American & Californian
Acme Chophouse, 24 Willie Mays Plaza, 644-0240
www.acmechophouse.com$$$ Adjacent to SBC Park, Acme presents an elite meat menu that includes an extensive raw bar, wood-grilled steaks, chops, rotisserie items and whole fish. Though traditional, the Chophouse emphasizes a strong California commitment to the environment by using naturally raised meats and poultry, local fish and sustainably -grown produce. Outdoor seating available.
Alfred's Steakhouse, 659 Merchant, 781-7058
www.alfredssteakhouse.com$$$$ Waiters with starched white aprons and black vests, crystal chandeliers, comfy booths and plenty of mahogany take diners back to old San Francisco. With over 30 years of experience, this family-owned restaurant exclusively uses corn-fed beef with just the right amount of marbling to ensure good flavor and juiciness without the fatty aftertaste. If beef doesn't suit your mood,
Alfred's also offers fresh seafood, chicken, pasta, and salads.
Ame, 689 Mission, 284-4040
www.amerestaurant.com$$$-$$$$ ! Located in the St. Regis Hotel, the über-chic restaurant is the newest venture for culinary power couple Hiro Sone and Lissa Doumani (of Terra Restaurant). Focusing on fresh, the kitchen boasts food that’s in step with the seasons and so symbiotically there’s no need to cook it; Ame specializes in sashimi, crudo, tartare, carpaccio and other raw treatments from around the globe. The varied menu celebrates what happens when the catch-of-the-day meets a culinary mastermind with a Rolodex full of California farmers.
Annabelle’s Bar and Bistro, 68 Fourth, 777-1200 www.annabelles.net
$$ @ Located between Union Square and the Metreon, perfect for post-shopping or late-night dining. Enjoy executive chef, Matthew Lee’s eclectic American dishes in a casual, lively atmosphere, happy hour daily from 4-7:00 p.m. Late night menu served until midnight.
Bacar, 448 Brannan, 904-4100
www.bacarsf.com$$$$ % + Perhaps best known for its 1000-bottle wine list, the cuisine at this modern Californian brasserie speaks to both French and Italian influences. Touches such as mahogany, glass, steel, rich fall colors, and an open kitchen create an elegant yet comfortable atmosphere. Executive Chef Robbie Lewis's daily tasting menuss join favorites like wok roasted PEI mussels. Also enjoy the raw bar. Live music and a classy wine salon.
Bar Crudo, 603 Bush, 956-0396
www.barcrudo.com$$ ! At Bar Crudo the menu is a mix of hot and cold. The oysters rest in crushed ice, and a crudo plate offers up to eight pieces of raw fish from fluke to yellow fin, all dressed up with light sauces and fresh herbs. But steaming bowls of seafood chowder get temperatures rising as patrons snuggle up shoulder to shoulder at the bar. A second level offers more seating. Flavorful salads such as the San Sebastian with tuna confit, asparagus, olives, egg, anchovy, capers and manchego demonstrate that serving blue doesn’t have to be bland. Closed Sundays.
Bistro Boudin, 160 Jefferson, 928-1849
www.boudinbakery.com$$$$ This upscale restaurant, anything but a fast food clam chowder joint, has taken the boudin concept up a few notches, giving locals a reason to visit the Wharf alongside the clusters of camera-clutching tourists. The eatery offers an expansive bay view with its tall windows and tasty menu options, such as the Four Cheese Pizza made with sourdough bread and the macaroni and cheese topped with fresh crab meat. Other seafood specialties include halibut, salmon, and many other fresh fish sorts. Also serving specialty salads and sandwiches.
Boulevard, One Mission, 543-6084
www.boulevardrestaurant.com$$$$ æ Ensconced in the historic Audiffred Building on the waterfront, Boulevard boasts an art nouveau interior with a slick, industrial feel, and stunning views of ships and sailboats by day and the luminous Bay Bridge by night. The striking interior is upstaged only by the food – chef/owner Nancy Oakes’ bold, modern American menu of artfully prepared dishes with French and Mediterranean influences.
Brick, 1085 Sutter, 441-4232
www.brickrestaurant.com$$ ! Featuring internationally influenced American cuisine with fresh, local ingredients. The restaurant boasts 100 year old brick walls that frame the main dining area and the Gallery. A subsection of the main dining area, the Gallery is the hub for private parties as well as rotating art exhibits of new works by local artists. Though the dinner menu is small, selections are innovative. With plates such as ‘sweet pea ravioli’ and ‘duck two ways,’ diners are sure to stay intrigued.
