Historic John's Grill

4.7

7503 Reviews

$31 to $50

American

Make a reservation

2 people

Mar 8, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 69 times today

Good for special occasions
Charming
Neighborhood gem

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.

Private dining

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View details

Dining areas

Additional information

Location
63 Ellis Street, San Francisco, CA 94102
Phone number
(415) 986-0069
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
American, Steak, Seafood
Hours of operation
Lunch Daily 11:45 am–3:30 pm Dinner Daily 3:30 pm–9:00 pm
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
There is a parking garage directly across the street, Ellis - O'Farrell Garage.https://www.sfmta.com/garages-lots/ellis-ofarrell-garageParking near John's Grill:https://www.parkinsf.com/sanfrancisco/parking-near/John%27s+Grill
Payment options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Mauricio Sibrian

Featured in

100 San Francisco Bay Area Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

Popular dishes

Belvedere Martini$16.00
Belvedere vodka, Dry Vermouth, "shaken"
Pear Martini$16.00
Grey Goose La Poire (Pear), sweet & sour, with a splash of ginger ale
Pomegranate Cosmopolitan$16.00
Young & Yonder Vodka, PAMA Liqueur, Cointreau, cranberry juice, lime juice
French Gimlet$16.00
H.O.B.S. Gin, St.Germain, fresh lime juice, simple syrup
French Martini$16.00
Young & Yonder Vodka, Chambord, pineapple juice
Vesper$16.00
Nolet's Gin, Young & Yonder Vodka, Lillet Blanc
Bogie's Old Fashioned$16.00
Bulleit Bourbon, Muddled Sugar, Angostura Bitters, Orange with a splash of soda
Bulleit Rye Manhattan$16.00
Bulleit Rye, Sweet Vermouth, dashes of bitters
Gold Rush$16.00
Bulleit Bourbon, honey syrup, lemon juice and served on the rocks
Cazadores Paloma$15.00
Cazadores Blanco, lime juice, grapefruit, club soda
Aperol Spritz$15.00
Aperol, Prosecco with a splash of soda
Moscow Mule$15.00
Young & Yonder Vodka, Ginger beer & lime juice
Negroni$15.00
H.O.B.S. Gin, Campari, Sweet Vermouth

Spirits

Single Malt Scotch

Balvenie 12yr
Glenfiddich 12yr / 18yr
Glenlivet 12yr
Glenmorangie
Highland Park 12yr / 18yr
Lagavulin 16yr
Laphroaig 10yr
Macallan 12yr / 18yr
Oban 14yr

Blended Scotch

Johnnie Walker Black Label
Johnnie Walker Blue Label
Johnnie Walker Red Label

Tequila

Casamigos Anejo
Casamigos Reposado
Cazadores Blanco
Clase Azul Anejo
Clase Azul Reposado
Don Julio Blanco
Don Julio 70
Don Julio 1942
Patron Silver

Gin

Beefeater
Bombay
Bombay Sapphire
Hendrick's
HOBS
Nolet's
Tanqueray
Tanqueray 10

Vodka

Absolut
Absolut Mandarin
Belvedere
Chopin
Grey Goose
Ketel One
Ketel One Citroen
Tito's
Young & Yonder

Bourbon / Rye

Angel's Envy
Basil Hayden
Buffalo Trace
Bulleit Bourbon / Rye
Gentleman Jack
Jack Daniel's
Jim Beam
Knob Creek
Maker's Mark
Templeton Rye
Woodford Reserve
Woodinville Rye
Elijah Craig Rye

Cognac

Courvoisier VS
Hennessy VS
Remy VSOP
Remy XO

Beer

Draught Beer

Anchor Steam
Budweiser
Bud Light
Hoegaarden
Lagunitas IPA
Stella Artois

Bottled Beer

Heineken 0.0 (Non Alcoholic)

Mocktails

$10

Shirley Ginger
Ginger Beer, club Soda, lime juice, grenadine
Virgin Paloma
Grapefruit juice, lime juice, syrup & a pinch of salt

