Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
oChef » ABSteak – San Francisco
ABSteak - San Francisco
Photo from ABSteak
ABSteak at a glance
San Francisco Union Square
- 🥩 Steak House
$$$
Price per Person $91–$100
mentioned by 49 of the guests
#329 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#1 Steak House out of 7 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.4 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
414
Reviews
84.1%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Exceptional Ambience
- Quality Meat
- Attentive Service
Frequently criticized
- High Price
- Food Disappointments
- Service Issues
The restaurant ABSteak is a premier Steak House located in the vibrant Union Square neighborhood of San Francisco. You’ll find yourself immersed in an atmosphere that is both cozy and trendy, perfect for an unforgettable dining experience.
Whether you’re planning a special dinner or simply craving expertly prepared steak, this establishment offers a sophisticated setting with top-notch service. Prepare to indulge in a culinary journey where quality and ambiance meet.
Overview: Introducting ABSteak
ABSteak offers a dining experience where the exceptional quality of its meat and the stunning interior design truly stand out. Guests consistently praise the attentive service, with staff often grilling tableside and ensuring a memorable visit.
However, some find the overall price point to be a significant consideration. While the culinary execution and sophisticated atmosphere receive high marks, a few specific food items and occasional service inconsistencies have been noted.
Despite these minor points, the restaurant generally delivers a polished and enjoyable outing, making it a strong contender for those seeking a premium experience.
Excellent
8.4
out of 10
414
Reviews
84.1%
Satisfaction
55
negative
11
neutral
348
positive
ABSteak garners a strong overall Restaurant Score of 8.4, complemented by a solid Customer Satisfaction rate of 84.1%. This positive reception is built on a foundation of excellent Ambience (9.3) and high-quality Food (8.5), which are frequently celebrated by diners.
The dedicated Service (8) also contributes significantly to the positive feedback. However, the Value (4.3) topic score indicates that the pricing is a notable concern for some patrons.
This assessment is drawn from 414 customer comments, with 348 positive remarks highlighting the strengths, while 55 negative observations primarily focus on the cost and some specific culinary missteps.
What people like
- Exceptional Ambience
- High-Quality Meat
- Attentive Service
What people don't like
- High Price Point
- Specific Food Disappointments
- Service Inconsistencies
With a strong Recommendation Score of 8.6, ABSteak is certainly worth considering if you prioritize a high-quality dining experience and are prepared for a premium price point. It excels in creating a sophisticated atmosphere with attentive service and impressive meat dishes.
If you’re seeking an occasion-worthy meal where the ambiance and core food offerings shine, ABSteak delivers. Just be mindful that while the experience is generally well-regarded, the cost-to-value ratio is where some diners have expressed reservations.
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Verdict: Our expert take on ABSteak
Food (8.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot truly shines with an 8.5 score, indicating a good to excellent culinary experience. With a strong 86.4% customer satisfaction across 204 positive remarks out of 236 total, guests rave about the exceptional Korean food, especially the high-quality meats like A5 Wagyu and marinated galbi, often cooked to perfection. The flavors and authenticity are frequently praised, making it a standout KBBQ spot.
However, not every dish hits the mark, with 23 negative comments noting some areas for improvement. A few found certain items, like the cold noodles or desserts, to be disappointing or bland. There were also instances of meat being overcooked or a general concern about food quality in specific dishes, suggesting some inconsistency.
Food
236
Reviews
86%
Satisfaction
23
negative
9
neutral
204
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Exceptional food quality
- High-quality meats
- Authentic Korean flavors
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Disappointing desserts
- Overcooked meat
Often praised
- foodI had such a wonderful time. The food was amazing and Jay took the best care of us. It was a date night success.
- drinksMy experience at the restaurant was perfect for my boyfriend's birthday dinner. The food was great and the drinks were so tasty. The entire staff was incredibly nice, especially Jay, who made us feel special.
- meatWhat a beautiful night at AB Steak. From the exquisite interior design to the perfectly cut meat, my boyfriend and I had the night of our lives. The drinks were so delicious that we ended up getting more than usual haha This place is a must!
- Marinated GalbiMy server, Eric, provided an excellent presentation of the food and made the evening very special. I had the Marinated Galbi, Banchan Platter, and Sorbet Hanrabong. An excellent choice for Korean Cuisine!