Buena Vista Café, 2765 Hyde, 474-5044
www.thebuenavista.com
$$ æ + Located in the historic Cannery/Aquatic Row neighborhood across from the Hyde Street cable car turnaround, this San Francisco institution opened its doors more than 100 years ago and has been dishing up hearty American breakfasts, lunches and dinners ever since. With tiled floors and antique fixtures, the Buena Vista serves up spectacular Bay views along with its world famous famed Irish Coffee. Open table seating encourages socializing with fellow diners.
Burger Joint, 242 King St., 807 Valencia, 824-3494, 700 Haight, 864-3833
www.burgerjointsf.comBurgers the way San Franciscans love 'em. Organic Niman ranch beef for both burgers and franks, free range chicken breast and veggie burgers are just a few of the high quality factors contributing to the longstanding success of the local restaurants. Consistently voted in top 10 or higher for "best burger" lists, even landing near nationwide compilations by yahoo and GQ. The newest location faces the ballpark; a home run for flavor.
Carnelian Room, in the Bank of America Building, 555 California, 52nd Floor, 433-7500
www.carnelianroom.com$$$$ æ See Special Occasion Dining.
The Cosmopolitan, 121 Spear, 543-4001
www.thecosmopolitancafe.com$$$$ %+ Swanky, club-like design with an elegant feel. Chef Steven Levine has built a menu of new American style dishes. Seasonal specialties include grilled Niman Ranch pork chops and seared, rare yellowfin tuna with a jasmine rice salad and tempura green beans. The bar also serves up signature cocktails. Closed Sundays.
Daily Grill, 347 Geary, 616-5000
www.dailygrill.com$$-$$$$ Daily Grill is an updated version of the San Francisco grills of the past, providing generous portions of classic American dishes such as steaks, chops, chicken pot pie and meat loaf. Friendly and conveniently located right off Union Square. Martinis, single malts, microbrews and fine wine list. Ambience is lively and clubby, with comfortable booths and high ceilings. Full Bar. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily.
Enrico’s, 504 Broadway, 982-6223
www.enricossidewalkcafe.com$$$-$$$$%@+ A San Francisco institution for more than 40 years, Enrico’s recently came under new ownership. French trained chef, Seamus Cromin, has updated the menu to emphasize fresh American fare with francophile leanings. The landmark boite still features great food, a lively bar, one of the most famous heated outdoor patios in the City, where the best of San Francisco live jazz performers congregate.
Farmer Brown, 25 Mason, 409-3276
www.farmerbrownsf.com$$$ ! The farm is on your plate at this neo-soul food restaurant in the Tenderloin. The menu unites the City’s love of local, organic foods with mouth-watering southern cooking. Entrees include pork loins with succulent plantains and mashed sweet potatoes, bacon wrapped trout, and jambalaya with Creole sauce. Meals are hearty but healthy, with meat and poultry from Niman Ranch, Fulton Valley Farms, and Marin Sun Farms. Temporarily closed on Sundays.
Frisson, 244 Jackson, 956-3004
www.frissonsf.com$$$$ This chic and modern take on a traditional piazza delivers a California French cuisine and introduces unfamiliar ingredients (but just because you don’t know what’s in it doesn’t mean it’s not good). Some of Chef Sarah Schafer’s signature dishes include tuna tartare and crispy pork croquettes. Closed Sundays.
Frascati, 1901 Hyde, 928-1406
www.frascatisf.com$$$-$$$$ The quintessential Russian Hill neighborhood bistro, Frascati serves up seasonal Cal/Mediterranean cuisine, including russet potato gnocchi and grilled pork porterhouse with Italian sausage-cannellini bean ragout, swiss chard and pickled eggplant caponata. Desserts include homemade black and white chocolate bread pudding and blackberry apple cobbler with vanilla crème fraiche ice cream.
Globe, 290 Pacific, 391-4132
$$$@ This small, lively eatery borrows culinary themes from points North, South, East and West. Specialties include grilled double-cut T-bone steak for two; pork porterhouse, and shellfish plateau of mussels, shrimp, oysters and clams. Numerous awards from SF Magazine and Food and Wine, and Voted “Best Late Night” and “Best Chef’s Hangout” by the Chronicle.
Harris’, 2100 Van Ness, 673-1888
www.harrisrestaurant.com$$$$% This American steakhouse is a top local pick for dry-aged steaks and lobster served in a luxurious yet comfortable atmosphere. Pair a juicy steak with wine from an award-winning list. Live jazz on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights along with martini specialties top off the classy experience. Valet parking on Pacific.
