The 7 Best Steakhouses In SF - San Francisco - The Infatuation (2024)

photo credit: Hardy Wilson

SF isn’t exactly overrun with steakhouses—as the stereotype goes, we Californians spend most of our time going googly-eyed over farmers market produce and kale with a 415 area code. But that doesn’t mean this town is completely beef-deficit. We have a huge range of steakhouses, from old-school white tablecloth institutions to modern counters revolving around A5 wagyu. So when you want to dress up, whisper those two magic words (“medium rare”) to a buttoned-up server, and devour a spread of potatoes, creamed vegetables, and, most likely, free bread, use this guide.

THE SPOTS

The massive hunks of meat on display in the windows at Harris’ let you know this place takes their beef seriously. The Nob Hill steakhouse has heavy curtains lining the wall, big murals everywhere, and, as you’ve probably guessed, excellent steak. There are eight classic, mostly dry-aged options, plus some wagyu and prime rib, but we like the juicy New York steak the most—it’s best enjoyed from one of the big leather banquettes with a martini in hand (and the accompanying sidecar in the other). Meat aside, you’re also here to soak in the live jazz or toast to a big life event while sitting in a comfy booth that’s older than your refrigerator.

The number of Venetian jester-themed steakhouses in SF is, um, one. But aside from the somewhat-kitschy, somewhat-charming allure of masks on the walls, jesters on the plates, and the life-sized clown doll hanging by the front, the steak and crab at this Marina spot also happens to be pretty good. Once you slide into your cushioned booth, the move is to go in on a ton of sides—the mac and cheese, “bacon slab,” and bread service are highlights—and then pick the beef plate of your choosing. If you’re too distracted tallying jesters to decide (we lost count at 25), go with the filet mignon, which is crisp-edged and tender.

Yes, we know. House Of Prime Rib isn’t exactly a classic steakhouse with, well, actual steak. But no matter how you classify this decades-old Nob Hill establishment, a night here still revolves around beef—it’s just in 21-day-aged prime rib form. The English pub-like dining room is chaotic, in the best way. Staff zip around with roving silver meat carts the size of Smart cars, there are multiple fireplaces blazing away, and you’ll likely see someone pouring wine out of a magnum. All you have to do is settle back into a cushy red booth, down a martini or two, and enjoy the spectacle.

This SoMa spot that revolves around wagyu beef is the most modern (and expensive) spot on this guide, but if you’re someone who froths at the mouth over marble scores and beef grades, welcome to your happy place. The shiny binchotan grill is the centerpiece of the dining room—watch as chefs sear textbook-sized tomahawks and filet mignon over the flames. And the sides, like potatoes fried in wagyu fat or truffle gnudi, are basically Met Gala versions of your regular steakhouse accoutrements.

Brazen Head is probably the only steakhouse in town where you can roll in at 11pm and eat perfectly charred NY pepper steak, some cheesy french onion soup, and marinara-drenched meatballs that are the comfort equivalent of Lenny Kravitz’s blanket-scarf. The Cow Hollow restaurant has everything we want in a late-night spot that looks like an 1800s Scottish pub: paintings of bearded old men, velvet curtains, a dim red glow, sports bobbleheads for kitsch, and strong co*cktails that pair well with stories that begin with, “Back in my day...”.

At The Vault Steakhouse, odds are high you’ll be seated next to a networking event from a generative AI conference. But somehow, this windowless Financial District spot, housed in (you guessed it) an old bank vault, is still charming. There’s live piano music every night, wine bottles and expensive whiskey line the walls in illuminated cabinets, and the co*cktails are excellent. The actual steak is solid, but slightly upstaged by the fancy sides, like the lemony caesar salad that’s mixed tableside on a roving cart. Start things off with the potato pavé topped with caviar, especially if you’ve got a company card handy.

A meal at Lolinda, a Mission spot with bull busts mounted onto the wall, has all of the traditional marks of a steakhouse, but the biggest difference at this Argentinian meat palace is the price. A giant gaucho steak for two will only set you back $82—practically a bargain. The sides, like the pan de queso and croquetas, are mostly missable, but you won’t mind when you’re digging into your juicy steak served with a side of chimichurri. Service can be a little slow, so order one of their co*cktails—like the Controlled Burn with tequila, mezcal, and pandan—to keep the time moving.