They're the best fish restaurant in San Francisco and have been for decades. Period.
Rust C.
Overpriced, small portions, bread tasted stale. It's great for what it is before the symphony. And the 5.00 person surcharge doesn't help either. The final bill was handwritten. Make sure you get a snapshot of that with your phone. The tip also is calculated on that surcharge. I'm not cheap either, but for the portion size and high cost, it's exorbitant . We hardly had anything and the bill was over 250.00
The staff were so kind that we didn't have the courage to complain..we arrived at 7:45pm and the restaurant was empty (only 1 table was occupied). While we had our dinner, two other tables became occupied. We had the grilled fish, my husband had the swordfish and I had the halibut. We asked for not overcooked. It arrived on a plate with French fries (over cooked) and the butter sauce on the side. Unfortunately the fish was overcooked therefore so dry. The fries overcooked. No other vegetable was served. Dessert: we asked for Pahvlova - the desert was served in a glass, cream with chopped strawberries and a small disk of merengue on top. I had to place the merengue disk on a plate and pour the contents of the glass on top. Loved the place, loved the kind staff but not the food. So sorry.
TerriC
Waiter immediately asked us if we were going to the symphony and was sensitive to our time constraint although we allowed ourselves plenty of time. Food and service excellent. In SF circles, prices reasonable.
KAMC
Normally I rave and rave about one of my all time favorite SF restaurant, but this time....not so much. My salmon was perfect, but the plate looked so sad. Not a lot of love there. The french fries were old and pieces from the bottom of the bowl. The salad was tiny and forgettable. The lemon chiffon dessert was perfet. I will be back for sure, but wanted to share. Everyone has an off night.
DavidLandis
The Hayes St. Grill has been a reliable stalwart in Hayes Valley for more years than I can count. Always the freshest fish, great service and convivial atmosphere. Sad to say, last night wasn't a highlight. It began with a martini that clearly had dirt floating in it. Then I got a chipped wine glass which no one had noticed. The place was so busy that I don't think the kitchen was paying attention: I ordered the swordfish and the capable server said it would be medium rare. It was so overcooked I had to send it back. It was also so loud and crowded before the Ballet that we didn't have enough leg room for our party. I know the Hayes St. Grill can do better - I've been dining there since 1980 and I'm willing to give it another try. But I think the owners need to pay closer attention to service, the kitchen and the overall experience.
GFNMD
Fresh-tasting seafood perfectly prepared - scallops and halibut entrees were not dry but moist and delicious. Bread service is a must. Chopped salad and goat cheese salad were very good starters. Carrot cake topped off the dinner. Wine and cocktails to begin were perfectly served and prepared. Server was personable, informative and outstanding.
carmencat
This classic San Francisco restaurant is reliably excellent. Perfect sea food, excellent burger and fries, the best creme brulee! The service is seamless, the decor is simple, comfortable and well-appointed. It can be depended on for a lovely meal before a performance, for a special occasion, or a business lunch, or just meeting a friend.
JAM
We love going here for the Shad RoeAnd other fresh fishThis is a lovely place and it’s consistent and we really have enjoyed it throughout the yearsWe try to get there 2 to 3 timesParking is a challengeBut worth it !!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
ozinsac
We had a group of 7. And the staff and waitress were very accommodating along with a very full dining room. Everyone seeming coming from a matinee or heading to an evening performance at Davies Hall like we were. Most delightful experience.
Tables are packed so close together you can hardly get around them Food was mediocre at best with little or no garnish or plating interest. Loud and totally unpleasant. Disappointing
LDSP
Very good fresh fish, but a little pricey. Excellent salads and sides. Very efficient service and fast ordering/eating was appreciated, so we could make it to our show on time. Will return!
MSYK MSN
After finishing some errands at City Hall, I decided to look into this restaurant because I wanted to have lunch in a slightly more casual setting nearby. I made a reservation in advance for Friday at 1pm.As the reputation suggests, the inside of the restaurant is not extravagant but traditional, and the food and service were okay. The service was not bad at all, in fact I didn't feel it was good at all. However, it was surprisingly empty for a Friday, so I think it was okay even without making a reservation. Or maybe the timing was just right that day?Everything I ordered was delicious, and if you want to have a proper meal with guests, this restaurant might have a nice atmosphere.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 3
Recommended dishes: French Fries
Joe Blow
No attention to detail. Rushed service. Cod was riddled with little bones. Old school, but not in a good way
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 2
SFmama11
Hayes Street Grill is a favorite spot for pre-show dining. The waitstaff is well attuned to curtain times and moves the dinner along at an appropriate pace. We arrived at 5:30, ate a leisurely 3-course meal, and left around 7:00. We had paella, salmon, and mushroom pasta. They were all delicious. And the desserts were light and fluffy. My only (minor) complaint is that the noise level is a little high to hear when the restaurant is full. A great meal!
