Foodie Friday: The Best Steakhouses in San Francisco

You can also find my article here on bayarea.com:

https://www.bayarea.com/eat/best-steakhouses-san-francisco/

“Where’s the beef?” When you’re in San Francisco, you may find yourself asking this same very question. With the rise in popularity of veganism and plant-based diets, it can be arduous to quench your inner carnivore cravings in the ever-health-conscious, clean-living San Francisco.  

Or maybe not — I mean, yes, San Francisco may be well-regarded as a “green city” in many respects, but Haas avocados and roasted brussels sprouts aside, I’m here to tell you that San Francisco is still one of the premier destinations in the country for catering to diners hungering for that infamous red meat. So, without further ado, I give you the best steakhouses the City has to offer.

House of Prime Rib

Best Classic Steakhouse

If you love meat and grew up in the Bay Area or played O-line for the 49ers, chances are you’ve been to this San Francisco institution. We’re talking as classic as classic gets when it comes to old school dining combined with upscale sophistication and a tried and true menu that has withstood the test of time.  

Obviously, the juicy prime rib is the star attraction, but also know this place gets it right when it comes to providing the perfect supporting cast with their timeless side dishes, like creamed spinach, Yorkshire pudding — and the list goes on and on. And who doesn’t love their iconic rolling silver serving stations with their exceptional servers? Simply put, the House of Prime Rib experience can’t be beat.

Alexander’s Steakhouse

Best Date Night Steakhouse

If you haven’t been to Alexander’s, you, my friend, have no idea what you’re missing with their extensive choices of steak.

You really can’t go wrong with any of their options like the “perfect porterhouse” or a wagyu beef from Japan. But, one of the bright spots of this restaurant is that they offer a tomahawk steak for two and an ambiance and sophistication any date would enjoy. Sure, the dimmed lights and the hamachi shooters to start would make your date swoon, but share a giant slab of beef together and, honey, you two might be sharing more of something a little later. And by something, I’m talking about their sticky toffee butter soufflé and complimentary cotton candy for a sweet finish at the end. Wink.

(Alexander’s Steakhouse also has another restaurant located in Cupertino.)

5A5 Steak Lounge

Best Modern Steakhouse

If you love modern cuisine but love your steak too, then 5A5 is your place. This swanky spot not only serves traditional high-end steak options, but it’s also considered a Japanese steakhouse with all the different wagyu options with lots of truffled accompaniments.

Here, you’ll feel like the talk of the town, as this is one of the places to see or be seen. Be sure to make reservations and enjoy their creative cocktails and delicious appetizers, like the duck confit croquettes or the Aussie wagyu sashimi.

Espetus Churrascaria

Best Brazilian Steakhouse

Head to Espetus and you’ll feel like you’ve hit the meat jackpot. Sure, you may actually be spending quite a bit on dinner here, but trust me: it’s worth every penny.

If you’ve never been to a Brazilian steakhouse before, be ready to feast and let the waiters (or gauchos as they’re known here) know when to serve meat at your table with the small dial on your table. Gauchos will serve 14 different kinds of meat and steak, like the filet mignon or their ever-so-popular sirloin steak. They also serve other things like chicken and grilled pineapple, and they have an extensive salad bar; however, my favorite thing to fill up on besides the meat is the famous Brazilian cheese breads, which are spongy-soft and delicious. Yum!

(Espetus Churrascaria also has another restaurant located in San Mateo.)

Bobo’s

Best Surf and Turf Steakhouse

Boboquivari’s, popularly known as Bobo’s, is decorated to the nines, as it’s name means “Venetian court jester.”

You’ll feel as if you’ve stepped right onto the set of an Italian marionettes play — only much, much tastier. The pan seared steak is not the only star in this restaurant; the famous San Francisco Dungeness crab also has a leading role here at Bobo’s, making an amazing pair for any surf and turf lover. Order the twice-cooked baked potato as an accompaniment or the oysters on a half shell and at the end of your meal, you’ll be giving the cook a standing ovation. Bravo!