By the Glass

White Wines

Prosecco D.O.C., Voveti, Italy, 187
- Glass$12.00
Sparkling Wine, Chandon, Brut, California, 187
- Glass$15.00
Champagne, Moët Chandon, Brut Imperial, France, 187
- Glass$24.00
Chardonnay, John's Grill Private Label, California
- Glass$13.00
- Bottle$52.00
Chardonnay, Wrath EX, Monterey, 2020
- Glass$14.00
- Bottle$56.00
Chardonnay, Hendry, "Barrel Fermented", Napa, 2020
- Glass$17.00
- Bottle$68.00
Sauvignon Blanc, Hunt & Harvest, Napa, 2022
- Glass$14.00
- Bottle$56.00
Sauvignon Blanc, Easton, Sierra Foothills, 2021
- Glass$15.00
- Bottle$60.00
Rosé, Whispering Angel Caves d'Esclans, Côtes de Provence, France, 2022
- Glass$14.00
- Bottle$56.00
Rosé, Hampton Water, South of France, 2021
- Glass$15.00
- Bottle$60.00
Riesling, Tatomer, "Vandenberg", Santa Barbara County, 2020
- Glass$15.00
- Bottle$60.00
Pinot Gris, Lichen Estate, Anderson Valley, 2019
- Glass$14.00
- Bottle$56.00
Blanc de Noir, "White Pinot Noir", Blindfold, Sonoma County, 2021
- Glass$15.00
- Bottle$60.00
Chablis, Domaine Vocoret & Fils, 2020
- Glass$17.00
- Bottle$68.00

Red Wines

Merlot, Hunt & Harvest, Napa, 2016
- Glass$17.00
- Bottle$68.00
Merlot, Grgich Hills, Estate, Napa, 2019
- Glass$19.00
- Bottle$76.00
Pinot Noir, Hunt & Harvest, Willamette Valley, Oregon, 2016
- Glass$15.00
- Bottle$60.00
Pinot Noir, Hendry, "HRW", Napa, 2021
- Glass$16.00
- Bottle$64.00
Cabernet Sauvignon, John's Grill Private Label, Paso Robles
- Glass$14.00
- Bottle$56.00
Cabernet Sauvignon, Hendry, "HRW", Napa, 2020
- Glass$18.00
- Bottle$72.00
Cabernet Sauvignon, Turnbull, Napa, 2020
- Glass$23.00
- Bottle$92.00
Cabernet Sauvignon, Grgich Hills, Estate, Napa, 2018
- Glass$26.00
- Bottle$104.00
Zinfandel, Grgich Hills, Estate, Napa, 2018
- Glass$17.00
- Bottle$68.00
Malbec, Hendry, "Block 14", Napa, 2019
- Glass$19.00
- Bottle$76.00
Chianti Classico, "Dievole", Petrignano,Tuscany, Italy, 2019
- Glass$20.00
- Bottle$80.00

Half Bottles

Sauvignon Blanc, Grgich Hills, Estate, Napa, 2020$33.00
Chardonnay, Chalk Hill, Chalk Hill Appellation, 2018$40.00
Pinot Noir, Hendry, Napa, 2021$38.00
Merlot, Pride Mountain Vineyards, Napa / Sonoma, 2018$55.00
Red blend, Quintessa (Cab-Mer-CabFranc), Napa, 2018$244.00
Cabernet Sauvignon, Hendry, Napa, 2017$60.00
Cabernet Sauvignon, Opus One, Robert Mondavi, Napa, 2016$368.00
Zinfandel, Frog's Leap, Napa, 2019$36.00

By the Bottle

Sparkling Wines & French Champagne

Brut, Gloria Ferrer, "Anniversary", Cuvée, Sonoma, 2012$72.00
Brut Rosé, Roederer Estate, Anderson Valley, NV$75.00
Champagne, Jean Laurent, Blanc de Noirs, France, NV$100.00
Champagne, Louis Roederer Brut Collection 243, France, NV$133.00
Champagne, Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label, France, NV$143.00
Champagne, Bollinger, Brut, France, NV$192.00
Limited
Champagne, Dom Perignon, France, 2010$350.00

