Client worthy Steak Houses in San Francisco?

[evening]

I swear, I searched first, but all the recommendations are 2-4 years old/

NYC Chowhound entertaining a huge Chicago client who eats only basic steak/potatoes type food. The filet mignon with artichoke/mushroom wine reduction sauce type place is unfortunately not an option.

We would prefer something that's not a chain. Financial area/SoMA or somewhere else centrally located would be best...

The old reviews here mentioned Alfreds and Izzys. Are these client type places? Its a down to earth client I know well, not someone new I have to impress, but the top level person is sooooo picky!

[roxie]

You could also travel across the bridge and dine @ Marin Joe's. I still think it's one of the best steaks I've ever eaten. I love that place and love that it still exists in Marin. Or..you cuold try Westlake Joe's if you want to stay in SF and avoid the Tenderloin.

[OldTimer]

I had an old friend visit from Ohio a few years ago. He is quite wealthy, and well travelled. He begged that we go a local place with good steak, and no fanfare. I had visited him in his town and had an idea of his likes. My wife was upset when I suggested Original Joe's instead of Alfred's, Morton's, etc. He was sick of the "steak houses" in the cities he visited. Nor surpisingly, he was delighted with a place he considered basic San Franciscan. I agree that a simple well aged steak without fanfare is hard to beat.

[Robert Lauriston]

Original Joe's is kind of a funky place but it's also a classic SF institution.

[ML8000]

I like Original Joe's, definately old school SF. Not sure I'd take a business client to the Tenderloin for dinner however...unless they now have valet parking, which would be totally non-old school. Great place however.

[Cynsa]

no valet parking at OJ's but there's a parking lot next door...$8, I think.

[Carrie 218]

Slightly upscale, right your meat-and-pototaos alley, and definitely impressive is Fournou's Ovens. Intimate, elegant, with great service, they have one of the oldest wood-fired ovens in the city, searing their great cuts of meat at 600 to 800 degrees F. Great sides and an impressive wine list!

http://www.fournousovens.com/

[Chris Rising]

I'd add Bob's at the Omni. Not a chain, but an outpost of a very popular Dallas steakhouse.

[Robert Lauriston]

Small chain, they have branches in Plano and Denver as well.

[Bigfiddle]

Joe DiMaggio's Chop House is the one that will most impress.

[lisabrownie]

I have to second the Harris' recommendation. Very business dinner appropriate and I LOVE the Steak Diane.

[sachadinamo]

Try also Rue Saint Jacques www.ruesaintjacques.com they have a blessing Filet mignon

[evening]

Thank you all so much!

[ML8000]

I'd check out Harris'. Harris is Californian, prime beef, family owned, etc. At least you'll be able to compare Calif steak/beef to what you get in Chicago. They also have an in-house meat counter despite being a nice place...definately biz diner safe.

I'd second House of Prime Rib otherwise...old SF.

http://www.harrisrestaurant.com/

[MuppetGrrl]

Honestly? It's not steak but I'd go with the House of Prime Rib. It's an SF institution, serves brilliant beef with perfect sides, and is a nice, English-sporting-club atmosphere.

[farmersdaughter]

I agree. I love the old-school atmosphere and the meat is great.

[Foodrat]

A 4th vote for House of Prime Rib. Even though the OP is looking for a "steak house," HOPR is the only place that popped into my mind.

[muimi07]

Yet another vote for House of Prime Rib. If your client is just "meat and potatoes" vs. strictly "steak and potatoes" this is something you want to try.

[Melanie Wong]

The search engines default setting is by "score". Click on view by "Date" and the newer posts will pop up at the top.

If you want someone from Chicago to be comfortabl, then maybe Morton's even though you didn't want a chain. Or the new Joe DiMaggio's Chop House.

[Robert Lauriston]

I'd go to Alfred's. Old-school San Francisco atmosphere, in the Financial District.

http://www.alfredssteakhouse.com/

Acme Chophouse (in the Giants stadium) is really good but it's more of an upscale sports-bar atmosphere.

http://www.acmechophouse.com/

Izzy's is not an expense-account place.

[pilinut]

I think Alfred's would be ideal: excellent meat--especially the Chateaubriand--and really delicious creamed spinach and ravioli. The atmosphere is suitable, whether for business or just a nice dinner out. Parking is easy, right across the alley, and you can walk to North Beach for coffee and dessert, if you like.