Once Dependable--Now Disappointing at Brazen Head (Cow Hollow) I've loved going to Brazen Head over the years--drawn to its retro, cozy vibe, strong martinis, and dependable dishes like the pork chop. But last night's experience was a letdown. What went wrong: *Ordered the pork chop, which the server specifically said came medium ("perfect," I said). What showed up was dry, rubbery, and way overcooked--past well-done. *Requested a re-cook. This time, the server stated it was "medium rare"--not only wrong, but it arrived raw in the center. *Despite two failed attempts, they tried to charge us the full price. When we brought it to the host's attention, he shrugged it off. *To top it off, I overheard our server talking poorly about us to other staff - not classy... Also, my friend's steak was bland, so he heavily salted it. I get that every restaurant can have off nights, but this felt like more than a mishap. It wasn't just the food--it was the apathetic response and the uncomfortable vibe that followed. Brazen Head used to deliver--worth recommending for its atmosphere and solid bar scene, especially in Cow Hollow. But now we're second-guessing going back. It's tough to watch a longtime favorite lose its spark. read more

Shelly was an excellent server. We got here just a couple minutes after five on a Saturday. Only outdoor had seating available but did not feel abandoned. The service was great. The food was excellent. Can't wait to come back and enjoy the indoor ambience or some time at the bar. read more

A cozy restaurant/bar with great food and martinis! You have to try one of their martinis as they are some of the best I've ever had! You can't order anything wrong on this menu, everything is delicious! The one must order is their bread pudding with ice cream. I never like bread pudding until I had it here! Great place for a date, a quick drink or a meal with your friends/family. read more

The best & only late night eats in the Marina. Both times that I visited, it was after 10PM & we were looking for food choices near home & remembered that Brazen Head is open late, including the kitchen, has great food & cocktails (mainly martinis). My most recent visit was last night, after the Kings of Leon concert at The Greek Theatre & feeling hungry while driving back, we went to Brazen Head. We opted to sit at the bar (more fun to people watch and/or engage with other patrons & the bartender). Since it was kinda late, we shared an escargot appetizer & with warm bread to dip in the buttery goodness & we had our own bowls of soup (my friend had the French onion soup & I had the New England Clam Chowder, which I saw featured on the chalkboard as a daily special). The food hit spot for us. I had the French martini (Grey Goose, Chambord, pineapple) which was balanced & delicious. My friend had the Brazen Head Martini but requested gin instead of Tito's, blue cheese olives & enjoyed it. Service from our bartender was excellent. read more

I came here solo on a Friday night and it was packed. I had circled the bloack a few times and found a good parking spot a few blocks away. They do not take reservations and I was hoping to slide into the bar, where I could order and eat a meal. They also have outdoor tables on the sidewalk, but it was way too cold and not good for a solo diner. I creeped at the bar for about 20 minutes, ordering a drink before I was able to grab a seat. They have 2 small TVs playing sports and no draft beers. The dining area is also small, but I loved the divey vibe. Once seated, I browsed the menu, but already knew ahead of time I was getting the prime rib. It was great and a good value as it comes with potato and veggie, so a complete meal, not a la carte like some places. Even with my wait to get seated and order, I was ina nd out in less than an hour. read more

Went for Valentine's day and the vibes of the restaurant were amazing. They don't take reservations so going around 5:45 we had to wait about an hour to get seated. The decor and lighting was so cool, everything was tinted orange and they had a lot of picture frames and mirrors lining the walls. Our waitress was so kind and she always came around to chat with us about the food or how our night was going. It is one of the most affordable steak restaurants we've been to in the city, the filet mignon was 48 dollars. French Onion Gratinee - A very warm and savory dish. We loved the sweet onions and the bread was delicious, soft and soaked in the soup so well. Heirloom Tomato & Burrata - Everything about this dish was fresh and light. The tomatoes with the arugula, burrata and thin crackers was such a nice start for our meal. T-Bone Steak - This was a special on the sign we saw outside. Got it with a side of baked potato which came with all the goods, the cheese, onions and sour cream. The T-Bone steak came with a chimichurri sauce that was very herby but was a little too tangy for us. Filet Mignon - Our favorite dish of the night! Ordered the smaller 5 ounce size with a side of mashed potatoes which were soft and buttery. The meat was juicy and so tender, melted in our mouths and the creamy, herbal bearnaise sauce really complemented it. At the end of the meal, they gave us a rose which was such a nice way to wrap up our night. A vibey nighttime spot that we are wanting to go back to already to try their prime rib and get the filet mignon again. read more

Brazen Head - Back: French Onion Gratinee, Front: Heirloom Tomato & Burrata - Steakhouses Near Me - San Francisco, California