White Wine

Albariño, La Marea, "Kristy Vineyard", Monterey County, 2021$50.00
Rosé, Paradigm, "Rosé of Merlot", Oakville, Napa, 2022$68.00
Sauvignon Blanc, Turnbull, Napa, 2021$58.00
Sauvignon Blanc, Frog's Leap, Napa, 2021$60.00
Sauvignon Blanc, Massican, Napa, 2021$63.00
Sauvignon Blanc, Cloudy Bay, Marlborough, New Zealand, 2022$68.00
Sauvignon Blanc, Robert Mondavi, Napa, 2019$70.00
Chardonnay, Frog's Leap, 'Shale and Stone', Napa, 2020$65.00
Chardonnay, Robert Mondavi, Napa Valley, 2018$70.00
Chardonnay, Eric Kent, "1 KM West", Sonoma Coast, 2017$74.00
Chardonnay, Grgich Hills, Estate, Napa, 2020$84.00
Chardonnay, Pride Mountain Vineyards, Napa / Sonoma, 2020$87.00
Chardonnay, The Prisoner, Carneros, 2021$88.00
Chardonnay, Cakebread Cellars, Napa, 2021$95.00
Chardonnay, Kistler, Les Noisetier, Sonoma Coast, 2021$100.00
Chardonnay, Cobb "Doc's Ranch Joann's Block", Sonoma, 2018$118.00

Red Wine

Red Blend, Gamay & Dolcetto, Infinite Air Castles, "Day Wines", Willamette Valley, 2021$65.00
Red Blend, Mark Ryan, "Long Haul" (Mer-Cab-PV-CabFranc), Columbia Valley, 2019$97.00
Red Blend, The Prisoner, California, 2021$105.00
Red Blend, Shafer "Td-9" (Cab-Mer-Mal-PV), Napa, 2019$117.00
Red Blend, Quintessa (Cab-Mer-CabFranc), Napa, 2019$450.00
Pinot Noir, Lichen Estate, "Moonglow", Anderson Valley, 2019$65.00
Pinot Noir, Flowers, Sonoma Coast, 2021$100.00
Pinot Noir, Kistler, Russian River Valley, 2020$113.00
Pinot Noir, The Prisoner, Sonoma Coast, 2021$114.00
Pinot Noir, EnRoute, "Les Pommiers", Russian River, 2021$115.00
Pinot Noir, Cobb, "Emmaline Ann Vineyard", Sonoma, 2019$125.00
Merlot, Hendry, Napa Valley, 2019$70.00
Merlot, Paradigm, Napa, 2019$104.00
Merlot, Pride Mountain Vineyards, Napa / Sonoma, 2019$113.00
Merlot, Arietta, Napa, 2018$125.00
Brunello di Montalcino, Castiglion del Bosco, Montalcino, Italy, 2017$110.00
Cabernet Franc, Paradigm, Oakville, Napa Valley, 2019$155.00
Cabernet Sauvignon, Rodney Strong, Knights Valley, Sonoma, 2019$70.00
Cabernet Sauvignon, Foley Johnson, Estate, Napa, 2020$90.00
Cabernet Sauvignon, Vinoce, Napa, 2018$100.00
Cabernet Sauvignon, "Post & Beam", By Far Niente", Napa, 2021$105.00
Cabernet Sauvignon, Hendry, Napa, 2017$118.00
Cabernet Sauvignon, The Prisoner, Napa, 2019$122.00
Cabernet Sauvignon, Faust, Napa, 2020$135.00
Cabernet Sauvignon, Frog's Leap, Estate, Rutherford, 2019$135.00
Cabernet Sauvignon, Pride Mountain Vineyards, Napa / Sonoma, 2019$145.00
Cabernet Sauvignon, Paradigm, Napa, 2018$145.00
Cabernet Sauvignon, Double Diamond, "Schrader Cellars", Napa, 2019$147.00
Cabernet Sauvignon, Joseph Phelps, Napa, 2019$155.00
Cabernet Sauvignon, Robert Mondavi, The Estates, "Oakville", Napa, 2018$160.00
Cabernet Sauvignon, Larkmead, "White Label", Napa, 2019$200.00
Cabernet Sauvignon, Shafer, One Point Five, Napa, 2019$210.00
Cabernet Sauvignon, "The Pact", By Faust, Coombsville Napa, 2019$245.00
Cabernet Sauvignon, Nickel & Nickel, De Carle Vineyard, Napa, 2019$245.00
Cabernet Sauvignon, "Overture", By Opus One, Napa, NV$263.00
Cabernet Sauvignon, Shafer "Hillside Select", Napa, 2017$500.00
Cabernet Sauvignon, Opus One, Robert Mondavi, Napa, 2018$683.00
Cabernet Sauvignon, Caymus, "Special Edition", Napa, 2009$750.00
Limited
Syrah, Red Car, Estate Vineyard, Fort Ross - Seaview, Sonoma Coast, 2018$88.00
Zinfandel, Hendry, "Block 28", Napa, 2018$65.00
Zinfandel, Frog's Leap, Napa, 2020$72.00
Zinfandel, Robert Biale, "Black Chicken", Napa, 2021$92.00

