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A cut of prime rib at the House of Prim Rib

20 Iconic Meat Dishes in San Francisco

Steaks, chops, and roast chickens galore

by Ellen Fort@ellenfork Jul 19, 2017, 4:24pm PDT

3 comments / new

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by Ellen Fort@ellenfork Jul 19, 2017, 4:24pm PDT

3 comments / new

Eater Archives

San Francisco, for all its seafood and healthy living, is a meat-eating kind of town. From a serious devotion to roast chicken to steak worship, the love runs deep for anything and everything meaty. This list eschews burgers, and leaves seafood behind, though there are many great options to be found in those categories as well.

So without further adieu, here are 20 of San Francisco’s most iconic meat dishes, listed geographically from North to south. Some are old favorites, and some are new classics, but if you’re a carnivore, you must try them; if you’re a vegetarian on the fence, these are worthy places to get back in the (lamb) saddle.

Did your favorite dish go missing from this list? Let us know in the comments.

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49er Porterhouse at Boboquivari's

The “49er” is a 49 ounce porterhouse steak for $149.99, served a la carte. Bobo’s (also known as Boboquivari’s), is known for both steak and crab, though the steaks are the true star. The 49er is served whole, and carved tableside; make sure to order some sides, like twice-baked potatoes, yams, and mod macaroni and cheese. And a martini, definitely get that.

Open in Google Maps

1450 Lombard St, San Francisco, CA

Visit Website

49-er porterhouse

Grilled Rack of lamb at Kokkari Estiatorio

The staid atmosphere at Kokkari is a refreshing and civilized departure from SF’s many subway-tiled dining establishments. Relax upon a cozy banquette and enjoy a rack of lamb with Greek flavors of oregano and lemon, roasted over the wood fire.

200 Jackson St, San Francisco, CA

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Shaking Beef at Slanted Door

Throughout the years, Slanted Door has remained at the top of the list for both locals and tourists visiting the Ferry Building. Its signature shaking beef also remains a constant, featuring chunks of filet mignon sautéed with red onions, glistening with a vinegary fish sauce vinaigrette, and served atop watercress.

1 Ferry Building #3, San Francisco, CA

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Chicken With Explosive Chili Peppers at Z & Y Restaurant

An embarrassment of fried chicken parts are stacked on a pile of dried peppers at this popular Chinatown destination. The always-packed restaurant boasts typical lazy Susan-style service, an excellent pedestal upon which to view this spicy masterpiece (which isn’t actually all that spicy, considering).

Open in Google Maps

655 Jackson St, San Francisco, CA

Visit Website

Alfred’s Cut at Alfred's Steakhouse

A classic that’s had a bit of a polish from Daniel Patterson, Alfred’s still trades in steaks, chops, and other classic steakhouse fare. The “Alfred’s Cut” is a 28 ounce bone-in Ribeye for $75 that can be served whole or sliced off the bone. The grass-feed beef comes from from beef master Bryan Flannery; it’s grain-finished, then dry-aged for maximum flavor.

659 Merchant St, San Francisco, CA

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Lo Mei Gai at R&G Lounge

Take a whole chicken, debone it, cook and chop the meat, mix it with glutinous rice, vegetables, and Chinese sausage, and stuff it all back inside the chicken. Then deep fry it, obviously. That’s lo mei gai, the order-head move at R & G, which also trades in salt-and-pepper crab, bird’s nest soup ($80 per bowl), and whole, garlic-steamed Maine lobster.

631 Kearny St, San Francisco, CA

Visit Website

A post shared by Andrew Cheng (@theandrewcheng) on Aug 20, 2016 at 9:56pm PDT

Also featured in:

Prime Rib at House of Prime Rib

To know it is to love it: This old-school prime rib mecca is a bustling melee of stainless steel carving carts manned by chefs who slice it to order tableside. There’s not much choice here, beyond the cut (though there is a fish option); it’s all served with salad, mashed or baked potato, Yorkshire pudding, and creamed spinach. The dessert cart will eventually roll by, whether you like it or not. Grab a martini, and get to work.

