House of Prime Rib

Rating: 5/5

"Absolutely phenomenal. The beef was delicious, the sides were all delicious, and funny enough the house salads was one of my favorite salads I’ve ever had! You’ll probably have to make a reservation a year in advance (like I did) but it is worth your time!"

Rating: 3/5

"Went here for my birthday because I heard it was a great restaurant and the talk of the town. I am not from here but recently moved here so I figured I would take the advice from a local. I looked online and called to see if they do reservations for 1 and I was told I would just have to go to the bar. That’s perfectly fine with me. I got to the restaurant and put my name on the list to eat at the bar then sat at the cocktail lounge to pass time. The cocktail waitress asked for my order and I explained it’s my birthday and that I don’t care what drink it was as long as it tasted good. Couple of minutes later I was sipping on a strong cosmopolitan. Fast forward to a hour and a half later I get my name called to the bar to eat my meal. I sat down next to a man who got called at the same time, unfortunately our dining experiences were not the same. Bartender immediately asked the man next to me if he has been there before and quickly explained the menu and what the options are. He was served his bread and was on his was to start his dinner. I assumed that the bartender would come to me next, (I was sitting next to the other guy), but instead I had to wait for the second bartender. I guess this bartender didn’t want to go over the same spill with me so I was asked what kind of meat I wanted and how I wanted it cooked and what kind of potato. I was not asked if I wanted any of the vegetable selections before he went away and placed my order. I attempted to wave him down, but after some time of him not looking my way I gave up. My food came out and the man next to me is halfway done eating and the bartender asked if he wanted more sides. I continued my meal until nothing was left but the bone and that’s when the bartender asked me if I wanted more sides. “To eat with what!” I thought to myself. Why would you asked me that and I have nothing in my plate? At this point I just wanted to leave. Bartender asked if I wanted dessert and I said no, just my check. A few minutes later an ice cream bowl with a candle appeared in front of me. The cocktail waitress, unbeknownst to her, saved this total disaster. After I paid for my meal I sought her to give her a big tip. Food was ok. Service was terrible on one end and excellent on another. IF I go back, I will know to take another person and never eat at the bar again."

Rating: 5/5

"I celebrated my birthday at the House of Prime Rib in San Francisco this evening, and it was an unforgettable experience! The ambiance perfectly captures what you would imagine a traditional prime rib house to be like…warm, welcoming, and filled with classic charm. The table-side salad service and the iconic meat cart are signature highlights, and they truly elevate the dining experience. I chose the King Henry VIII cut, complete with the bone, and it was absolutely perfect….cooked to perfection with unparalleled flavor. Every side dish complemented the prime rib beautifully: the creamed spinach was exceptional, the mashed potatoes were smooth and flavorful, and the Yorkshire pudding was divine. The bread and butter were outstanding, and the crème brûlée was the perfect sweet finale. For my birthday, I was treated to a delightful sorbet "on the house," which was a wonderful touch. The option to bring your own bottle was great, with a reasonable service charge that made sense and added convenience. We were a group of six, and the service was top-notch…attentive and friendly, making the evening even more special. We enjoyed the experience so much that we've already made reservations for next year's birthday celebration! A word to the wise: it's best to make reservations well in advance to secure your spot at this fantastic restaurant. The House of Prime Rib truly sets the standard for a prime rib dining experience, and I can't recommend it highly enough!"

Rating: 3/5

"House of Prime Rib has long been celebrated as a cornerstone of San Francisco’s dining scene, renowned for its classic prime rib and old-school charm. However, our recent experience suggests that the restaurant’s focus on tradition may be overshadowed by a shift towards efficiency over personalization. The dining experience now feels more like a well-oiled machine than a warm, intimate meal. While the prime rib remains a highlight, the overall experience lacks the attention to detail and personalized service that once defined it. Service, though efficient, often feels both rushed and delayed, with staff moving swiftly between tables, leaving little room for the kind of engagement that makes a meal memorable. The emphasis appears to be on turnover rather than creating a unique dining experience for each guest.  While House of Prime Rib continues to deliver on its promise of hearty portions and a nostalgic ambiance, it seems to have traded some of its personal charm for operational efficiency. For those seeking a more intimate and attentive dining experience, exploring other establishments in the city might be worthwhile."

Rating: 1/5

"Zero stars if we could - the staff at this restaurant are terrible (for the most part) - incredibly rude. Hosts were rude… Us - “Hi, we came early since you don’t take reservations for 2, could we get on the waitlist?” Host - “You need to go to the bar to be added to their waitlist” Us - “What about a table?” Host - “2 hours” "