Highlights
- Great dessert
- Great coffee
- Great wine list
oChef » Sam’s Grill – San Francisco
Sam's Grill - San Francisco
Photo from Sam’s Grill
Sam's Grill at a glance
San Francisco Union Square
- 🦞 Seafood Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $61–$70
mentioned by 111 of the guests
#883 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#10 Seafood Restaurant out of 48 in San Francisco
Good
7.7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
536
Reviews
77.2%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Classic seafood
- Attentive service
- Old-world charm
Frequently criticized
- High prices
- Inconsistent food
- Poor ambiance
The Sam’s Grill & Seafood Restaurant, a classic Seafood Restaurant in the heart of San Francisco’s vibrant Union Square neighborhood, invites you to experience a taste of history. You’ll find yourself in an upscale yet cozy atmosphere, perfect for enjoying a memorable meal.
Known for its great wine list, this historic spot offers a delightful escape where you can savor fresh seafood and impeccable service. Whether you’re planning a special dinner or a relaxed lunch, you’re in for a treat.
Overview: Introducting Sam's Grill
Sam’s Grill offers a taste of classic dining, where the ambience often evokes a charming, old-world feel. Many appreciate the attentive service and well-prepared dishes, making for a pleasant experience that harks back to traditional establishments.
However, some diners find the overall experience can be a bit steep, with concerns about the price of certain items. While the food generally receives praise, a few dishes have unfortunately missed the mark for some patrons.
Good
7.7
out of 10
536
Reviews
77.2%
Satisfaction
94
negative
28
neutral
414
positive
Sam’s Grill earns a solid overall score of 7.7, reflecting a generally positive dining experience. Customer satisfaction stands at a good 77.2%, indicating that most patrons leave content with their visit, with no significant divergence between these two metrics.
This positive sentiment is largely driven by strong marks for the Food (8) and attentive Service (7.9), which are frequently commended. The classic Ambience (7.7) also contributes positively, though the Value (3.4) is a clear area where many feel the restaurant falls short, a point echoed across 536 customer remarks, with 414 positive observations against 94 negative ones.
What people like
- Classic, well-prepared seafood
- Attentive, professional service
- Charming, old-world ambiance
What people don't like
- High prices
- Inconsistent food quality
- Occasional ambiance issues
If you’re seeking a dining experience with a strong sense of history and generally well-executed dishes, Sam’s Grill is worth considering. The attentive staff and classic setting often create a memorable visit, especially for those who appreciate traditional fare.
However, be prepared for the cost, as the value proposition is a common point of contention. With a recommendation score of 7.8, it’s a solid choice if you prioritize atmosphere and service over budget.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Sam's Grill
Food (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 91% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this place really shines with a solid score of 8 and a fantastic customer satisfaction rate of 82.9%. Out of 281 comments, a whopping 233 rave about the delicious food, especially the fresh seafood, perfectly cooked scallops, and flavorful cioppino. Guests consistently praise the generous portions and excellent menu selection, making for a truly memorable meal.
However, not every dish hits the mark, with 32 less enthusiastic remarks. Some found the seafood salad pricey or the corned beef sandwich disappointing. There were also concerns about food arriving cold and, critically, issues with food allergy communication.
While these instances are fewer, they highlight areas for improvement.
Food
281
Reviews
82%
Satisfaction
32
negative
16
neutral
233
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fresh seafood praised
- Perfectly cooked dishes
- Excellent menu selection
What people don't like
- Cold food served
- Food allergy ignored
- Disappointing dishes
Often praised
- foodThe food was good, but it was overpriced, as is common for many places in this neighborhood. This is felt even more with the current $/$ exchange rate.
- clam chowderThe restaurant was easily able to accommodate her gluten and shellfish allergies, which was a significant plus. I started with a tasty cup of clam chowder and we finished with chocolate puddings. The impressive wine list also contributed to a very enjoyable meal.
- seafoodOur experience at this restaurant was truly our favorite meal in San Francisco. We enjoyed classic, historic, well-done seafood and thoughtfully chosen ingredients. We look forward to coming back if we're ever in the city again!
- cocktailsThe cocktails aren't half bad either!
- FoodFood:5
- drinksWe stopped in for a drink on my husband's birthday, on our way to dinner. Our bartender, Shah, was great at making drinks and at conversation. He talked us into trying their restaurant for dinner and even made a reservation for us.
