I left my heart in San Francisco, miss parts of SF like Brazen Head. Use to work up the street, back then Des Amis, French Bistro, yes chef, oui chef, all day. This place would be a late nighter, if I was actually hungry for a good meal, most of the time, BOH guys like me would hit the bar after service and get faded. But for a classy late night meal, no mistakes here for over 20 years I been coming here. Strong cocktails, Cozy seating Come with a hot date, not a crowd unless the bars empty but I doubt it. read more

This is probably one of the strangest reviews that I've ever written. Late night in SF, and decided to try a local late night watering hole. I'm not sure what brazen head looks like during the day, but at night, the inside of the restaurant is all lit in red. So yes, when you're looking at my pictures, it's because of the lighting in the restaurant. The best part of the experience was a service. One of the reasons I wanted to try this place other than it being a "favorite of locals "is because one of their dishes that they are known for is pepper steak. The pepper steak of my childhood is what I was looking for, and definitely not what this was. What arrived at my table was a steak that had gravy on top of it. Not the traditional pepper steak, which is sautéed meat with bell peppers and onions. The steak itself was I don't know what cut of beef, but it definitely was not good. It was a very tough piece of unidentifiable beef. ( it's listed as a New York strip, but there's no way that it is ) Maybe the gravy was supposed to be the pepper part of the steak, but it was pretty bland and closer to thin water down gravy than anything else. The dish came with mashed potatoes and green beans. The mashed potatoes were absolutely horrible. They taste tasted like they must've been sitting in the pot, waiting for an unsuspecting person to order them. The portion wasn't generous and ironically I'm rather grateful for that. The green beans which were sadly also disappointing, were the better part of the three items on the plate. After trying to get through the meal, I can understand why they keep the entire restaurant lit in red. It's like a bloodbath of bad food. read more

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This place was highly recommended to me by multiple SF locals as a must-try hidden gem, particularly for the famous prime rib, excellent service, and vintage vibe. Boy, I'm glad I listened. We were late to dine so unfortunately, the signature dish was sold out, however I ended up having one of, no exaggeration, the best steaks I've ever had. I started with a crispy, refreshing Caesar salad, and onto the petit filet mignon smothered in bernaise, cooked to perfection, juicy and indulgent, paired with buttery garlic mashed potatoes. For dessert, creme brûlée, bursting with cold, creamy, vanilla bean-laden goodness under a crisp, toasty crust. Every bite of this meal was incredible. Vibe of the restaurant was a mix of an old school steakhouse and cozy pub, with moody dark red lighting, intimate seating, wood and leather surfaces, and walls of antique artwork. Every seat in the house was full even at 9pm on a weeknight, giving credit to its popularity. Staff was upscale but not stuffy or pretentious. Our waitress was so chill and joked around with us a lot while still providing top of the line service. Couldn't recommend this place enough. This was a meal I'll never forget. read more

Brazen Head - Petite Filet (5 oz) - Steakhouses Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Walked in on a Tuesday evening for dinner at 8:30. The place was pretty packed but we only had to wait a couple minutes to be seated. We sat inside by the exit door. The place has dim red lighting and is super date night coded. Service was okay this night, but they were busy. We each ordered the petite filet and asked for the sides to be all veggies. I usually get mashed potatoes, which is really yummy! My friend and i ended up ordering another filet mignon to share as the petite filet was not enough. I would suggest getting the 10oz filet mignon per person. We each got 2 glasses of the Cabernet Sauvignon, which paired really well with the steak. read more

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A good burger, nice ambiance, and great service. I really enjoyed my meal here. We were able to walk in and get a table for two inside on a Thursday. I didn't feel rushed at all, and got to enjoy my burger and a glass of wine. The restaurant is dimly lit and pulls really red on camera, but not in a way that feels overly romantic in person. read more

Brazen Head - Brazen Burger - Steakhouses Near Me - San Francisco, California

I absolutely love this place. It feels like an old-style tavern where you can truly enjoy a great conversation alongside an exceptional meal. There's something about the ambiance that makes you want to slow down and savor every moment. They always have different specials on the menu, which keeps the experience exciting every time you visit. One of my absolute favorites is the escargot, served in a rich garlic butter sauce simply incredible and full of flavor. The bread is served warm, which is always a lovely touch, and if you're into salads, the burrata caprese is a must. Fresh, creamy, and perfectly balanced. A charming spot for good food, good vibes, and even better company. read more

