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Tad’s Steakhouse
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Tad’s Steakhouse
7.8
A San Francisco original (est. 1955) serving affordable steaks with retro counter-service charm. It’s a practical, low-key date option steps from Powell Street.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tad’s Famous Steak Dinner, Ribeye & Eggs, Baked Potato with Garlic Bread
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 7.2
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 7.6
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Budget-friendly steaks with vintage SF lineage near Powell.
Who should go: Casual, wallet-watching couples
When to visit: Early evening before showtime rush
What to order: Famous steak dinner, ribeye & eggs, creamed spinach
Insider tip: Line moves quickest at the counter; grab window seats for people-watching.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking around Powell and Ellis is limited; closest reliable option is the O’Farrell Garage (approx. $5–7/hr).
Dress code: Casual—jeans, tees, and sneakers are all fine; no need to dress up.
Noise level: Moderate—diner-style bustle but conversation is possible at tables.
Weekend wait: 15–25 minutes during peak pre-theater hours.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; counter service moves quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—salads, sides like creamed spinach, baked potatoes, and grilled veggies.
Vegan options: Limited—salads without dressing/cheese and a few sides.
Gluten-free options: Informal—steaks and simple sides are naturally gluten-free but no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you want a quirky, old-school SF vibe on a budget. It’s more charmingly retro than romantic fine dining.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, Tad’s is walk-in only. Arrive early evening for quicker seating or expect a short line at peak hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—casual counter setup, simple menu, and quick service suit families with kids of most ages.
Best For
Better for: Budget-friendly steaks in a central location with retro SF charm—something pricier steakhouses can’t offer.
Skip if: You’re looking for a quiet, upscale, or romantic fine-dining steakhouse experience.
Tad’s Steakhouse
7.6
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Comfort Food Classics
Quick Bites Champions
Family Friendly Favorites
Casual, longtime Union Square standby known for budget-friendly steak plates with garlic bread and sides. Counter-friendly pace and all-day hours make it a practical downtown option.
Must-Try Dishes:
Char-broiled Steak Plate, Prime Rib Sandwich, Baked Potato with Garlic Bread
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 7.2
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Old-school steak plates at accessible prices in the heart of downtown.
Who should go: Casual steak seekers on a budget
When to visit: Weekdays before 6pm to avoid peak dinner lines
What to order: Char-broiled steak plate, prime rib sandwich, baked potato
Insider tip: Combo plates include garlic bread—add a side salad to round it out.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No dedicated lot; paid garages like Ellis-O’Farrell Garage nearby, limited metered street parking after 6pm.
Dress code: Casual – jeans, t-shirts, and sneakers are all fine.
Noise level: Moderate – steady downtown buzz but you can hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 20–30 minutes at peak times; lines form quickly after 6pm.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; service moves fast during workday rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – salads, sides, and a few non-steak plates available.
Vegan options: Limited – sides like baked potatoes or salads can be modified but no dedicated entrees.
Gluten-free options: Yes – most steaks and basic sides are naturally gluten-free; ask about sauces and bread.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal – it’s more about quick, budget-friendly steak than atmosphere. Better for casual outings.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes – Tad’s is counter-service; you order at the register and find a seat, no reservations needed.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes – families are welcome; casual seating and simple steak-and-sides plates work for school-age kids.
Best For
Better for: Budget-conscious diners who want a quick steak meal near Union Square without formal dining.
Skip if: You’re looking for a refined date night or premium steakhouse experience – try John’s Grill or ABSteak instead.
Tad’s Steakhouse
7.7
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Downtown counter-service steakhouse operating for 60+ years, offering quick, affordable plates a block from the Powell cable car turnaround. It’s a practical option for no-frills business lunches on a tight schedule or budget.
Must-Try Dishes:
Charbroiled Steak Plate, Ribeye with Garlic Butter, Steak Sandwich
Scores:
Value: 8.9
Service: 7.2
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 6.3
Cultural Relevance: 7
What makes it special: Old-school, fast steak plates at under-$15 price points.
Who should go: Busy pros wanting quick, budget steak
When to visit: 11:30am–12:30pm before peak foot traffic
What to order: Charbroiled steak; ribeye garlic butter; steak sandwich
Insider tip: Grab a booth toward the back for quieter conversation.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No dedicated lot; closest option is Ellis–O’Farrell Garage ($5–6/hr). Street parking is scarce during weekdays.
Dress code: Casual; office attire blends in, but jeans and polos are common.
Noise level: Moderate—counter service hum with background chatter, but you can still talk business.
Weekend wait: 10–15 minutes at peak tourist hours
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; quick counter turnover
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—side salads, baked potatoes, and a few non-meat options.
Vegan options: Very limited—salads without cheese/dressing, baked potato with veggies.
Gluten-free options: Some naturally gluten-free items (steak, baked potato), but no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal—it’s more cafeteria-style than romantic. Better suited for efficiency than ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, it’s counter-service only—just order and grab a booth or table.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes, casual setting works for kids, though menu skews steak-heavy. High chairs and boosters are not guaranteed.
Best For
Better for: Speed and price—hard to beat a hot steak plate under $15 downtown.
Skip if: You want white-tablecloth service, quiet ambiance, or dietary range beyond basic steakhouse fare.