Alfred's Steakhouse

You really cant go too wrong at Alfreds,and the 41 dollar special menu is a great deal.you can chose soup(split pea was tasty) or salad(most people get the Caesar)You can chose either the New york or Ribeye(or the lamb) and both are HUGE and cooked just right.The only weak link is the deserts which are just so-so.All in all,its a great place when you crave a great steak plus it has a cool,old-fashioned decor and vibe.

Posted 07/31/08

I took my girlfriend to Alfred's but we both weren't that happy with the food. The service A+(I'm server my self). Timing of every single thing were just right. Good coctails. I would like to tell you what exactly what I had but it was so boring and tastless, I can't even remeber it! I would never go this place again since there is far better steakhouses in the city! Oh by the way those uncooked meat by the entrance kind of freaky! It ruined my girlfriends appetite!

Pros: Coctails, service

Cons: boring and way too expensive food for its quality

Posted 06/15/08

The steak here is AMAZING! I ordered the petite filet with bernaise and my boyfriend ordered the biggest piece of ribeye i have ever seen. He loves his steak and i didnt think he was going to finish it (I swear it was the size of his dinner plate!.) My steak was cooked to order and honestly didnt need the sauce but it was a good complement to the steak. I have a weakness for shoestring fries so that was my side, can never go wrong with them. Dont forget to order a pomegranate martini...they are delicious! they leave the shaker and you get about 2 martinis out of it. I've recommended it several friends and they have all loved it!!! Service was outstanding, as expected.

PS The ceasar salad is the best i have EVER had!

Pros: Steak, pomegranate martinis, service

Cons: can't think of any

Posted 05/25/08

I've been to Alfred's twice and have no complaints. The martini that I ordered was huge and made just right. Kinda old school...they give you the shaker with a glass. You can't beat that. Alfred's has a great School Night Dinner that you have to try. The price is right. I had the 8 oz filet on both occasions and it was cooked to perfection. The Wedge Salad with Pt. Reyes blue cheese dressing is terrific. Depending on how much dressing you like you might want to ask them to go easy. It's a bit heavy. The fresh veggies and the mac and cheese are good choices for sides. This is a good all around experience.

Pros: School Night Dinner; Drinks; Steaks

Posted 04/20/08

I had dinner at Alfred's with 6 friends and it was great. Everything from the drinks to the dessert was pretty delicious. The filet mignon was the largest filet I had every seen and the mac & cheese, to die for! The portions are very large so come hungry. The server was prompt and helpful. If you want steak-go to Alfred's!

Pros: Good value-Get The School Nite Special, great food

Cons: Don't forget to get your parking validated!

Posted 04/08/08

I wanted to have a group dinner with 20 of my work colleagues for a work farewell event. I liased with Al and found him to be irresponsive. Two days before the event, I had to call to find out whether my booking was confirmed. I never once received a call from them. It was extremely diffcult to get any information out of him. He kept referring me to the website instead of providing me with the information over the phone.

Dinner was below average, all the guests thought so. They thought the service was terrible as it took forever to get drinks. Alfred's only had 3 people working to serve 20 people. We spent over $2,000 including food and drinks and if you are looking to spend that money at dinner, DO NOT PICK this place!

Pros: None

Cons: Terrible service, not worth the money

Posted 03/25/08

A co-worker read about Alfred's on Citysearch and forwarded us the link. We all agreed that we'd continue our work meeting at Alfred's for dinner. This is an ideal spot to continue a work meeting as the staff is highly professional and the tables provide privacy. We had cocktails in the lounge and then transitioned to the restaurant. My dinner was perfect. I had the Worknight Special which included: wedge salad (good); rib-eye steak (huge, cooked medium and flavorful); side of cream spinach (almost to much food now); and cheesecake or desert (one bite). All in all - succesful evening with a highly enjoyable meal. The only confusion was around a pre-set 17% tip already included on the bill which seemed tacky for a nice spot.

Posted 02/10/08

The food was very good. Steaks were very tasty and tender, osso bucco is outstanding. We were there with a large group of people and everyone enjoyed their food. We had a great waiter who was friendly and attentive; he checked back with us regularly. The only down fall of our experience came after the meal. The lady who took out coats and seated us was not very friendly. After spending over $500 for a meal she was not willing to call us a cab. It was pouring down rain and although the Hilton was just around the corner, we had trouble hailing a cab. It was as simple as picking up the phone, but she gave us a real attitude. She was so rude, it put a damper on the good meal we just had.

