I love Hillstone, it’s one of my favorite restaurants in the city. The ambiance, the crowd, and the attention to detail are usually second to none. Last Friday, I spent about three hours there between having drinks at the bar and dinner with friends.
First off, I want to acknowledge the hosts, who were absolutely outstanding. They were amazingly patient and flexible as our party grew from a few people to a table of eight. They went out of their way to make sure we were comfortable, and I’m genuinely grateful for that.
That said, I was very disappointed with the food. I ordered the Flank Steak, which arrived topped with what seemed to be a green paste, something like a chimi churri, that completely overpowered the flavor of the meat. Worse, it didn’t even taste like chimi churri, it had a strong, cheesy flavor that clashed with the dish. The steak itself was oddly chewy and lacked the quality I’ve come to expect from Hillstone.
It was also served with bell peppers on the side that were clearly undercooked, still crunchy and raw in the middle, and topped with what feta cheese. For an American grill, this combination felt misplaced and confusing.
The fries were another disappointment: soggy, oily, and lacking salt or crispness. They honestly resembled something you’d get at a baseball stadium, not at Hillstone.
Finally, I also sadly had un unpleasent interaction with the bar service. I spent about an hour and a half at the bar before being seated, and despite the bar being busy but not packed, it was nearly impossible to get a drink. There were three bartenders, but it took thirty minutes to get two Negronis. Worse, after being told multiple times that I’d be served soon, I was skipped over for another guest who had just arrived. When I politely pointed this out, the bartender completely dismissed my complaint.
As I said, I love Hillstone, but some of the items from my experience this time were not the level of professionalism I expect from it.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 3
Raphael Levi
There were three of us, and we got the ribs and two Hawaiian ribeye steaks. The ribs were burnt, so we sent them back (tasted like charcoal). We asked for medium-rare steaks, but they were more like medium-well (dry, like well-done). The starters were just okay. Artichoke dip was the dish that stood out. Honestly, the food wasn't great.
But the service? That was awesome! Super fast and cheerful, which really made up for the food. Thanks, Mr. Waiter (sorry I forgot your name).
We didn't take many pics except for the burnt ribs and dry steak, even though it doesn't really show in the photo (we tasted it though!).
Oh, almost forgot, they have no toothpicks 🤣
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 2
Service: 5
Ігор Куций
Great place, outstanding service. The waiters were excellent, and the food was delicious. One of the best steaks I’ve ever had. The atmosphere is wonderful! I loved absolutely everything. Definitely recommend it.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Michelle Bialon-Choy
The burger and sundae are perfection!
Phillip Araj
I’ve had the pleasure of dining here multiple times a month over a lot of years, and I typically sit at the bar where I’m always well taken care of, especially by Joe and Paige. The food is consistently excellent, and the service never disappoints. I’m always torn between ordering the BBQ ribs or the Hawaiian ribeye—both are so good
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Hyperbola 89
Love it will be back. Take my Money 💰
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Curtis Calder
Hillstone consistently has great food, drinks, and atmosphere. The prime rib french dip always hits the spot, along with everything else there!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
U6071TSdanielk
We were there twice during our stay in San Francisco. The rips were so good that we had them again on the second night. Despite the large space, the tables are somewhat private due to Boothes. Gladly again
JEMP88
We are visiting SanFran and I asked friends where to take my husband on his birthday for steak, ribs and cocktails and they recommended this place. Our meal was excellent. They smoke their ribs for 48 hours before slow cooking. Everything was delicious. Service was excellent. We will go back next time we are in the area.
isaporidellamiatevva
We had dinner at Hillstone's during our stay in San Francisco and were really pleased. The place is elegant but without being pretentious, with soft lighting and impeccable service. The menu offers classic American dishes revisited with great care, all good. Friendly and attentive staff, we would stay again
Really a great dinner, really good dishes. I tried ahi tuna tartare, kale as a side dish and classic fudge sundae as dessert. Price not low, but at classic San Francisco level
Latgigi
Great location, impeccable service and tasty food. We ordered the burger, the tasty thai noodle salad. and a delicious mango lemonade.
TorontoTOtraveller
We stopped in for lunch after our Alcatraz tour and were very pleasantly surprised by the high quality food and service. Nice looking restaurant with delicious food and service was prompt and courteous. We had the beef dip, Thai noodle salad and Crispy chicken sandwich. All were delicious. It’s pricey for a lunch but well worth it.
S
If the crab cakes are on the menu, get them. They’re the best crab cakes you’ll ever find.
Tourist61107755751
A great find! Good atmosphere, nice cocktails. Service was attentive but not overbearing. Our mains (rib eye steak and ribs) were very tasty. But the absolute standout was their key lime pie. The best I have ever had. So smooth and creamy and the right balance of sweet and sharpness. So good we came back just for pie on our last day before leaving for the airport. And it just as good second time round!
