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- Accepts reservations
oChef » Bourbon Steak – San Francisco
Bourbon Steak - San Francisco
Photo from Bourbon Steak
Bourbon Steak at a glance
San Francisco Union Square
- 🍔 American Restaurant
$$$
Price per Person $91–$100
mentioned by 15 of the guests
#1655 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#87 American Restaurant out of 121 in San Francisco
Good
7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
241
Reviews
66.4%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Excellent Cuisine
- Refined Setting
- Dedicated Staff
Frequently criticized
- Expensive Bill
- Spotty Service
- Temperature Issues
The Bourbon Steak restaurant is an American Restaurant located in the vibrant Union Square neighborhood of San Francisco. When you step inside this Bourbon Steak Restaurant, you’ll find a sophisticated setting perfect for a memorable meal.
You can expect a refined dining experience right in the heart of the city, offering a delightful culinary journey.
Overview: Introducting Bourbon Steak
Bourbon Steak offers an experience where the setting truly shines, balancing modern elegance with cozy sophistication . Guests often praise the attention to detail in the decor and the overall inviting atmosphere.
The culinary offerings also stand out, with many noting dishes are cooked to perfection . However, this elevated experience comes with a notable consideration for value .
While the service generally receives commendation for its amazing hospitality , some guests have encountered issues, including instances where a waiter disappeared or food arrived lukewarm at best .
Good
7
out of 10
241
Reviews
66.4%
Satisfaction
68
negative
13
neutral
160
positive
Bourbon Steak earns a solid 7 overall, indicating a good dining experience, though customer satisfaction sits at a more mixed 66.4%. This suggests that while many enjoy their visit, some aspects could be refined.
Based on 241 customer remarks, with 160 positive and 68 negative observations, the feedback provides a clear picture of what to expect. The Food (7.3) is a definite highlight, often praised for its quality and presentation.
The Ambience (7.9) also stands out as a strong point, creating an elegant and comfortable setting. Service (6.6) is generally well-regarded, though it occasionally falls short for some.
The primary area for improvement appears to be Value (4.4), which many find to be a significant concern.
What people like
- Exceptional Food Quality
- Elegant Dining Ambiance
- Attentive Staff Service
What people don't like
- Very High Prices
- Service Inconsistencies
- Occasional Lukewarm Food
With a recommendation score of 7.2, Bourbon Steak is a place worth considering for those seeking a refined dining experience. It delivers on its promise of quality food and an elegant setting, making it suitable for special occasions or when you’re prepared for a higher-end meal.
However, be mindful of the cost, as it’s a significant factor for many. While service is often commendable, occasional lapses occur.
If you prioritize a sophisticated atmosphere and well-prepared dishes and are comfortable with the price, it could be a rewarding visit.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Bourbon Steak
Food (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 92% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this place generally hits the mark with a good score of 7.3 and good customer satisfaction at 70.5%. Many of the 93 positive remarks rave about the excellent steaks, the indulgent truffle mac n cheese, and the playful duck fat fries. Don't forget the delightful beignets for dessert!
However, not every dish is a home run. With 31 negative comments, some diners experienced issues with steak cooking inconsistencies and food temperature. A few found certain salty dishes and questioned the overall quality of food for the price point.
Food
132
Reviews
70%
Satisfaction
31
negative
8
neutral
93
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Excellent steaks
- Delicious sides
- Outstanding desserts
What people don't like
- Inconsistent cooking
- Overly salty food
- Lukewarm dishes
Often praised
- foodThe overall food quality was excellent
- steaksa few steaks — everything was cooked to perfection
- cocktailsSides like the creamy spinach and lobster mac & cheese elevated the meal even further. Cocktails were inventive and well-balanced, and the wine list was thoughtfully curated with options for every palate. Dessert was the cherry on top—don’t miss the warm chocolate cake with salted caramel ice cream.
- friesThe fries and dipping sauces they brought out were excellent
- wine listSides like the creamy spinach and lobster mac & cheese elevated the meal even further. Cocktails were inventive and well-balanced, and the wine list was thoughtfully curated with options for every palate. Dessert was the cherry on top—don’t miss the warm chocolate cake with salted caramel ice cream.