Holding Company, 2 Embarcadero Center, 986-0797
$-$$+ A roomy bar gives way to a separate dining room with wood paneling and mirrors at this affordable, friendly place to hang out. Happy hour from 3-6 p.m., with 22 beers on tap. Menu highlights are salmon provençal, California chicken sandwiches, braised beef brisket, and New York steak.
House of Prime Rib, 1906 Van Ness, 885-4605$$$$ The name says it all. The menu has prime rib at its center, and waiters carve it up table-side at this upscale, family-oriented eatery. If there’s a steak-averse member in your party, don’t despair – the restaurant also features a healthy selection of fresh fish.
Jack Falstaff, 598 Second, 836-9239
www.plumpjack.com/falstaff$$$$ Executive chef Jonathan Leiva oversees culinary endeavors at this contemporary but comfortable, vibrant and inviting SoMa eatery. The restaurant mills its own flour, slow roasts and braises much of its meats, and largely prepares all the cuisine with organic products. This meticulous mentality is exemplified in such menu choices as the very slow roasted Niman Ranch natural leg of pork.
Jelly's – A Dance Café, Pier 50, 295 Terry Francois Blvd., 495-3099
www.jellyscafe.com$$ % Practice your salsa steps or escape to the cigar-friendly terrace that offers a water view. Jelly’s can cater any function, including weddings and stand-up cocktail parties. 21 and over for all dance events.
John’s Grill, 63 Ellis, 986-0069
www.johnsgrill.com$$$% Honored as a national literary landmark where The Maltese Falcon’s anti-hero, Sam Spade, dined, John’s Grill specialties include oysters Wellington, steaks, broiled rack of lamb, and grilled ahi tuna. The falcon went missing this year and owners are desperate for clues.
Julius’ Castle, 1541 Montgomery, 392-2222
www.juliuscastle.com$$$-$$$$!æ Established in 1922 atop Telegraph Hill, this old-fashioned restaurant offers a stunning view of SF. Signature dishes include Dungeness crab ravioli, stuffed Petrale sole, long pepper crusted Ahi, and grilled New York strip. Last seating at 9:30 p.m.
Levende, 1710 Mission, 864-5585
www.levendesf.com$$-$$$ * Sure this eatery is categorized as American fusion but don’t expect to find your traditional hotdogs and hamburgers. Levende fuses exotic spices and fresh ingredients throughout the menu of small, Mediterranean, Asian, and Middle Eastern-influenced dishes. Although Levende is not a full-on night club, it does offer DJ music and a dance floor.
Luna Park, 694 Valencia, 553-8584
www.lunaparksf.com$-$$ This former butcher shop is a warm, funky Mission gem with deep red walls, serving naturally grown, local ingredients at reasonable prices. To spice up the night try their famous mojito cocktail.
Maverick, 3316 Seventeenth, 863-3061
www.sfmaverick.com$$$ Maverick is an innovative eatery that bucks the paradigm of American fare in the heart of the Mission District. The space is a comfort zone for aficionados of fine wine and great food. Executive chef Scott Youkilis concocts such culinary delights as southern fried chicken and grilled Iowa pork chops.
Mecca, 2029 Market, 621-7000
www.sfmecca.com$$$ Known for excellent California cuisine, Mecca newly renovated. Executive Chef Randy Lewis’ popular seasonal fare includes merlot braised Colorado lamb shank sand seared Hudson Valley foie gras.
Moose’s, 1652 Stockton, 989-7800
www.mooses.com$$-$$$%@+ Great people-watching right on Washington Square along with a daily changing Cal-Mediterranean menu. Nightly repasts might include grilled local albacore with cannellini beans, and calamari and mussel linguine.
MoMo’s, 760 Second Street, 227-8660
www.sfmomos.com$$-$$$$ Across from SBC Park, MoMo’s serves new American comfort food in an opulent interior featuring prairie-style furniture and dimpled leather upholstery on the banquettes. Fare runs the gamut from ballpark basics like onion rings and pizza to creative dishes like grilled jumbo shrimp with macadamia nut basmati pilaf. Lively game-night bar scene.
Morton’s of Chicago, 400 Post, 986-5830
www.mortons.com$$$$ With its mahogany paneling and clubby atmosphere, this is the most profitable Morton’s location in the country. Specialties include double filet mignon with béarnaise sauce, and whole baked Maine lobster. Pick from side dishes of spinach, broccoli or asparagus with hollandaise sauce or potato.
One Market, One Market, 777-5577
www.onemarket.com$$$% æ A grand menu in a picture-perfect setting, One Market has long attracted both the expense account set and wide-eyed out-of-towners looking for the penultimate dining experience. Floor-to-ceiling windows gives patrons an impressive view of the Bay Bridge soaring in the background. Rising star, chef Mark Dommen’s seafood choices are particularly scrumptious.
