Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
oChef » Great Steak – San Francisco
Great Steak - San Francisco
Photo from Great Steak
Great Steak at a glance
San Francisco Balboa Terrace
- 🍔 American Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 8 of the guests
#2371 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#119 American Restaurant out of 121 in San Francisco
Poor
4 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
71
Reviews
26.8%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Welcoming ambiance
- Friendly service
Frequently criticized
- Bland food
- High prices
The restaurant Great Steak in San Francisco’s vibrant Balboa Terrace neighborhood is your go-to American Restaurant for a satisfying meal. You’ll appreciate the casual atmosphere, perfect for any time of day.
What truly sets it apart is the thoughtful inclusion of Halal food options alongside delicious vegetarian choices, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or settling in for a full dinner, you’ll find a welcoming spot.
Overview: Introducting Great Steak
Great Steak offers a mixed experience, where a pleasant ambiance and genuinely friendly service provide a welcoming atmosphere. Many appreciate the consistent quality of their chicken teriyaki philly, often noting the good flavor and fresh ingredients that make for a satisfying sandwich.
However, the culinary journey can be inconsistent, with some finding the food bland or artificial, particularly the cheesesteaks which often lack flavor and quality ingredients. The value proposition also raises concerns, as many feel the pricing doesn’t align with the portion sizes or overall quality.
Poor
4
out of 10
71
Reviews
26.8%
Satisfaction
47
negative
5
neutral
19
positive
Overall, Great Steak registers a 4 out of 10, placing it in the poor category, and customer satisfaction stands at a low 26.8%. This indicates a significant gap in meeting diner expectations.
The Food (3.9) is a primary concern, drawing the most commentary with 70.4% of all discussions, and unfortunately, much of it is critical. Similarly, Value (3.1) is also perceived poorly, with many finding the offerings overpriced for what you receive.
On a brighter note, the Ambience (7) receives a good rating, suggesting a comfortable setting, though it’s mentioned less frequently. Service (5) lands squarely in the average range, indicating it’s generally acceptable but not a standout feature.
These insights are drawn from 71 customer remarks, comprising 19 positive and 47 negative observations, painting a clear picture of areas needing attention.
What people like
- Pleasant ambiance
- Friendly service
- Consistent chicken philly
What people don't like
- Bland food quality
- Poor value
- Inconsistent cheesesteak
Considering a 3.5 recommendation score, Great Steak presents a challenging proposition. While the atmosphere is agreeable and the staff generally welcoming, the core culinary experience often falls short.
If you’re seeking a reliable, flavorful meal, particularly a cheesesteak, you might find yourself disappointed by the inconsistent quality and blandness. However, if you’re a long-time fan of their specific chicken teriyaki philly and prioritize a friendly interaction, it might still hold some appeal.
Just be prepared for pricing that many feel doesn’t quite match the overall offering, making it a place to approach with tempered expectations.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Great Steak
Food (3.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 93% of the guests
Based on 50 comments, the food here presents a bit of a mixed picture, though the overall sentiment leans towards needing improvement, with a score of 3.9 and customer satisfaction at 28%. Still, some diners found bright spots, praising the solid bread, fresh ingredients, and tasty, well-cooked meat. Specific sandwiches, like the chicken teriyaki philly, often received compliments for their flavor and sufficient portions.
However, a significant number of experiences (34 out of 50 comments) highlighted some clear downsides. Many complaints centered on fake cheese, an artificial taste, and generally poor ingredients, especially in the Philly Cheesesteak. Diners frequently mentioned the food being bland, fries being mediocre, and even issues with undercooked burgers or overly spicy nuggets.
Food
50
Reviews
28%
Satisfaction
34
negative
2
neutral
14
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Solid bread
- Fresh ingredients
- Tasty meat
What people don't like
- Fake cheese
- Bland food
- Poor ingredients
Often praised
- foodMy experience at the restaurant was mixed. The service was good, and the food was made fresh. However, the food was extremely bland, making it not worth the high calories or price.
- breadthe bread was soft
- chickenMy experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. While I've consistently enjoyed their chicken teriyaki philly at various locations for years, finding it adequately stuffed with chicken and possessing good flavor, the current pricing has become a significant issue. For a small sandwich, the price is $13, and a large is $17.
- chicken teriyaki phillyenjoyed the chicken teriyaki philly for years
- deliciousness of meat, cheese and vegenjoy the deliciousness of meat, cheese and veg
- flavorMy experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. While I've consistently enjoyed their chicken teriyaki philly at various locations for years, finding it adequately stuffed with chicken and possessing good flavor, the current pricing has become a significant issue. For a small sandwich, the price is $13, and a large is $17.
