Highlights
- Live music
oChef » The Big 4 – San Francisco
The Big 4 - San Francisco
Photo from The Big 4
The Big 4 at a glance
San Francisco Lower Nob Hill
- 🥐 French Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $51–$60
mentioned by 2 of the guests
#1530 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#23 French Restaurant out of 28 in San Francisco
Good
7.1 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
194
Reviews
70.1%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Classic ambiance
- Friendly service
- Quality food
Frequently criticized
- High prices
- Limited menu
- Confusing hours
The restaurant The Big 4 is a distinguished French restaurant nestled in the vibrant Lower Nob Hill neighborhood of San Francisco. You’ll discover a truly immersive dining experience here, enhanced by the captivating live music that fills the air.
It’s a perfect spot for you to enjoy classic French cuisine in an elegant setting, making your visit memorable from the moment you step inside.
Overview: Introducting The Big 4
The Big 4 offers a distinctive experience, often praised for its beautiful decor and great food selections, including notable burgers and classic dishes. Guests frequently commend the superb service from a knowledgeable and friendly staff, contributing to a pleasant dining atmosphere.
However, some patrons find the experience to be very expensive, with concerns about the limited menu and occasional issues with food preparation. There are also mentions of rudeness from staff and slow service, which can detract from the overall visit.
Good
7.1
out of 10
194
Reviews
70.1%
Satisfaction
46
negative
12
neutral
136
positive
The Big 4 generally leaves a positive impression, reflected in its overall Restaurant Score of 7.1 and a Customer Satisfaction rate of 70.1%. These figures, drawn from 194 customer remarks, indicate a largely favorable experience for many.
While most aspects are well-received, there’s a clear area for improvement. Looking closer, the Ambience (8.2) stands out as a strong point, frequently praised for its classic San Francisco charm.
Both the Food (6.9) and Service (6.9) are rated as good, suggesting a solid performance in these key areas, with 136 positive comments outweighing 46 negative ones. However, Value (3.4) is a notable concern, often cited as a drawback.
What people like
- Classic San Francisco ambiance
- Attentive, friendly service
- Quality classic dishes
What people don't like
- High prices
- Limited menu options
- Confusing operating hours
With a Recommendation Score of 7.1, The Big 4 presents itself as a solid choice, particularly if you appreciate a classic setting and attentive service. It’s a place that generally delivers on its promise of a pleasant dining experience, especially for those seeking a traditional atmosphere.
However, be prepared for the higher price point and a somewhat limited menu. If you prioritize ambiance and good service over extensive choices or budget-friendliness, this establishment could be a worthwhile visit for a specific occasion.
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Verdict: Our expert take on The Big 4
Food (6.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 80% of the guests
When it comes to the food here, youll find a generally positive experience, with a score of 6.9 indicating its good, though customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 66.7%. Many diners, 54 out of 81 remarks, rave about the delicious burgers, steaks, and cocktails, often calling them perfect or amazing. The duck pate also gets high praise.
However, not everything hits the mark. About 20 remarks point to some areas for improvement, such as a limited menu and issues with soggy pie crusts. Some found the food bland or experienced overcooked steak, suggesting inconsistency in execution.
Food
81
Reviews
66%
Satisfaction
20
negative
7
neutral
54
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great burgers, steaks
- Delicious duck pate
- Perfect cocktails
What people don't like
- Soggy pie crust
- Overcooked, tough steak
- Bland, boring menu
Often praised
- foodMy experience at the restaurant was very positive. I enjoyed the nice atmosphere and the great food. The table service was great, and I especially appreciated the courtesy follow-up from the restaurant manager.
- burgerthe burger is recommended
- cocktailsWe ended up here out of hunger and exhaustion from searching for parking. The interior was beautiful, and they offered good cocktails, though they were also super expensive, with $16 seeming to be the standard price. While the bar/lounge seating was available at lunch, I cannot recommend this place unless you are visiting from out of town and are essentially trapped by location, or if money is no object to you.
