The Market Street Grill serves modern fare in the classic space just inside the historic Hotel Whitcomb. Enter through the Tavern Piano Bar with it's Barbary Coast ambiance, complete with vaulted ceilings, Tiffany Glass, and rich Janesero paneling. Our straightforward cuisine focuses on using the finest farm fresh local products, prepared with a slight Euro-Asian inspired feel. The seasonal menus pair well with approachable yet refined wine list, which features extensive selections that span the globe.
"If you are going to the Orpheum for an afternoon performance, Market Street Grill is great for lunch. Beware, though, of slow service and give yourself plenty of time for lunch."
Dined on 5/09/2013
Special Features: great for lunch
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"I live in Georgia currently, but lived in Sonoma County for twenty plus years. While in town for a wedding, I had the opportunity to have lunch with a newly found lady friend. The grill was perfect for he as she worked just a block away (a bit hectic for me tho since I am not used to the traffic, tourist and lack of parking. But we both thoroughly the moment. And the grill was perfect with the food, service and location. Thanks. Tim Coffey"
Dined on 5/08/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, great for lunch
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"Unlike many SF restaurants this one is not busy at lunch, plenty of open tables, which is good for conversation. The food is decent, large portions, well prepared. We had a waiter with a real problem with the English language, including not understanding a request for "no salt" as "no sauce" until I pointed to a salt shaker, and failing to have noted a request for an appetizer salad."
Dined on 5/07/2013
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"Frisee salad with poached egg that was overcooked. We didn't send back as eating pre ballet and in a little bit of a time crunch. Entrees were ok. Nothing stood out. Waiter did his job adequately."
Dined on 5/04/2013
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"We planned to attend the 7 pm lecture before the concert at Davies Hall, and made it in plenty of time. Only 1 in the party ordered a salad, but the staging was timed perfectly, with entrees arriving moments after the salad was consumed. All 3 courses were tasty and well-prepared. The server was attentive without hovering. The only negative note was a language problem. 1 member of the party asked if the Chilean Sea Bass was sustainable, knowing that the fish is on the "watch list." The server clearly didn't understand the question, but went to ask the chef. When he returned, the chef's reply made it clear that either he didn't understand the question either, or the server mangled the query. It's a simple question - "fished or farmed?""
Dined on 04/27/2013
2005
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
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"As others have said, convenient location and often has space available when other restaurants don't. The food was quite good and well prepared. The place cannot help but give off the aura of a tourist hotel restaurant. It may not be fair to it, but it does and seems loaded with hotel guests from a bus tour. Still I would not be dissuaded if you want something convenient before the theater. Prices are on the high side of SF average. You can certainly get higher end food for a similar price, but again, our food was very acceptably good. This is not Denny's food but nicely prepared."
Dined on 04/19/2013
2011
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"As a preballet dining place it is actually quite convenient. Good food and very good service. A shorter menu but with good offerrings. They don't dally, which is good a pretheater restaurant. Nice apacing on the tables so you have some privacy. Small number but well selected wines by the glass."
Dined on 04/20/2013
2009
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"Our pre-theater group of six people were happy with our meal, service, and location near the Orpheum Theater. The lamb chops and asparagus were very flavorful but barely warm when served. We allotted 1.5 hours for service but still did not have time for dessert before heading across the street to the theater."
Dined on 03/24/2013
2004
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"The online menu is outdated-- some of the prices are not correct, and there were a lot more items on the online menu than when we went there. Food was great, but I was looking forward to one of the items that was on the online menu, but wasn't offered in the restaurant."
Dined on 03/24/2013
2011
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem
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"Great convenient location for meals before and after a show at the Orpheum theatre --which is right across the street and off civic center BART station as well."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2006
Special Features: neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"The feel of the restaurant is wonderful, very old San Francisco. The tables are spaced somewhat far apart so the noise level is quiet and you can enjoy the conversation of your dinner party. Great place to go before seeing a show at the Orpheum!"
Dined on 03/21/2013
2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"We arrrive almost a 1/2 hour late. Was seated imediately severve imediately Food was great, service and waiter even better. Would definitely recommend the butternut squash & sweet potato bisque. Great dining experience."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2013
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"A rather historic spot to dine with great ambiance except for the view of the street with its various and sundry homless people. That made it difficult to enjoy dining out with a social conscience. The presentation of the food was not particularly appealing and it didn't seem to be fresh. Closed curtains and freshening up the menu ingredients would go a long way to making it a better experience."