Open in Google Maps

1906 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA

Visit Website

A cut of prime rib at the House of Prim Rib

The Epic Meal at Epic Steak

Come hungry for the “Epic Meal for Two,” comprised of a 32 ounce tomahawk ribeye and a two pound Maine lobster. Share it with someone you love beneath the lights of the Bay Bridge, or even just someone you like. It’s too much for one person.

369 The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA

Visit Website

epic steak meal for two, lobster and steak

Also featured in:

Beef Tongue Bao at Liholiho Yacht Club

Liholiho has two meaty dishes that have risen to iconic status: The beef tongue bao, and the off-menu Spam musubi. The bao contain tender slices of beef tongue, topped with kimchi, and cucumber atop a poppy seed steam bun. It’s juicy, and a must-order at every visit.

871 Sutter St, San Francisco, CA

Visit Website

A post shared by Liholiho Yacht Club #GetJag (@liholihoyachtclub) on Jun 14, 2017 at 7:13pm PDT

Also featured in:

Duck Basteeya at Mourad

Originally a classic on the menu at chef Mourad Lahlou’s currently closed Aziza, the duck basteeya has made its way over to glossy Mouard as well. Duck confit is spiced with ras el hanout, then mixed with caramelized onions and raisins and encased in flakey phyllo dough, topped with cinnamon, ground almonds, and orange blossom water. It’s a delicate balance between sweet and savory; it’s also addictive.

140 New Montgomery St, San Francisco, CA

Visit Website

Basteeya #mouradsf @dukeofgourmandy

A post shared by Mourad (@mourad_sf) on Apr 6, 2017 at 2:47pm PDT

Also featured in:

Barbecue Beef Brisket at Tommy's Joynt

At its core, the barbecue brisket at Tommy’s Joynt is a sloppy, gravy-covered pile of meaty comfort food, served with choice of mashed potatoes or vegetables, and bread and butter, or in sandwich form. Taking a spin through the cafeteria-like carving station yields many options, but the brisket is a classic at any hour of the day or night.

Open in Google Maps

1101 Geary Blvd, San Francisco, CA

Visit Website

Roasted Pig’s Head at Cockscomb

Since opening, the pig’s head has been a signature dish at Cockscomb. It comes with crispy skin, gold leaf on the snout, and a side of arugula and brainnaise (mixture of brains and mayonnaise). It’s a hefty dish ($69), so make sure the whole table is hungry for this one.

564 4th St, San Francisco, CA

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Galbi at Han Il Kwan

Tender, high-quality short ribs are marinated, then grilled at the table at this Outer Sunset favorite. An excellent selection of banchan includes seasoned bean sprouts, three kinds of kimchi, baby anchovies, and more. Check out the Bay Area’s full array of Korean barbecue, ranked.

Open in Google Maps

1802 Balboa St, San Francisco, CA

Visit Website

Han Il Kwan

4505 Burgers & BBQ

There are many meaty delights at 4505, so why not just eat them all? The Presidential platter ($115) comes with every single one of 4505’s meats, sides, and “fixns,” which include mac and cheese with hot dogs, spicy fries, and chicharrones. The decadent meat feast is said to feed six, but no one will judge if it’s less.

705 Divisadero St, San Francisco, CA

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Country Pork chop at Nopa

Bone-in, brined, and grilled to juicy pork perfection, the Nopa pork chop is a staple on the menu. Its accompaniments change seasonally, but include things like piquinto beans, purslane, honey figs, and hazlenuts. It’s big enough for two, though that could lead to an argument over who gets to gnaw on the bone.

