Restaurants

Crusty Sourdough & Fresh Oysters!

San Francisco has few restaurants left that illustrate the city’s rich history like this restaurant in the financial district. Sam’s Grill and Seafood Restaurant now permanently anchored at the edge of Bush Street and Belden Place, began in 1867 as a simple seafood stall run by an Irishman, named Michael Molan Moraghan.

The fresh fish and shellfish supplied by Mr. Moraghan went to all the best restaurants and hotels in San Francisco. He became very successful and even flourished after the famous 1906 earthquake and fire.

In 1922 his company was called the Burlingame Oyster Co. which he sold to Sam Zenovitch. By 1931, after several tries, the name “Sam’s Seafood Grotto” stuck.

The business moved to a few locations but always stayed near what is now the Bank of America building on California Street, and home to the Carnelian Room. After Sam Zenovich passed away in 1936, and the restaurant was bought by Frank Seput, who gave the name, “Sam’s Grill and Seafood Restaurant.” The restaurant has been at its current location since 1946.

With this much history and old school traditions, stopping in for lunch or dinner at Sam’s should be a part of any San Francisco visit, or staycation.  Where else can you still get a private booth with a curtain, or have a waiter serve you chowder in a tuxedo?

You will still find power lunches being taken here but also sitting at the tables are people like me, who just love a good story with their grilled halibut.  I love taking out-of-town guests here, or celebrating events like birthdays and engagements with a glass of bubbly and fresh shrimp and crab cocktails!

Though other establishments may close their doors, I believe you will find that Sam’s Grill lives up to its legacy.  Prices are what you expect at $15 or so for entrees.  The waiters are mostly older men who know what they are doing but can be a bit rough around the edges sometimes.  Valet parking is available but there are lots of taxis or bus lines within reach.

Fresh Crab, Liver & Onions or Salisbury Steak!

374 Bush Street
San Francisco, CA 94104
(415) 421-0594
www.belden-place.com/samsgrill

Mon-Fri 11am-9pm

All photos taken by my iPhone.