Pros: Great Steaks, we had a good waiter

Cons: location and the rude people at the front desk

Posted 01/27/08

I was impressed when i came into the place, straight out of the GodFather decor. However, things went downhill from there. The appetizers were ok at best, but the steak was literally gristle with very little meat. Maybe if you were a shark with multiple rows of teeth could you actually chew your way through the whole thing. The only high point of the evening was the wine, which was probably out of the restaurants control to screw up.

Posted 01/26/08

This had been a great place for years, but the last visit was a total disappointment! There's now a 17% "non-service employee" gratuity tacked onto the bill--in addition to whatever you want to tip your server, the food was mediocre, and the service indifferent at best. What was supposed to be a special occasion turned into a let-down. Never going back, and wouldn't recommend it to anyone for any reason. Ever.

Posted 01/22/08

Nice place, but the food was not great. The drink were really good and the service was outstanding. There are so many places to eat in the city, I don't think I'll be going back.

Pros: drinks

Cons: food

Posted 12/28/07

Our server was terrible. It was unfortunate, but the other servers in the restaurant seemed to actually be working, in contrast to ours. We chose not to order wine and his demeanor changed immediately. Also, the steaks are flavorless. Yes, the meat is aged, but the flavor is still not there. I requested a bernaise sauce after having tasted the steak, when I like my steak pure with no sauce. The sauce did not arrive until after my steak was cold and we had to get up and request it from someone else. Overall, it was a poor night.

Posted 12/25/07

My dinner companion and I were treated the most shabbily at this premier San Francisco restaurant. We waited an HOUR AND A QUARTER before the waiter acknowledged that we had been waiting so long. He blamed it on the kitchen being backed up from a large party "upstairs" but a table of 6 persons was waited on and served long before we were, although they were seated after we were. When the food arrived AN HOUR AND A HALF after it was ordered, my companion's food was not what had been ordered. When his food was finally made right, we noticed that his requested Bernaise sauce had not arrived but a peppercorn sauce that we had NOT ordered was there. When he asked for the Bernaise sauce to be brought out, the waiter refused and said he would not take the ABUSE he had been given. We did not abuse anybody, we wanted what we ordered. After that, everything went down hill with the manager of the place coming to our table and ordering us to leave after we paid our check. Mind you, the waiter promised to have after-dinner drinks delivered to make up for the shabby service we had received but since the manager had ordered us out of his restaurant there was no way they could have delivered on this promise. In fact, the police were called, which was a serious over-reaction on their part. This was not a police matter. The management of the restaurant wanted to save face for all of the screw-ups they had initiated. This was the MOST TERRIBLE DINING EXPERIENCE of either of our lives and we will not go back there and we will definitely not send any of our friends or business associates to this restaurant. What a shame, because we had been there on several other occasions and everything was perfect.. NEVER AGAIN. PLEASE DO NOT PATRONIZE ALFRED'S STEAKHOUSE.

Cons: TERRIBLE SERVICE

Posted 11/02/07

I was taken there by a boss as a reward. 2 of our orders were wrong. when this was pointed out the manager was abusive. Everyone felt terrible and embarrassed. Do not go.

Cons: No civility

Posted 09/21/07

I am a Northern California Native and a world traveler who not only enjoys great food, but gets asked on a daily basis; where to eat and what I thought of a place and my opinion in general, especially when it comes to Steak Houses. I grew up in the area and I have eaten at them all...Joe DiMaggios, Bobos, House of Prime Rib, Acme, Bobs Chop House and the ever so great chains Ruth Chris and Izzy's Steak House. Not only does Alfred's belong in the same company as these great steak houses, it belongs at the top of the list.

When booking reservations on City Search, I thought I would see what others had to say about this place. Most people agree with me, some, as in life, did not. But lets examine one item each of these complainers had in common. They seem to be women...or very, how do I say, less then masculine men. All having screen names I would not consider to belong to someone who knows steaks. Examples: cdimples, mangofruitcake, rubye, kristenglunt and ddrew. Something tells me these people write allot of complaints and always get bad service. Perhaps if you weren't so unhappy with your life and treated the waiter with respect, you might enjoy your self next time you eat out.

