Sam's Grill | Financial District Seafood Since 1867
One of America's oldest restaurants since 1867 in SF's Financial District. Curtained booths, tuxedoed waiters, petrale sole, and Celery Victor on Bush Street.
Sam's Grill & Seafood Restaurant opened in 1867 shortly after the Gold Rush, making it one of the five oldest restaurants in the United States. The current 374 Bush Street address, settled in 1946, features the architectural detail that defines Sam's: 13 curtained wooden booths designed for the privacy demands of Financial District deal-makers. Tuxedoed waiters have served the same core menu of Pacific seafood and San Francisco classics for over 150 years.
San Francisco's second-oldest restaurant (1867) still serves petrale sole, Celery Victor, and Hangtown fry across white tablecloths in curtained booths — tuxedoed waiters, a classic Martini, and the Financial District's most storied dining room.
San Francisco's second-oldest restaurant, unchanged since 1867.
Sam's Grill & Seafood Restaurant at 374 Bush Street in San Francisco's Financial District opened in 1867 and is one of the five oldest restaurants in the US. Known for 13 curtained private booths, petrale sole, Celery Victor, and tuxedoed waiter service.
At a glance
- Address
- 374 Bush St, San Francisco, CA 94104, San Francisco, CA
- Price range
- $$$
- Cuisine
- American, California Seafood American Grill, Oyster Bar
- Phone
- (415) 421-0594
Common questions
What are the curtained booths?
Sam's 13 wooden booths have pull-cord curtains for privacy — a Financial District tradition designed for business lunches where you don't want to be overheard. Request one when booking.
What is Celery Victor?
A San Francisco classic: braised celery hearts served cold with anchovy and a vinaigrette, invented at the St. Francis Hotel in the 1910s. Sam's is one of the few restaurants that still makes it properly.
Is it open on weekends?
Saturday dinner only (5:30pm–9pm). The restaurant is closed Sundays and on major holidays.