Dined on 03/22/2013
2008
Special Features: notable wine list
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"We went for dinner before a show at the Orpheum Theater (across the street). Ordered two entrees - one with soup, the other with salad. Had to ask for bread. Soup came, no salad ever came. Entrees arrived 45 minutes after soup. Had 15 minutes to eat entrees before time to leave for show. Too bad, because the food was wonderful.
May try it again."
Dined on 03/20/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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"We discovered Market Street Grill because it was an OpenTable member and very much enjoyed it. The food was delicious, the service prompt and helpful. The prices were reasonable, given that it's a white tablecloth sort of place: the hostess actually placed our napkins in our laps. Very quiet, even soothing at 12:30 pm on a Friday. The menu choices are mostly comfort food: French dip, chicken salad, croque madame, and the like, which is surprising given the upscale setting. Go, you'll enjoy it."
Dined on 03/01/2013
2005
Special Features: great for lunch
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"We were very hurried by our waiter, and not given much of a chance to look at the menu before the waiter wanted to take our order. My wife went with his strong suggestion to get the salmon, but it turned out to be not very hot and quite disappointing. Then, when we needed to leave to for the theater, the waiter was nowhere to be found! Although the location was perfect for a pre-show dinner (right across from the Orpheum), our poor experience there will certainly lead us to look for other arrangements the next time we go to see a show."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2008
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"A very warm, cozy restaurant, great location if attending a musical before or after the theater. We love the fireplace and appreciate the quietness of the restaurant. Elegant."
Dined on 02/13/2013
2011
Special Features: neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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"When we arrived at 7:30 it was very busy. Do not go on a night their is a show at the Orpheum. We waited at the bar, just before it was our turn to order a drink, the host seated us. We did not get menus for 10 min., let alone a drink. People started clearing out around 7:45. Salad and soup were delicious. My husband loved his Lobster truffle mac and cheese. I was not a fan of my chicken tarragon. The restaurant and bar closed at 9:30,(sign in the window said 10p for restaurant and 11p for the bar. There was a big convention in the hotel, and they must of turned away 5 groups for dinner and 4 couples for drinks. Don't get it!"
Dined on 02/14/2013
2005
Special Features: notable wine list, romantic
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"Good location if heading to the play across the street. The location is older, but it was very nice. Big window along the street allowed for an open feeling in the restaurant. We have plans to return, so it worked out for us. The menu had many different options and the service was good. The waitress was knowledgable and even when she did not know about an ingrediant in a dish, she was more then willing to investigate for us."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2013
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"There was no waiting as we had our reservation. It was a pre-theater lunch and service was excellent so that we did not have to rush through the meal and then rush to the theater. We always feel welcome when we are there."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2012
Special Features: good for groups, special occasion, great for lunch
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"We had lunch here before seeing Wicked. It was a perfect distance from the theater, basically right across the street. My husband and I each had a cocktail, which were very tasty. The lobster mac and cheese was to die for! The hamburger and french dip were delicious. The sweet potato bisque was also very good. The only complaint is that the service was a bit slow, and we did not get our bread basket until we asked for it. Overall, a great place to eat. I would return."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2011
Special Features: great for lunch
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"This restaurant is near Bart and civic center; thats its plus. However while the food was tasty, it was not as spectacular as the reviews led me to expect. The old fashioned decor did not match the innovative cuisine. The chorizo sausages with the mussels were overcooked. The asparagas were thick and crunchy rather than tasty. The mashed potatoes did not taste freshly made."
Dined on 02/17/2013
2012
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"We chose this restaurant not only for the excellent cuisine and good service we've experienced there in the past but also for its convenience - only a few footsteps from exiting the BART escalator on 8th & Market, and kitty-corner from the Orpheum Theater for performances - one can even go through the BART station from one to the other without having to cross busy thoroughfares at street level."
Dined on 02/12/2013
2003
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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"Very comfortable and warm. Three of us had the burger, and one had the soup and salad. All delicious. Service was good for the most part. But one of us had wheat allergies, and when we asked details about what was in the sauces, the wait person wasn't too sure, and we had to Google it on our iPhone. Overall, great experience! We will definitely be back for shows at the Orpheum, and to dine at Market Street Grill."