They all talk about lack of flavor as well, well this is a steak house that does it right cooking with little salt a pepper so you can enjoy the flavor of the juicy moist steak. This isn't some Italian, Asian, Californian, Fusion steak thinly sliced and heaped over with a cornucopia of worldly flavors with a side of mango almond chutney. The flavor is the beef! Know that, enjoy that or shut up. But that is not to say that Alfred's doesn't cater to the sauce lover in all of us. Ask for their 3 signature dipping sauces.

If you like a good steak and would actually know a good steak if you saw it. Eat at Alfred's!!

From...

Just a 6ft 3, 260 lbs, football playing guy who loves good food and especially a good steak...like Alfred's 32 oz. Porter House!!!

P.S. Get a Martini

Pros: The Martini's and 32oz Porter House...and everything else on their menue, Great service too!

Cons: NOTHING.

Posted 09/03/07

I would strictly advise against dining at this establishment. My guest and I had 7pm reservations, arrived 3 min early - and was rudely told to wait. It was a Monday evening and there were about 10 tables in our view - and only 2 of those tables were occupied. While we waited for 15 minutes, a party of 14 came in and was seated immediately!

When asked about our table, the host remained rude and said that he had been looking for us - even though we were the only ones sitting in the chairs in their lobby, directly in his view. He said that he had gone to look for us at the bar - even though he never directed us to the bar when we arrived, nor did he mention that there was a bar at which we could wait. No longer interested in dining at the restaurant, we asked to for a Manager or a Comment Card - and the host then snapped that he was the manager and that any comments we would have liked to make, we already made.

We left Alfred's and the next day I wrote an email to the restaurant. The manager replied - and remained as cold, indifferent and rude as ever. He was unapologetic and extremely unprofessional in his replies. I also spoke to the Chief Concierge at the Hilton located next door, and he stated that they had received similar customer service complaints about Alfred's Steakhouse. In fact, the Hilton boycotted Alfred's in 2002 because Alfred's tacked on an additional charge to a group of Australian tourists, stating that the bill was higher because "foreigners don't tip"!

I warn anyone interested in going to this restaurant: Do not go to Alfred's if you are interested in a professional, kind and pleasant dining experience. There are an abundance of steakhouses in San Francisco - please, spare yourselves the pain and stay clear of Alfred's!

Cons: The owner is rude, condescending, cold and indifferent towards the concerns of his patrons.

Posted 08/08/07

From the atmosphere to the service, this steak house is one of the best.

The atmosphere was dark enough in the booths to give you a nice romantic feel. Yet, the strategically placed spotlights for the table, lights up your meal in such away that you can actually see what you're eating, something that I wish other "romantic" places would do!

What can I say about the steaks, it was excellent. Though the service was impeccable, I was put off by the automatic 17% service charge, just one thing to keep in mind when you go there to dine.

Pros: Romantic, great food and wine.

Cons: Automatic 17% gratuity charge.

Posted 05/02/07

Always a great piece of dry aged meat served exactly as requested. The flavor is in the meat, so spices or sauces are provided on request only, I feel salt and pepper are the best accompaniment.
The martinis and accompanying shakers are classic, as is the retro decor. Great wine list that the owner pays attention to, a bottle for every palette and budget.
Go, get the oyster Rockefeller or crab cake starter, get the wedge or Caesar, and my favorite is the Alfred?s Steak. Alfred?s is everything you are looking for in a steakhouse, and at the right price.

Pros: Easy, VALIDATED parking at the Hilton, great aged meat & service

Cons: Not exactly a prime location in the alley

Posted 02/27/07

Alfred's is usually a refuge from the ddrews of the world who must make a scene wherever they go. Thank goodness her shrill chirping (I am assuming it is a woman) is now back in Arizona where the sun can continue to desiccate her brain. This Steakhouse is superb. I have been a happy and loyal patron for 15 short years. The martinis are excellent and very generous. The shaker is left at the table with you and has nearly a whole second drink in it. The steaks, pomme frite, salads (especially the maytag dressed iceberg wedge) are top quality and prepared to perfection. Alfred's is family owned and that pride is evident in how they work with the patrons. Most of the wait staff have been there for years. The prices have remained reasonable and the bistro lunch is a real bargain- try the best hamburger in town. Teh wine list is priced reasonably and there is a Medoc on the list that is an outright steal. For those who have romantic feelings towards the past and feel that they were born 30 years too late, or just miss your grandparents, Alfred's is the place to go. You will feel at home. If you have not been to Alfred?s; give it a try soon. If you are thinking of coming back, do it. There is a Happy Hour from 3:00 to 6:00 with great small plate bar food items. Overall, Alfred's is a comfortable place to be and the food and drinks make it even better.