- grilled octopusthe grilled octopus was one of the best versions
- halibutthe salmon and halibut and both were cooked perfectly
- salmonThe highlight of my meal was the Mixed Grill, which was cooked to absolute perfection. Each component of the dish—from the succulent salmon, scallops and petrale sole to the perfectly seasoned vegetables—was flavorful and well-prepared. For dessert, I opted for the Hot Fudge Sundae, which turned out to be a fantastic choice for sharing.
- CioppinoThe Cioppino was also a great medley of local flavours
Frequently criticized
- foodnot one of us could finish the food. It was pathetic!
- breadMy experience at the restaurant was a mixed bag. I tried the smoked trout crostini, but I wouldn't order it again because the bread was too hard. However, it was refreshing and palate cleansing between courses.
- solethe sole at $34 without taste and cooked in a hurry
- Crudothe Crudo was served cold.
- Halibutspending $50 for overcooked Halibut made me sad
- Toasted Angelsthe bacon was too thick, overpowering the freshness of the oyster
- arugula saladthe arugula salad with the crab cakes was old
- chicken in Cob saladChicken in Cob salad was disgusting, thigh meat with pieces of cartlidge.
- corned beef sandwichOrdered a corned beef sandwich which came on dry wheat bread
- dish safetyinsisted repeatedly a dish was safe when it was not
If you're looking for a place with generally delicious and fresh seafood, this restaurant is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful of your specific order and communicate any dietary needs clearly to ensure a great experience.
Service (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 74% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.9 and customer satisfaction at 81.1%, its clear that most diners have a good experience. Out of 127 total comments, a whopping 103 praise the friendly staff, excellent service, and attentive servers who often show great knowledge of the menu.
However, not every interaction is perfect. About 24 comments mention issues like rude service, unprofessional servers, or a host/front person who wasnt always welcoming. Some also noted longer waiting times, suggesting there's a little room for improvement in consistency.
Service
127
Reviews
81%
Satisfaction
24
negative
0
neutral
103
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Excellent service
- Friendly staff
- Attentive servers
What people don't like
- Rude service
- Unprofessional server
- Long waiting time
Often praised
- serviceProfessional, courteous, knowledgeable service from front desk to table servers.
- staffThe staff were friendly and attentive, ensuring we had everything we needed
- server1 server working but he was amazing
- ServiceService was excellent.
- excellent serviceRenaud provided excellent service all night
- great serviceMy experience at this classic San Francisco dining establishment was very enjoyable. I was impressed with the great service. For my meal, I savored the Alaskan fish served with steamed vegetables, which was delicious.
- serversthe servers are honest and very helpful.
- waiterOur waiter showed us around
- Alejandrohe was really helpful and polite
- LaurenLauren was so sweet and welcoming
Frequently criticized
- serverthe server wasn't professional
- serviceThe food was great, as usual. However, the restaurant was full, and as a result, Sam's usual outstanding service was lacking. The atmosphere was also excellent, rated at a 5.
- waiterThis place used to be good, but it has significantly declined. The waiter was extremely rude, and the food was disgusting and awful. To make matters worse, the food was past its due date, which is dangerous.
- ServiceService:1
- attentionno one came to my table
- first time heremy first time here. ... it’s my first time here
- host/front personthe host/front person was rude
- hostessgreeted by a slightly rude hostess who questioned if we had a reservation
- impressedThe place felt a bit too stuffy for the price, which I found to be a bit pricey. Ultimately, I was not impressed.
- issueweird how they addressed issue
Overall, you can expect good service here, with many guests raving about the friendly and attentive staff. While a few experiences mention rudeness or wait times, the positive feedback strongly outweighs the negative. It's definitely worth a visit if service is a top priority for you.
Ambience (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 67% of the guests
The ambience here scores a good 7.7, with customer satisfaction also landing at a good 75.5%. Many guests adore the Atmosphere and old-school feel, frequently highlighting the cozy private booth options and the overall San Francisco charm. With 74 positive opinions out of 98 total, it seems most find the classic, relaxing vibe and unique dining experience quite appealing.
However, 14 negative comments suggest some areas for improvement. A few found the space stuffy with poor ventilation, and some noted an unpleasant odor. Concerns about tight seating and the general atmosphere being less than ideal were also raised, indicating that not all experiences are perfectly serene.
