When San Franciscans yearn for scotch and steak, they head to Alfred’s. As steakhouses go, this one is textbook: deep red booths, bright white linens, sparkling chandeliers, and wineglasses the size of goldfish bowls. Open and aging its own beef since 1928, Alfred’s has perfected the art of grilling steak. Fancy an ice-cold martini, or one of more than 100 single-malt scotches Alfred’s has on hand? Scoot into the elegant bar on your right. Once you’ve worked your appetite up, move into either of the main dining rooms and settle in; this is a meal to be savored, not rushed. The menu here is full of the usual suspects: French onion soup, shrimp cocktail, and oysters on the half shell to start. Entrées include just about every cut of the cow there is, including New York, filet mignon, porterhouse, and T-bone. Not in the mood for beef? Carnivores looking for an alternative will be happy with the rack of lamb, while seafood lovers will take delight in Alfred’s expertly grilled salmon or succulent Australian lobster tail. All entrées come with a choice of two sides. The steal-of-a-deal City Dinner, at $30, includes a choice of salads; petite filet, New York steak, half-rack of lamb, or mesquite-grilled petite salmon; and Alfred’s signature cheesecake or cappuccino ice cream pie. Additional à la carte desserts include Italian fried crème, lemon tart, and a nightly special (a sinfully rich crème brûlée on the night we visited). Dine here and take part in a San Francisco tradition—just be sure to clear your schedule and bring your appetite.
659 Merchant St. (between Montgomery and Kearny, Clay and Washington), San Francisco
(415) 781-7058
www.alfredssteakhouse.com
DINNER: Nightly from 5:30 p.m.
CREDIT CARDS: AE, DC, DIS, JCB, MC, VISA
NOTES: Reservations advised, full bar, banquet space for up to 90, complimentary parking at new Hilton entrance on Washington St.