John's Grill
18 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/AskSF, r/sanfrancisco20 comments cited below
What people say, in short
Most people who mention John's Grill recommend it, and many describe an old-school or classic feel. A few say the steaks are solid or good, one suggests the rib eye, and a couple say it is good value or reasonably priced. Caveats: one diner says it is not the city's top steak, one says jazz on one floor can make it loud, and one advises against it for a special occasion.
Address
John's Grill, 63 Ellis St, San Francisco, CA 94102
At a glance
- Opinions divided
- Yes
Nearby on this map
Other places on this map closest to John's Grill, as the crow flies.
The evidence
Every point below is paraphrased from a real public comment, ordered by how much the community engaged with it. Caveats and negatives are kept in — follow any link to read the original for yourself.
- Recommendsu/Txidpeony in r/AskSF · Jun 2026taste
Says a set-price dinner offers filet and lobster tail, likes the bisque, and says their spouse enjoyed the steak.
- Recommendsu/Bargle-Nawdle-Zouss in r/AskSF · Nov 2025
Includes John's Grill in a list of steakhouse answers to the request.
- Recommendsu/CommonCut4 in r/AskSF · Jun 2026taste
Hasn't visited in years, but still liked the cooking and the old-fashioned atmosphere there.
- Recommendsu/ThatNewTankSmell in r/sanfrancisco · Mar 2024ambience
Places it in their fun tier of steakhouses.
- Recommendsu/CapitalPin2658 in r/AskSF · Sep 2026
Says this place is close to where the asker is looking.
- Recommendsu/WordyNerd1 in r/AskSF · Apr 2025
Recommends this SOMA place for good food and service despite a plain, no-frills look.
- Recommendsu/Budget_Clerk_6063 in r/AskSF · Oct 2024value
Calls it not the city's top steak, but tasty, consistent, good value, with a classic feel and great prices.
- Caveatu/Altruistic_Offer9381 in r/AskSF · Jun 2026ambience
Advises against going there for a special occasion.
Show all 20 cited comments
- Recommendsu/Oxajm in r/AskSF · Oct 2024value
Enjoys eating there and is surprised how reasonably priced it is.
- Recommendsu/LouisPrimasGhost in r/sanfrancisco · Dec 2023taste
Suggests a downtown trip there and recommends its rib eye as the lunch order.
- Recommendsu/SFSantaCruzJenn in r/AskSF · Jun 2026taste
Seconds John's Grill, praising the food, wine list and classic memorabilia.
- Recommendsu/vtjustinb in r/AskSF · Jan 2025taste
Goes most often; finds the steaks solid and enjoys the old-school atmosphere.
- Recommendsu/FormerDimer in r/AskSF · Jun 2024
Says they like John's Grill near Union Square.
- Mixedu/ExternalBill7078 in r/AskSF · Jul 2026ambience
Describes jazz playing on one floor that could make it loud, but still finds the mood pleasant.
- Recommendsu/Stchotchke in r/sanfrancisco · Nov 2025taste
Says John’s Grill serves good steaks.
- Recommendsu/playmore_24 in r/sanfrancisco · Aug 2025
Names John's Grill as their answer to the steakhouse request; no further detail.
- Recommendsu/Tupac2326 in r/AskSF · Jan 2025
Gives a bare suggestion with no added detail.
- Recommendsu/cby_69 in r/AskSF · Jan 2025
Lists it as an old-school alternative.
- Recommendsu/JEL_1957 in r/AskSF · Jul 2024ambience
Feels fond of this spot, favoring a seat at the bar for the chance to watch people.
- Recommendsu/mtnmamaFTLOP in r/AskSF · Nov 2025
Calls John's Grill amazing and offers it as a top steakhouse pick.
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Freshness
Details last checked 13 Nov 2026. Recommendations reflect what people said at the time; confirm current details before you go.