30 Photos
ZipPicks Awards
Best American in Torrance
Best Steakhouse in Torrance
Best Hidden Gem Restaurants in Torrance
Best Restaurants With Private Dining Rooms in Torrance
Best Happy Hour in Torrance
Best Happy Hour Wings in Torrance
Master Critic Review
The San Franciscan
8.7
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Date Night Magic
Group Dining Gatherings
Birthday & Celebration Central
The San Franciscan is a dark-paneled, old-school steakhouse where prime rib, martinis, and live music define the experience. South Bay regulars treat it as a go-to for hearty American steakhouse fare, big portions, and a throwback bar vibe that hasn’t changed much in decades.
Must-Try Dishes:
Prime Rib, New York Steak, French Onion Soup
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.9
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Classic steakhouse with big cuts, stiff drinks, and vintage supper-club energy.
Who should go: Steak lovers and groups wanting an old-school night out.
When to visit: Prime-time weekend dinners or late-night bar visits for music.
What to order: Prime rib, New York steak, French onion soup.
Insider tip: Sit in the lounge for a slightly more casual experience and live music.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: On-site lot with ample spaces behind the restaurant; street parking on Sepulveda is available but fills quickly on weekends.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans are fine but most guests lean classic and slightly dressy for the steakhouse vibe.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during peak dinner hours due to live music; conversation is easier in booth seating or early evening.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially during prime rib rush hours.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; walk-ins are seated quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: A few options like salads, sides, and baked potatoes, but the menu skews heavily protein-forward.
Vegan options: Very limited; most items include butter or sauces—best to call ahead for accommodations.
Gluten-free options: Several steaks and proteins can be prepared gluten-free; alert your server for modifications and sauce adjustments.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you’re aiming for a classic, old-school supper-club feel—dim lighting, cozy booths, and live music set a retro-romantic tone. Not ideal if you want a quieter, modern atmosphere.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes, especially on weeknights. On weekends, the lounge is your best bet for walk-ins, but expect waits of 30–60 minutes during prime dinner hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Kids are welcome, and booths help families settle in comfortably, but the ambiance is geared toward adults. Early dinners work best for families with younger children.
Best For
Better for: Prime rib, live music nights, and a nostalgic steakhouse atmosphere you won’t find at newer South Bay spots.
Consider Alternatives If: You want a modern, airy dining room, lighter fare, or a menu with strong vegetarian or vegan coverage.
Hours
Monday3pm - 9pm
Tuesday3pm - 1:30am
Wednesday3pm - 9pm
Thursday3pm - 9pm
Friday3pm - 1:30am
Saturday3pm - 1:30am
Sunday3pm - 9pm