- beignetswe had the beignets with an dipping amazing sauce
- food presentationMy experience at this restaurant was marked by its extremely pricey nature, but it was deservingly so. The food was excellent and very well presented. I was also impressed by the great attention to wine matching, and I highly recommend asking to talk to their sommelier.
- french friesthe french fries in this restaurant is excellent!
- sidessides which include but not limited to black truffle mac & cheese are scrumptious
- steakThe steak was probably one of the best steaks
Frequently criticized
- drinksSo you don't want me to eat and order more drinks
- food temperaturea lot of our food came out lukewarm at best
- orange juicean orange juice first it came rancid
- Caesar saladthe ceaser salad to share it had almost a citrus taste which made the lettuce taste wilted
- Lobstertried Quail, lobster and trout dish and neither was worth the money
- NY stripNY strip (medium rare) the steak we were served was too thin
- PalomaThe Paloma was like a weird sour taste and we returned it
- Quailtried Quail, lobster and trout dish and neither was worth the money
- Trouttried Quail, lobster and trout dish and neither was worth the money
- Wagyu ribeyeWagyu ribeye was underwhelming. Hardly seasoned. Chewy.
If youre looking for a spot with potentially amazing steaks and standout sides, its definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful that some dishes might have inconsistent cooking or seasoning, so manage your expectations for every plate.
Service (6.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 80% of the guests
When it comes to service, guests often rave about the exceptional hospitality and attentive staff, with many praising knowledgeable servers and impeccable service. From warm greetings to personalized attention, the team often goes above and beyond, making for a memorable experience. This contributes to a 6.6 score and a 61.5% customer satisfaction, indicating a generally positive, though somewhat mixed, reception based on 40 positive remarks.
However, not all experiences are smooth sailing. Some diners have faced frustratingly long waits for tables or drinks, and reported forgotten orders or unresponsive staff. Instances of poor service, including feeling unacknowledged or rushed, have also been noted, with 22 negative opinions highlighting these areas for improvement.
Service
65
Reviews
61%
Satisfaction
22
negative
3
neutral
40
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Exceptional hospitality
- Attentive, kind staff
- Knowledgeable servers
What people don't like
- Long waiting times
- Unresponsive staff
- Forgotten orders
Often praised
- servicethe service was amazing — friendly, attentive, and perfectly timed
- staffFrom the moment we stepped in, the ambiance struck a perfect balance between modern elegance and cozy sophistication, setting the stage for an extraordinary evening. The service was impeccable—attentive without being intrusive, with staff who were genuinely passionate about the menu and eager to make our experience memorable. Our server made excellent recommendations, and every dish arrived with perfect timing and presentation.
- serverservice is attentive and pleasant from host to server
- Leilani ScharttThe atmosphere was elegant and inviting, the food was simply outstanding, and the level of service was unlike anything we’ve ever experienced. A very special thank you to Leilani Schartt, who made our evening extraordinary. She went above and beyond in every detail, ensuring our celebration was top-notch.
- amazing hospitalityI had an excellent meal tonight. A huge thank you to the staff for the amazing hospitality.
- attention to detailThe ambiance was refined and elegant, yet comfortable, making it the perfect setting for a memorable night out. The food was outstanding, and the combination of exceptional service, beautiful presentation, and attention to detail truly made this restaurant stand out. I would absolutely return and highly recommend Bourbon Steak San Francisco to anyone looking for an elevated dining experience in the city.
- bartender knowledgeThe bartender was extremely knowledgeable about the bar's whiskey selections
- bartender recommendationswas not overbearing in her recommendations
- bartendersthe bartenders were really friendly
- greetinggreeted by everyone as we walked to our table
Frequently criticized
- servicewe had a hard time finding our server
- staffPlease take note and educate your staff.
- waiterThe waiter was aloof and said he didn't think they did.
- GMthe GM leaves a gruff message that they can neither confirm or deny that you use latex, that is is wrong.
- drink orderWe had a reservation but still faced a 20-minute wait for our table. Once seated, it took another 25 minutes for our drink order to be taken, and then our waiter disappeared for a staggering 45 minutes. We observed tables seated after us receiving their orders and food while we waited.
- drinksour drinks were still forgotten
- food arrivalour food came in a big rush
- order appetizersthe waiter refused and said we had to order everything at once
- pour wineI absolutely hate it when the waiter/somlier comes and pours wine into my half filled glass.