560 Divisadero St, San Francisco, CA

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Roast Chicken at Zuni Cafe

Possibly the most iconic of all the meat dishes, Zuni’s legendary chicken is roasted in the wood oven, and served with panzanella. It’s worth the requisite 45-minute wait, especially when oysters and rosé are there to help bide the time. Here's more on how it's made.

1658 Market St, San Francisco, CA

Visit Website

A post shared by Affrioler (@affrioler) on Jul 15, 2017 at 10:28pm PDT

Also featured in:

Wings at San Tung Chinese Restaurant

These line-inducing chicken wings come two ways: battered and dry-fried with garlic, ginger, and peppers, or battered, fried, and tossed in a spicy sauce. No matter the order, plan to wait a bit at this popular Inner Sunset Chinese restaurant, where the volume is high and the seats are limited.

1031 Irving St, San Francisco, CA

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Porchetta Breakfast Sandwich at Tartine Manufactory

Since opening, the porchetta has been a draw for the Tartine Bakery offshoot in the Heath building. It’s especially fetching when sandwiched in a Tartine bun with salsa verde, and possibly a runny egg. Chef Sam Goinsalvos has a passion for the rolled pork, which shows in the crispy skin and juicy meat.

595 Alabama St, San Francisco, CA

Visit Website

Tartine Manufactory

Also featured in:

Kung Pao Pastrami at Mission Chinese Food

Even though chef Danny Bowien has defected to the East Coast, the spirit remains strong at Mission Chinese, where Kung Pao pastrami has long been a favorite. Crispy pastrami, wok-fried with celery, potatoes, peanuts, and more go into the making of it.

2234 Mission St, San Francisco, CA

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Carnitas Burrito at La Taqueria

Composed of crispy pork wrapped lovingly with beans (no rice!) and griddled once more, the La Taq carnitas burrito is an act of kindness. It comes with carnitas, beans, cheese, and add-ons of salsa, guacamole, sour cream, and the like. Ask for it dorado and the crew will make it crispy, rolling and browning both sides of the burrito. Read more about the mission-style burrito here.

2889 Mission St, San Francisco, CA

Also featured in:

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49er Porterhouse at Boboquivari's

1450 Lombard St, San Francisco, CA

The “49er” is a 49 ounce porterhouse steak for $149.99, served a la carte. Bobo’s (also known as Boboquivari’s), is known for both steak and crab, though the steaks are the true star. The 49er is served whole, and carved tableside; make sure to order some sides, like twice-baked potatoes, yams, and mod macaroni and cheese. And a martini, definitely get that.

Open in Google Maps

1450 Lombard St, San Francisco, CA

Visit Website

49-er porterhouse

Grilled Rack of lamb at Kokkari Estiatorio

200 Jackson St, San Francisco, CA

The staid atmosphere at Kokkari is a refreshing and civilized departure from SF’s many subway-tiled dining establishments. Relax upon a cozy banquette and enjoy a rack of lamb with Greek flavors of oregano and lemon, roasted over the wood fire.

200 Jackson St, San Francisco, CA

Visit Website

Shaking Beef at Slanted Door

1 Ferry Building #3, San Francisco, CA

Throughout the years, Slanted Door has remained at the top of the list for both locals and tourists visiting the Ferry Building. Its signature shaking beef also remains a constant, featuring chunks of filet mignon sautéed with red onions, glistening with a vinegary fish sauce vinaigrette, and served atop watercress.

1 Ferry Building #3, San Francisco, CA

Visit Website

Chicken With Explosive Chili Peppers at Z & Y Restaurant

655 Jackson St, San Francisco, CA

An embarrassment of fried chicken parts are stacked on a pile of dried peppers at this popular Chinatown destination. The always-packed restaurant boasts typical lazy Susan-style service, an excellent pedestal upon which to view this spicy masterpiece (which isn’t actually all that spicy, considering).