- Seafood PajeonDespite their recent opening, all our dishes and drinks were served fast and perfect. Standout dishes included the AB Wagyu Pizza, Seafood Pajeon, and Jjigae. For meat, we enjoyed the Marinated Galbi, Boneless Short Rib, and Chadol (which I believe was brisket).
- beef tartareBeef tartare along with the marinated meats were the highlight
- beef tongueThe high-quality meats really paired well with the side dishes and the sauces. We had the wagyu ribeye steak, beef tongue, and pork belly fried rice. The meats were cooked to perfection by the chefs at the table.
- cocktailsThe cocktails are creative as well
- meat qualityThis is absolutely ridiculous! The restaurant is not worth the price, offering very mediocre food (other than the meat quality) for an extremely high price and no service. We left hungry and very upset.
- meatsWe had the wagyu ribeye steak, beef tongue, and pork belly fried rice. The meats were cooked to perfection by the chefs at the table. I regret not ordering the dry age meat instead 😩, till next time.
Frequently criticized
- AB wagyu pizzaI didn't personally like it
- Australian wagyu ribeyethe wagyu was unfortunately a bit overcooked
- Egg-Soufflethe souffle just had this burnt taste throughout
- Obi-Wan Ken-Ubetasted weird because it had a weird sour flavor
- appetizerappetizer, which was really underwhelming and not very good
- authenticitydoubtful or the authenticity. They kept saying that this wasn't a Korean restaurant
- banchanWe started with an appetizer that was really underwhelming and not very good, as the flavors didn't go well together. The banchan was also not very good. We then waited about 20 minutes for our first round of food, followed by another 20+ minutes for the second round of meat, with no service in between.
- bibimbapthe bibimbap was served in a cold stone bowl so it didn't sizzle or crisp at all
- cold noodlesThe cold noodles were nearly inedible
- dessertthe $25 dessert was a confusing thing we were supposed to smash these chocolate cows or something
If you're looking for an elevated KBBQ experience with top-tier meats and authentic flavors, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful that while the core offerings are fantastic, some side dishes or desserts might not always live up to the same high standard.
Service (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 84% of the guests
The service here generally hits the mark, earning a good score of 8 and a customer satisfaction of 78.3%. With 83 positive remarks out of 106, guests frequently highlight the exceptional service, attentiveness, and warm service. Many appreciated the staffs knowledge and the overall hospitality, making for a truly pleasant experience.
However, theres still room for improvement, with 23 negative comments pointing to occasional hiccups. Some guests experienced long wait times, issues with table clearing, or order accuracy. There were mentions of understaffed moments and a perceived lack of menu knowledge from some staff, leading to delay and a less-than-seamless service experience.
Service
106
Reviews
78%
Satisfaction
23
negative
0
neutral
83
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Exceptional, warm service
- Attentive, friendly staff
- Knowledgeable hospitality experts
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Understaffed moments
- Poor menu knowledge
Often praised
- serviceThe service was top-notch, with staff grilling everything tableside and placing it on warming plates to keep it all perfectly hot.
- staffgreat staff that make these large long dinner parties the talk of the group
- JayHe was so nice and made us feel special
- ServiceAmazing, delectable dishes that do not disappoint the palate along with a stunning interior decor! Service was good and will only get better as the SF AB Steak recently opened this week. Keep up the fabulous work, Chef Akira!
- careIt’s the service, the care, and the attention to detail
- hospitalitygreat hospitality and services they gave to us
- serverThe service was great! With the server requiring to spend more time at your table to cook your meat, it gave us a real chance to get to know them better.
- attention to detailThe attention to detail was impressive, and the team made sure we had an outstanding experience.
- AmandaShe was lovely and professional.
- AngelAngel for always remembering us
Frequently criticized
- serviceThe service was confusing, with multiple people coming by
- staffstaff knows service isn't totally up to par but this feedback has made them twitchy and lacking confidence
- assistanceThey were all nice, but they mentioned being understaffed despite empty tables. Upon arrival, it also took a while for someone to assist us. I hope they hire more people, as it's a shame to cheapen out on staff for such a good place.
