Looking for Great Steak in San Francisco Bay Area

[Shel_B]

Let me preface my question by noting that I don't eat much beef, but every now and then I want some. The craving for a great steak is upon me, and I am totally unfamiliar with steakhouses in the area.

I'd like a recommendation for a good steak restaurant in the San Francisco Bay Area. A nice setting is a plus. San Francisco, the East Bay, Napa, and Sonoma counties are areas of interest.

When sweetie was here, I'd cook steak for her at home, but I generally don't enjoy pan frying beef here at the apartment and outdoor cooking is not happening, at least for a while. So, a steak dinner for two at a great steakhouse is on the horizon. Looking forward to suggestions.

PS: Not interested in SF's House of Prime Rib

 

[Patman]

I don’t know much about that area, but I spend a lot of time in the wine region of Niagara and I know that a lot of the top chefs are in some of the restaurants in those wineries. For that reason I think you should look into the wineries of NAPA Valley and see which ones have a great restaurant in them. Just for the views alone that would be my top choice

 

[dnewton3]

A few months ago I ate with some friends at STK steakhouse in downtown SF.
The food was excellent, service decent and decor pleasing.
The prices were commensurate with the location (aka ... shockingly high).

 

[Patman]

A few months ago I ate with some friends at STK steakhouse in downtown SF.
The food was excellent, service decent and decor pleasing.
The prices were commensurate with the location (aka ... shockingly high).

We have an STK location in Niagara Falls and so far the reviews of this particular one are not good at all. It’s priced much higher than The Keg, which is a big chain up here that never disappoints. STK replaced The Keg in one of the big hotels that overlooks Niagara Falls.

 

[Shel_B]

A few months ago I ate with some friends at STK steakhouse in downtown SF.
The food was excellent, service decent and decor pleasing.
The prices were commensurate with the location (aka ... shockingly high).

It's not my kind of place. The plastic-y decor doesn't suit me and I'd be uncomfortable taking a date to such a place. I'm more of a traditionalist. Thanks for jumping in.

 

[Shel_B]

I don’t know much about that area, but I spend a lot of time in the wine region of Niagara and I know that a lot of the top chefs are in some of the restaurants in those wineries. For that reason I think you should look into the wineries of NAPA Valley and see which ones have a great restaurant in them. Just for the views alone that would be my top choice

I've spent a lot of time in Napa, and have yet to see a steakhouse in a winery, although there may be a restaurant that serves steak. You're right about decent restaurant possibilities and the potential for views, but I'm looking for a traditional steakhouse.

 

[wings&wheels]

You note "Bay Area", how far outside of SF? Been a few years since we lived there but Rutherford Grill in Rutherford and its sister restaurant Los Altos Grill, while not steak houses have good filet IIRC. Sundance in Palo was also excellent. Whenever we went to SF proper we were usually chasing Italian or seafood (Scomas!).

 

[Shel_B]

You note "Bay Area", how far outside of SF? Been a few years since we lived there but Rutherford Grill in Rutherford and its sister restaurant Los Altos Grill, while not steak houses have good filet IIRC. Sundance in Palo was also excellent. Whenever we went to SF proper we were usually chasing Italian or seafood (Scomas!).

As I said, San Francisco, the East Bay, Napa, and Sonoma counties are areas of interest.

The Rutherford Grill is a nice place, but I'm looking for a traditional steakhouse.

 

[JeffKeryk]

Forbes Mill
Alexanders

 

[Shel_B]

Forbes Mill
Alexanders

Very interesting options - they both appear quite inviting.

While Alexander's has (at first glance) more interesting meat options, Forbes Mill in Danville has a more convenient location and somewhat more easily digestible prices. Yet the Siren call of Alexander's pierces the fog of mundane monetary considerations and may offer a more interesting and memorable experience. Practicality (Forbes) may take second place to a more interesting experience which. for a once-every-few-years-treat, ccould be a determining factor.

What are your thoughts on these places? Have you a preference? Are my observations and thoughts realistic?

 

[JeffKeryk]

Very interesting options - they both appear quite inviting.

While Alexander's has (at first glance) more interesting meat options, Forbes Mill in Danville has a more convenient location and somewhat more easily digestible prices. Yet the Siren call of Alexander's pierces the fog of mundane monetary considerations and may offer a more interesting and memorable experience. Practicality (Forbes) may take second place to a more interesting experience which. for a once-every-few-years-treat, ccould be a determining factor.

What are your thoughts on these places? Have you a preference? Are my observations and thoughts realistic?

Alexanders is off the chart expensive but is legendary. Forbes Mill is as good as it gets as well. I would probably try Forbes Mill first. Truth be told, I haven't been to either in years.