Hayes Street Grill

I loved all of the seafood dishes and apps that we ate last night. I would go back there tonight if I could. The calamari was so tender and not over seasoned with dressing. The black cod was a melt-in-your mouth experience. The warm goat cheese salad had the right amount of cheese to lettuce and the toasted nuts provided the perfect texture. The only thing I didn't enjoy was the burnt cheesecake. I wanted the pavlova but my partner chose the cheesecake. It was non-traditional and I'm a traditional cheesecake lover. Doesn't matter. I still give the food 5 stars and will be back. The services was exceptional and the atmosphere was not crowded nor loud so I appreciated it very much.

My son and I stopped in before an event we were to attend up the street. The name is slightly misleading in that we thought it was just a little hamburger joint when in reality it is a nice upscale restaurant. We ended up sitting at the bar because they were booked with reservations and the bartender, Alex, made us very comfortable, was engaging and super kind throughout our stay. The food was very nice but the atmosphere was the best. All the workers we had contact with were extremely helpful and pleasant. We will definitely go back the next time we're in town.

Sat at the bar first. Diverse wine list, cocktails and full bar. Small menu but great seafood choices. I had cesar (nothing special but good). Swordfish was amazing and for every seafood entree they had 6 or more sauce choices. My friends had the Neiman burger. Soooooo delicious! Waiters were attentive and helped us keep track of our theater ticket timing. I will for sure fine here again.

We had planned to attend a concert at the symphony hall and had reservations for 5:00 which gives plenty of time to enjoy a meal and stroll across the street to the venue, but the universe chose otherwise. The power had gone out to over half of the city. We were stuck in traffic in our Lyft. We realized it was faster to walk the rest of the way to the restaurant, so we did. As we continued each block we saw no lights on in any of the businesses. We got to the restaurant and we were delighted to see it lit up in candlelight. The host greeted us warmly, explained that drinks were available but the menu was limited because the kitchen had no power. We enjoyed a delicious Caesar salad, smoked trout toast a Pinot Noir and Roso. The service was impeccable and friendly. The conversation between the tables was jovial and convivial. I was thoroughly impressed with the entire staff. Bravo, bravo! You are all amazing!

We had a wonderful dinner here last night. The food was absolutely fabulous. Incredible attention to detail, with expertly crafted flavor. The service was delightful and friendly. It was quiet so we could hear each other speaking across the table (rare these days). An absolute gem in the center of SF!

The Hayes Street Grill is one of those old-school San Francisco grills, like Tadich or Sam's. Service is excellent, ambience is wood paneling and the clientele discriminating. I was pleased to see multiple seafood dishes on the menu. Everything was top-notch. I will be going back.

Kimberly McCoy

Sat at the bar first. Diverse wine list, cocktails and full bar. Small menu but great seafood choices. I had cesar (nothing special but good). Swordfish was amazing and for every seafood entree they had 6 or more sauce choices. My friends had the Neiman burger. Soooooo delicious! Waiters were attentive and helped us keep track of our theater ticket timing. I will for sure fine here again.

Robert Nieder

We had planned to attend a concert at the symphony hall and had reservations for 5:00 which gives plenty of time to enjoy a meal and stroll across the street to the venue, but the universe chose otherwise. The power had gone out to over half of the city. We were stuck in traffic in our Lyft. We realized it was faster to walk the rest of the way to the restaurant, so we did. As we continued each block we saw no lights on in any of the businesses. We got to the restaurant and we were delighted to see it lit up in candlelight. The host greeted us warmly, explained that drinks were available but the menu was limited because the kitchen had no power. We enjoyed a delicious Caesar salad, smoked trout toast a Pinot Noir and Roso. The service was impeccable and friendly. The conversation between the tables was jovial and convivial. I was thoroughly impressed with the entire staff. Bravo, bravo! You are all amazing!

Kendell Henle

We had a wonderful dinner here last night. The food was absolutely fabulous. Incredible attention to detail, with expertly crafted flavor. The service was delightful and friendly. It was quiet so we could hear each other speaking across the table (rare these days). An absolute gem in the center of SF!

Caroline G

I loved all of the seafood dishes and apps that we ate last night. I would go back there tonight if I could. The calamari was so tender and not over seasoned with dressing. The black cod was a melt-in-your mouth experience. The warm goat cheese salad had the right amount of cheese to lettuce and the toasted nuts provided the perfect texture. The only thing I didn't enjoy was the burnt cheesecake. I wanted the pavlova but my partner chose the cheesecake. It was non-traditional and I'm a traditional cheesecake lover. Doesn't matter. I still give the food 5 stars and will be back. The services was exceptional and the atmosphere was not crowded nor loud so I appreciated it very much.

