid-friendly? Not especially; atmosphere is tailored to adults and business diners. Children over 10 may be comfortable, but no kids’ menu or booster seating.
Best For
Better for: Classic San Francisco seafood tradition, private booths, and legacy charm unmatched by modern steakhouses.
Skip if: You want trendy decor, vegan-forward menus, or a lively weekend dinner scene.
Sam's Grill & Seafood Restaurant
8.4
Old-school San Francisco seafood house (since 1867) known for cioppino, Dungeness crab, and petrale/sole prepared simply with polished, tuxedoed service. Locals use the curtained booths for business lunches and classic SF comfort plates done with fresh product.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sam’s classic cioppino, Dungeness crab cakes with remoulade, Rex/petrale sole meunière
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 9.1
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 7.9
Cultural Relevance: 9.3
What makes it special: 150+ years of SF seafood classics served with white-glove hospitality.
Who should go: Traditional seafood fans and power lunchers
When to visit: Weekdays 11:30–1:00 or after 7:30 for calmer dining
What to order: Cioppino; crab cakes; sole meunière
Insider tip: Ask for a curtained booth—quieter and very old-SF.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No on-site valet; nearest garages are at Sutter Stockton Garage or Portsmouth Square Plaza, both about a 5–7 minute walk. Street parking is very limited during business hours.
Dress code: Smart casual; business attire common at lunch. Jackets and dresses not required but fit the old-SF vibe.
Noise level: Moderate; booths with curtains are quieter and work well for private conversations.
Weekend wait: 20–30 minutes without a reservation; faster after 8pm.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait before noon; can back up 15–20 minutes after 12:15pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – salads, pasta primavera, and sides can be ordered vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited – a couple of sides and salads; best to call ahead for modifications.
Gluten-free options: Yes – grilled fish and some seafood preparations are naturally gluten-free; staff can accommodate.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if your date appreciates old-school San Francisco charm. The curtained booths offer privacy and the polished service makes it feel special.
Can I get a table without a reservation? At lunch, reservations are advised but walk-ins before noon are often seated. For dinner, a reservation is recommended, especially on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly – the classic setting and business clientele skew adult. Older kids and teens who enjoy seafood may be comfortable, but it’s not aimed at families with young children.
Best For
Better for: Historic San Francisco atmosphere, traditional seafood dishes, and private booth dining that competitors can’t replicate.
Skip if: You want a trendy, modern seafood spot with innovative flavors – this is more about tradition and classics.