House of Prime Rib is San Francisco's temple to prime rib, open since 1949 and carving slabs tableside from those iconic silver rolling carts. It's a full-on old-school experience with spinning salad and creamed spinach. Reservations are famously hard; book weeks ahead. A genuine SF institution worth the effort.
Key facts
| Hours | Mon 5:00pm-10:00pm Tue 5:00pm-10:00pm Wed 5:00pm-10:00pm Thu 5:00pm-10:00pm Fri 5:00pm-10:00pm Sat 4:00pm-10:00pm Sun 4:00pm-10:00pm |
|---|---|
| Price | $$$ |
| Phone | — |
| Website | — |
| Nearest transit | Muni bus 49/1/12 on Van Ness/Polk; ~20-min walk from Civic Center BART |
| Time needed | 90-120 minutes |
| Best time to go | Early weeknight seating; book weeks in advance or try the bar for walk-ins |
| Last verified | July 15, 2026 |
Friend Score
8.0/10- Value7.5
- iconic7.5
- Freshness9.3
- excellence8.0
- Crowd level4.5
- Authenticity9.0
- Accessibility6.0
Frequently asked questions
- How hard is it to get a reservation?
- Very. House of Prime Rib books up weeks in advance, and prime weekend slots go fast the moment they open. Call 415-885-4605 and plan ahead. It's one of the toughest reservations in the city, which tells you how beloved it is.
- Is there a dress code?
- It's a nice steakhouse, so smart casual is appropriate; you don't need a jacket but skip the gym clothes. Most people dress up a little given the occasion vibe. Comfortable but tidy is the move.
- Can I get in without a reservation?
- Sometimes. Walk-ins can try the bar area, which serves the full menu on a first-come basis, but there's no guarantee and you may wait a while. Show up early on a weeknight for your best shot. Bring patience.
- How much does dinner cost?
- It's a splurge steakhouse, with the prime rib dinner (including the sides and salad) landing in the premium range per person before drinks and tip. Given everything included, many consider it good value for a special-occasion meal. Confirm current pricing when you book.
- Is it good for special occasions?
- Absolutely, it's a classic birthday and celebration spot with a warm, clubby, old-school atmosphere. The tableside carving carts and spinning salad make it feel like an event. Book well ahead for milestone dinners.
- What are the cuts of prime rib?
- They offer several thicknesses, from a lighter 'City Cut' to the generous 'King Henry VIII,' plus an English cut sliced thin in multiple layers. The carver will walk you through it tableside. Get seconds if you order the standard cut and still have room.
- How do I get there?
- It's at 1906 Van Ness Avenue in Polk Gulch, served by Muni buses on Van Ness and Polk. It's about a 20-minute walk from Civic Center BART. Street parking is tough; consider a rideshare, especially since you'll likely have wine.
- What comes with the prime rib?
- The full experience: their theatrical spinning salad bowl tossed tableside on ice, mashed potatoes, Yorkshire pudding, creamed spinach, and your prime rib carved to order from a silver cart. It's a complete, hearty meal. You will not leave hungry.
Nearby in Ask San Francisco
- Swan Oyster DepotRestaurant0.38 km · 5 min walk
- Liholiho Yacht ClubRestaurant0.94 km · 12 min walk
- Lombard StreetAttraction0.96 km · 12 min walk
- Cable Car MuseumMuseum0.96 km · 12 min walk
- JapantownNeighborhood1.17 km · 15 min walk
Where to stay near House of Prime Rib
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