Highlights
- Great dessert
- Fireplace
- Great wine list
- Great beer selection
oChef » House of Prime Rib – San Francisco
House of Prime Rib - San Francisco
Photo from House of Prime Rib
House of Prime Rib at a glance
San Francisco Polk Gulch
- 🇬🇧 British Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $81–$90
mentioned by 184 of the guests
#1716 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#1 British Restaurant out of 1 in San Francisco
Good
6.9 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
948
Reviews
63.7%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Prime rib quality
- Classic ambiance
Frequently criticized
- Service inconsistency
- Loud atmosphere
The restaurant House of Prime Rib, a celebrated British restaurant in San Francisco’s vibrant Polk Gulch neighborhood, invites you to step into a world of classic elegance. You’ll find yourself enveloped in a cozy, historic atmosphere, complete with a charming fireplace that adds to its romantic appeal.
This upscale establishment is renowned for its exceptional dining experience, making it a must-visit for those seeking a memorable meal in the city.
Overview: Introducting House of Prime Rib
House of Prime Rib offers a distinctive dining experience, often praised for its traditional ambiance and the quality of its main offering. Many find the setting to be warm and full of old-school charm, making it a popular spot for special occasions.
However, some guests note that the overall experience can be affected by a bustling atmosphere, with concerns about noise level and occasional crowding. While the food generally satisfies, there are mixed feelings about the consistency of the service.
Good
6.9
out of 10
948
Reviews
63.7%
Satisfaction
258
negative
86
neutral
604
positive
House of Prime Rib achieves a respectable overall score of 6.9, placing it firmly in the good category. However, customer satisfaction stands at a mixed 63.7%, indicating that while many enjoy their visit, a significant portion leaves with reservations.
This divergence suggests a nuanced experience for diners. The Food (7.7) is a clear highlight, frequently lauded for its quality, based on over 600 positive remarks.
Yet, Service (5.9) and Value (5.3) are perceived as average, with numerous comments pointing to areas for improvement. The Ambience (6.7) generally contributes positively, though some find it can get quite loud.
This feedback comes from a substantial 948 customer opinions.
What people like
- Delicious prime rib
- Classic, warm ambiance
- Generous food portions
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service
- High noise levels
- Rising prices
If you’re seeking a traditional dining experience centered around well-prepared prime rib, House of Prime Rib is worth considering. The overall recommendation score of 7.6 suggests a generally positive experience for many, especially those who appreciate the classic setting and substantial servings.
However, be prepared for a potentially bustling environment and service that can be a mixed bag. While the food is a strong draw, the value proposition and service consistency might not meet everyone’s expectations.
It’s a place to visit for the specific offering, but manage your expectations regarding the overall dining flow.
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Verdict: Our expert take on House of Prime Rib
Food (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 93% of the guests
The food here generally hits the mark, earning a good score of 7.7 and leaving 75.1% of customers satisfied. With 368 positive comments out of 490 total remarks, many guests rave about the perfectly cooked prime rib, delicious sides like creamed spinach and mashed potatoes, and generous portions. The strong martinis and excellent desserts also receive high praise for their quality and flavor.
However, 74 negative observations point to some areas for improvement. A few diners noted issues with the prime rib not always being warm enough, inconsistent meat cuts, and occasional lack of flavor in items like gravy or baked potatoes. Additionally, those seeking vegetarian options or with specific dietary restrictions found the choices quite limited.
Food
490
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
74
negative
48
neutral
368
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Perfectly cooked prime rib
- Generous portions
- Excellent sides
What people don't like
- Limited vegetarian options
- Prime rib temperature issues
- Inconsistent meat cuts
Often praised
- foodMy friends, who traveled from out of state, were very disappointed with her service, feeling she did not meet the House of Prime Rib's service standards. While I still love the food at your restaurant and want to return in the future, the service tonight was a major letdown.
- prime ribThe service and vibe are great, earning a 4/4 rating. The food, unfortunately, is kinda mid, especially the sides, though the availability of such a huge portion of decent prime rib is a plus. The dry martini, while served with a side car, wasn't cold enough for my liking.
- sidesThe atmosphere is unique, elegant, and has an old-school/classic vibe. The sides were all great, and the prime rib was some of the best I've ever had. It's a little pricey, but each meal comes with a ton of sides, and I doubt you could leave hungry.