Open in Google Maps

655 Jackson St, San Francisco, CA

Visit Website

Alfred’s Cut at Alfred's Steakhouse

659 Merchant St, San Francisco, CA

A classic that’s had a bit of a polish from Daniel Patterson, Alfred’s still trades in steaks, chops, and other classic steakhouse fare. The “Alfred’s Cut” is a 28 ounce bone-in Ribeye for $75 that can be served whole or sliced off the bone. The grass-feed beef comes from from beef master Bryan Flannery; it’s grain-finished, then dry-aged for maximum flavor.

659 Merchant St, San Francisco, CA

Visit Website

Lo Mei Gai at R&G Lounge

631 Kearny St, San Francisco, CA

Take a whole chicken, debone it, cook and chop the meat, mix it with glutinous rice, vegetables, and Chinese sausage, and stuff it all back inside the chicken. Then deep fry it, obviously. That’s lo mei gai, the order-head move at R & G, which also trades in salt-and-pepper crab, bird’s nest soup ($80 per bowl), and whole, garlic-steamed Maine lobster.

631 Kearny St, San Francisco, CA

Visit Website

A post shared by Andrew Cheng (@theandrewcheng) on Aug 20, 2016 at 9:56pm PDT

Prime Rib at House of Prime Rib

1906 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA

To know it is to love it: This old-school prime rib mecca is a bustling melee of stainless steel carving carts manned by chefs who slice it to order tableside. There’s not much choice here, beyond the cut (though there is a fish option); it’s all served with salad, mashed or baked potato, Yorkshire pudding, and creamed spinach. The dessert cart will eventually roll by, whether you like it or not. Grab a martini, and get to work.

Open in Google Maps

1906 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA

Visit Website

A cut of prime rib at the House of Prim Rib

The Epic Meal at Epic Steak

369 The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA

Come hungry for the “Epic Meal for Two,” comprised of a 32 ounce tomahawk ribeye and a two pound Maine lobster. Share it with someone you love beneath the lights of the Bay Bridge, or even just someone you like. It’s too much for one person.

369 The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA

Visit Website

epic steak meal for two, lobster and steak

Beef Tongue Bao at Liholiho Yacht Club

871 Sutter St, San Francisco, CA

Liholiho has two meaty dishes that have risen to iconic status: The beef tongue bao, and the off-menu Spam musubi. The bao contain tender slices of beef tongue, topped with kimchi, and cucumber atop a poppy seed steam bun. It’s juicy, and a must-order at every visit.

871 Sutter St, San Francisco, CA

Visit Website

A post shared by Liholiho Yacht Club #GetJag (@liholihoyachtclub) on Jun 14, 2017 at 7:13pm PDT

Duck Basteeya at Mourad

140 New Montgomery St, San Francisco, CA

Originally a classic on the menu at chef Mourad Lahlou’s currently closed Aziza, the duck basteeya has made its way over to glossy Mouard as well. Duck confit is spiced with ras el hanout, then mixed with caramelized onions and raisins and encased in flakey phyllo dough, topped with cinnamon, ground almonds, and orange blossom water. It’s a delicate balance between sweet and savory; it’s also addictive.

140 New Montgomery St, San Francisco, CA

Visit Website

Basteeya #mouradsf @dukeofgourmandy

A post shared by Mourad (@mourad_sf) on Apr 6, 2017 at 2:47pm PDT

Barbecue Beef Brisket at Tommy's Joynt

1101 Geary Blvd, San Francisco, CA

At its core, the barbecue brisket at Tommy’s Joynt is a sloppy, gravy-covered pile of meaty comfort food, served with choice of mashed potatoes or vegetables, and bread and butter, or in sandwich form. Taking a spin through the cafeteria-like carving station yields many options, but the brisket is a classic at any hour of the day or night.

Open in Google Maps

1101 Geary Blvd, San Francisco, CA

Visit Website

Roasted Pig’s Head at Cockscomb

564 4th St, San Francisco, CA

Since opening, the pig’s head has been a signature dish at Cockscomb. It comes with crispy skin, gold leaf on the snout, and a side of arugula and brainnaise (mixture of brains and mayonnaise). It’s a hefty dish ($69), so make sure the whole table is hungry for this one.

