Social Profile: 
![]()
✔️Breakfast ✔️Brunch ✔️Lunch ✔️Dinner ✔️Dine in ✔️Take out ✔️Delivery
… View more
John’s Grill is a legendary 117 year old steak house in the heart of downtown San Francisco serving classic steaks, fresh seafood and nightly live jazz. Established in 1908, it is one of the city’s most iconic restaurants, known for its historic ambiance, award winning food and beverage menu and role in San Francisco culture. The restaurant features multiple floors of dining including private rooms on the third floor. The second floor jazz room has an intimate setting with solo, duo’s, and trio’s playing live music. John’s grill is consistently recognized as one of the best steakhouse in San Francisco and a must visit near Union Square for steaks, seafood, and live jazz. The Maltese Falcon Novel makes it a literary and historical landmark.
Old-school, wood-paneled space with photos of famous past patrons, offering steaks and seafood.
Hours
| Friday | 11:45 AM–9:30 PM |
| Saturday | 11:45 AM–9:30 PM |
| Sunday | 11:45 AM–9:30 PM |
| Monday | 11:45 AM–9:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 11:45 AM–9:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 11:45 AM–9:30 PM |
| Thursday | 11:45 AM–9:30 PM |
Address and Contact Information
Address: 63 Ellis St, San Francisco, CA 94102
Phone: (415) 986-0069
Website: https://www.johnsgrill.com/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=gbp-website-link
Menu Photos
Order and Reservations
Reservations: johnsgrill.comopentable.com
Photo Gallery
Related Web Results
John’s Grill
Historic John’s Grill is one of San Francisco’s oldest steak and seafood restaurants.
History – John’s Grill
John’s Grill is a historic San Francisco steakhouse established in 1908. It opened only two years after the earthquake and quickly became one of the first major …
Menus – John’s Grill
Historic John’s Grill is one of San Francisco’s oldest steak and seafood restaurants.
Last Updates
Reviews
Jun Jii
Servers were trying their best, but it seems they are too busy. Steak was ok, if not excellent. You get what you pay for.
Location is fine if you are visiting the town for work, as it’s middle of busy district.
However, you may not feel very safe in the evening.
… moreLocation is fine if you are visiting the town for work, as it’s middle of busy district.
However, you may not feel very safe in the evening.
Steve Chan
Just do it.
Classic dark wood old time steakhouse. Food excellent. A place you need to visit once in a lifetime… maybe twice!
And be sure to go upstairs and look at the Maltese Falcon display!
Another Falcon can be found on display in the Flood Building Lobby on Market Street.
… moreClassic dark wood old time steakhouse. Food excellent. A place you need to visit once in a lifetime… maybe twice!
And be sure to go upstairs and look at the Maltese Falcon display!
Another Falcon can be found on display in the Flood Building Lobby on Market Street.
Lucky M
Bar service was super slow. Around 7ish, you really have to stay on top of your order because it felt like they’d ignore you unless you make yourself heard. It also seemed wildly understaffed—there were only two bartenders handling what looked like at least 20+ tables downstairs, and that’s not even counting upstairs, so the delays kind of made sense (but still not great as a guest).
I ordered an Old Fashioned and it honestly wasn’t good. It was packed with way too much ice, like overly full of ice cubes instead of the traditional single large cube. The build felt off too—simple syrup instead of the more classic muddled/crushed sugar cube, and it didn’t taste balanced. They used only Angostura aromatic bitters (no orange bitters), and there was no expressed orange peel—they literally just dropped in a slice of orange… lol.
Our wait time was about 1 hour. That said, the ambiance was the best part of the whole experience. The place was packed, but in a way that felt cozy, lively, and inviting at the same time. It was loud and energetic, and I can see why people like it for the vibe.
The food was bland, honestly like they forgot the salt. My filet mignon was cooked exactly how I asked—perfect medium rare—but the flavor just wasn’t there. No real seasoning, no char, just flat. Same with the other steaks we ordered: cooked right, but not tasteful and lacking flavor. The poke was the only thing that actually had flavor, and it stood out because everything else tasted so plain.
For the price and the wait, I don’t think we’ll come back. The atmosphere was great, but it’s a shame the bar service and food didn’t match it.
… moreI ordered an Old Fashioned and it honestly wasn’t good. It was packed with way too much ice, like overly full of ice cubes instead of the traditional single large cube. The build felt off too—simple syrup instead of the more classic muddled/crushed sugar cube, and it didn’t taste balanced. They used only Angostura aromatic bitters (no orange bitters), and there was no expressed orange peel—they literally just dropped in a slice of orange… lol.
Our wait time was about 1 hour. That said, the ambiance was the best part of the whole experience. The place was packed, but in a way that felt cozy, lively, and inviting at the same time. It was loud and energetic, and I can see why people like it for the vibe.
The food was bland, honestly like they forgot the salt. My filet mignon was cooked exactly how I asked—perfect medium rare—but the flavor just wasn’t there. No real seasoning, no char, just flat. Same with the other steaks we ordered: cooked right, but not tasteful and lacking flavor. The poke was the only thing that actually had flavor, and it stood out because everything else tasted so plain.