- server greetingwaited over 45 minutes without being greeted or acknowledged by a server
If youre looking for a place with the potential for truly exceptional hospitality and attentive staff, its worth a try. Just be prepared that there's a chance you might encounter some frustrating waits or less-than-stellar attention, which could dampen your experience.
Ambience (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 45% of the guests
The ambiance here really hits the mark, scoring a solid 7.9 and earning a fantastic 82.1% customer satisfaction. Based on 23 positive comments out of 28 total, guests rave about the refined ambiance, decor, and vibe, creating an elevated dining experience. Many found it elegant, energetic, and beautifully designed, often described as a gorgeous, palace-like setting with a cohesive, old English leather interior.
However, a few of the 5 negative comments pointed out some minor hiccups. Some found the vibe a bit off, and the music genre changed too frequently, which could be distracting. Plus, the restrooms were noted as quite a trek, which isn't ideal for a fine dining experience.
Ambience
28
Reviews
82%
Satisfaction
5
negative
0
neutral
23
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Refined, elegant ambiance
- Cohesive interior design
- Energetic, classy vibe
What people don't like
- Long restroom trek
- Inconsistent music
- Off-putting vibe
Often praised
- ambianceThe ambiance strikes a perfect balance between modern elegance and cozy sophistication
- atmosphereThe atmosphere was elegant and inviting
- decorFrom the decor, service, food presentation & taste all 10/10
- environmentEvery dish was beautifully presented and absolutely delicious, with flavors that exceeded our expectations. The environment was refined yet comfortable, making it the perfect setting for such a meaningful milestone. We cannot recommend Bourbon Steak highly enough.
- ambienceThe ambience, as with the entire St. Francis hotel, is remarkable
- cohesive experienceall worked together to form a nice, cohesive experience
- customersthe customers culturally diverse
- decorative detailThe attention to the decorative detail was great
- elevated dining experienceadded to the elevated dining experience
- experienceGreat experience
Frequently criticized
- fine diningFor a restaurant that promotes itself as fine dining
- musicexcept for the music
- music genrethe music genre changed too frequently
- restroomsThe trek to get to the restrooms was... well, a trek.
- vibeThe vibe was off; the place struggled to have a personality
If you're looking for a place with a truly stunning and refined atmosphere, this spot is definitely worth checking out. While there are a couple of minor quirks like the music and restroom location, the overall elegant and cohesive design makes for a memorable visit.
Value (4.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 35% of the guests
When it comes to value, some guests feel this spot delivers a truly five-star experience that's worth every penny, even if it comes with a hefty price tag. Out of 16 customer remarks, 4 positive sentiments suggest that for those seeking a special treat, the cost is justified by the overall experience. However, the overall sentiment leans towards disappointment, with a significant 10 negative opinions highlighting concerns.
The value score sits at an 4.4, which is average, but customer satisfaction is quite poor at just 25%. Many found the food, steaks, and cocktails expensive and overpriced, feeling it was not worth the price tag and, for some, even a waste of money.
Value
16
Reviews
25%
Satisfaction
10
negative
2
neutral
4
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Five-star experience
- Worth the cost
What people don't like
- Extremely overpriced
- Not worth price
- Waste of money
Often praised
- priceExtremely pricey, but deservingly so.
- costThis is an expensive restaurant, but worth the cost
- five-star experienceDessert was the cherry on top—don’t miss the warm chocolate cake with salted caramel ice cream. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself, Bourbon Steak delivers a five-star experience that’s worth every penny. We’ll absolutely be back!
Frequently criticized
- pricespent over $300. for 2x people, for a $150./person I expected a lot more
- cocktailsThe cocktails, were exceptional pricey
- expensiveThe most expensive for the quality of food
- foodThe food is extremely overpriced
- price tagNot worth the price tag
- steaksThe service was attentive and pleasant, from the host to the server. While the steaks are pricey, it's important to remember that you are dining in San Francisco and enjoying steaks sourced from Snake River Ranch, a top choice for meat among chefs nationwide. This is undoubtedly a treat for anyone who loves great food, especially steak.