- bar foodWe found the atmosphere to be very nice, and they had a very good selection of spirits and beer. The menu is pretty slim, but they offer a decent variety of traditional "bar" food, including a burger, chicken sandwich, French dip, and fries. I ordered the burger medium well with Swiss cheese and a salad, and it was really, really good.
- burgersThis was our burger house. No one makes them like the Big 4. Sadly, Covid closed them down and they have not reopened.
- classic menuWhile it comes with SF prices, the wonderful location makes up for it. I particularly love their burger, but everything on their classic menu is excellent.
- drinksfantastic place to have drinks
- 8oz Filet MignonNY strip or 8oz Filet Mignon you will not go wrong
- Eggs BenedictTHE best Eggs Benedict ever
- Irish coffeeMy Irish coffee was delicious!
Frequently criticized
- foodThe food is very boring. Nothing special.
- menusurprised at how limited the menu was
- salmonmy salmon was way under-cooked (raw, really)
- French onion soupCup of French onion soup = $16
- anchoviessurprised to find anchovies on my Caesar salad
- beer selectionLimited beer selection
- chicken pot pieWhile the duck liver pâté was delicious, the croutons were grilled to a black color. A significant disappointment was the lack of presentation for the chicken pot pie; it appeared to have been scooped out of its baking dish into a bowl, with the pie crust placed on top, resulting in a soggy crust. Our server explained this is their long-standing tradition, but my husband found the pie ruined due to his preference for a crispy top.
- croutonsthe crutons were grilled to a black color.
- food portionfood portion is too little
- next coursesI was scolded by the staff while trying to enjoy my dinner, which is something I've never encountered before, especially at a restaurant that claims to be higher-end. The rudeness was so profound that I had to cancel the next courses. I will never dine here again.
If you're craving a great burger or steak and enjoy a well-made cocktail, this spot could be a solid choice. Just be aware that the menu might be a bit limited, and some dishes could be inconsistent, so manage your expectations.
Service (6.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 59% of the guests
When it comes to service, many diners have had a truly pleasant experience, with 29 positive remarks out of 42 total. Guests frequently praised the wonderful service, highlighting polite staff and friendly servers who ensured prompt food service. The overall score for service stands at a respectable 6.9, indicating a generally good performance.
However, it's not all smooth sailing, as 13 negative comments point to some areas needing attention. Some patrons encountered slow service, instances of rudeness, and even waiters arguing. This contributes to a 69% customer satisfaction, suggesting a somewhat mixed bag where consistency could be improved, especially with reports of limited staff.
Service
42
Reviews
69%
Satisfaction
13
negative
0
neutral
29
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Excellent service
- Friendly staff
- Prompt food delivery
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Rude staff
- Staff arguments
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was superb, marked by superb food and superb service. The ambience was outstanding, making it my favorite classy go-to place for a fantastic dinner.
- staffThe staff are knowledgeable, friendly, classy and just great
- table serviceTable/ food service was prompt and friendly.
- bartenderBartender is AWESOME
- conversationenjoyed his conversation on the establishments history
- experiencehaven’t had a single poor experience
- food servicefood service was prompt and friendly.
- gladly seatedthey gladly seated us at 10:58am
- group of eightvery helpful in working it out so there will be a spot where we could all sit together
- peopleMy experience at this restaurant was like stepping back in time. The beautiful decor and great ambiance created a wonderful atmosphere, complemented by the wonderful people. The food was also pretty good.
Frequently criticized
- serviceThe service was horrible. Rood servers
- staffscolded by the staff while I attempt to enjoy my dinner
- confusing hours of operationThis place is great for an afternoon or evening respite. However, the limited staff and confusing hours of operation make one unsure of what to expect.
- hostess stationhad to wait as there was no one at the hostess station
- limited staffThis place is great for an afternoon or evening respite. However, the limited staff and confusing hours of operation make one unsure of what to expect.
