A restaurant that has survived 136 years must be doing something
right. While Sam's Grill went through a lot of changes in the
first half of its life, it's been in the same family since 1937
and at its current location since 1946. The interior retains
the look of an old-fashioned men's grill. At the back of the
restaurant is a double row of booths with curtains for privacy.
It's where hundreds of business deals have been struck and many
more personal affairs have been nurtured, without the eye of
the prying public. The menu offers classic fare. Chicken is
roasted to order (it takes 45 minutes) and costs only $9.50.
One bite and you know classic doesn't mean tired.
Cuisine: American Specialities: Seafood (including petrale, sand
dabs or Rex sole); sweetbreads broiled with bacon; veal porterhouse
with bacon; celery Victor; French pancakes with lemon. Seats: 150 Prices: $8-$50 Parking: Street (difficult), public lots Vitals: 374 Bush St. (between Montgomery and Kearny),
San Francisco; (415) 421-0594. Lunch and dinner Monday-Friday. Full
bar. Reservations (at dinner) and credit cards accepted.