Pros: Scene, Bar, Private Room, Parking

Posted 12/26/06

Being a native to San Francisco, I was excited to again go to Alfred's after moving to Arizona. Looking forward to the table-side Caesar salad. Forget that, it's gone...
Just an average salad. I ordered a New York, got a filet. The waitress insisted the think stead was, in fact, a New York. It tasted like cardboard, no flavor. O.K. just bring me a rib steak. Along comes the manager to argue with me about the first stead and to make sure I knew the rib steak was going to cost me more..Unbelieveable...The rib steak comes and all of us (four at the table) tasted it and agreed it was tasteless. I will never EVER GO BACK....I will email everyone in my address book this review and blog it, as well.

Posted 11/07/06

I personally am not a fan of filets in general so I can't speak for other peoples dissatisfaction with them but Alfred's Executive cut (Medium) with creamed spinach, baked potato and pepper sauce is TO DIE FOR!! The only thing better would be if they had wheel barrells to carry me out to my car after eating. We went with our family on a Monday night (free corkage night) to celebrate mom's birthday and had a great experience. Devoured some tasty oysters (half shell and Rockafeller) then enjoyed a wonderful dinner. Too bad for the other people with bad experiences because I can't wait to go back!

Pros: Thick juicy steaks

Posted 10/04/06

I don't get it.... Some reviews made me seeth with disbelief. Myabe I HAVE BEEN LUCKY!

I have been going to Alfred's since it was on Russian Hill and still love it

Settle into a comfy red leather booth and sit down and relax with a well made cocktail - the shaker sits on the table with a FULL refill - a mighty big cocktail! The red lacquer walls are stunning and the chandeliers always sparkle from brilliant crystals - no dust!

MY FAVORITE: THE TUSCAN T-BONE! Always a juicy, seared steak with a hint of fresh garlic and black pepper over a bed of garlic sauteed spinach - too good to leave the remaining steak so it is nicely wrapped to take home. Baked Potatoes sound simple - but there are bad ones and Alfred's knows how to do it right. They are always fluffy and hot with all the additions of sour cream, cheese, etc. But, I go for butter and the chopped green onions - sublime and the skin is truly delicious. The bone in rib eye is excellent and when your tigjt on change THE CITY
DINNER at 30 dollars is a good deal. They have changed the steak to a better cut and that is
GREAT - the other was problematic.

I love the cappuchino ice cream dessert. The wait staff is extrmely nice. Will, the host, is a
friendly, old curmudgeon who needs to retire.

Pros: The ambiance is Retro Glam - red lacquer walls, shining chadeliers

Cons: WILL needs to be sent to pasture!

Posted 06/13/06

When I first went to Alfred's I went there expecting "seasoned" steaks like at Ruth's Chris or Houston's so I was disappointed in the flavor. Undaunted, we returned and realized it was the great beef flavor that I should have been enjoying and NOT the additives. Now that I got that straight I have to tell you this is a great beef restaurant. Stop by the bar first and have a martini or our favorite Rob Roy and they not only pour a great drink, they give you half a shaker more to refill your glass at no charge!!! Be sure to have the au gratin potatoes....they're to die for.

We had a birthday party there in a private room and all our guests raved about how good it was.

Posted 06/12/06

had a reservation for a friday evening, promptly seated. salad (caeser), appetizer (boiled shrimp) and filet were excellent. only bad thing was an odor that permiates the restaurant. so noticeable that it would probably cause me to not return. too bad, otherwise great experience.