What 7,503 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7

4.7 based on recent ratings

4.6Food
4.6Service
4.6Ambience
4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

San Francisco
American

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Historic John's Grill is a San Francisco staple offering "wonderful steaks, wonderful people" in a lively, historic setting. Guests rave about the "amazing jazz band" and "perfectly cooked" dishes like halibut and filet mignon. The ambiance is "old school" with a "touch of historic atmosphere," making it a must-visit for both locals and tourists.

7,503 Reviews

OT
OpenTable Diner
Austin
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 3
2. Food 2
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 4
We had reservations at 8:45 pm. The restaurant closed at 9:30 pm. As soon as were sat, our server asked if we knew what we wanted to eat (at the same time as taking our drink order). When I said we would need a minute as we have never been here before, he immediately stated that the kitchen closes soon. We felt so rushed, not only to order our food but to eat and leave. I felt uncomfortable the whole time and didn't think ordering dessert was even an option because of how rushed we felt.
Is this helpful?
E
Epikurios
Berlin
3 reviews
3.0
3 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 3
2. Food 4
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 2
Food was good for the price. We had the three course menue. The filet mignion was excellent. The wine is mediocre. What’s most annoying is the noise level on the first floor. Very loud, and made even worse by the jazz combo. If you go, avoid the first floor. Service was OK, though slow and they made a mistake with the bill.
Is this helpful?
PP
PaulaP
Los Angeles
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Excellent service, food and live jazz music. We enjoyed the evening.
Is this helpful?
J
Janet
San Francisco
11 reviews
3.0
11 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Service was great. Everything was quick and smooth. The atmosphere was definitely old San Francisco, which was a plus, except for the noise level which made it hard to carry on a conversation. My partner and I both felt the dishes we ordered were very average in terms of how they tasted, although the servings were large.
Is this helpful?
MD
MelanieD
VIP
San Francisco
13 reviews
3.0
13 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 3
2. Food 2
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 3
I had eaten here in the past and had a great experience. Tonight it was good. The waiter was very kind splitting our food as requested. The portions are large so when it was split it was just right
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B
janetB
San Francisco
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
This is our go to for date night in the city . Never disappoints us. Oh yeah .. get the ribeye steak .. really good !!
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M
Michael
VIP
San Francisco
589 reviews
4.0
589 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
We enjoyed Sunday lunch here last weekend. I love the classic San Francisco, old school ambiance of John’s Grill. The food still delivers. I started with an excellent lobster bisque, as part of the prix fix meal. Then I had the filet Mignon and lobster tail with a baked potato and vegetables. The filet was delicious, perfectly cooked medium rare. I finished with a scrumptious chocolate mousse torte. My wife enjoyed the Petrale Sole Amandine and her mother loved the Fisherman’s Pasta. Excellent, authentic S.F. Sourdough bread service. Quality selection of wines by the glass. Professional waitstaff.
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g
gene
San Francisco
14 reviews
4.0
14 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
I love old fashioned restaurants! Nothing inventive here, just good old school food!
Is this helpful?
E
Emily
Orange County
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
John’s Grill has been a beloved part of my family’s tradition for decades. Dining here isn’t just about the food—it’s about continuing a legacy that has been passed down for decades. From the moment we walk through the doors, we’re greeted with the same warmth and hospitality that has made John’s Grill such a timeless gem. The classic ambiance, rich history, and impeccable service make every visit feel special. The food, as always, is outstanding. The steaks are perfectly cooked, the seafood is fresh and flavorful, and the menu remains a testament to tradition and quality. For my family, John’s Grill is more than just a restaurant—it’s a place where stories are shared, laughter is had, and traditions continue. We look forward to many more visits in the years to come!
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A
Aleta
VIP
San Francisco
23 reviews
5.0
23 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Perfect drinks and dinner. Cool sounds. Great crowd. Our kind of place.
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FAQs