- creamed spinachThe prime rib was delicious, and the classic atmosphere contributed to a wonderful dining experience. The menu simplifies choices to the size of your prime rib cut (the House cut is plenty), the doneness of your meat, whether you prefer mashed or baked potatoes (I opted for mashed), and creamed spinach or creamed corn (or both for an extra charge). Every order includes fresh sourdough bread, salad prepared tableside, sides, Yorkshire pudding, and a selection of horseradish sauces – I recommend asking for the Tabasco horseradish for a unique kick.
- saladMy experience at the restaurant was marked by great service and amazing sides, including the salad and bread. However, the main dish, the meat, was just okay, which led me to remove one star from the rating.
- portionsMy experience at this restaurant was a mix of highs and lows. It's truly iconic for a reason, offering a theatrical atmosphere and huge portions. However, it's quite pricey for the quality, with the exception of the meat.
- Yorkshire puddingThe menu simplifies choices to the size of your prime rib cut (the House cut is plenty), the doneness of your meat, whether you prefer mashed or baked potatoes (I opted for mashed), and creamed spinach or creamed corn (or both for an extra charge). Every order includes fresh sourdough bread, salad prepared tableside, sides, Yorkshire pudding, and a selection of horseradish sauces – I recommend asking for the Tabasco horseradish for a unique kick. For those not keen on prime rib or seeking variety, the King Henry cut can be seared, presenting as a bone-in ribeye steak that is equally delicious and tender, served with béarnaise.
- FoodWe couldn’t even get a water refill during the entire meal. Food is still amazing of course, but sad to say that it’s not the same experience anymore.
- baked potatoIt's the best I've had anywhere, seasoned perfectly every single time. The accompanying service and sides were also top-notch: great table side salad service, amazing bread, three kinds of horseradish, a fully loaded baked potato, and Yorkshire pudding, all served from a trolley cart. The atmosphere offers old school vibes in the best way.
- drinksordered two drinks at the bar, and for the price ($18+) they were definitely strong
Frequently criticized
- prime ribOur server seemed preoccupied, and the service felt rushed. The prime rib itself was decent, but ultimately far from memorable.
- foodThis was the furthest from the truth. After 2 hours and 45 minutes of wasting our time with my two boys, we were neither taken care of nor fed. Maybe as places become super busy, they begin to stop paying attention to their customers.
- extra sliceHOPR is one of our fave restaurants and we’ve been coming here for years, but our last visit was quite disappointing. The prices have increased, you no longer get an extra slice (except for if you order the King Henry Cut), and bread or sides you want to bring home will cost you extra $5. It also just takes so long to flag anyone down as they’re extremely busy.
- drinksNot one word to me. We ended up skipping drinks because he was too busy laughing it up with that group. Dinner and our server were great, but that bartender’s attitude set the tone for the whole night.
- saladAt the bar the waiter does not mix up your salad
- second sliceThis time, it was a totally different story. The meat was chewy, overcooked, and way too salty. To make matters worse, when I couldn't finish it, they told me they couldn't wrap it to go.
- secondswe were disappointed to learn that they no longer offer seconds.
- Expresso MartiniShe served it as is without shaking it
- King Arthur cutI got the King Arthur cut and it was smaller than everybody else's cut
- King Henry cutEven then it’s TINY!
If youre a fan of classic prime rib and hearty portions, this spot is a strong contender for a satisfying meal. Just be mindful that non-meat options are scarce, and while generally good, some experiences with meat temperature or side consistency can vary. Its worth it for the signature dishes.
Service (5.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 81% of the guests
When it comes to service, many guests rave about the experience! With 138 positive remarks out of 275 total, folks often highlight the attentive staff , excellent service , and friendly bartenders . Many appreciate the smooth reservation process and efficient seating, making for a welcoming start to their meal.
However, the overall score of 5.9 and 50.2% customer satisfaction suggest a mixed bag. With 123 negative comments, some diners encountered long wait times , difficult reservations , and rushed service . A few also mentioned inattentive servers or rude bartenders , which can certainly put a damper on the dining experience.
Service
275
Reviews
50%
Satisfaction
123
negative
14
neutral
138
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Staff are excellent
- Attentive bar service
- Efficient seating
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Reservations are difficult
- Service can be rushed
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at the restaurant was marked by great service and amazing sides, including the salad and bread. However, the main dish, the meat, was just okay, which led me to remove one star from the rating.
- staffappreciated the professionalism and kindness of the staff
- reservationsI've tried making reservations there months out, and if you can get one, go.