564 4th St, San Francisco, CA

Visit Website

Galbi at Han Il Kwan

1802 Balboa St, San Francisco, CA

Tender, high-quality short ribs are marinated, then grilled at the table at this Outer Sunset favorite. An excellent selection of banchan includes seasoned bean sprouts, three kinds of kimchi, baby anchovies, and more. Check out the Bay Area’s full array of Korean barbecue, ranked.

Open in Google Maps

1802 Balboa St, San Francisco, CA

Visit Website

Han Il Kwan

4505 Burgers & BBQ

705 Divisadero St, San Francisco, CA

There are many meaty delights at 4505, so why not just eat them all? The Presidential platter ($115) comes with every single one of 4505’s meats, sides, and “fixns,” which include mac and cheese with hot dogs, spicy fries, and chicharrones. The decadent meat feast is said to feed six, but no one will judge if it’s less.

705 Divisadero St, San Francisco, CA

Visit Website

Country Pork chop at Nopa

560 Divisadero St, San Francisco, CA

Bone-in, brined, and grilled to juicy pork perfection, the Nopa pork chop is a staple on the menu. Its accompaniments change seasonally, but include things like piquinto beans, purslane, honey figs, and hazlenuts. It’s big enough for two, though that could lead to an argument over who gets to gnaw on the bone.

560 Divisadero St, San Francisco, CA

Visit Website

Related Maps

Roast Chicken at Zuni Cafe

1658 Market St, San Francisco, CA

Possibly the most iconic of all the meat dishes, Zuni’s legendary chicken is roasted in the wood oven, and served with panzanella. It’s worth the requisite 45-minute wait, especially when oysters and rosé are there to help bide the time. Here's more on how it's made.

1658 Market St, San Francisco, CA

Visit Website

A post shared by Affrioler (@affrioler) on Jul 15, 2017 at 10:28pm PDT

Wings at San Tung Chinese Restaurant

1031 Irving St, San Francisco, CA

These line-inducing chicken wings come two ways: battered and dry-fried with garlic, ginger, and peppers, or battered, fried, and tossed in a spicy sauce. No matter the order, plan to wait a bit at this popular Inner Sunset Chinese restaurant, where the volume is high and the seats are limited.

1031 Irving St, San Francisco, CA

Visit Website

Porchetta Breakfast Sandwich at Tartine Manufactory

595 Alabama St, San Francisco, CA

Since opening, the porchetta has been a draw for the Tartine Bakery offshoot in the Heath building. It’s especially fetching when sandwiched in a Tartine bun with salsa verde, and possibly a runny egg. Chef Sam Goinsalvos has a passion for the rolled pork, which shows in the crispy skin and juicy meat.

595 Alabama St, San Francisco, CA

Visit Website

Tartine Manufactory

Kung Pao Pastrami at Mission Chinese Food

2234 Mission St, San Francisco, CA

Even though chef Danny Bowien has defected to the East Coast, the spirit remains strong at Mission Chinese, where Kung Pao pastrami has long been a favorite. Crispy pastrami, wok-fried with celery, potatoes, peanuts, and more go into the making of it.

2234 Mission St, San Francisco, CA

Visit Website

Carnitas Burrito at La Taqueria

2889 Mission St, San Francisco, CA

Composed of crispy pork wrapped lovingly with beans (no rice!) and griddled once more, the La Taq carnitas burrito is an act of kindness. It comes with carnitas, beans, cheese, and add-ons of salsa, guacamole, sour cream, and the like. Ask for it dorado and the crew will make it crispy, rolling and browning both sides of the burrito. Read more about the mission-style burrito here.

2889 Mission St, San Francisco, CA

Related Maps