- fresh ingredients and veggiesMy experience at this restaurant brings back nostalgic memories, as I grew up eating here on every minimum day. They consistently serve solid bread, fresh ingredients and veggies, and tasty, well-cooked meat, all combined in a great sandwich. I highly recommend coming by to enjoy the deliciousness of their meat, cheese, and vegetables!
- great sandwichwith tasty and well cooked meat on a great sandwich
- great steakGreat steak reminds me of something
- solid breadThey always have solid bread
Frequently criticized
- cheesesteakUpon trying it fresh, it was even worse. The cheesesteak had hardly any meat, lacked flavor, and the bread was toasted. The peppers were also not really cooked.
- foodI was really disappointed by the flavorless food
- friesThe fries didn't taste fresh and also weren't very crispy.
- breadThe bread had cracks in it and fell apart when I grabbed it.
- burgerburger that was completely UNDER COOKED
- cheeseThe cheese they use on the cheesesteak is so nasty and thick.
- Philly CheesesteakReally terrible Philly Cheesesteak
- artificial tasteVery artificial and the sand which was not cheap.
- bread rollMy experience at this restaurant was overwhelmingly negative, primarily due to the food quality. The Philly Cheesesteak was truly terrible, made with very poor ingredients and a bad bread roll, bearing no resemblance to the real thing. The cheese fries were equally revolting, featuring a bad fake "cheese" that ruined the otherwise mediocre fries.
- cheese friescheese fries were revolting
If you're considering dining here, manage your expectations for the food. While some items like certain sandwiches might satisfy, be prepared for potential issues with ingredient quality, particularly regarding cheese and overall flavor. It might be a hit-or-miss experience.
Service (5 out of 10)
mentioned by 50% of the guests
When it comes to service, many guests found the staff to be very nice and friendly, often noting that the service was good and even fast. Based on 4 positive remarks out of 9 total, it seems theres a decent foundation here. The overall score for service sits at an average 5, suggesting a generally acceptable experience.
However, some experiences were quite frustrating, particularly concerning issues with the phone number and being unable to reach this location to sort out orders. There were also complaints about service being very slow due to understaffing. With 3 negative remarks and customer satisfaction at a mixed 44.4%, theres definitely room for improvement in consistency and communication.
Service
9
Reviews
44%
Satisfaction
3
negative
2
neutral
4
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Good service
- Fast service
What people don't like
- Unreachable phone number
- Slow service
Often praised
- serviceService is friendly
- fast serviceRestauration rapide mais ce n'Ă©tait pas mauvais
- staffthe staff was very nice
Frequently criticized
- phone numberMy experience at this restaurant was incredibly frustrating due to a non-functioning phone number. I placed an order for the wrong location and was unable to reach this location to remedy the situation.
- reach this locationcan't even reach this location
- serviceThe cheese fries were equally revolting, featuring a bad fake "cheese" that ruined the otherwise mediocre fries. The service was very slow because there was only one person desperately trying to manage both the till and cooking. While he did his best under the circumstances, the food itself is just awful.
Overall, the service here seems to be a bit of a mixed bag. While you might encounter friendly and fast staff, be prepared for potential communication issues, especially with reaching the location. It could be worth a try if you're in the area, but manage your expectations regarding consistency.
Ambience (7 out of 10)
mentioned by 7% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, it seems this place really shines! One person specifically mentioned how it adds to the ambiance, which is fantastic. With a good score of 7 and an excellent customer satisfaction rate of 100%, its clear the "ambiance" is a major highlight, based on the 1 positive feedback received.
Whats even better is that there are no negative opinions or terms to report about the ambience. Its quite rare to see zero complaints, suggesting that the atmosphere is consistently pleasing and doesnt leave anyone feeling disappointed. So, you can expect a smooth and enjoyable experience on the vibe front.
Ambience
1
Reviews
100%
Satisfaction
0
negative
0
neutral
1
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great ambiance
What people don't like
Often praised
- ambianceadds to the ambiance
Frequently criticized
No complaints so far.
If you're looking for a spot with a great atmosphere, this place seems to be a winner. The ambience is clearly a strong point, with everyone loving the vibe. You can definitely expect a pleasant setting for your visit.
Value (3.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 50% of the guests
When it comes to value, it seems there isnt much positive buzz to report. Based on 11 total opinions, we found no positive feedback about the pricing or portion sizes, suggesting customers havent highlighted any great deals or satisfying experiences in this area. However, the sentiment shifts dramatically when looking at the negatives.
With 10 negative comments, it's clear that many feel the price is too high, especially for items like a small sandwich. The overall score for value is a rather poor 3.1, and customer satisfaction sits at a concerning 0%, indicating significant disappointment with what you get for your money, often compared to sit-down restaurant prices.
Value
11
Reviews
0%
Satisfaction
10
negative
1
neutral
0
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
What people don't like
- High prices
- Small portions
- Poor quality
Often praised
No positive aspects so far.