- ServiceService:5
- serverWe ended up skipping drinks because he was too busy laughing it up with that group. Dinner and our server were great, but that bartender’s attitude set the tone for the whole night. Then they called saying we left our card, so we fought SF traffic to go back only to find out it wasn’t even ours.
- bartenderMy experience at House of Prime Rib in San Francisco was incredible. We sat at the bar, and the bartender, Frank, was absolutely awesome, friendly, and attentive, ensuring everything was perfect from start to finish. The prime rib was everything we hoped for and more, cooked perfectly and served with all the classic sides.
- reservationI finally got a reservation for my graduation night from USF. We came in early for our reservation and they accommodated us quickly; we only had time to order our drinks and we were already off to our table. The food was amazing, exactly what we expected, a bunch of meat!
- server JBour server JB took care of us. He was courteous, friendly, and super helpful
- waitwaited for about 45mins to get a seat at the bar. It was certainly worth the wait!!
- cocktail waitressThe cocktail waitress was very sweet and had our drinks out fast
Frequently criticized
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was marred by an awful service, specifically concerning the payment process. I was made to waste over 20 minutes trying to pay because the card reader wasn’t working.
- reservationMy experience at this restaurant truly lives up to its classic San Francisco reputation. Getting a reservation here is a challenge — tables are often booked months in advance — but we were lucky to get in without one after waiting about 30 minutes. The staff was friendly and accommodating, making the wait feel smooth and well-handled.
- reservationsThey do not accept reservations for parties of under 4. WHY?
- wait timeI was told on the phone that there wasn't much of a wait, which I interpreted as about 15 minutes. Upon arriving, the wait was actually 45 minutes or more. The bartender told me to have a seat and relax, and they would call me when my bar seat was ready.
- waiting timestanding. I queued for the Sunday 4 PM opening but ended up waiting for three hours
- bartenderMarvin the bartender can now see she’s ordering the drink for me
- customer serviceI decided to share this because I had previously written a letter to management detailing our experience and expressing our disappointment, but they didn’t even acknowledge our concerns. It's disheartening, especially considering the importance of customer service. No matter how long a restaurant has been in business, treating customers with care should always be a priority.
- managerSame issue. They brought out the manager, who assured me that he would remedy the issue. Sure enough, the third one was ice cold as well.
- menuOur waiter completely overlooked our birthday celebration, despite our efforts to share that we were marking both milestones. To make matters worse, the waiter provided us with incorrect information about the menu, which prevented us from ordering seconds. I was incredibly disappointed; the entire experience with him felt like a complete disaster.
- serverWhile the food was ok, the service was not. From start to finish, we felt ignored; our server walked past us multiple times without checking in, and we had to flag people down for basic requests like refills and to place our order. It felt like we were invisible!
Service here seems to be a bit of a gamble. If you manage to snag a reservation and get a great server, you're in for a treat. But be prepared for potential long waits and occasional inconsistencies that might test your patience.
Ambience (6.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 60% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, this spot scores a respectable 6.7, indicating a generally good atmosphere that many enjoy. With 82 positive observations out of 140 total comments, guests frequently praise the classic ambiance, old-school vibes, and how perfect it is for celebrations, creating a memorable experience. However, customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 58.6%, largely due to 41 negative remarks about the ambience.
Many find the restaurant can be quite loud and noisy, often feeling crowded and, for some, a bit dated, which can detract from a relaxing dining experience.
Ambience
140
Reviews
58%
Satisfaction
41
negative
17
neutral
82
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Classic atmosphere
- Great for celebrations
- Nostalgic old-school vibes
What people don't like
- Very loud
- Often crowded
- Can feel dated
Often praised
- atmosphereThe service was very first-class. The atmosphere, I’m so mesmerized by the way the restaurant looks inside. Also, the menu is simple and basic.
- AtmosphereThe restaurant was packed, with people waiting both inside and out.
- ambiancethe ambiance felt warm, traditional, and full of old-school charm
- experienceThe food is not only delicious but also well-paced. The drinks flow, leading to a full belly and a damn good time. A special thank you to our server, Ben, for a great experience on our double birthday visit!
- House of Prime Ribthe House of Prime Rib still showcases why it has and always will be a "San Francisco Landmark."
- placeNice place, clean
- vibeThe service and vibe are great
- English Manor HouseIt's like having dinner inside an English Manor House.
- celebrationsA good place for celebrations
- classicit's a classic for a reason
Frequently criticized
- atmosphere5. The atmosphere can be challenging; it's always crowded and hard to walk through when arriving or leaving. The wheelchair accessibility is also tight, requiring server assistance.