- rudenessexperienced such rudeness at a restaurant
- serverour server would disappear for long stretches at a time
- slowA little slow
- waiterhe clearly had been doing this way too long and just wasn't into it
- waiters arguingThe waiters were arguing with each other
Overall, the service here seems to be a bit of a gamble. While many enjoy friendly and prompt interactions, be prepared for the possibility of slower service or occasional inconsistencies. If you're willing to roll the dice, you might just have a wonderful experience.
Ambience (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 82% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot truly shines, earning a good score of 8.2 and an impressive customer satisfaction of nearly 89.8%. Out of 59 customer remarks, a whopping 53 rave about its charm, highlighting its old school ambience, live pianist, and elegant paneled interior. Guests consistently praise the dark wood and classic San Francisco vibe, making it a fantastic choice for a memorable experience.
However, not all experiences were perfect, with 4 comments noting areas for improvement. Some found the lighting really dark and a few even described the ambiance as a bit dingy or out of date. A minor point was the closing time, which some felt was too early, impacting the overall evening.
Ambience
59
Reviews
89%
Satisfaction
4
negative
2
neutral
53
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Old-school elegance
- Live piano music
- Classy interior
What people don't like
- Can be too dark
- Early closing time
- Outdated ambiance
Often praised
- atmosphereThe food, service, and atmosphere are all very good.
- ambianceMy experience at this restaurant was like stepping back in time. The beautiful decor and great ambiance created a wonderful atmosphere, complemented by the wonderful people. The food was also pretty good.
- barBar is classic San Francisco. Fancy. Swanky.
- ambienceOutstanding ambience
- Huntington HotelIt's located in the Huntington Hotel in front of Huntington Park
- Old San Franciscan placeThis was/is an Old San Franciscan place
- The placeThe place is a classic!
- afternoon or evening respiteThis place is great for an afternoon or evening respite. However, the limited staff and confusing hours of operation make one unsure of what to expect.
- authentic old school San Francisco vibeYou can't go wrong at the Big 4. Though I kinda preferred the old dated style before the renovation - it had a real authentic old school San Francisco vibe - it is still a fantastic place to have drinks and enjoy a lovely part of town.
- best restaurantsrated one of the best restaurants in the area
Frequently criticized
- ambiancea kind of dingy, old, out of date ambiance
- closing timethey close WAY too early
- placeThe pork chop was perfect. However, the food was pretty salty, and the place is really dark.
- recognitionI wish they would do more to recognize the four San Francisco railroad barons
If you're seeking a classic, elegant, old-school San Francisco experience with live piano music and a sophisticated vibe, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be prepared for potentially dim lighting and check their closing hours if you plan for a late night.
Value (3.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 25% of the guests
When it comes to value, the feedback isnt exactly glowing. With a 3.4 score, it falls into the poor category, and customer satisfaction sits at a low 0%. Based on 12 total opinions, its clear that guests arent feeling like theyre getting their moneys worth, as there were no positive remarks about the pricing.
Indeed, 9 negative opinions consistently point to high costs. Many found the food and cocktails to be pricey or overpriced, with some noting that portion sizes were too small for the price. It seems the general consensus is that the bill doesnt quite match the overall experience.
Value
12
Reviews
0%
Satisfaction
9
negative
3
neutral
0
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
What people don't like
- Pricey food
- Small portions
- Expensive cocktails
Often praised
No positive aspects so far.
Frequently criticized
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was that it was very expensive and the food was just ok. The menu was boring.
- cocktailsagain super expensive, $16 is the magic number
- foodThe food is very pricey
- pricesPrices are a tad too high
- priceyThe service was good, and the food was also good. However, the experience was a little slow and a little pricey for what you get. Despite these drawbacks, I would do it again.
If you're looking for a budget-friendly meal, this might not be your spot. The consistent feedback points to high prices for both food and drinks, with portions often feeling small. Be prepared to spend a bit more than you might expect for the value received.
How are the prices at The Big 4?