Pros: food, prompt seating

Cons: odor, decor

Posted 05/21/06

We had heard great things about Alfred's so we chose it for Mother's Day. The service is okay but the food is tasteless. At $30 for the Petite Filet it should taste darn good...but the vegetables, salad and steaks for our family of four were all disappointing. Do yourself a favor and book a rezzie at one of the MANY great steakhouses in SF !

Posted 05/14/06

I went to Alfred's because of what I read on this site. I was very disappointed. I took 45 minutes to be seated even though I was on time for my reservation. I may have had an irritated look on my face but I was never rude, I wish I could say the same for the older woman hostess. RUDE. Once seated, it took 15 minutes for the waiter to help us. The calamari appetizer was delicious and my girlfriend's cosmo was a deal. They bring it in a container and it actually filled her glass 3 times. The steaks were OKAY but that's it. Definitely not a good steak. The potatoes were also disappointing. All in all, I left angry and will not attend nor will I recommend Alfred's ever again.

Pros: Calamari, Drinks

Cons: Filet Mignon, Service

Posted 02/14/06

It was a tuesday nite our server was great and very nociable ! the food arrived very timely and the drink were very amazing and tasted ravishing . Each one came in there own shaker !
we had a blast ! jean pierre was direct and very profesionel with a very good knowledge of his industry . I would highly recommend this restaurant to ayone .

Pros: nice portions, huge drinks

Cons: no valet, but they validate

Posted 12/06/05

Merchant "street" is actually an alley that wasn't on our maps. Server wasn't fluent in English, which was probably why he neglected to ask which of the offered sauces I wanted on my Filet Mignon. As a result, he brought it out dry, which made it taste pretty bland.

Wine by the glass is served in what are basically water glasses. I made it clear that I would only use the proper glassware already on the table.

Reasonable price ($100 for 2), but poor service contributed to average food. The place wasn't all that full (on a Friday night), but service seemed rather unobtrusive everywhere.

The food was not bad, though either the bread or the butter needs to be warm (both were cold). The chocolate cake dessert was outstanding! If you go, DEFINITELY get that! The Italian custard in Apricot brandy was underwhelming.

Pros: Decor, ambience

Cons: Service, location

Posted 11/28/05

Surprisingly, we were offended by the Host. He EDUCATED us that our steaks kept cooking at our table if we didn't eat them right away and that's why they were medium well and not medium rare like we had asked in the beginning. I'd go back for the cappucino ice cream pie.

Pros: dessert, croutons

Cons: host, overdone steaks

Posted 11/23/05

I have to confirm that Alfred's Steakhouse is by far the worst steakhouse when it comes to service....even the food was not worth waiting for...


I do not recommend this steakhouse to anyone....the service was horrible and even the food was nothing impressive....

Cons: Bad Service, Bad food, Unfriendly mgmt

Posted 11/16/05

I've been to many of the finer steakhouses around the country and Alfreds does not rate among any of them. The food was more along the lines of Outback or Black Angus. My girlfriend ordered the salmon and it was a piece about 3 square inches and dry as a hockey puck. The steak was very below average. Small and overcooked. Service was average. Not anything special.

Posted 10/29/05

I should have gone to a seafood restaurant while in San Fran and left the steakhouse visit for when I'm at home in Chicago. This place was very average. My wife and I started with oysters on the half shell (which I don't enjoy so I can't say they were good or not) and calamari which was good. We both had the NY strip and both commented on the lack of taste. Also my steak was overdone and I should have sent it back but I didn't feel like waiting. I had garlic mashers, which were not bad, and mixed vegetables as sides. They do have an extensive wine and single malt scotch list but not much a dessert list. Overall, it was very average.

Pros: Wine list, Scotch list

Cons: Flavorless steak

Posted 06/19/05

I know this place is well known but on many weeknights it's very easy to get a table. Service can be inconsistent but when they're "on" it's great. It's easy to blow a lot of money here but you do have several reasonably priced options. Some of their steaks are quite pricey but their T-bone & bone-in NY strip are good values and excellent. Not overly seasoned so you really pick up the flavor of the beef. They also have non-steak entrees between $15-$20 like Osso Bucco, and filet tips in Jack Daniels sauce which are both very satisfying. Impressive single malt selection in the bar. Great martinis too. Overall very fine meat-emphasized food and traditional elegant ambience.