- waste of moneythis one is a waste
This spot is definitely on the pricier side. While some guests feel the five-star experience justifies the cost, many others found it overpriced and not worth the price tag. If you're ready to splurge, you might find value, but be warned that overall customer satisfaction for the price is quite low.
How are the prices at Bourbon Steak?
On average, you’ll spend around 98 per person – from 15 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $91–$100 category. For an American Restaurant, especially in San Francisco, that’s definitely a higher-end price point.
While the average is 98$, it’s interesting to see that most diners are actually spending over 101$, suggesting a strong lean towards a premium experience.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 15 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
For an American restaurant in San Francisco at this price, we feel it’s positioned as a premium dining experience. We recommend ensuring the quality, service, and ambiance consistently deliver on that higher expectation to justify the cost for guests.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Bourbon Steak
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Exceptional Dining Experience at Bourbon Steak
I had an incredible dining experience at Bourbon Steak San Francisco. From the moment we arrived, the hospitality was exceptional, and every member of the staff personally greeted us, creating such a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Our server Yasmin was fantastic, attentive, and genuinely kind, ensuring every detail of our evening was perfect.
The service throughout the night was impeccable, and several staff members even offered to take photos for us, which made the experience feel even more personal and special. The ambiance was refined and elegant, yet comfortable, making it the perfect setting for a memorable night out. The food was outstanding, and the combination of exceptional service, beautiful presentation, and attention to detail truly made this restaurant stand out.
I would absolutely return and highly recommend Bourbon Steak San Francisco to anyone looking for an elevated dining experience in the city.
- hospitality10
- staff10
- server Yasmin10
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Impeccable Service and Unmatched Lamb Chops!
My experience at this restaurant was defined by attentive and impeccable service. I absolutely loved the champagne 🍾 flight. As a frequent diner at steakhouses and Michael Mina restaurants, I can confidently say the lamb chops, sides, and steaks here offer an unmatched taste 😋 👌.
Props to everyone involved! We will definitely be back!
- service10
- champagne flight9
- lamb chops10
Service Type
- Dine-in
5
Beautiful Ambiance, Disappointing Food
My experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. The staff was very nice and aseptically dressed well, contributing to a beautiful and relaxing environment. However, the food was a significant letdown.
Both the veggies and the meat were too salty, and the mashed potatoes tasted processed, like they came from a box. To put it mildly, the next day my natural gastrointestinal system rid the contents. While the service and atmosphere were excellent, the poor quality of the food made for an unpleasant overall experience.
- staff9
- environment9
- veggies2
- meat2
- mashed potatoes2
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Incredible Steakhouse Experience
My experience at this new steakhouse in downtown was everything that San Francisco promises. The ambiance was incredible, and Sophie was an all-star server. It was a great experience if you can get inside.
- ambiance10
- server10
- experience9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Impeccable Wine, Great Food, Will Return!
I had a great time and enjoyed everything. While the cocktails weren’t my favorite, the wine list was impeccable. I will definitely be back for the caviar Twinkie's!
- wine list9
- caviar Twinkie's10
- cocktails4
What Bourbon Steak offers
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Wine
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Service Options
- Dine-in
FAQs
Does Bourbon Steak Restaurant accept reservations?
Yes, Bourbon Steak Restaurant accepts reservations, making it easy for you to plan your visit and secure your table for a delightful dining experience.
What kind of beverages can you find at Bourbon Steak Restaurant?
At Bourbon Steak Restaurant, you can enjoy a wide selection of beverages, including fine wines, expertly crafted cocktails, and various other alcoholic options to complement your meal.
How does Bourbon Steak rate overall?
Bourbon Steak holds an overall score of 7, indicating a good experience. Its Ambience (7.9) and Food (7.3) are highly rated, while Service (6.6) is generally good, and Value (4.4) is a notable concern.
What stands out about the dining experience at Bourbon Steak?
Guests frequently praise the restaurant’s modern elegance and cozy sophistication , creating an inviting atmosphere. The steaks are often highlighted as cooked to perfection , alongside inventive cocktails and scrumptious sides .
Are there any common concerns about Bourbon Steak?
The most frequent concern revolves around the price , with many finding it extremely pricey or overpriced . Some guests also reported service issues, such as a waiter disappeared or lukewarm food.