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John's Grill Reviews List
John's Grill
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 Hammetts, The Maltese Falcon. The restaurant has earned many tributes: it has been chosen as one of the 10 best by Esquire and featured in Gourmet Magazine. Live jazz nightly in the upper level dining room.
See more John's Grill details
314 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4
/
5
Rating Breakdown 314 reviews
5 stars
(104)
4 stars
(144)
3 stars
(42)
2 stars
(15)
1 star
(9)
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- neighborhood gem(140)
- special occasion(85)
- fit for foodies(84)
- good for groups(59)
- great for lunch(46)
- romantic(43)
John's Grill Reviews List
Review 1 for John's Grill
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
vibrant animated satisfied
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Customers were enjoying themselves with the great food and reasonable prices. There was a wonderful hubbub that you only really get from locals I guess. They know where to go to have fun. For us visitors this was great. Of all the places that could have been recommended to us downtown by a friend who lived here John's was the one they chose for us."
Dined on 5/19/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 2 for John's Grill
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
A wonderful experience
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"This was our second trip to John's Grill and we weren't disappointed. As crowded as they were, we had excellent service and the food was fantastic. When we stay in Union Square, this is on our 'go-to' list of restaurants. Very classy and 'old-school' with a modern feel. Lots of history as well."
Dined on 5/18/2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 3 for John's Grill
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Simple and elegant
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"John's Grill wasn't a restaurant that tried to woo you with bells and whistles, because frankly they didn't need to. This quaint little destination was a pleasure to dine at because the food was simple, yet it thoroughly demonstrated typical San Francisco fare. Definitely a great find."
Dined on 5/17/2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 4 for John's Grill
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Not bad..
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Everything was satisfactory but did not by any means knock my socks off. The service was fine but perhaps a not entirely genuine. The food was good, steaks were cooked properly. They did not bother to decant the bottle of wine we ordered or offer any fresh pepper, both which I can survive without but something you might expect. Overall we didn't feel ripped off but would try someplace else in the future."
Dined on 5/17/2013
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Review 5 for John's Grill
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
Just an old name to attract people
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The food and drinks were not good at all. My wife and I ordered steaks, both of them medium. One steak came out well done and the other medium well. There was no flavor or seasoning to the steak. I had to use steak sauce to eat it. The steaks were pricy as it was.
The drinks we ordered were extremely hard to drink, they were all liquor. There was no flavor to the cocktails whatsoever.
Tis place was way overpriced for the food and drink."
Dined on 5/17/2013
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Review 6 for John's Grill
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
A great piece of SF history
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Great drinks ( the Bloody Mary is perfect), very fresh seafood well prepared, in a comfortable period setting. Be sure to check out all the pictures! Parking across the street."
Dined on 5/17/2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem, great for lunch, special occasion
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Review 7 for John's Grill
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
Tourist Trap
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"worst meal we've ever had in San Francisco. Everything on the menu was in some kind of nasty oily/buttery sauce. We are foodies so when we see this much sauce you just know they are masking something, usually poorly prepared food, and it was. One of us had the halibut, one had the chicken jerusalem and one had the Sam Spade Lamb Chops. The chicken was smothered in what they referred to as a "creamy white sauce"; the halibut had been grilled on the same grill as hamburgers, steaks and God only knows what else, because it tasted of everything except halibut and the sauce the it was "swimming" in was awful. The lamb chops were dry. Very overpriced and under quality, save your money, go to McDonalds!"
Dined on 5/11/2013
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Review 8 for John's Grill
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
Good drinks, poor food
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We booked a table, assuming we'd need to on a friday evening. We arrived a few minutes early and initially were treated as walk-ins - shown to a large area upstairs with only one other table occupied. Bad sign. The Martinis were large and spot on. The Sonoma wine was excellent and not that expensive ($55) compared to what we'd paid previously. The 'dinner salad' was little more than a bag of leaves you could buy in any supermarket, with tiny frozen prawns added (not shrimp as advertised) and a vinaigrette that probably came out of a bottle. A huge disappointment compared to some of the salads we'd had elsewhere. My partner's grilled sea bass was 'OK'. My filet mignon was dry, tasteless and chewy. We cut our losses & skipped desert ."
Dined on 5/03/2013
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Review 9 for John's Grill
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Nostalgic type restaurant. Food and service was outstanding. Very reasonable prices for San Francisco dining."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 10 for John's Grill
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Nice dinner
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Historic restaurant with great food and superior service"
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, special occasion
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Review 11 for John's Grill
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
John's now touristy not classic
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I was expecting a Tadich and got a Fisherman's Wharf. Too many tables crammed in rows upstairs, elbow to elbow. Diners in sweatshirts praising SF. Service was surprisingly quick, and food was better than I expected given the ambience. Would not recommend it."