Brazen Head - Steakhouses Near Me - San Francisco, California

This is a must stop and have a great dinner when you are in San Francisco. It is just so perfect. Now, this is not super fancy food, but it is fine dinning and the best steak place. You will love everything about it. Make a reservation. You really need to do that. It is crowded on weekends. It is great for a date night, it is just so pretty, but it is also family friendly. The prices are what you expect in San Francisco, but it is what it is. And it is great. They have great steaks, made just the way you want and their prime rib is wonderful. They have the best sides. Try their green beans, which have the nicest touch of garlic or their creamed spinach. All of their desserts are great. It is comfortable and you are never rushed. The service is the best. You will love it. read more

Brazen Head - Steakhouses Near Me - San Francisco, California

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This place is a must visit. The ambiance is made for a great date night spot, the red and dim lighting really sets the mood. The service is great. The food is delicious. We got the filet mignon 10oz with rice and green beans. The filet was tender (ordered medium rare), the rice was nice and buttery, the green beans were made with garlic and perfectly seasoned with salt. I would absolutely order this again. We also ordered the prime rib, which was a little fatty than the filet cut but still very good. Comes with creamed spinach and mash potatoes. I can't wait to come back already! Totally worth every dollar. read more

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I've known this restaurant for years and was glad to see it packed and lively, but unfortunately the experience was disappointing. The bartender served me a different wine than the one listed on the menu without mentioning the substitution. I enjoy wine and knew immediately it was not what I ordered. My guest's pasta with vegetables was especially disappointing. The pasta was basically floating in water and lacked flavor. The other meals were average pub quality. The atmosphere was fun and energetic, but the food and bar service did not justify the price. read more

The ambiance and setting inside brazen head is super nice with the red and dim lighting. There was no wait when I came here on weekdays. I got the seasonal spiked peppermint hot chocolate with schnapps recently and it was so good. The flavor is good and the chocolate isn't overpowered by the schnapps. I do wish they had more vegetarian options here and even the spaghetti without meatballs cannot be made vegetarian since the sauce is made with beef. I got the impossible burger since it was the one no meat option and it was delicious. The impossible meat and the bread and sauce are so good and I'm glad I tried it. The mashed potatoes are also good though could use some seasoning. I also got the tomato burrata appetizer and wasn't a fan so probably would not get it again. The service here is great as well! read more

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My 1st visit took place during the pandemic where they were offering take-out, which I remembered the food being very tasty. Fast forward 5 years later, the food is still tasty. My most recent visit took place a few Saturday nights ago and it was a lovely experience dining outside in their parklet. I didn't have a reservation and luckily, there were plenty of seating available outside at 6pm, which was for the better because inside can get quite loud. Full service offered inside and outside. I never felt ignored as different staff stopped by. I opted for the petit filet, which was just the right amount of meat. I did wish that there were a few more green beans and a little more mashed potatoes as the sides were a little scanty (just my opinion). Prices are fair given the rising costs of everything. Street parking can be difficult, but not impossible. Looking forward to my next visit at Brazen Head. #23/2025 read more

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This is such a great spot! I heard the rolling stones used to come here for dinner. I love the brazen head for a late night bite or cocktail. There is mood lighting and it's not too big. The prime rib sliders are super yummy! You can also do a full on prime rib dinner or even split one with a friend. It feels cozy and is a neighborhood spot. Many have been coming here for years. The service almost feels small town in a big city which is always a nice surprise. read more

Brazen Head is one of those hidden neighborhood spots that instantly feels like home. Tucked away on a quiet corner in Cow Hollow, this dark little spot oozes old-school charm--like it's been serving locals for a hundred years. It's dark and seems old, but with eighties remodel ceiling lights. The menu is focused and comforting, packed with hearty, meat-forward classics that hit the spot. When you are seated, there is are two forks and a steak knife to prepare you for your dinner. You'll find salads and appetizers to start, followed by entrées that come with your choice of mashed or baked potato and seasonal vegetables which are brocolli or green beans depending on the entree. For vegetarians, there is an impossible burger served with creamy mashed potatoes. It is a good size portion 1/2 cup scoop, and not overloaded. There is also an appetizer garden salad, but it's not a meal size so order an entree. Everything else has meat. There are no vegan options here, but that's to be expected. Everything feels simple and satisfying. Don't skip dessert--it's the perfect finish. The wood bar adds to the nostalgic vibe and there's a small TV for those who want to turn their backs from the bar to catch a game without the loud sports-bar scene. There's also a parklet on the side for outdoor seating. Please don't arrive in hurry because the service is off. It's meant to be cozy and dark and intimate. They want you to go slow which is nice, but I asked for water three times. The busser took away plates, and I still didn't have water. Maybe it wasn't their night, but we arrived a little after 5pm on a Sunday and it wasn't that busy. read more