Palomino, 345 Spear, 512-7400
www.palomino.com$$$ æ+ Dramatic bridge views through high glass walls in the main dining room and open, heated patio. Modern, upscale atmosphere and an active bar scene. Try regional American dishes such as the chop chop salad with smoked turkey, tender lamb shank, or spit-roasted garlic chicken.
Paragon, 701 Second, 537-9020
www.paragonrestaurant.com$$-$$$ An American brasserie featuring a menu of French-inspired local tastes. Spacious main dining room features 20-foot high ceilings, a prominently situated bar, with steel, concrete and glass finishes and an outdoor patio. Specialties include braised pot roast, roasted chicken with mac and cheese, and tuna tartare.
Postrio, Prescott Hotel, 545 Post, 776-7825
www.postrio.com$$$$ See Special Occasion Dining.
Ruth’s Chris Steak House, 1601 Van Ness, 673-0557
www.ruthschris.com$$$$ An upscale, warm and friendly steak house featuring USDA prime Midwestern, corn-fed beef. Ruth’s most popular dishes are filet mignon, rib-eye and New York strip. Don’t like steak? Enjoy Ruth’s BBQ shrimp or the fresh market grilled fish.
Sam’s Grill, 374 Bush, 421-0594
$$-$$$ Since 1867, a traditional San Francisco seafood establishment with a masculine, clubby atmosphere. Daily specialties include rex sole, sand dabs, and broiled petrale.
Scott Howard, 500 Jackson, 956-7040
www.scotthowardsf.com$$$$ ! Chef Howard was working his magic in the lauded kitchens of the San Anselmo restaurant Fork, until he set his eyes on a location nestled between the Financial District and North Beach. Now the protégé of Norman Van Aken has awed critics, mastering the nuances of combining New World, French and Pan Asian cuisines. Appetizers like the Grilled Maine Lobster, with spring onions, fava and ginger sauce, surprise and delight.
Town’s End Restaurant and Bakery, 2 Townsend, 512-0749
$$æ A pioneer in the South Beach restaurant scene, the airy, light-filled restaurant serves home-cooked dishes with California flair. Top choices are filet of sole, crab cakes, pastas, risotto, potato pancakes, and home-baked breads.
Triptych, 1155 Folsom, 703-0557
www.triptychsf.com$$$ This hip eatery cheerfully greets patrons with its bright adobe-colored exterior. A narrow hallway, featuring paintings and photographs, leads patrons to the “secret garden,” a green-colored patio, enhanced with patches of pink flowers as well as geraniums, aloe, and ivy, which is mostly used for brunch. The nightly sashimi is said to be a popular appetizer and the Pork Tenderloin Olorosso a favorite entrée.
TWO, 22 Hawthorne, 777-9779
www.two-sf.com$$$$%+
TWO is the vibrant new occupant at 22 Hawthorne Street. Headed by two chefs, Bridget Batson and owner David Gingrass. the new venture offers more than the usual gourmet dining experience: boxed lunches are available, and the chefs give cooking classes on Saturdays. The decor is casual and contemporary featuring many natural wood surfaces, a copper and concrete bar and wild coconut light fixtures. The food is straightforward, lush and fresh, showcasing the best local products, running the gamut from chopped summer vegetable salad with avocado and Parmesan, to roasted marrow bones with sweet onion broth and crusty bread.
Universal Cafe, 2814 Nineteenth., 821-4608
www.universalcafe.net$$$ Seasonal American best describes the cuisine of this industrial-inspired restaurant, which includes fine sea bass and pot roast among its selections. Tucked in the Potrero Flats, Universal is one of the area’s best for understated, unpretentious, yet exceptional comfort food. Closed Mondays.
Waterfront Restaurant, Pier 7, 391-2696
www.waterfrontsf.com$$$-$$$$ æ Winner of a Zagat Restaurant of Distinction award, the menus showcase an innovative approach to California cuisine, embracing fresh local and imported seafood, meats, poultry and pizzas. Every table has outstanding views of the bay. Offers indoor/outdoor, café or dining room seating and valet parking. Open seven days a week including holidays.
xyz, W Hotel, 181 Third, 817-7836
www.xyz-sf.com$$$+@ xyz is a bright, stylish treasure, with nouveau California cuisine that lives
up to its price thanks to Executive Chef Paul Piscopo. Seasonal specialties
with vibrant local flavors include such as the grilled t-bone lamb chops with summer beans and chanterelles. Seasonal wine menus are a bargain.