I love Hillstone, it’s one of my favorite restaurants in the city. The ambiance, the crowd, and the attention to detail are usually second to none. Last Friday, I spent about three hours there between having drinks at the bar and dinner with friends.
First off, I want to acknowledge the hosts, who were absolutely outstanding. They were amazingly patient and flexible as our party grew from a few people to a table of eight. They went out of their way to make sure we were comfortable, and I’m genuinely grateful for that.
That said, I was very disappointed with the food. I ordered the Flank Steak, which arrived topped with what seemed to be a green paste, something like a chimi churri, that completely overpowered the flavor of the meat. Worse, it didn’t even taste like chimi churri, it had a strong, cheesy flavor that clashed with the dish. The steak itself was oddly chewy and lacked the quality I’ve come to expect from Hillstone.
It was also served with bell peppers on the side that were clearly undercooked, still crunchy and raw in the middle, and topped with what feta cheese. For an American grill, this combination felt misplaced and confusing.
The fries were another disappointment: soggy, oily, and lacking salt or crispness. They honestly resembled something you’d get at a baseball stadium, not at Hillstone.
Finally, I also sadly had un unpleasent interaction with the bar service. I spent about an hour and a half at the bar before being seated, and despite the bar being busy but not packed, it was nearly impossible to get a drink. There were three bartenders, but it took thirty minutes to get two Negronis. Worse, after being told multiple times that I’d be served soon, I was skipped over for another guest who had just arrived. When I politely pointed this out, the bartender completely dismissed my complaint.
As I said, I love Hillstone, but some of the items from my experience this time were not the level of professionalism I expect from it.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 3
There were three of us, and we got the ribs and two Hawaiian ribeye steaks. The ribs were burnt, so we sent them back (tasted like charcoal). We asked for medium-rare steaks, but they were more like medium-well (dry, like well-done). The starters were just okay. Artichoke dip was the dish that stood out. Honestly, the food wasn't great.
But the service? That was awesome! Super fast and cheerful, which really made up for the food. Thanks, Mr. Waiter (sorry I forgot your name).
We didn't take many pics except for the burnt ribs and dry steak, even though it doesn't really show in the photo (we tasted it though!).
Oh, almost forgot, they have no toothpicks 🤣
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 2
Service: 5
Great place, outstanding service. The waiters were excellent, and the food was delicious. One of the best steaks I’ve ever had. The atmosphere is wonderful! I loved absolutely everything. Definitely recommend it.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The burger and sundae are perfection!
I’ve had the pleasure of dining here multiple times a month over a lot of years, and I typically sit at the bar where I’m always well taken care of, especially by Joe and Paige. The food is consistently excellent, and the service never disappoints. I’m always torn between ordering the BBQ ribs or the Hawaiian ribeye—both are so good
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Love it will be back. Take my Money 💰
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Hillstone consistently has great food, drinks, and atmosphere. The prime rib french dip always hits the spot, along with everything else there!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We were there twice during our stay in San Francisco. The rips were so good that we had them again on the second night. Despite the large space, the tables are somewhat private due to Boothes. Gladly again
We are visiting SanFran and I asked friends where to take my husband on his birthday for steak, ribs and cocktails and they recommended this place. Our meal was excellent. They smoke their ribs for 48 hours before slow cooking. Everything was delicious. Service was excellent. We will go back next time we are in the area.
We had dinner at Hillstone's during our stay in San Francisco and were really pleased. The place is elegant but without being pretentious, with soft lighting and impeccable service. The menu offers classic American dishes revisited with great care, all good. Friendly and attentive staff, we would stay again
Restaurantji Recommends
Really a great dinner, really good dishes. I tried ahi tuna tartare, kale as a side dish and classic fudge sundae as dessert. Price not low, but at classic San Francisco level
Great location, impeccable service and tasty food. We ordered the burger, the tasty thai noodle salad. and a delicious mango lemonade.
We stopped in for lunch after our Alcatraz tour and were very pleasantly surprised by the high quality food and service. Nice looking restaurant with delicious food and service was prompt and courteous. We had the beef dip, Thai noodle salad and Crispy chicken sandwich. All were delicious. It’s pricey for a lunch but well worth it.
If the crab cakes are on the menu, get them. They’re the best crab cakes you’ll ever find.
A great find! Good atmosphere, nice cocktails. Service was attentive but not overbearing. Our mains (rib eye steak and ribs) were very tasty. But the absolute standout was their key lime pie. The best I have ever had. So smooth and creamy and the right balance of sweet and sharpness. So good we came back just for pie on our last day before leaving for the airport. And it just as good second time round!
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