Dined on 5/11/2013
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Review 12 for John's Grill
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Just Ok. Food average. Overpriced
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We went here over the weekend for my teens birthday dinner. Got seated upstairs which has way less character than the main level downstairs. Upstairs has very little ambiance and no live music - it feels like an overflow room versus the main dinning area downstairs.
Service was very quick and good but food was just average - even though it was priced as if it was of much higher quality.
Service was very quick and good but food was just average - even though it was priced as if it was of much higher quality.
We will not be returning and will not recommend this restaurant to our friends and family. If you still choose to go - only go if you are seated on the smaller lower level - at least you will have good ambiance to make up for the average food.
With so many fantastic restaurants in SF to choose from - I would go somewhere with much better food."
Dined on 5/12/2013
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Review 13 for John's Grill
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Highlight of a trip
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Our great trip to San Francisco was highlighted by a terrific dinner at John's Grill. Being a fan of old movies like the Maltese Falcon is not required to enjoy an excellent meal at John's Grill, but we had fun discussing our favorite old black & whites. The steaks were perfectly cooked, portions were ample and the service was excellent. John's is on our "must do" list whenever visiting San Francisco."
Dined on 5/10/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 14 for John's Grill
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Okay, but...
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"No water or bread offered. Okay food. Every plate comes with a baked potato and "today's" vegetables--no substitutes. Not bad, but nothing special."
Dined on 5/06/2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 15 for John's Grill
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
20th Wedding Anniversary
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"My husband surprised me with a trip to San Francisco and we just happened to find this restaurant online and loved the comments and the description of the place. The food and service were exceptional. Our waitress surprised us by bringing 2 flutes of champagne and the Flan dessert for our anniversary. Definitely will be returning when we get the chance to return to San Francisco!"
Dined on 5/05/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 16 for John's Grill
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Good Steady Great Food
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"John's Grill is fun for eats in the City.
Steady good food.
Professional waiters. Fast service. Nice menu."
Dined on 5/05/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 17 for John's Grill
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
So fun!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"This historic spot is a favorite! We got to listen and sing along with the jazz guitarist. The food was great, service even better."
Dined on 5/03/2013
Special Features: romantic, special occasion
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Review 18 for John's Grill
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Chops and tomatoes
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Chops and tomatoes and make it snappy. I'm in a hurry. I love John's. I always look for Sam Spade and expect to see him. Bogart at least. Around the corner from Powell Steet cable car and BART station. How could you ever beat that. Oh yea, the Apple Store across the street! You haven't been to the city if you don't know John's Grill. Meanwhile, read The Maltese Falcon."
Dined on 5/05/2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 19 for John's Grill
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great food and classic atmosphere
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great atmosphere and we felt like we had gone back in time to the gritty pages of Dashall Hamitt's great dectective story. I would not have been surprised if Bogart had walked in wearing his classic trench coat and hat. We had a party of 10 for lunch and the food was great and reasonably priced."
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, vibrant bar scene, great for outdoor dining, romantic, late-night find, great for lunch, special occasion
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Review 20 for John's Grill
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Old School Dining
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The atmosphere and dependable menu is perfect for a dress up night with a group. Thanks again for another fun meal!"
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 21 for John's Grill
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Old School and Iconic Establishment
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This place eminates old school, starting with the neon sign, the intimate atmosphere, and the menu selection. The food was good, but was definetley not the primary draw. The service was awesome, allowing for easy reservations and very attentive service staff. The location had live music (guitar and piano) which added great atmosphere and class to the night. Fun place to visit when in San Francisco"
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 22 for John's Grill
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Needed a spot near Market and Kearney for a late reservation of 9:15 on a weeknight. We got in just fine, enjoyed 15 minutes of live jazz before the band shut down and also had to order in a quick window as the kitchen was closing. The menu was fine but heavy; red snapper - the lightest selection on the menu and what all four of us ordered - came drenched in heavy sauce."
Dined on 5/02/2013
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Review 23 for John's Grill
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Historic Johns Grill
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The name says it all. Step back in time when everything was a bit more simple. The menu is basic steak and seafood, but don't think that is not a good thing.
Awesome service and great drinks, a must visit while in San Francisco."
Awesome service and great drinks, a must visit while in San Francisco."
Dined on 5/03/2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 24 for John's Grill
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
Way over the hill
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"John's Grill is one of the most overrated restaurants I have ever patronized. The menu is boring, the food is mediocre at best and the decor is, well, just plain old, sticky and worn out. Having dinner here was a huge mistake. This is a tourist trap, and a bad one at that."