Dined on 02/13/2013
2011
Special Features: good for groups, kid-friendly, great for lunch
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"This was our choice for dinning on Valentines because of it's proximity to the Orphum. I read several reviews which we not flattering so I wasn't expecting a 'great romantic' experience, but did expect a nice dinner. I was very satisfied with our experience. My wife had the Lobster Mac n Cheese and loved it, I had a nice Beet Salad and Mushroom Ravioli. I enjoyed the laid back 'mature' ambiance of the room. Yes it is dated, but who wants to go to see the same 'style' in every restaurant. The serving staff can use a little more training and polish, however, the host and manager were very good, I noticed they were both accessable and attentive to ours and other tables that needed a little 'help'. Cheers and Thanks Mkt St Grill."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2008
Special Features: good for groups, special occasion
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"We had dinner here after the theatre matinee of 'Wicked' which is right across the street and SO convenient to BART. The food was wonderful,however the menu outside the restaurant was much different than the real menu. Our server said they were out of several menu items and had to scale the menu way down as a result. The salmon in the saffron broth was delicious and just the right amont of saltiness from the kalamata olived. My dining partner had the citrus chicken which was also excellent. The field greens salad is very generous for a first course and it was also delicious. We'd go back!"
Dined on 02/10/2013
2006
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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"I have been there several times for dinner & its been fine. However this time I was there with my neice & when we asked for Shirley temples we were laughed at & they were not served to us & we had to ask a second time & they were not very good. the second one we ordered was fine. They served me the wrong soup, the clam chowder instead of the butter nut soup. Also it was cold in the restaurant. Over all not a good experence."
Dined on 02/09/2013
2010
Special Features: special occasion
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"Had a wonderful dinner, food was very good on time, the waiter was very prompt when we needed assistance. The host knew we had a performance to attend at the orpheum across the street and we had plenty of time to eat and make the show ."
Dined on 02/06/2013
2010
Special Features: special occasion
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"It was a theater crowd, took an 1.25 hours to get served after we ordered, waiter reduces bill as a result. We made the show, but it was rushed. However, we think it is a restaurant worth trying."
Dined on 02/05/2013
2010
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"The four of us had delicious meals, and great service. We are close to the theatre, and the environment feels very warm and peaceful. We like the new chefs menu selection."
Dined on 02/02/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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"The #1 selling point for this restaurant is its proximity to the Orpheum Theater--it's the best place within walking distance of the theater in a dicey neighborhood. The food is good but not great, and I think a little pricey. The restaurant space is nice, the wait staff friendly."
Dined on 01/29/2013
2007
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"Food was pretty good. My steak was a little over-cooked for medium rare, but it was still tasty with the sauce. Our waiter was a little inattentive at times, but I think that comes with the territory of trying to squeeze in dinner before a show at the Orpheum with a bunch of other tables trying to do the same. The place cleared out at 7:45pm. I'm glad we had reservations this time. Last time we tried to eat here before a show, it was too packed and we sat in the bar (where they wouldn't let us order any food). We had to walk across the street to Burger King. Not really what I had in mind that night."
Dined on 01/25/2013
2009
Special Features: romantic, special occasion
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"Market Street Grill is the perfect place to dine if attending an event in the Civic Center, particularly performances at the Orpheum. As an admirer of old buildings, I was charmed by the white marble, colonnaded lobby as soon as we entered the Hotel Whitcomb. The restaurant is spacious and tables nicely spaced. A cozy 3-sided bar is a decent place to perch while awaiting a table or simply stopping by for a drink. We were seated at the window, adjacent to the working fireplace whose warmth was appreciated on a briskly cool evening. Drinks(once preferences were adjusted)were good and all salads and entrees, promptly served, were very good . The four of us were very content with Market Street Gril"
Dined on 01/29/2013
2006
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem
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"Great location if you're seeing a show at The Orpheum Theatre, but I would definitely recommend making a reservation as it can be crowded before and after shows. I ordered the Saffron Salmon and it was delicious as well as the perfect portion!"
Dined on 01/24/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion, hot spot
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"This is a convenient restaurant in which to dine if you are going to the Orpheum. Food is good, not great, depending upon what you order. My ceasar salad had a tangy nice dressing, and my friend enjoyed her endive salad and her mussels. I ordered the steak without the bernaise sauce; it was served with it. Took a while to track down our server to have it returned w/o the sauce. He returned suspeciously quickly with a new one (I think it was new) and it was cooked perfectly to my specs. But the brocolini was cold, potatoes were good. The steak was flavorful, but tough. Service was adequate. Not a destination place, but an OK place for pre-theater dining. They held our table for us when I called to let them know we knew we would be late."
Dined on 01/24/2013
2005
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"If you're going to either the Curran or the Golden Gate Theater in SF, I highly recommend this BART-friendly restaurant for your pre-theater dinner. Staff is well-trained, nice variety to the menu, wonderful presentation. If you're in to comfort food order the lobster macaroni and cheese. It's fabulous. As is their salmon. A majority of their food is purchased locally; all is fresh."
Dined on 01/17/2013
2008
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