House of Prime Rib: A San Francisco Tradition

Asking a SF native if they’ve ever heard of “House of Prime Rib” is like asking them if they’ve ever heard of jean shorts or sliced bread. This place is a San Francisco tradition with an old school charm that will never be out-dated–> not since the 1940’s at least.

The doors open at 5:30 p.m.

And when we arrived at 6:30 on a Tuesday night, the place was PACKED. I mean, all the tables were either seated or reserved, the bar was busy serving drinks left & right, and there was no where to sit in the lounge.

Good thing we made reservations! BTW, you should probably get on that –> here’s the number: 415-885-4605. You’ll thank me later. 

There are chefs dressed in all white with tall starched hats pushing around silver dome carts full of meat. Your options are: prime rib, prime rib or prime rib. No, really tho- they offer four different cuts of Prime Rib. They also offer fish, but no one really comes here for that.

The City Cut: a smaller cut for the lighter appetite (8-10 ounces)

House of Prime Rib Cut: a hearty portion of juicy, tender beef (11- 13 ounces)

The English Cut: a thinner slice that produces more flavor

King Henry VIII Cut: extra-generous, thick cut of prime beef, for king size appetites (14-16 ounces)

 This time, I opted for the English cut, which was super flavorful and it soaked up the au jus nicely. Almost no work was needed as my knife seamlessly cut through the tender juicy pieces of prime rib.

But the very very first time I was here, I was feeling a little more ballzy and tried the King Henry cut, which is the largest and most generous Prime Rib cut they offer. I mean, go big or go home right? Well I definitely went home with a huge food coma that kicked in right when I got in the car.

      King Henry VIII Cut                                        English Cut

If you’re a meat lover with a huge appetite, the bone-in King Henry cut is the only way to go. You also get seconds if you’re up for it. But first, let me tell you what else you’re getting.

The meal started out with warm sourdough bread and butter, then a fresh chopped salad is prepared table side. The server begins by spinning a bowl of salad while adding house dressing from a few feet up in the air–> then continues to toss the salad with bits of egg, tomatoes, and beets. Yeah..I know, I shouldn’t spoil my appetite but it’s soooo good and crisp!

Next, you get to choose between {mashed or baked potato} and {creamed spinach or corn}. The baked potato is perfectly buttered with bacon bits, sour cream & chives. Just stop. you already had me at bacon.

Next up… Dessert!

I wish I could tell you guys about it. But I didn’t make it that far.

Now go make your ressies. You won’t be disappointed! : )

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