Pros: tasty tender steaks, Nice setting

Posted 06/18/05

I love Alfred's from the instant I walk in the door, being greeted like family by the host!They make you feel like a guest in an elegant dining room and the food is never less than spectacular. Start with the incomparable caesar salad and their always cooked to perfection aged beef is fabulous not to mention the to die for chocolate cake. The only drawback for me is I don't live in S.F. and can't eat at Afred's as often as I'd like. If you want a great steak dinner with the most generously poured cocktails in true San Francisco style, make it Alfred's.

Pros: food, atmosphere, service

Posted 06/08/05

I have been dining at Alfred's for almost forty years, and I have enjoyed every martini, every meal, every warm, comfortable moment. The restaurant has great food, wonderful warm service and the ambience I want in a restaurant. In addition, the place is a great value!

Pros: Great food, Great ambience, friendly service

Cons: tough to park

Posted 06/07/05

From the warm and proper welcome to the end of the visit Alfred's is most enjoyable.
The cocktails are quite well made.

The steaks are very high quality meat and done perfectly.

The staff is attentive, but not overbearing.

Posted 06/05/05

This is truly an old-time San Francisco steak house, complete with red walls and crystal chandeliers. The corn-fed steak is even on display at the front of the dining room and after a trip over the mesquite charcoal, tastes every bit as good as it looks. The waiters are friendly and efficient, the Caesar salad is award-winning and the chocolate cake is a perfect finish - along with an extensive single malt scotch lists. Give it a try!

Pros: great steak, warm atmosphere, friendly staff

Posted 06/04/05

An ode to Alfred's the finest house in town for great portions, devine wine, fine service, and a location which exudes the golden speakeasy days of SF!

Posted 05/12/05

Our medium rare steaks came out heavily seared on the outside (almost all black) and entirely raw on the inside. The waiter told us the kitchen probably forgot about the steaks on the grill, and sent them back to be cooked further. The steaks came back dry on the inside, overcooked, and just as bad on the outside. We sent back the steaks again. The waiter was nice and checked with the manager whether he can take them off the bill. After 15 minutes, we got a bill for $69, excluding the two steaks. The $69 included, 4 oysters, one wedge salad, and a $22 salmon dish. Now you would think if Alfred's wanted our business again (we have gone there twice this month and we are locals!), they would have comped the appetizers and salmon dish for essentially ruining our evening (this whole process took 2.5 hours).

Pros: old school ambiance, nice wait staff

Cons: Management, Management, Management

Posted 04/17/05

It's comparative to Morton's, but the aged steak definitely sets apart the tenderness and quality of the beef!

Posted 03/08/05

We liked the old SF feel and didn't notice any bad smell as other reviewers have noted. The New York steak was cooked to order and was very good. Our waiter was pleasant, but abandoned us for long periods of time, forgot one of our side orders, forgot to bring toppings for our potato, and took about 15 minutes to bring us the check after dessert. We were surprised at the horseplay of the other waiters. While we appreciate a "fun" atmosphere, we would expect, at these prices, to have better, more attentive service. We don't expect waiters to hover, just not abandon us completely. Overall, the food was good, the service not so good..(but we have experienced much worse..everyone was nice, just very slow). Although I prefer Morton's, it could have been we experienced Alfred's on an off night.

Pros: steak quality, old SF feel, friendly

Cons: slow service, slow service, slow service

Posted 01/29/05

The food was excellent. We had the Caesar and shared the Chateaubriand. Skip the Bernaisse and enjoy the full flavor of the fillet!

Posted 01/09/05

I have been going to Alfred's since I was four years old and even went through the location change with them. The food is always delicious and prepared exactly the way I ask. With reservations there is never a wait. I've been there with parties of 20 or more and also with a group of only two and the service is perfect each and every time. Anytime someone asks where I want to go to dinner, the answer is ALWAYS Alfred's.

Pros: delicious, good value, great service

Posted 07/07/04

Alfred's is it. I had their porterhouse, which is too good for words. Great place to bring a group of friends, or an after work dinner, if you're in the Financial dist. Great experience.

Posted 03/15/04

There staff was great, from the host to the waiter, they were all very professional and helpful. Food was not all that, steak was a little too tough. But overall give this restaurant a try!

Pros: great service

Posted 03/05/04