- noise levelMy experience at this restaurant was marked by fabulous food and excellent service. I would have given all 5s, but the restaurant was a little noisy for me. The food was rated a 5 and the service was also rated a 5, indicating a very positive experience in these areas.
- loudit can get loud and be a little difficult to talk
- parkingHard to fine parking so most time when we come, we just do valet parking.
- restaurantthe restaurant can get pretty loud
- wheelchair accessibilityThe spaces between tables in any walkway were definitely not ADA compliant.
- RestaurantRestaurant itself is LOUD
- cleanlinessI don't find this place clean
- clutterjust too much clutter around
- crowdedplace is a bit too crowded
If youre looking for a lively, classic steakhouse experience perfect for celebrations, youll likely enjoy the atmosphere here. But if you prefer a quiet, intimate setting, be prepared for a potentially loud and bustling environment.
Value (5.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 21% of the guests
When it comes to value, opinions are quite divided, based on 43 customer remarks. Many guests appreciate the value for price and feel its "worth every cent, " especially noting the affordable "kids meal" options and a strong "$/quality ratio" compared to other spots. Despite an overall score for value thats an average 5.3, these positive experiences, accounting for 16 opinions, highlight where the restaurant shines.
However, a larger group of 20 negative opinions points to significant concerns, contributing to a rather poor 37.2% customer satisfaction in this area. Many describe the experience as pricey and overpriced, with frequent mentions of recent price increases. Some even go as far as to label it a tourist trap, suggesting that for many, the cost doesn't quite align with expectations.
Value
43
Reviews
37%
Satisfaction
20
negative
7
neutral
16
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Good value for quality
- Worth the experience
- Affordable kids meals
What people don't like
- Too pricey
- Price increases
- Tourist trap
Often praised
- priceAt $63 for the house of prime cut with all the fixings before tax and tip, it is absolutely worth the crazy to get a table here. The food was excellent, the service was top-notch, and the atmosphere was enjoyable.
- valueMy experience at this restaurant was absolutely incredible! The service was top-notch, and it's a great value for celebrations. The food is always good, and they serve strong drinks.
- $ / quality ratiobeats the $ / quality ratio in SF
- kids mealKids meal was very affordable
- platesEating here truly feels like an experience. I still enjoy it, even remembering when the plates were only half the price they are now! Lol.
- price for what you getwhat you get for the price is good
- pricesthe prices are not crazy high.
- timeit is worth your time
- value for pricegreat value for price
- worth every centIt's worth every cent. The excellent meat and all the food were fantastic.
Frequently criticized
- priceIt's truly iconic for a reason, offering a theatrical atmosphere and huge portions. However, it's quite pricey for the quality, with the exception of the meat. Making a reservation is nearly impossible.
- costmore costly now
- pricesprices have been raised to astronomical levels
- PricesPrices are up
- billbringing the bill at 11:20 PM without offering dessert
- bread or sidesHOPR is one of our fave restaurants and we’ve been coming here for years, but our last visit was quite disappointing. The prices have increased, you no longer get an extra slice (except for if you order the King Henry Cut), and bread or sides you want to bring home will cost you extra $5. It also just takes so long to flag anyone down as they’re extremely busy.
- gift cardthe restaurant refused to accept it. It’s a VISA giftcard. It’s not a random giftcard.
- half and halfFor seconds, I received a tiny, overcooked slice. They now even charge for getting half and half on the corn and spinach, which is baffling. The drinks have also shrunk; you used to get two drinks per shaker, now it's closer to 1.
- meala meal starts at $63 before all the junk fees
- overpricedThese people are terrible and capitalizing off of TV shows that have portrayed them. Overpriced. Overhyped.
If youre seeking a memorable experience and are prepared for potentially higher costs, you might find the value worthwhile. However, if youre sensitive to rising prices or feel easily overcharged, this spot might leave you feeling disappointed.
How are the prices at House of Prime Rib?
On average, you’ll spend around 83 per person – from 184 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $81–$90 category. For a British Restaurant, that’s mid-range, maybe slightly above.
Interestingly, while the average sits here, a good chunk of diners actually spend more, with the largest group opting for dishes over 101 $. So, it’s a bit of a mix, leaning towards a premium experience.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 184 reviews.
Comparing value for money against similar restaurants in San Francisco.
Considering its a British Restaurant in San Francisco, and many guests are happy to spend more, we think the pricing feels pretty fair for the experience offered. Its a good spot if you’re looking for quality.