Dined on 4/30/2013
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Review 25 for John's Grill
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Our group loved it!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Our group of seven had reservations for 7:30 and were promptly seated upstairs, which seemed a bit quieter than downstairs. We opted for Jumbo Prawns, Salmon, and two vegetarian en\trees, which we all enjoyed. A few of us opted for simple desserts of berries (fresh and delightful) or ice cream. Service was excellent, including handling the multiple credit card and cash contributions to the tab. A guitarist quietly played mellow background music, adding a nice touch to the busy scene."
Dined on 4/30/2013
Special Features: good for groups
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Review 26 for John's Grill
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
My third visit, and a step
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"My third visit, and a step down from previous times. The service and ambiance was excellent, but the food had declined. I ordered the Lamb Chops and Tomatoes, and was disappointed to find no tomatoes. Since it's a featured item on the menu,I was a trifle surprised. The chops were excellent, however, which were some mollification and desert was good."
Dined on 04/16/2013
2012
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 27 for John's Grill
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Waiters were very attentive,
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Waiters were very attentive, good wholesome food. Extensive wine and cocktail list. Will probably go again."
Dined on 04/26/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, romantic, special occasion
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Review 28 for John's Grill
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
I had the swordfish with mustard
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I had the swordfish with mustard cream was ok. The service was awesome from the host to the server. I was seating next to the bar in the back and the bartender was entertaining with his customers."
Dined on 04/27/2013
2010
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic
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Review 29 for John's Grill
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food was great. The noise
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Food was great. The noise level his very very loud which makes it difficult to talk."
Dined on 04/27/2013
2013
Special Features: good for groups
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Review 30 for John's Grill
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The Oysters Wellington & Chicken
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The Oysters Wellington & Chicken Jerusalem were both outstanding. Waiter was very attentive and service fast. If you're looking for a quiet, romantic place I would go elsewhere."
Dined on 04/27/2013
2011
Special Features: hot spot
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Review 31 for John's Grill
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We were at John's to celebrate
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We were at John's to celebrate our very special friend's 75th birthday. The Maitre'D and the Host were both aware of the event and brought us a round of drinks because we had to wait about 30 minutes for our table to clear. Once seated, we had the best service from our Server, Tony, who never hovered, but was always there for us. The steaks and lamb were superb, as was the zinfandel Tony recommended. We could not have had better service and our friend was all smiles and compliments for the entire experience. Pretty good for a grumpy old Brit. I hav e already requested that we come back for my birthday, but don't know if I want to wait until October."
Dined on 04/27/2013
2007
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 32 for John's Grill
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Despite being born in S.F.,
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Despite being born in S.F., this was my first time at John's Grill. We had an enjoyable meal with friends before seeing "The Jersey Boys". The actual facility was quite a historic spot, and while it was popular...we would have liked feeling a lot less like a sardine. The tables were all very close, and I had to go around a long way to get back to our table because chairs from other diners were blocking the aisle. Then, there was nice live music playing in the "Maltese" room, but it was hard to hear for one of our members at the table. All in all, I am glad we visited."
Dined on 04/26/2013
2002
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 33 for John's Grill
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
great restaurant great food great
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"I have been coming to this restaurant for many years and have never been disappointed. Whenever I visit San Francisco from United Kingdom I make a point of having at least one lunch at Johns Grill and in particular I always have Sam Spade chops"
Dined on 04/21/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, late-night find, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 34 for John's Grill
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great Martinis and great historic
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great Martinis and great historic restaurant."
Dined on 04/25/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 35 for John's Grill
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Third time here and I love
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Third time here and I love it but my friend's steak was a little too well done. Kind of brought down the mood. My steak was perfect but you want everyone to have the same experience. Waitress was okay but not great or particularly friendly. Had a gentleman upstairs last visit and he was possibly the best waiter we have ever had. Keep him!!!"
Dined on 04/22/2013
2011
Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic, hot spot
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Review 36 for John's Grill
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Excellent food with one of
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Excellent food with one of the most delicious red snapper that I have ever had and the sourdough bread was wonderful. Went on a Friday night and it was packed. They have you pretty well packed in with very close tables and very loud atmosphere. If the food wasn't soooo good, I would not be very impressed."
Dined on 04/19/2013
2013
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Review 37 for John's Grill
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Touristy but you can still
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Touristy but you can still see why Sam Spade liked it."
Dined on 04/22/2013
2007
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Review 38 for John's Grill
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
A real San Francisco landmark
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"A real San Francisco landmark and home to Dashiell Hammett's "Maltese Falcon", John's Grill is legendary. We've lived in The City for two years now and finally got around to checking out one of the world's most famous restaurants. We weren't disappointed. Stopped in for a Sunday lunch with friends and soaked up the vibe and enjoyed a real old-fashioned, early twentieth century-style meal."