Ambience
98
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
14
negative
10
neutral
74
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Old-school charm
- Private booths
- Calm atmosphere
What people don't like
- Poor ventilation
- Stuffy/tight space
- Unpleasant odors
Often praised
- atmosphereinteresting atmosphere with some semi enclosed private dining spaces
- ambianceThe ambiance of Sam’s Grill is classic and inviting, with a charming, old-world feel
- private boothsMy experience at this restaurant was a delicious lunch enjoyed in one of their cool private booths. I savored excellent scallops with pea risotto, while my wife had equally good swordfish.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- localhow the local was decorated
- Booth seatingMy experience at this restaurant, one of San Francisco's oldest, was one of fresh fun and fantastic food. Sitting in a "booth" felt like being in a classy train's dining car. I highly recommend going for it.
- Old San FranciscoOld San Francisco at its best
- SF experiencequentasantial SF experience
- San Francisco charmThe service was excellent, and the food was delicious. I would highly recommend visiting for some old school San Francisco charm.
- alfresco diningThey also have alfresco dining
Frequently criticized
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:1
- atmosphereThere are much, much better restaurants in San Francisco for far less expense. I feel this place is just trading on its name and history, with a horrible atmosphere more akin to a school refectory than an historical establishment.
- bar areasat us right next to the bar where the staff seemed to hang out chatting
- interiorAs one of the oldest seafood restaurants in the area, the interior is quite classic and a bit somber. However, the warmth of the service overshadows this somberness.
- private boothdon’t recommend sitting in the private booth
- private boothsThe private booths were a little weird
- roachsaw a little roach crawl across the bar
- sittingfeel little tight when sitting
- smelled weirdSmelled weird
- spaceThe chowder was light on clams and on the edge of being too salty. The ventilation is poor and the space is small, contributing to a less-than-ideal atmosphere. I will try again during happy hour.
If youre looking for a classic, charming San Francisco experience with cozy private booths, the ambience here will likely hit the spot. But if youre sensitive to stuffiness or poor ventilation, be aware that some areas might feel less comfortable.
Value (3.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 20% of the guests
When it comes to value, opinions are quite divided, though leaning heavily towards the negative. A few guests found the prices to be reasonable, even noting that it saved me money and the price was good. Out of 30 total comments, 4 positive remarks touched on the affordability, suggesting that for some, the cost was fair.
However, the overall picture for value is quite challenging, with a low score of 3.4 and customer satisfaction at a mere 13.3%. Many felt the restaurant was overpriced and pricey, with concerns about menu price and even dishonesty. A significant 24 negative comments highlighted issues like no separate bills and dishes simply not offering better value for money.
Value
30
Reviews
13%
Satisfaction
24
negative
2
neutral
4
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
What people don't like
- Overpriced dishes
- No separate bills
- Deceptive pricing
Often praised
- pricesprices were reasonable for a city like San Francisco
- pricethe price was good
- saving me moneyit saved me money
Frequently criticized
- priceWhile the seafood was delicious, the vegetables were rather bland and overcooked. Two dishes, bread, and a glass of wine cost $108 before tip. It was fun seeing and saying hello to former Mayor and California Speaker of the House Willie Brown holding court at the bar at 2 pm in the afternoon; he's 91 and enjoying life!
- priceythe seafood salad was pricey and meh
- overpricedthe place is a bit overpriced
- $65 cut of meatnot a 65$ cut of meat
- billbe ready for the bill, it’s a bit pricey
- cost$75 pp for main course and desert with one drink seemed on the high side
- dishThat was the extent of this $33 dish. It was disappointing.
- dishonestyDue their dishonesty 1 star
- high pricethe high price
- menu priceMenu price is intentionally deceptive
If you're looking for good value, this might not be your best bet, as many find it quite expensive for what you get. Be prepared for potentially high prices and the inconvenience of not being able to split bills easily.
How are the prices at Sam's Grill?
You’re looking at roughly 62 per person – reported by 111 diners. That puts it in the $61–$70 category. For a Seafood Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Interestingly, while the average sits here, the actual spending is quite spread out, offering everything from more budget-friendly bites to some truly premium experiences.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 111 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, for a Seafood Restaurant in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels pretty fair. Youve got options, whether youre looking for something a bit more casual or ready to splurge a little.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Sam's Grill
Price per Person
- $91–$100
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Timeless San Francisco Gem
My experience at this restaurant was like stepping into a timeless San Francisco. The menu masterfully blends the charm of the nineteen fifties with the present day. The wood panel interior creates a warm and inviting atmosphere, complemented by an excellent bar.