Jamie Brown

My son and I stopped in before an event we were to attend up the street. The name is slightly misleading in that we thought it was just a little hamburger joint when in reality it is a nice upscale restaurant. We ended up sitting at the bar because they were booked with reservations and the bartender, Alex, made us very comfortable, was engaging and super kind throughout our stay. The food was very nice but the atmosphere was the best. All the workers we had contact with were extremely helpful and pleasant. We will definitely go back the next time we're in town.

Old school San Francisco restaurant in the heart of the vibrant Hayes District close to Miner Auditorium and SF Jazz. Food is always top notch and service is efficient but not the most personal. Menu and wine list are not extensive but lots of good options.

Lovely place to eat, especially before an afternoon concert at Davies. Nice menu, good seafood choices. I had the black cod, delicious.

I have eaten at the Hayes Street Grill for years. I've enjoyed the food sometimes, sometimes not so much. The staff is always courteous and professional with the right amount of friendliness. I've always been seated promptly upon arrival when I had a reservation. Last night, the drinks were good, though my friends and I were surprised that the bar uses a rather pedestrian brand of cherry, rather than the better flavored cherries by Luxardo. Our salads and dinners were very good. One friend of mine and I had the sole with mushrooms and fingerling potatoes. We both loved the mushrooms, cut and prepared to be almost like pasta. Kind of amazing. The dessert menu is one of the best I've seen in a long time. The carrot cake was a better than average carrot cake. One friend at my table had the Winter Fruit Pavlova (not pictured below), which looked more interesting. He said it was complex and delicious. It's funny that it's called "winter fruit" when it contains mango, kiwi and pineapple which might be more appropriately classified as tropical. We made it to our show with time to spare.

$$$ Had a reservation and were promptly seated. Quick service for drinks and decently quick for starters and entrées. Liked everything I ate but the final bill was $200 for 2 drinks, 2 starters, 2 entrees and 2 desserts. Nice decor and the mirrors make the space ‘bigger’. Cesar salad tasted excellent. Friend enjoyed the oysters. Salmon was excellent. Fries were well cooked. Trout on toast starter was tasty.

We picked this restaurant due to its close proximity to the New Conservatory Theater. We made on-line reservations and we were immediately seated upon arrival. The waiter asked if we were going to a show and what time it started. Service was fast. The food was very good. We had the sword fish, pork chop, steak, and crab cakes. All meals were delishious with big servings. We started with the warm goat cheese salad. We finished with coffee and chocolate cake. Our glasses were never empty. The staff was friendly. We made the show with plenty of time to spare. We would go back here.

A group of us went here for a pre symphony dinner. Six in the group. I had the scallops with potato puree with spinach. 5star quality one star off for quantity. Partner had the Alaskan halibut with fries. Fish was fantastic, but the fries were forgettable. Thai 5 spice Brussel sprouts were fantastic. Wanted more. Burnt Basque cheesecake for dessert. It was delicious but on the dry end. We spent about 90$ a person. If going out in the symphony district, I would recommend coming here beforehand.

Steven Perkins

Old school San Francisco restaurant in the heart of the vibrant Hayes District close to Miner Auditorium and SF Jazz. Food is always top notch and service is efficient but not the most personal. Menu and wine list are not extensive but lots of good options.

Bay Walker

$$$ Had a reservation and were promptly seated. Quick service for drinks and decently quick for starters and entrées. Liked everything I ate but the final bill was $200 for 2 drinks, 2 starters, 2 entrees and 2 desserts. Nice decor and the mirrors make the space ‘bigger’. Cesar salad tasted excellent. Friend enjoyed the oysters. Salmon was excellent. Fries were well cooked. Trout on toast starter was tasty.