Frequently criticized
- priceI ordered the cheesesteak, which was decent but mostly filled with peppers and onions. The cheesesteak fries were mediocre and overpriced. I also tried the potato skins, which were flavorless and consisted of only two small skins for $9.
- current pricesat current prices, it's not worth it
- large sandwich$17 for large
- potato skins2 small skins for $9
- sit-down restaurant pricesThat's sit-down restaurant prices!
- small sandwich$13 for a small sandwich
If you're looking for a budget-friendly meal or great bang for your buck, this might not be the place for you. Customers consistently feel the prices are too high for the portions and quality offered, making it a potential disappointment for value-conscious diners.
How are the prices at Great Steak?
You’re looking at roughly 17 per person – reported by 8 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For an American Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most of the recent reviews show spending clustered right in this $11–$20 sweet spot, though a couple of diners spent a bit more, landing in the $21–$30 range. This gives us a good indication, but remember, we’re working with just 8 reviews here.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 8 reviews. While this is a good indication, keep in mind the data is still limited.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
For an American Restaurant, especially in a city like San Francisco, we think the pricing feels pretty fair. It offers a good balance, making it accessible without compromising on the experience. Wed say its a solid choice for a casual meal.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Great Steak
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Delivery
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Takeout
Noise Level
- Loud
2
Frustrating experience with non-functioning phone number
My experience at this restaurant was incredibly frustrating due to a non-functioning phone number. I placed an order for the wrong location and was unable to reach this location to remedy the situation. It was an absurd situation.
- phone number1
- reach this location1
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
2
Too Spicy, Dry Fries
My experience at the restaurant was dominated by the food. The nuggets were way too spicy for me, leaving a burning sensation on my tongue. 🌶️ The fries were described as 'meh, ' being a bit dry and hard to eat.
I suggest making the nuggets not spicy and the fries skinnier.
- nuggets2
- fries3
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
3
Mediocre Cheesesteak, High Price
My experience at this restaurant was a letdown, especially considering the price. For $18 plus tax and tips, the large cheesesteak came out to $21, and it was just mediocre. I tried it because a friend insisted it was good, better than I remembered from over five years ago, but it's still the same.
On the positive side, the staff was very nice, and the bread was soft. It's definitely not the worst sandwich I've had, but it's far from the best, particularly at this price point. The meat wasn't dry, but it lacked the cheesiness of an authentic cheesesteak.
Additionally, there was way too much lettuce, which made the bread soggier than necessary.
- staff8
- bread7
- cheesesteak3
- cheesiness4
- lettuce3
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
6
Good Food, High Prices
My experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. While I've consistently enjoyed their chicken teriyaki philly at various locations for years, finding it adequately stuffed with chicken and possessing good flavor, the current pricing has become a significant issue. For a small sandwich, the price is $13, and a large is $17.
I ended up spending $30 for a combo with an extra side of jalapeño fries, which feels like sit-down restaurant prices for what is essentially a sandwich shop.
- chicken teriyaki philly8
- chicken7
- flavor7
- current prices3
- small sandwich3
- large sandwich3
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
8
Unique Ambiance, Great Steak
My experience at this legendary establishment was unique. From the outside, it's possibly the most depressing-looking restaurant I've ever seen, tucked away in the corner of the food court with no line. However, I'd argue this adds to the ambiance.
The great steak reminded me of something from a fever dream. It's important to keep places like this alive and not replace them with something lame. The food was pretty good too.
- ambiance7
- great steak9
- food7
What Great Steak offers
Crowd
- Family-friendly
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Quick bite
- Coffee
- Beer
- Halal food
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Breakfast
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Drive-through
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
Is Great Steak in San Francisco accessible for all guests?
Yes, Great Steak in Balboa Terrace offers excellent accessibility. You’ll find a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restroom, ensuring a comfortable experience for everyone.
What kind of dining options and special dietary choices does Great Steak provide?
At Great Steak, you can enjoy a quick bite, coffee, or a full meal for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. They also cater to diverse needs with delicious Halal food and vegetarian options available.
How does Great Steak generally rate among customers?
Great Steak receives an overall score of **4** out of 10, with customer satisfaction at **26.8%**. The **Food** (3.9) and **Value** (3.1) are significant concerns, while **Service** (5) is average, and **Ambience** (7) is generally well-regarded.
What do customers typically enjoy at Great Steak?
Many customers appreciate the pleasant **ambiance** and friendly **service**. The **chicken teriyaki philly** is often highlighted for its consistent flavor and fresh ingredients.
What are the main criticisms regarding Great Steak's food and pricing?
Common criticisms include the **food** being bland, artificial, or inconsistent, especially the cheesesteaks. Many also find the **value** poor, with high **prices** for small portions.