Historic John's Grill offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (415) 986-0069.

Historic John's Grill is rated 4.7 stars by 7503 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

Mar 8, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 69 times today

63 Ellis Street, San Francisco, CA 94102

Dining areas

Additional information

Phone number
(415) 986-0069
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
American, Steak, Seafood
Hours of operation
Lunch Daily 11:45 am–3:30 pm Dinner Daily 3:30 pm–9:00 pm
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
There is a parking garage directly across the street, Ellis - O'Farrell Garage.https://www.sfmta.com/garages-lots/ellis-ofarrell-garageParking near John's Grill:https://www.parkinsf.com/sanfrancisco/parking-near/John%27s+Grill
Payment options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Mauricio Sibrian

Featured in

100 San Francisco Bay Area Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

Historic John's Grill

Make a reservation

Private dining

Dining areas

Additional information

100 San Francisco Bay Area Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

Ribeye Steak

Filet Mignon

New York Steak

Specialty Cocktails

Belvedere Martini$16.00

Pear Martini$16.00

Pomegranate Cosmopolitan$16.00

French Gimlet$16.00

French Martini$16.00

Vesper$16.00

Bogie's Old Fashioned$16.00

Bulleit Rye Manhattan$16.00

Gold Rush$16.00

Cazadores Paloma$15.00

Aperol Spritz$15.00

Moscow Mule$15.00

Negroni$15.00

Spirits

Single Malt Scotch

Balvenie 12yr

Glenfiddich 12yr / 18yr

Glenlivet 12yr

Glenmorangie

Highland Park 12yr / 18yr

Lagavulin 16yr

Laphroaig 10yr

Macallan 12yr / 18yr

Oban 14yr

Blended Scotch

Johnnie Walker Black Label

Johnnie Walker Blue Label

Johnnie Walker Red Label

Tequila

Casamigos Anejo

Casamigos Reposado

Cazadores Blanco

Clase Azul Anejo

Clase Azul Reposado

Don Julio Blanco

Don Julio 70

Don Julio 1942

Patron Silver

Gin

Beefeater

Bombay

Bombay Sapphire

Hendrick's

HOBS

Nolet's

Tanqueray

Tanqueray 10

Vodka

Absolut

Absolut Mandarin

Belvedere

Chopin

Grey Goose

Ketel One

Ketel One Citroen

Tito's

Young & Yonder

Bourbon / Rye

Angel's Envy

Basil Hayden

Buffalo Trace

Bulleit Bourbon / Rye

Gentleman Jack

Jack Daniel's

Jim Beam

Knob Creek

Maker's Mark

Templeton Rye

Woodford Reserve

Woodinville Rye