The servers were both competent and attentive. I will definitely be back often.
- menu9
- wood panel interior9
- excellent bar9
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Delicious Appetizers and Great Service
We popped in for a quick bite and headed to the bar. The bar area was packed, but the dining room had some available seating, so we chose to sit there. Instead of ordering individual entrées, we decided to order a handful of appetizers and dishes to share.
Our dining liaison was very accommodating and nice, with a couple of fun, quick-witted jokes. He was a super nice guy. The hostess was also very friendly and accommodating.
There was lots of seafood on the menu, and we enjoyed some smoked trout, cured salmon, octopus, and a couple of vegetable sides. All were very tasty.
- smoked trout9
- cured salmon9
- octopus9
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Noise Level
- Quiet
8
Delicious Food, Odd Vibe
My experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. The food was absolutely delicious, and the staff was incredibly nice. However, the vibe was a bit strange, with a very old-school, stuffy atmosphere that felt intentional.
While this didn't bother me personally, I would advise against sitting in the private booth at the back, near the restroom, as it smelled weird.
- food10
- staff10
- vibe6
- private booth3
- smelled weird2
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Amazing Seafood and Service!
After a day exploring Fisherman's Wharf and downtown, we were looking for a great seafood dinner close to our hotel on Montgomery Street. Sam's offered many seafood options, and it did not disappoint! The clam chowder was absolutely amazing, packed with flavor and plenty of clams.
We also thoroughly enjoyed the Oysters Rockefeller, a favorite of mine that isn't commonly found. For our main course, the fish and chips were the best we've ever had – light, flaky, and not heavily breaded. We paired our meal with a wonderful Chardonnay and received fantastic service from Mike.
This is a restaurant you don't want to miss. We highly recommend it!
- clam chowder10
- Oysters Rockefeller9
- fish and chips10
Price per Person
- $71–$80
Visit Type
- Business Meeting
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Classic SF Financial District Eatery
This is a classic San Francisco financial district eatery, a place for deal-making and a watering hole. The service was professional, courteous, and knowledgeable from the front desk to the table servers. I went with my buddy, who is 100 years old, to quietly celebrate him and a successful meeting on Montgomery Street.
We were given a private 2-person booth, but kept the curtain open to observe the action. He enjoyed the halibut (with broccoli and mashed potatoes), and I had the sand dabs, which were tender, perfectly cooked, and boneless. We paired our meals with two glasses of Savignon Blanc and finished with black coffee during our long conversation.
My buddy mentioned he really missed working downtown on Sansome Street in insurance about 50 years ago, and lunch at Sam's brought that feeling back. It was a great day.
- service10
- halibut8
- sand dabs10
What Sam's Grill offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Table service
- Lunch
- Dessert
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Atmosphere
- Upscale
- Historic
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
Do I need a reservation to dine at Sam's Grill & Seafood Restaurant?
Yes, dinner reservations are highly recommended at Sam’s Grill & Seafood Restaurant, especially if you plan to visit during peak hours. While you can dine in for lunch or dinner, securing a table in advance ensures you won’t miss out on this historic Union Square experience.
What accessibility features and amenities does Sam's Grill & Seafood Restaurant offer?
Sam’s Grill & Seafood Restaurant is committed to accessibility, offering a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restroom. For your convenience, you’ll also find a restroom and a bar onsite where you can enjoy a selection of hard liquor, wine, beer, and cocktails.
How does Sam's Grill generally perform?
Sam’s Grill holds a good overall score of 7.7. It performs well in Food (8), Service (7.9), and Ambience (7.7), though Value (3.4) is a notable concern for many diners.
What can I expect from the food at Sam's Grill?
Many guests praise the classic, well-prepared seafood and dishes like grilled octopus and perfectly cooked salmon. However, some experiences mention bland or overcooked items, and occasional quality issues.
What is the atmosphere like at Sam's Grill?
The restaurant is often described as having a charming, old-world feel with classic San Francisco ambiance and appealing private booths. Yet, a few reviews note issues like poor ventilation or an uninviting atmosphere.