Brazen Head - The Impossible Burger - Steakhouses Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Saw this restaurant advertised on Check please. Parking is very challenging, but I really enjoyed my simple meal. We had ceasar salad ( mine with Anchovies ).... we had the roasted garlic & cheese appetizer. Petite filet minion. And a clam chowder special.... all dishes were mild flavored and tasty. Ended the evening with apple crisp & bread pudding. No complaints.... warm service and nice dark relaxed vibe. The drink wasn't very strong, but since Ì don't drink often... it was perfect for me. Warm regards, Sharine read more

Brazen Head - Ceasar salad w/ anchovies - Steakhouses Near Me - San Francisco, California

Drinks: 10/10 Food: 10/10 Service: 10/10 Ambiance: 10/10 I'd be surprised if someone came here and left unhappy with their experience. read more

Shelly was incredible. From the introduction, to the meal, to the fun conversation all throughout, I've been here several times and she is now a reason for me to come back! Food is always divine! No regrets. read more

I've been here multiple times but finally got around to writing a review. Brazen head has a very intimate and cozy atmosphere with dim lighting. Service is always attentive and very welcoming. People primarily come here for their martinis and NY strip, but in my mind they are known for their bread pudding! Honestly can't go wrong- I usually get the Chicken Marsala (bc I'm not a big NY strip girl), a Cosmo or martini and then I cannot leave the establishment without their amazing bread pudding! Hopefully you are sensing a theme lol read more

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Dan needs a raise. Loved it! Local. Best restaurant in the city. Dan the bartender is always above and beyond.

Old-school, cozy steakhouse vibes--very small inside, but there's a bar and some outdoor seating too. They don't take reservations, so be ready for a bit of a wait. Prices are super reasonable! We spent $168 for two people, which included a bottle of wine, two apps, two entrées, and dessert. The standout was the petite filet--cooked perfectly medium rare with great flavor. On the flip side, the meatballs were a bit dry, and the French onion soup lacked depth. The lobster ravioli came in a light sauce, but unfortunately, the lobster tasted overly fishy. Now the bread pudding? Absolutely amazing. Warm, served with ice cream, and packed with apples and raisins--it totally stole the show. Overall, I'd 100% go back for the steak and that bread pudding--but probably skip the rest. read more

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Packed and lively. Went with their prime rib which was good with the rice! Great place to go after or before drinks! Food comes out fast and it's hearty! read more

Brazen Head - Steakhouses Near Me - San Francisco, California

Amazing martini's and great food. Can't wait to go back ! I had the burger and a Caesar salad. Plus their martini. They have bevy of martinis glasses chilling on the bar ready for the next order. Eating at the bar was also a treat read more

Brazen Head - Brazen Head Martini - Steakhouses Near Me - San Francisco, California

We ended up coming here only because it was open late on a Thursday night and it turned out to be amazing! The restaurant had a dark, cozy new England tavern vibe and it was just what we needed after walking in the wind. It was busy with the bar seating being full as well. I devoured my lobster ravioli. It was really fresh and the sauce was cleaned straight off my plate especially paired with ripe heirloom tomatoes . They were also able to customize an off-menu vegetable pasta for my friend. Would definitely be back! read more

Brazen Head - Lobster Ravioli - Steakhouses Near Me - San Francisco, California

Old school vibe in a converted house in near the Marina district. Meatballs are great. Service was above par. Mke sure you have the directions on your phone or you could walk right by it read more

The food here is decent, but the vibe where they really shine. Moody, intimate, and quaint...a vignette from a bygone era that is tough to capture in words. The kind of place that could only exist in San Francisco... As a carnivore, I am always on the hunt for good steak. I tried their New York Strip, which is served with a cream sauce. While portioned and cooked well (temperature on point), I felt it was a bit under-seasoned. The sauce also could have used a bit more depth and texture (it was a bit too loose, imo). At this price point ($43), I expect a slightly elevated experience, or something that pops. It was good, but it really wasn't anything special. There is a +$3 up-charge for "loaded" baked potato, which, for some reason comes deconstructed. I also tried the French onion soup. I felt this was excessively priced at $14, and again was not really anything special. The serving size is average and the broth was pretty thin. I would skip this next time. The most disappointing part was a charge of $10 for soda water, which they do not have on tap. I think they charged for refills, even though on several of the pours, they didn't ask if I wanted more...they just poured. There was also a discrepancy between the hand-written bill and the final bill after they swiped my credit card (an additional +$2.19, which I assumed was a CC fee). All in, it's an expensive meal. I do feel that the charm of the place is enough to warrant the 4 stars, however. There's something to the atmosphere that's hard to capture in words...the dark stained hard-wood panels and cozy candlelights (real flames!) at the bar. The portraits on the wall from an era lost to time. It's the kind of place that feels welcoming and warm, even if you've never been there before...like coming home to an old friend. I'd return with a date or if I'm looking for a cozy setting with a (small) group of friends. On food quality and value, though, there are other options in the city that I feel offer a better value. read more