For the price and the wait, I don’t think we’ll come back. The atmosphere was great, but it’s a shame the bar service and food didn’t match it.
Karl Whinnery
John’s grill is a lovely dining experience. The staff are amazing. The atmosphere and vibe are on point.
My rib eye was thinner than expected, but tender and delicious.
My wife had the salmon and enjoyed it.
… moreMy rib eye was thinner than expected, but tender and delicious.
My wife had the salmon and enjoyed it.
debbie hill
I was about to eat alone in my hotel room while my group was at an event. I’m so glad I changed my mind. I had a seat at the bar and was so kindly welcomed by Alexis(I hope I spelled his name right.)It was Saturday night. He made a fabulous Old fashioned. I had the beet salad which was delicious, a perfect filet mignon, delicious red wine and he forced me to try the chocolate mousse. He was amazing to watch as he worked so hard. He needs a bonus. Always smiling. The atmosphere was perfect. Sometimes going alone is just what you need. Had some good conversations with folks next to me. Thank you! I shall return. I’m sure I burned the calories with all the walking.
… moreAlbert Vital
Had our work holiday party at John’s Grill and it was a delight! Not only is the food good, the service was as charming as can be and the atmosphere was a perfect festive setting! What a great spot to celebrate at one of San Francisco’s landmarks! Props to John for saying hi!
… moreKR AZ
Stopped in for lunch while in the city recently. It is a long time restaurant and gathering place for politicians and celebs.
The lunch menu was somewhat limited as far as sandwiches, burgers, etc.
The service was very good and attentive.
However the burger I ordered was very well done and dry. There was no sauce or anything on the bun which was very bready compared to the burger. I had to ask for some mayo and ketchup to go with it.
The fries were seasoned well and hot and crispy.
The clam chowder which we split was good.
The chicken sandwich was a thin piece of flattened that was crispy but on the thinner side for a huge bun.
All in all it was disappointing.
… moreThe lunch menu was somewhat limited as far as sandwiches, burgers, etc.
The service was very good and attentive.
However the burger I ordered was very well done and dry. There was no sauce or anything on the bun which was very bready compared to the burger. I had to ask for some mayo and ketchup to go with it.
The fries were seasoned well and hot and crispy.
The clam chowder which we split was good.
The chicken sandwich was a thin piece of flattened that was crispy but on the thinner side for a huge bun.
All in all it was disappointing.
matthew w
During our visit to San Francisco we decided to head to John’s Grill for dinner, and despite not having a reservation we were warmly welcomed by the hostess. She kindly offered us a lovely table in the upstairs dining area, which turned out to be a great spot as the downstairs area was already full and buzzing with activity. The added bonus of sitting upstairs was being able to enjoy live music from a talented chap playing during our meal, which added a really nice touch to the evening.
Our server, Dana, greeted us with a smile and quickly took our drinks orders before giving us plenty of time to browse the menu and make our selections. Steak was naturally the focus for us, with the fillet and the strip being our choices for the evening. Whilst we waited for our mains, we were served some warm, fresh bread which was a lovely start and very much appreciated. After a reasonable wait our main courses arrived and both steaks were cooked well and very enjoyable.
When offered the dessert menu we decided to pass, as nothing really caught our eye and to be fair, the mains were more than enough to leave us feeling full.
Overall, we had a really lovely time at John’s Grill. The atmosphere was lively yet relaxed, the service from Dana was great and the food was satisfying. It is definitely a place worth visiting when in San Francisco for a classic steakhouse experience.
… moreOur server, Dana, greeted us with a smile and quickly took our drinks orders before giving us plenty of time to browse the menu and make our selections. Steak was naturally the focus for us, with the fillet and the strip being our choices for the evening. Whilst we waited for our mains, we were served some warm, fresh bread which was a lovely start and very much appreciated. After a reasonable wait our main courses arrived and both steaks were cooked well and very enjoyable.
When offered the dessert menu we decided to pass, as nothing really caught our eye and to be fair, the mains were more than enough to leave us feeling full.
Overall, we had a really lovely time at John’s Grill. The atmosphere was lively yet relaxed, the service from Dana was great and the food was satisfying. It is definitely a place worth visiting when in San Francisco for a classic steakhouse experience.
Robert Avery
Beautiful historic Steak house that has served and serving numerous famous people. Love the black and white photos displayed all over the restaurant. Food was excellent and a large list of wines worldwide.
… moreRocio Barraza
I was brought to John’s Grill for a nice birthday dinner. I had a dirty vodka martini, the escargot and a rib eye steak. I cannot begin to tell you how wonderful my experience was. The staff was so friendly and sweet and the food OmG. The martini was full to the rim and delicious I sipped all night. The escargot was delectable with such a delicious sauce I’ll be back for more. And the steak medium rare perfect especially with the horse radish I must say was the perfect combination and the kick was epic. I also had the cream and berries for dessert and the hostess sang happy birthday to me. Everything was so perfect I nearly cried. It’s a special place to make someone you love feel special. ❤️
… more