You’re looking at roughly 59 per person – reported by 2 diners. That puts it in the $51–$60 category. For a French Restaurant in San Francisco, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Whats interesting is that these two diners had quite different experiences, suggesting prices can vary widely here. Since we only have data from two customers, its a good indication, but keep in mind it’s a small sample!
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 2 reviews. It’s a small sample, but it gives a good indication of the price spread!
See how this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in San Francisco.
For a French restaurant in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels fair. It offers options for different budgets, which is always a plus. Wed say its a good spot if you’re looking for a French meal without necessarily breaking the bank, but also with the option to splurge.
Customer Reviews: what people think about The Big 4
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Fond Memories of a Beloved Burger House
I wish they were open. I give it 5 stars for all the times I’ve been here as a little girl. I grew up eating here.
This was our burger house. No one makes them like the Big 4. Sadly, Covid closed them down and they have not reopened.
This was/is an Old San Franciscan place that old San Franciscan money would socialize, broker deals, enjoy the best burgers, see who’s who or be seen, etc… The live pianist and other instruments added to the class of this place. I always felt like I stepped back in time when I walked into this place. It just felt like home to me.
As of 12/27/2021 they have yet to open. Very sad 😢
- burgers10
- Old San Franciscan place9
- live pianist and other instruments9
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Exceptional Old World Dining Experience
My experience at this restaurant was truly exceptional. The ambience is stunning, reminiscent of classic old-world style. The wait staff were professional, and the service was outstanding all around.
I've dined here countless times and have never had a single poor experience. It makes me feel like a member of a private supper club and bar.
- ambience10
- wait staff9
- service10
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
8
Great drinks, lovely part of town
You can't go wrong at the Big 4. Though I kinda preferred the old dated style before the renovation - it had a real authentic old school San Francisco vibe - it is still a fantastic place to have drinks and enjoy a lovely part of town.
- drinks9
- old dated style6
- renovation6
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Fantastic Old School Hotel Bar
My experience at this hotel bar was fantastic. The atmosphere is reminiscent of an 'old school' establishment, offering various seating options including the dining room, the bar itself, and small tables. For an excellent view of the live pianist, I recommend choosing tables near the fireplace.
The bar menu has a modest selection, but the burger is highly recommended. While the beer selection is limited, the cocktails are definitely the way to go here.
- atmosphere9
- live pianist8
- bar menu6
- beer selection4
3
Expensive with Okay Food and Boring Menu
My experience at this restaurant was that it was very expensive and the food was just ok. The menu was boring. They did have a piano, which was a small positive note.
Overall, it was a bad restaurant experience, though the bar was decent.
- food5
- piano7
- bar7
- price2
- menu3
- restaurant2
What The Big 4 offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
Children
- Kids' menu
- High chairs
Amenities
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- All you can eat
- Wine
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Takeout
FAQs
What dining options are available at The Big 4, and can you make a reservation?
At The Big 4, you can enjoy a full range of dining experiences including breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, all with comfortable seating and table service. For your convenience, the restaurant also accepts reservations, ensuring you can plan your visit seamlessly.
What amenities and special offerings can you expect at The Big 4?
You’ll find a full bar onsite at The Big 4, offering a selection of wine, beer, and cocktails. They also cater to various dietary needs with vegetarian options. While not an all-you-can-eat establishment, you can expect a diverse menu to satisfy your palate.
How does The Big 4 generally perform according to customer feedback?
The Big 4 holds a Restaurant Score of 7.1 and a Customer Satisfaction of 70.1%. Its Ambience (8.2) is highly rated, while Food (6.9) and Service (6.9) are also considered good. However, Value (3.4) is a significant area for improvement.
What do customers particularly enjoy about the atmosphere at The Big 4?
Many guests appreciate the restaurant’s beautiful decor and great ambiance, often describing it as having a classic San Francisco feel and an authentic old school San Francisco vibe.
Are there any common concerns regarding the pricing or menu at The Big 4?
Yes, customers frequently mention that the restaurant is very expensive and that cocktails can be super expensive. The menu is sometimes described as limited or boring, with some finding food portion sizes to be too small.