Laura Peters

I have eaten at the Hayes Street Grill for years. I've enjoyed the food sometimes, sometimes not so much. The staff is always courteous and professional with the right amount of friendliness. I've always been seated promptly upon arrival when I had a reservation. Last night, the drinks were good, though my friends and I were surprised that the bar uses a rather pedestrian brand of cherry, rather than the better flavored cherries by Luxardo. Our salads and dinners were very good. One friend of mine and I had the sole with mushrooms and fingerling potatoes. We both loved the mushrooms, cut and prepared to be almost like pasta. Kind of amazing. The dessert menu is one of the best I've seen in a long time. The carrot cake was a better than average carrot cake. One friend at my table had the Winter Fruit Pavlova (not pictured below), which looked more interesting. He said it was complex and delicious. It's funny that it's called "winter fruit" when it contains mango, kiwi and pineapple which might be more appropriately classified as tropical. We made it to our show with time to spare.

CD A

A group of us went here for a pre symphony dinner. Six in the group. I had the scallops with potato puree with spinach. 5star quality one star off for quantity. Partner had the Alaskan halibut with fries. Fish was fantastic, but the fries were forgettable. Thai 5 spice Brussel sprouts were fantastic. Wanted more. Burnt Basque cheesecake for dessert. It was delicious but on the dry end. We spent about 90$ a person. If going out in the symphony district, I would recommend coming here beforehand.

PG Brickhouse

We picked this restaurant due to its close proximity to the New Conservatory Theater. We made on-line reservations and we were immediately seated upon arrival. The waiter asked if we were going to a show and what time it started. Service was fast. The food was very good. We had the sword fish, pork chop, steak, and crab cakes. All meals were delishious with big servings. We started with the warm goat cheese salad. We finished with coffee and chocolate cake. Our glasses were never empty. The staff was friendly. We made the show with plenty of time to spare. We would go back here.

Lynne Rolland-Newburne

Old school. Haven't been here on years. Great french fries just wish there was less sauce on the fish so the fish would shine through.

The pork chop was tough, dry and bland. It brought on jaw pain. The opportunity to ask for something else did not arrive because the waiter didn't come by to check in how things were. It was not until the check arrived that this information could be shared with the waiter. I don't know if the waiter was being sarcastic but he asked if we wanted something else. That question should have been asked prior to receiving the check.

Sophia Tercero

The pork chop was tough, dry and bland. It brought on jaw pain. The opportunity to ask for something else did not arrive because the waiter didn't come by to check in how things were. It was not until the check arrived that this information could be shared with the waiter. I don't know if the waiter was being sarcastic but he asked if we wanted something else. That question should have been asked prior to receiving the check.

This was probably one of the most basic meals I have ever had. The hog island oysters were tiny. The clam chowder was bland. The sword fish was tough and dry. The papaya was decent, but such a small serving. And the fry’s were most likely the bottom of pan. They were mostly small broken pieces and way over cooked.With those 4 dishes and 4 drinks the tab came out to $175. That’s pricey even for SF

Baron Migs

This was probably one of the most basic meals I have ever had. The hog island oysters were tiny. The clam chowder was bland. The sword fish was tough and dry. The papaya was decent, but such a small serving. And the fry’s were most likely the bottom of pan. They were mostly small broken pieces and way over cooked.With those 4 dishes and 4 drinks the tab came out to $175. That’s pricey even for SF

Underwhelming experience overall. While our waiter was excellent, this place lacked in a few areas: 1. The host was rude and dismissive, possibly racist. Poor first impression. 2. There’s a $5 per person SF mandate. This seems extraordinarily & arbitrarily high. Further, the suggested tip amount was calculated including both tax and the SF mandate. Is this legal? 3. The food was below average. The sea bass was severely under cooked, resulting in it being very chewy and difficult to eat. The fries were crispy, but that was pretty much the highlight of a $38 plate (plus $5 per person SF mandate). Overall this place lacked the sophistication, quality and value of a modern Hayes Valley establishment and seems to be simply resting on its laurels. Time to retire it.

Tony Liu

Underwhelming experience overall. While our waiter was excellent, this place lacked in a few areas: 1. The host was rude and dismissive, possibly racist. Poor first impression. 2. There’s a $5 per person SF mandate. This seems extraordinarily & arbitrarily high. Further, the suggested tip amount was calculated including both tax and the SF mandate. Is this legal? 3. The food was below average. The sea bass was severely under cooked, resulting in it being very chewy and difficult to eat. The fries were crispy, but that was pretty much the highlight of a $38 plate (plus $5 per person SF mandate). Overall this place lacked the sophistication, quality and value of a modern Hayes Valley establishment and seems to be simply resting on its laurels. Time to retire it.

Very overpriced for extremely basic food. Poor presentation, bland dishes that lacked flavor, and the service was just as disappointing. Definitely not worth the price.