- delaya lot of excuses for the delay every time they came back
- menu knowledgeunfamiliar with the menu which contributed to the experience
- order accuracythey forgot an item from our order
- premium steakhouseAs a premium steakhouse your staff is expected to know where the meat is sourced from
- questionscolding me multiple times that my question was “extremely inappropriate”
- restaurantrefused to take responsibility after the fact
- serverserver did accidentally burn the kalbi
Overall, the service here is a strong point, often praised for its attentiveness and warmth. While there might be occasional delays or staffing issues, the positive experiences far outweigh the negatives. If you value excellent hospitality, it's definitely worth a visit.
Ambience (9.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 68% of the guests
Alright, lets dive into the atmosphere! The ambience here is truly something special, scoring an excellent 9.3 and boasting an excellent 96.7% customer satisfaction. Based on 58 positive opinions out of 60 total, guests consistently rave about the stunning interior decor, elegant and rich atmosphere, and the beautiful venue that creates a fun vibe for any occasion.
However, its not entirely without a tiny hiccup. One piece of feedback, out of 60, mentioned a feeling of disorganized restaurant organization. While this is a very minor point given the overwhelmingly positive sentiment, it's worth noting to ensure everything runs smoothly.
Ambience
60
Reviews
96%
Satisfaction
1
negative
1
neutral
58
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Stunning interior decor
- Elegant rich atmosphere
- Vibrant fun vibe
What people don't like
- Disorganized restaurant feel
Often praised
- atmosphereWe had a great time. The atmosphere is stylish and inviting, making it a great spot for a special meal.
- ambienceThe ambience and food is amazing!
- spaceThe space feels modern and stylish
- vibethe vibe was lively but still comfortable
- ambianceThe ambiance, food, music, decor, staff… all perfection!
- interior designWhat a beautiful night at AB Steak. From the exquisite interior design to the perfectly cut meat, my boyfriend and I had the night of our lives. The drinks were so delicious that we ended up getting more than usual haha This place is a must!
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- amazing looking venueamazing looking venue
- bar and dining roomsee the most beautiful bar and dining room. It is really cool.
- beautiful spaceBeautiful space
Frequently criticized
- restaurant organizationThe entire restaurant felt disorganized
If you're looking for a place with an absolutely gorgeous setting and a fantastic atmosphere for a special meal or date night, this spot is definitely worth checking out. The stunning decor and vibrant energy are a huge draw, promising a memorable experience.
Value (4.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 16% of the guests
When it comes to value, some diners found the experience truly rewarding. Despite an overall customer satisfaction of just 25%, a few patrons felt the quality, especially of the A5 meat, offered excellent value for the price, making the entire experience definitely worth it. These 3 positive opinions often highlighted the price and the overall experience as worthwhile.
However, the general sentiment leans towards disappointment, reflected in an average score of 4.3. Many of the 8 negative opinions strongly felt the price was steep, with some noting the price per ounce was higher than normal. Terms like high price frequently popped up, indicating a widespread feeling that the restaurant was simply not worth the price for what was offered, even mentioning extra charges for simple items like lettuce.
Value
12
Reviews
25%
Satisfaction
8
negative
1
neutral
3
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Excellent value
- Worth the experience
- Quality meat justifies
What people don't like
- Steep price
- Not worth it
- High price per ounce
Often praised
- priceThe quality of meat was off the charts, and the service was impeccable. While it is definitely more expensive than your typical Korean BBQ experience, it was SO worth it!
- experiencethe experience is definitely worth it
Frequently criticized
- priceMy experience at the restaurant was good, albeit pricey. My favorites were the beef tartare, marinated galbi, and beef tongue.
- high priceThis is absolutely ridiculous! The restaurant is not worth the price, offering very mediocre food (other than the meat quality) for an extremely high price and no service. We left hungry and very upset.
- lettucecharge $6 for more lettuce
- price per ounceprice per ounce for meat here is higher than normal
- price rangeespecially for a restaurant in this price range
If youre seeking top-tier quality and are prepared for a significant splurge, you might find the experience worthwhile. However, for most, the high price point often doesnt align with the perceived value, leading to disappointment.
How are the prices at ABSteak?
On average, you’ll spend around 91 per person – based on 49 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $91–$100 category. For a Steak House, that’s definitely higher-end.
Looking at what people actually spend, we see a strong lean towards the premium side, with the majority of diners spending over 101 $.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 49 reviews.
Comparing value for money at this restaurant against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a premium Steak House experience in San Francisco, especially given the quality you’d expect at this price point.
