Houston's

Houston’s
1800 Montgomery Street – San Francisco
415-392-9280

Across the street from Fog City Diner and almost next door to Levi Plaza where it meets the Embarcadero is this chain transplant the has earned the respect and envy of many other local restaurants in the city. Most chains meet with little success in San Francisco but Houston’s was a hit from day one. Housed in a contemporary building facing gardens and the waterfront, this American Bar & Grill with a full bar and top notch steak and chop house menu surprises with a really outstanding burger. A large hand formed patty weighing at least eight ounces and cooked to perfection over mesquite or grilled as you choose, then served on a large toasted bun with a generous slab of cheese of your choice and some good quality lettuce, tomato and onion and a huge portion of house cut thin fries that are addictive, this is heaven for a burger lover. They offer a very good garlic aioli and a big selection of condiments of superior quality and the whole experience is terrific.

This is a big restaurant and bar that also has a large area for eating and drinking outdoors as well as waiting since they don’t accept reservations for parties of less than six. They have a bar staff that knows all the current hot drinks and they make them very well. A full wine list, no corkage for California varietals and a bar menu make this a true destination restaurant that shines in almost all their food and beverage. The burger is a real star and many folks substitute their great mashed potatoes for their equally great fries. They have a beet based veggie burger than many swear by and their fire roasted whole artichoke is another work of art as are some of their desserts.