We'll be going to San Francisco in a few weeks for my brother's law school graduation, and we'd like to take him and my other brother out to dinner. Seeing as how they are both "steak guys," can anyone recommend a place to get a great steak in SF (corkage a plus)? We'll be near the Union Sqare area. Thanks.

The City really isn't a steakhouse kind of town. The House of Prime Rib is your best bet for Old World and Acme Chophouse at the ballpark for New World if you want to avoid chains like Ruth's Chris and Mortons (Mortons is particularly pathetic imo).

JW1, Isn't there a place called Izzys or something. I haven't been there but I have heard good things about it.

You are right there is Izzys Steak and Chophouse. It has decent steaks excellent creamed spinach and a good bar scene. Its a bit of a ways from Union Square.

Thanks for the replies - would there be any other non-steak recommendations near Union Square? Somewhere nice, but not too dressy, and not Seafood focused (that's for another night). Thanks again!

Define "near".

I'll clarify - my brother will be graduating from UC-Hastings, and we'll be hanging around Union Square, Nob Hill and the Wharf (I think). I'm not versed in SF geography, so I'm assuming that they are all reasonably close by. So anywhere near those areas where we can go via cab or any other public transportation would be appreciated. Thanks Jones.

you said no seafood.. but there's a great sushi place near union square that I really like. It's called Ryoko's @ 619 Taylor St. Decent prices, great fresh sushi and the sushi guy is pretty interesting too. His name is Atsushi (believe it or not)

but that may be too close to the seafood dinner you have planned.

Actually most of the better steak houses in San Francisco are within about a three block radius on/near Van Ness Avenue. IMHO the best is Harris'. If you want Prime Rib (and only Prime Rib) then go to House of Prime Rib. They are two blocks apart on Van Ness ( Harris' is at Van Ness and Pacific). Ruth Chris' is at Van Ness and California. I kind of like Ruth's but perfer Harris'. Avoid Morton's (which is also on Van Ness). Jones suggestion of Acme Chop House is at Pacific Bell Park. I've not been to it yet.

None of these are really short walks to Union Square but getting a cab shouldn't be a problem on Union Square or on Van Ness. A problem with Acme Chop House is that during a San Francisco Giants game it is a real zoo.

skwid,

We went to Harris' Steakhouse this weekend and it was fantastic. The service and the food was great - I took a '99 Pride Merlot and a '99 Etude and ordered a '00 Crocker & Starr Cab Franc from the wine list. Thanks for the recommendation!

No problem, glad you liked it. One of these days I need to get to Acme (this past weekend would not have been a good time, the giants were playing games). I'd also like to make it to Alfreds and Izzys one of these days.

Izzy's is on my list too. Soon, I hope.