Customer Reviews: what people think about ABSteak
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Fun Surprise with Korean-Inspired Steak
My experience at ABSteak by Chef Akira Back was a fun surprise! The modern and stylish space created an exciting atmosphere. The Korean-inspired twist on steak made everything feel fresh, and the meat quality was top-notch—super tender and flavorful.
The sauces and sides provided the perfect balance. The staff were attentive without being over the top, and the vibe was lively yet comfortable. It's a great spot if you're looking for something upscale with a little edge.
- space9
- Korean-inspired twist9
- meat quality10
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Fantastic KBBQ Gem!
My experience at this fantastic KBBQ spot, hidden near Union Square, was truly memorable. The atmosphere was vibrant, and the service was top-notch. Most importantly, the food was absolutely delicious.
I highly recommend checking this place out!
- KBBQ spot10
- atmosphere10
- service10
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Expensive but Worth It Korean BBQ
My experience at this restaurant was absolutely fantastic! The interior was very modern and swanky. The quality of meat was off the charts, and the service was impeccable.
While it is definitely more expensive than your typical Korean BBQ experience, it was SO worth it!
- interior10
- quality of meat10
- service10
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Amazing Dining Experience in a Hidden Gem
My experience at this restaurant was absolutely amazing. Hidden down in a basement, it felt like a discovery, far from the usual San Francisco vibe. While I didn't get to try everything, every dish we had was outstanding.
From the mushroom & asparagus starter to the bulgogi and wagyu ribeye on the grill, and the kimchi pork belly fried rice, the food was a highlight. I will definitely be back soon!
- food10
- dining experience9
- mushroom & asparagus starter9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Moderate (16–30 min.)
2
Inappropriate Service Despite Halal Inquiry
I called to inquire about the farm where the Australian Wagyu was sourced to determine if someone in my party who is Halal observant could eat there. The host initially didn't know but offered to check with the kitchen, which I agreed to. However, after a hold, I was met by another staff member who lectured me, stating it was "extremely inappropriate" to ask the Front of House that question, especially given how busy they were.
I was scolded multiple times for my question being "extremely inappropriate" because the restaurant was packed. While I understand being busy, a simple request to call back later would have sufficed. Instead, after obliging to check, the staff member returned to rant at a potential customer.
As a premium steakhouse, staff should be knowledgeable about meat sourcing; most other steakhouses readily provide this information. Ironically, despite the lecture, I was told the meat is from Westholme farms, which is Halal. Unfortunately, this interaction prevented me from pursuing a reservation.
- Australian Wagyu7
- host8
- Westholme farms9
- staff member2
- question2
- premium steakhouse3
What ABSteak offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Children
- Has changing table(s)
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Hard liquor
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Private dining room
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Table service
- Dessert
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Parking
- Paid parking garage
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Trendy
FAQs
What dining options and atmosphere can you expect at ABSteak by Chef Akira Back?
At ABSteak by Chef Akira Back, you can enjoy a sophisticated dinner with table service in a cozy and trendy atmosphere. The restaurant offers private dining rooms for special occasions, and you can choose from a selection of hard liquor, wine, beer, and cocktails to complement your meal.
Does ABSteak by Chef Akira Back offer accessibility and convenient parking options?
Yes, ABSteak by Chef Akira Back is fully accessible with a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restroom. For your convenience, paid parking garage and paid street parking options are available nearby. The restaurant also provides amenities like restrooms, free Wi-Fi, and a bar onsite.
How does ABSteak generally perform according to customer feedback?
ABSteak receives a strong overall Restaurant Score of 8.4 and a Customer Satisfaction rate of 84.1%. Its performance is driven by excellent Ambience (9.3), high-quality Food (8.5), and attentive Service (8), though Value (4.3) is a common concern.
What are the standout features that customers appreciate most at ABSteak?
Customers frequently praise ABSteak for its beautiful interior design and lively atmosphere. The high quality of the meat, particularly the marinated cuts, and the top-notch, attentive service from the staff are also consistently highlighted as major positives.
Is ABSteak considered good value for money?
While the overall experience is highly rated, the Value topic score of 4.3 indicates that many customers find ABSteak to be on the pricier side. Some opinions mention the high cost of items like lettuce and the price per ounce for meat, suggesting it’s a premium experience.