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Best Historic Restaurants in Downtown / Union Square

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45 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Historic John's Grill restaurant
1. Historic John's Grill
4.7
Exceptional(7484)
Price: Expensive
• American • Downtown / Union Square
Booked 63 times today
John's Grill has been a San Francisco tradition since 1908. This historic restaurant is one of the city's oldest and most famous and is a favorite of celebrities who enjoy great steaks, expertly prepared fresh seafood with excellent service and a one of a kind atmosphere. John's Grill was a setting in author Dashiell Hammett, The Maltese Falcon.
A photo of The Post Room restaurant
2. The Post Room
4.0
Excellent(191)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Downtown / Union Square
Booked 16 times today
In the heart of San Francisco’s Union Square, a new Mediterranean-inspired bar and lounge called The Post Room is nestled inside the historic Beacon Grand and overlooking the hotel’s grand lobby, the vibrant social venue will serve breakfast through supper every day, with brunch served on weekends and complemented by a dazzling live music program.
A photo of Starlite restaurant
3. Starlite
4.4
Awesome(193)
Price: Expensive
• Cocktail Bar • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 36 times today
Starlite is a historic San Francisco cocktail bar with nearly a century of vibrant stories. Renowned for hosting lively parties and attracting iconic figures like Alan Ginsberg, Starlite invites guests to the Beacon Grand’s 21st-floor, featuring refreshed interiors by San Francisco designer Alice Crumeyrolle. The atmosphere is set with rich velvet fabrics and a jewel-tone palette inspired by the Art Deco Era, paying homage to the city’s icons. Crafted by Scott Baird of Trick Dog fame, the cocktails are both playful and meticulously made. Michelin-award-winning chef Johnny Spero curates a menu that celebrates San Francisco’s culinary artistry, drawing inspiration from international fare. Enhancing the experience are nightly, all-vinyl DJ sets by music director Nina Tarr.
A photo of Top of the Mark restaurant
4. Top of the Mark
4.3
Awesome(874)
Price: Expensive
• Tapas / Small Plates • Nob Hill
Booked 20 times today
Number 1 in California and San Francisco, and 2nd in the nation on USAToday's 10 Best Hotel Bars.Celebrate Valentine's Day at one of the most romantic spots in San Francisco! Join us at Top of the Mark this Valentine's Day for an enchanting evening filled with love and luxury. Our romantic venue offers jaw-dropping views that set the perfect backdrop for your celebration. Indulge in our special promotions featuring tantalizing appetizers paired with exquisite drinks. Visit topofthemark.com for details. Valentine's promo is offered Friday-Saturday, Feb. 14-16, 2025.
A photo of Biscuits and Blues restaurant
5. Biscuits and Blues
4.6
Exceptional(2010)
Price: Expensive
• Southern • Downtown / Union Square
Located in the heart of San Francisco's historic Theater District, Biscuits and Blues is a West Coast musical landmark where every seat provides an up-close, live music experience. Our all-ages supper club is a great place for the whole family to experience America's greatest musical heritage! We have live music six nights a week featuring national and Bay Area acts. Our full bar and soulful Southern menu compliments the savory sounds of our top-notch talent. If you’re trying to decide between food and music, you can indulge in both with us! Show times and prices may vary and are dependent on specific acts. No refunds-no cancellations for show tickets. Every ticket has a seat. Singles will be assigned a bar seat or shareable table seat when available.
A photo of Bartlett Hall restaurant
6. Bartlett Hall
4.2
Awesome(517)
Price: Expensive
• American • Downtown / Union Square
Booked 2 times today
Bartlett Hall, located in the heart of San Francisco’s Union Square neighborhood, is a modern saloon and eatery that fuses the city’s historic elements with today’s conveniences. With award winning beers made in house, Bartlett offers a special program that pairs beer and food delightfully. A menu of California-inspired American fare, including a variety of burgers, small plates and entrees, are served daily. Bartlett Hall is located at 242 O’Farrell Street www.bartletthallsf.com, or call 415-433-4332. Our Food Menu is available 3:00 PM-9:00 PM, Monday-Wednesday, and 12:00 PM - 9:00 PM Thursday-Sunday. Happy Hour Menu: 3:00-5:00 Monday-Friday.
A photo of Tower Salon - The Westin St. Francis restaurant
7. Tower Salon - The Westin St. Francis
3.7
Very Good(529)
Price: Expensive
• American • Downtown / Union Square
We'd like to inform you of our current relocation to Tower Salon A while the Oak Room undergoes renovations. Tower Salon A, conveniently situated in the tower building, past the concierge desk and adjacent to the tower glass elevators, is now hosting our services.Rest assured, while our location may have changed, our commitment to providing you with our signature hearty breakfast and full American buffet remains unchanged. You can continue to expect the same wonderful dining experience you've come to love.We appreciate your continued support during this renovation period. If you have any questions or require further information, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. We look forward to welcoming you at Tower Salon A for a memorable dining experience.
A photo of The Garden Court - Luxury Collection restaurant
8. The Garden Court - Luxury Collection
3.8
Excellent(2479)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • SOMA
Booked 20 times today
Featuring innovative intercontinental cuisine, the famed Garden Court offers a superb dining experience in a glorious setting. This historic landmark serves Breakfast daily, 2 Course Prix Fixe Lunch Monday-Thursday and an enchanting Afternoon Tea on Friday and Saturday. The Garden Court features a stained glass dome, Italian marble columns, Austrian crystal chandeliers and is noted on San Francisco’s Historic Register as Landmark #18. Our Executive Chef invites you to try our signature crab salad lightly dressed in our own Green Goddess Dressing, a true Palace original created in 1923.
A photo of Original Joe's - San Francisco restaurant
9. Original Joe's - San Francisco
4.7
Exceptional(4276)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • North Beach
Booked 99 times today
Original Joe’s is the quintessential, classic San Francisco dining experience. A fabric of the City for over 80 years, it is located in the heart of the historic and majestic North Beach, a mecca for natives, tourists, and culinary aficionados alike.Original Joe’s is the oldest of all existing Joe’s restaurants in the country and is the innovator of what is now nationally known as the “Joe’s Concept”. With its signature red leather booths, legendary smooth cocktails, and renowned Italian American menu, Joe’s has come to signify its own Northern Californian category of food and symbolizes classic Italian American comfort food at its finest.
A photo of Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar - Fairmont San Francisco restaurant
10. Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar - Fairmont San Francisco
4.0
Excellent(2023)
Price: Expensive
• Asian • Nob Hill
Booked 23 times today
A visit to San Francisco is not complete without experiencing Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar. The Tonga Room offers exceptional Polynesian Cuisine in a tropical setting that includes thunder and rainstorms. It is the perfect escape after a busy day of meetings or shopping along Union Square. Be sure to try the Mai Tai, voted the City's best by Conde Nast Traveler.This booking is for dinner service not for drinks and/or appetizers only. The Island Groove performs a live set starting at 7:00 pm. A $15 per person cover charge applies to all guests seated in the restaurant or bar during the entertainment, regardless of the time they arrive.No-show reservations/cancellations for any reason outside of 48-hours will be charged $50 per guest on the evening of the reservation. Each reservation guarantees a table in our dining room for a 2-hour experience.For Parties over 10, contact TongaRoom@Fairmont.com to discuss reservations.

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