They're the best fish restaurant in San Francisco and have been for decades. Period.
Overpriced, small portions, bread tasted stale. It's great for what it is before the symphony. And the 5.00 person surcharge doesn't help either. The final bill was handwritten. Make sure you get a snapshot of that with your phone. The tip also is calculated on that surcharge. I'm not cheap either, but for the portion size and high cost, it's exorbitant . We hardly had anything and the bill was over 250.00
The staff were so kind that we didn't have the courage to complain..we arrived at 7:45pm and the restaurant was empty (only 1 table was occupied). While we had our dinner, two other tables became occupied. We had the grilled fish, my husband had the swordfish and I had the halibut. We asked for not overcooked. It arrived on a plate with French fries (over cooked) and the butter sauce on the side. Unfortunately the fish was overcooked therefore so dry. The fries overcooked. No other vegetable was served. Dessert: we asked for Pahvlova - the desert was served in a glass, cream with chopped strawberries and a small disk of merengue on top. I had to place the merengue disk on a plate and pour the contents of the glass on top. Loved the place, loved the kind staff but not the food. So sorry.
Waiter immediately asked us if we were going to the symphony and was sensitive to our time constraint although we allowed ourselves plenty of time. Food and service excellent. In SF circles, prices reasonable.
Normally I rave and rave about one of my all time favorite SF restaurant, but this time....not so much. My salmon was perfect, but the plate looked so sad. Not a lot of love there. The french fries were old and pieces from the bottom of the bowl. The salad was tiny and forgettable. The lemon chiffon dessert was perfet. I will be back for sure, but wanted to share. Everyone has an off night.
The Hayes St. Grill has been a reliable stalwart in Hayes Valley for more years than I can count. Always the freshest fish, great service and convivial atmosphere. Sad to say, last night wasn't a highlight. It began with a martini that clearly had dirt floating in it. Then I got a chipped wine glass which no one had noticed. The place was so busy that I don't think the kitchen was paying attention: I ordered the swordfish and the capable server said it would be medium rare. It was so overcooked I had to send it back. It was also so loud and crowded before the Ballet that we didn't have enough leg room for our party. I know the Hayes St. Grill can do better - I've been dining there since 1980 and I'm willing to give it another try. But I think the owners need to pay closer attention to service, the kitchen and the overall experience.
Fresh-tasting seafood perfectly prepared - scallops and halibut entrees were not dry but moist and delicious. Bread service is a must. Chopped salad and goat cheese salad were very good starters. Carrot cake topped off the dinner. Wine and cocktails to begin were perfectly served and prepared. Server was personable, informative and outstanding.
This classic San Francisco restaurant is reliably excellent. Perfect sea food, excellent burger and fries, the best creme brulee! The service is seamless, the decor is simple, comfortable and well-appointed. It can be depended on for a lovely meal before a performance, for a special occasion, or a business lunch, or just meeting a friend.
We love going here for the Shad RoeAnd other fresh fishThis is a lovely place and it’s consistent and we really have enjoyed it throughout the yearsWe try to get there 2 to 3 timesParking is a challengeBut worth it !!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
We had a group of 7. And the staff and waitress were very accommodating along with a very full dining room. Everyone seeming coming from a matinee or heading to an evening performance at Davies Hall like we were. Most delightful experience.
Restaurantji Recommends
Tables are packed so close together you can hardly get around them Food was mediocre at best with little or no garnish or plating interest. Loud and totally unpleasant. Disappointing
Very good fresh fish, but a little pricey. Excellent salads and sides. Very efficient service and fast ordering/eating was appreciated, so we could make it to our show on time. Will return!
After finishing some errands at City Hall, I decided to look into this restaurant because I wanted to have lunch in a slightly more casual setting nearby. I made a reservation in advance for Friday at 1pm.As the reputation suggests, the inside of the restaurant is not extravagant but traditional, and the food and service were okay. The service was not bad at all, in fact I didn't feel it was good at all. However, it was surprisingly empty for a Friday, so I think it was okay even without making a reservation. Or maybe the timing was just right that day?Everything I ordered was delicious, and if you want to have a proper meal with guests, this restaurant might have a nice atmosphere.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 3
Recommended dishes: French Fries
No attention to detail. Rushed service. Cod was riddled with little bones. Old school, but not in a good way
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 2
Hayes Street Grill is a favorite spot for pre-show dining. The waitstaff is well attuned to curtain times and moves the dinner along at an appropriate pace. We arrived at 5:30, ate a leisurely 3-course meal, and left around 7:00. We had paella, salmon, and mushroom pasta. They were all delicious. And the desserts were light and fluffy. My only (minor) complaint is that the noise level is a little high to hear when the restaurant is full. A great meal!