Best steak at a non-steakhouse restaurant in SF

[Senor Popusa]

I have been craving a good steak and the consensus on the board seems to be that the steakhouses in San Francisco are not true destinations for the food.

I'm meeting a friend for dinner next week who isn't into steak and thought I might be able to find a great steak (maybe even better than at the steakhouses here?) at a restaurant other than a steakhouse, that way we could both find options we want.

Any good suggestions for the best non-steakhouse restaurant for steaks within San Francisco proper? Price is less relevant than quality. Thanks!

[JulesSF]

I would second the steak for two at Globe - a great grilled porterhouse, cut and served at the table, accompanied by individual servings of potato gratin for two ...

Another favorite is South Park Cafe's Steak Frites - a grilled hangar steak with an amazing red wine sauce - and some of the best french fries in town ...

-----
Globe Restaurant
290 Pacific Ave, San Francisco, CA 94111

South Park Cafe
108 South Park, San Francisco, CA 94107

[Windy]

I agree that bistros and brasseries are a better bet than chains that attract expense account tourists. And while I love rib eye, it's sort of a different craving.

A few more options:
L'Ardoise has steak frites on their menu regularly
We had a wonderful skirt steak at Bar Jules this week
Slow Club and NoPA are both good spots for grilled meats of all kinds.

None of these will run over $30 an entree (unlike ribeye for two) and should come with potatoes and vegetables.

Personally I'd give the edge to French restaurants, for doing more than you could by simply buying a fine cute of meat at a local butcher and cooking it yourself, and for better value on wines.

Now who has a good peppercorn sauce? And has anyone been to Acme Chophouse lately?

[bbulkow]

One of my favorites is the steak for two at the Globe, but it wouldn't suit your needs, unless you're a big eater. The steak there is more like a hanger steak, but was *crazy* with drippings and flavor - not a 3 inch thick beefcake.

[deanpaul2]

I agree with Florio and the ribeye at Fifth Floor was great.

[whiner]

Ame. Deffinitely.

[The Dive]

I shared the steak from Ame in the bar of the hotel one night with a friend. Fantastic. Truly one of the best steaks I've had in a while.

[whiner]

Yep. I mean... I don't know what other steaks you've had ;-) ... but it is the best steak I've had at a restaurant in SF...

[shivani]

universal cafe usually has steak frites on their menu, and it is delicious. not sure if they always do though, so you might want to check first.

[shivani]

Link:

-----
Universal Cafe
2814 19th St, San Francisco, CA 94110

[DavidT]

Last time I had the rib-eye & frites for two at Florio (Fillmore between Pine/Bush, SF), it was very, very good. The steak & frites for one is a hangar steak.

http://www.floriosf.com/menu.htm

[SLRossi]

I was utterly surprised that one of the best steaks I've ever had was the bone in rib-eye for two at One Market.

[lovebitessf]

The ribeye at Perbacco is fantastic. Good food all around.

-----
Perbacco
230 California St, San Francisco, CA 94111

[NoeMan]

We have always loved the steak frites at Le Zinc in Noe Valley, but you can't be in a hurry here, it is very authentically French. Chenery Park in Glen Park always has a nice steak on the menu as well.

-----
Chenery Park Restaurant
683 Chenery Street, San Francisco, CA 94131

Le Zinc
4063 24th Street, San Francisco, CA 94114