Brazen Head - New York Strip Pepper Steak. Good, but a bit under-seasoned. Sauce was lacking depth. $46 (inc +$3 up-charge for loaded backed potato) - Steakhouses Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Brazen Head is our Go To when in town for Classic Steakhouse atmosphere Dark, low red lights, cozy perfect for a Manhattan, Nice glass of red and Prime rib. We had the best experience Sunday 11/23 arrived 5pm when the doors opened. We were sat a great table for two and had the best all around experience from our server, the meal everything went great! Highly recommended. read more

Phenomenal food, drinks, and staff. My only complaint is it's so busy all the time...which goes to show how good this place is

Shhhhh! Don't tell anybody. A friend of mine invited me to an event in San Francisco and suggested we stop by brazen head for dinner beforehand. I had never been there and frankly was a little skeptical. Surprise, surprise, surprise, surprise, never judge a book by its cover. When I walked in, I immediately felt a positive uplifting vibe the seats at the bar were mostly full already, and the restaurant was popping. I definitely will return to hang out. Bartenders seem to know all the locals on a first name basis. My kind of place and I don't even drink alcohol ha ha. read more

Brazen Head - Never judge a book by its cover. Cow hallow's little sleeper spot. - Steakhouses Near Me - San Francisco, California

Open late night, outdoor seating, dog friendly, and known for prime rib... which is exactly why we chose this spot. Unfortunately, our second visit for Mother's Day dinner was a let down. Right away, our male server informed us they were already out of prime rib, which was disappointing considering it's one of the main reasons people come here. He also didn't seem very welcoming from the start. We ended up ordering the NY pepper steak, lobster ravioli, and escargot. The escargot was fine, but the lobster ravioli was honestly a huge letdown. It came with only six small pieces for around $40 and tasted like something I could've bought frozen from Trader Joe's and topped with Alfredo sauce at home. Definitely not worth the price. The steak portion itself was decent, but there was confusion with the sides. We asked to substitute both sides for baked potatoes, but the server misunderstood. She later offered to bring another baked potato, but by then we didn't want to risk being charged extra. What frustrated us more was the lack of transparency. The menu states that all entrees come with a baked potato, but apparently pasta dishes don't qualify. When we mentioned how disappointed we were with the lobster ravioli portion, the response was basically offering us more complimentary bread or ordering an additional entree. The server even acknowledged that the ravioli portions are not entree size, which honestly made it worse. Overall, the experience completely turned us off. Between being out of prime rib, the poor value, confusing menu details, and underwhelming service, I don't think I'll be back. Also worth noting: they charge a credit card processing fee. read more

Brazen Head - Steakhouses Near Me - San Francisco, California

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One of my favorite places for a drink after work or after a long night. Small, dark, and cozy vibes inside but typically not too hard to get a table or squeeze into a spot at the bar. Food is way too good to be notable for just being open late night. You can smell the freshly made garlic bread from a block away, so please do yourself a favor and order it as soon as you sit down. The best pairing is of course with their famous ice cold martinis and throw in the meatballs if you're looking for a heartier appetizer. Never a disappointing visit, love coming back. read more

During a visit to San Francisco, we found Brazen Head, an Irish pub with a French menu, in Cow Hollow--located west of Wharf and east of the Presidio - Richmond district. It offers late dining, serving until midnight, which fit our late schedule. The pub appears popular with all ages, offering excellent food at great prices for SF. We enjoyed Dirty Hendrick's Martinis and a Meatballs Marinara appetizer. Our main courses, New York Pepper Steak ($43) and Penne & Meatballs ($24), were perfectly prepared. The neighborhood is safe. Dining Hours: * Sunday to Tuesday: 5pm - 11pm * Wednesday to Saturday: 5pm - 12am Note: Reservations are not accepted. I highly recommend a visit read more

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Everything about this place is cool. The lobster ravioli is to die for. Everyone talks about the French onion soup but that's just not for me. Otherwise, cool waitstaff, cool ambiance and super good food. Gotta hit the gym and then I'll be back. read more