Dined on 04/21/2013
2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 39 for John's Grill
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Loved Johns!!! Would go there
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Loved Johns!!! Would go there again in a heartbeat!"
Dined on 04/20/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 40 for John's Grill
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food came so quickly - made
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Food came so quickly - made me think it was pre-cooked. Great classic steakhouse feel to John's."
Dined on 04/18/2013
2007
Special Features: neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 41 for John's Grill
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Classic standard, up to date
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"When you want a good steak, this is the place! (No worries, fish is featured prominently on the menu.) Service was exceptional. And they know how to make a proper cocktail. We were a moderate sized group and they really went out of their way to accommodate us. All this and The Maltese Falcon, what's not to love? Not our first time, we'll be back!"
Dined on 04/18/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 42 for John's Grill
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Nice restaurant within walking
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Nice restaurant within walking distance of shopping and hotels on Union Square. Found it because we could see their sign outside our hotel window! Then checked Open Table and it was listed. Very good entree (almost too much food!) Excellent service."
Dined on 04/17/2013
2005
Special Features: neighborhood gem, notable wine list
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Review 43 for John's Grill
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
John's Grill
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I was excited to dine in the same restaurant that Dashiell Hammett frequented. Nice men's club decor. Attentive but non intrusive waiter, very nice not to be rushed by the wait staff while my friends and I visited and caught up after a long separation. I liked the whole experience. I did think the food was just a little too ordinary. We all had the steaks, my rib-eye was a bit thin and not at all tasty. Bit of a disappointment since that will be the first of very few steaks I will eat this year.
I would go there again, next time maybe the lamb.
Thanks.....tnm"
I would go there again, next time maybe the lamb.
Thanks.....tnm"
Dined on 04/17/2013
2013
Special Features: notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 44 for John's Grill
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Has long been my fav SF restaraunt.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Has long been my fav SF restaraunt."
Dined on 04/17/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 45 for John's Grill
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Chill Spot!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"John’s Grill was a very chill spot, nestled on a side street, off of the busy Market Street in San Francisco. The restaurant is very easy to get to, if you’re traveling via public transportation. We chose to dine here while visiting SF, from reading positive previous reviews. I echo the thoughts of all of those reviews. The food was very delicious. We received white table cloth service. The waiter was excellent. The walls are covered with photos from historical icons who dined there. I’m giving John’s two thumbs up!"
Dined on 04/12/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, hot spot
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Review 46 for John's Grill
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
we met a friend there from
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"we met a friend there from Canada as we heard John's was very good. We didn't feel the food was in line with it's price. Service was outstanding as was the obiance though."
Dined on 04/11/2013
2011
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Review 47 for John's Grill
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great food, friendly service
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Great food, friendly service with energetic bar scene!"
Dined on 04/11/2013
2011
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, notable wine list, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 48 for John's Grill
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
We ate lunch at John's Grill
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We ate lunch at John's Grill two days in a row. Both lunches the first day were extraordinary ("Lamplighter" and "Jack Lalanne's Favorite Salad"). The second day one lunch was again extraordinary ("Fried Scallops) but the lettuce in the Jack Lalaine salad was not very crispy and the blue cheese dressing not as wonderful as the day before. There were also fewer wait staff present the second day (Saturday) and our server was not as knowledgable about the menu. The restaurant was drafty and there was a cigar smoker somewhere close by - maybe upstairs or outside the open door. Nevertheless, we will definately eat at this restaurant again and highly recommend it."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 49 for John's Grill
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
First visited John's Grill
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"First visited John's Grill in the late 40's Back on a few occasions since. A remarkable place for good/outstanding food. Do not recall waiter's name but he is one of the best"
Dined on 04/15/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 50 for John's Grill
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
This is a restaurant we always
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This is a restaurant we always wanted to visit because of it's history.
The salad was great but the food was very salty. So much so that when we went to see a show after and my wife took off her shoes, she could not get them back on due to her feet swelling up! That never happens.
We did get a complementary dessert which was amazing. With so many great restaurants in San Francisco, I think this one is going on it's longevity versus anything special.
We probably won't be back."
The salad was great but the food was very salty. So much so that when we went to see a show after and my wife took off her shoes, she could not get them back on due to her feet swelling up! That never happens.
We did get a complementary dessert which was amazing. With so many great restaurants in San Francisco, I think this one is going on it's longevity versus anything special.
We probably won't be back."
Dined on 04/12/2013
2005
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