Customer Reviews: what people think about House of Prime Rib
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Excellent Service for a Special Occasion
I celebrated my 40th birthday on October 25th, and the experience was wonderful. Our waiter, JP, and the entire staff were incredibly accommodating. I cannot thank them enough for making the celebration special.
- waiter JP10
- staff10
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Excellent Experience at HOPR for a Celebration
My experience at HOPR was great, especially for a friend's birthday celebration with a party of 7. We were seated promptly at our reservation time and enjoyed a decent-size family booth. Everyone ordered different meat cuts: HOPR, English, and King Henry.
While one meat cut wasn't of good quality, the staff quickly resolved the issue. The creamed spinach was the standout side dish, followed closely by the corn. Both the mash and baked potato options were excellent.
The Yorkshire pudding was just okay. It's highly recommended to reserve at least a year in advance.
- creamed spinach9
- corn8
- mash or baked potato8
- meat cut3
Price per Person
- $61–$70
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
A San Francisco Classic Worth the Hype
I was initially worried this restaurant would be all hype, but I genuinely enjoyed my meal here. My fiancé had heard about the place before we arrived, so we were excited to try it. We got lucky and found a last-minute reservation opening.
The atmosphere is unique, elegant, and has an old-school/classic vibe. The sides were all great, and the prime rib was some of the best I've ever had. It's a little pricey, but each meal comes with a ton of sides, and I doubt you could leave hungry.
The creme brulee was perfect. Overall, I'm glad I had the chance to try out this San Francisco classic.
- prime rib9
- sides8
- creme brulee10
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
9
Iconic Steakhouse: Top Notch Service and Food!
What else can be said about this iconic steakhouse? Reservations are required and definitely come hungry. The top notch service and the atmosphere to match made for a memorable experience.
The table side salad and prime rib were absolutely delicious — yum!
- top notch service10
- atmosphere9
- table side salad9
Price per Person
- $81–$90
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
An Unforgettable Birthday Dinner Experience
My first time here was for my birthday, and it was an absolutely amazing meal and experience! The atmosphere truly felt like dining inside an English Manor House. I started with a Manhattan, which was generously served with enough for a second drink from a shaker.
The tableside salad, prepared right in front of me with a chilled fork, was a delightful touch. The Prime Rib was amazing and cooked perfectly to order. I highly recommend asking for the loaded mashed potatoes; they come with a separate bowl of bacon, sour cream, and chives for you to customize.
The creamed corn was also excellent. For dessert, the warm apple crisp with Double Rainbow vanilla ice cream was a perfect ending to an awesome birthday dinner. Our waiter, JB, provided the best service.
I highly recommend going here. Thanks, House of Prime Rib!
- Manhattan9
- tableside salad9
- chilled fork8
What House of Prime Rib offers
Planning
- Reservations required
- 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
Children
- Kids' menu
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Hard liquor
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Organic dishes
- Private dining room
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Table service
- Dessert
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Parking
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Upscale
- Historic
- Cozy
- Trendy
- Romantic
FAQs
Do you need reservations to dine at House of Prime Rib?
Yes, planning ahead is highly recommended for your visit to House of Prime Rib. Reservations are required, especially if you’re looking to secure a table for dinner. You can easily make dinner reservations to ensure your spot at this popular San Francisco establishment.
What kind of atmosphere can you expect at House of Prime Rib?
At House of Prime Rib, you can anticipate an upscale and historic atmosphere that feels both cozy and romantic. It’s the perfect setting for a memorable dinner, offering table service in a beautifully appointed space. You’ll appreciate the classic ambiance during your dining experience.
What is the overall dining experience like at House of Prime Rib?
House of Prime Rib offers a good overall dining experience with a Restaurant Score of **6.9**. The **Food** (7.7) is highly rated, and the **Ambience** (6.7) is generally positive. However, **Service** (5.9) and **Value** (5.3) are considered average, contributing to a mixed customer satisfaction of **63.7%**.
What aspects do customers praise most at House of Prime Rib?
Customers frequently praise the delicious prime rib, the classic and warm **ambiance**, and the generous food **portions**. Many also find it a good place for **celebrations** due to its traditional charm.
What are some potential drawbacks when dining at House of Prime Rib?
Some guests note that the **noise level** can be high, and the restaurant can feel crowded. There are also concerns about inconsistent **service** and rising **prices**, with some finding reservations difficult to secure.