After getting burned by The Alembic -- closed early, no hours posted, no one picking up the phone -- I needed a sure thing. Enter The Brazen Head. This place is the opposite: open, consistent, welcoming. Bomb‑ass filet mignon. Strong, properly made drinks. Friendly, no‑pretension vibe. You walk in and feel like you're in on a local secret instead of some overhyped BS. Special shoutout to Danny, the OG behind the bar -- pro as hell and cool every single time. And honestly, the rest of the staff deserves love too. They're the reason this place has stayed rock‑solid for decades. Reliable. Reliable. Reliable. When SF's trendy spots flake, Brazen Head shows up. read more

Great martinis, bartenders are fantastic. Bree is the best. Host is adorable. The food though - not sure what's going on, but it used to be much better. Much smaller portions, the salads are warm and the salmon is cold. I'll never stop going but now I go for drinks and maybe the tiramisu. read more

Came on Monday 23rd,2026 right at 5:00pm and was greeted by the host. He sat us amd was very kind. Our server was Brean or Briana she was so amazing, she was so sweet, knowledgeable and had the best attitude . Thank you Escargo, prime rib,lobster ravioli, and that double Ocho. Best birthday dinner. Thank you!!!! read more

I used to go here all the time. I went back to show some people new to the city how amazing it was. Decor still tops. Service at the bar was rancid. I've made choices for my own lifestyle that do not appeal to the bartender. He made it abundantly clear to any one in earshot my sobriety is boring to him while I was ordering. Obviously the wrong place to go for a human to be human and make their own choices. Better luck next life old guy tending bar. read more

We were looking for a place to have a drink or two before dinner and this popped up. I'm so glad it did. The martinis were awesome, sitting at the bar (you can eat there too) was so nice. The bartenders were helpful and friendly to everyone and the atmosphere is so inviting. You definitely want to be there when it opens to snag a place at the bar. The people next to us were having steaks and they looked amazing. I will be back for another martini AND a steak dinner haha read more

Awesome!!! 5 stars and more! I've been coming to Brazen Head for more than 30 years. Sadly I moved out of The City a few years ago and hadn't been in bit. I'm overjoyed to say it's as good if not better than ever. Prime Rib Mashed Potatoes Steamed Broccoli at the bar - you can't go wrong!!! Bartender are always on point. Always pour stiff martinis. Pros like these is why my wife and I always eat at the bar. This place is old school. It was old school 30+ years ago and the only thing that had changed is they now take credit cards. Love it!!! read more

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Absolutely solid steak place that serves other things like branzino, veal piccata, stroganoff and lobster ravioli (menu changes frequently). Did I mention Brazen Head serves steak? YES! Because this is the way when you want a very good to excellent cut of Prime Rib, New York strip, Filet Mignon or thick bone-in pork chop - and you can get it right up until closing time. Come as you are after work or in a sweater and jeans. Dining room is small and pub snug, packed solid on a Friday night (75 minute wait, no reservations) so even with the wind kicking up and a bit of rain, we settled in at the parklet outside, made toasty with a heat lamp. We were surprisingly cozy. (Don't say 'no' out of hand to sitting outside in inclement weather; it was warm and not crowded.) The Incinerator had penne and meatballs, tasted like the meatballs were beef, pork and veal, excellent. I had the Prime Rib, a dish I'd been craving for two years. It's hard to find unless you're going to pay rent and get dressed to the nines. Here at Brazen Head it was perfectly rare with very fresh horseradish that's deliciously potent, beware! Service (thank you Erin) made the meal special: She didn't skip a beat and made sure my son got an extra thick slice of carrot cake. Best to take Uber as parking is not easy. Lombard is probably your best bet but 8/10 for a high degree of difficulty, no private lot. Next time I won't be away so long: Dinner was great and service put it over the top! read more

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There is a lot to love about the Brazen Head, but the food is not top of the list. The staff is very wonderful and the setting excellent. The food is more like what I imagined a mid-Westerner from the mid 1970s would call comfort food. You know, overcooked steak, green beans swimming in butter, white rice swimming in butter, mashed potatoes all fancy with garlic, and overcooked baked potato, just like Aunt Sarah would make. You know, food that would makes sense in a cafeteria, but brought to your table instead. The place was packed on a Tuesday with people waiting to get in. Go figure. The martini was spot on, the wine quite nice, the Caesar salad perfect (asked for light dressing.) While I would never in a month of Sundays come back for $150+ tab for two, I kinda get why a certain kind of person would dearly fall in love with the place. read more

Great service, great drink, great food, great ambiance. All around unique, yet classic, San Francisco experience. Highly recommend!!