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I'm a fan of this rare late night throwback spot. The lighting is dark and mysterious, the martinis are stiff. The food used to be reliably high quality, but we have has a couple of hits and misses lately. Last night's chicken Marsala was a return to form but the prime rib was not up to my dinner guest's liking. Service is friendly and prompt. read more

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This steakhouse has such a warm, retro vibe -- walking through the door felt like stepping back into a 1970s American Western movie. The place isn't very big, and the layout's a bit tight, but the dim lighting and wood-paneled decor give it that cozy, old-school saloon feel. There's a small bar area where a few regulars were sipping whiskey and chatting, and on nice days, a handful of outdoor tables that make for a great spot to enjoy a drink around sunset. A heads-up though -- they don't take reservations, so you'll probably need to wait during peak hours. We went on a weekday evening, got on the waitlist, and were seated in about 20 minutes. The staff was super friendly, inviting us to grab a drink at the bar while we waited, which actually made it kind of relaxing. The prices are honestly a steal! The two of us ordered a bottle of house-recommended red wine (smooth, easy to drink, and great value), two appetizers, two mains, and one dessert -- and the total came out to just $168. For a place with this kind of vibe and food quality, that's a total win. Food-wise, the standout was definitely their petite filet mignon. Perfectly done at medium rare, with a seared, flavorful crust and tender, juicy center. It barely needed any seasoning -- a pinch of sea salt was enough to make every bite melt-in-your-mouth delicious. In comparison, the meatballs were a little dry and dense, and the seasoning was quite mild, which was a bit of a letdown. The French onion soup was okay -- loved the generous layer of melted cheese on top, but the broth itself lacked depth and that sweet, caramelized onion richness I was hoping for. The lobster ravioli was a slight disappointment too. While the lemon cream sauce was light and pleasant, the lobster filling had a bit of a fishy taste that overpowered the dish rather than enhancing it. But now, let's talk about the bread pudding -- hands down the star of the night! Served warm with a slightly crisp crust and soft, fluffy interior, it's packed with diced apples and raisins, sweet but not overly so. Topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, that perfect mix of hot and cold in every bite totally made up for the earlier misses. All in all, I'd absolutely come back here -- especially for the steak and bread pudding, which are worth a repeat visit on their own. The other starters and sides weren't really my thing, but honestly, those two dishes alone are enough to have me bringing friends here next time. If you're into retro vibes and great value steakhouses, definitely plan to arrive early and get in line! read more

not very friendly long wait time having attitude worse experience of my life Made us to wait while table was available read more

Brazen Head has been a favorite since 86....The menu is still very appealing and the service is top notch. The place is inviting and cozy especially on those chilly San Francisco nights. The Prime Rib is always a great choice! read more

Nice cozy place, with good service and good steaks. A bit noisy, as it's half restaurant and half bar, but in keeping with the decor in the style of a pub. Nice that they serve their full menu until midnight. Will definitely be back. read more

You know I used to like going here years ago, now I feel like the service and quality have suffered a bit. Maybe I've been going on off nights where it's been pretty busy which is always hard on restaurants. I might give them another try if I'm in the neighborhood and in the mood for steak read more

One of my favorite restaurants in San Francisco. I discover it in 1995 and it's still on my top 3 list!!

Cool old school sf restaurant. Very dark and moody feel. Had wonderful service in the dining room. Had the filet. It was tasty. Everything was good. Nothing groundbreaking, but was a solid meal. And they make a solid martini! read more

Remembering a television episode on our local public television station, I've longed to try this neighborhood spot in the Cow Hollow for several years. Having enjoyed prime rib a couple times in February out of state reminded me that this is one of their staples. Coming here on a Thursday late afternoon, we waited for the clock to strike five before a young gentleman offered us a wall side table near the entrance. After getting the menu, the discussion centered around what to share besides having our individual entrees. Being a sunny and balmy day, I started with a glass of iced tea. My friend suggested trying the escargot (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=lVL7BypyQRsJLZQie8-X1g&userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q), baked in garlic and butter and topped with parsley; I mentioned missing a long closed restaurant on Geary near 6th Avenue as we enjoyed these tasty morsels. Just prior to this arriving, we were given a basket of garlic bread (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=slCg_c9jsww2Nub-VoeE8w&userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q) which made for great dipping in finishing every last drop of the escargot sauce. I opted for the French Onion gratinee (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=efcJcrcm6Vu3l_wnCHXZXQ&userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q), made with aged Gruyere and mozzarella cheese; there was a nice layer of crusty and gooey cheese that topped my soup crock. I liked that there was ample shreds of onion and that the broth was seasoned and salted perfectly. My friends shared the classic Caesar's (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=eIUGwp--Nfehaw_ykAn_dg&userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q), topped with garlic croutons and Parmesan. I tried a couple of leaves of the Romaine and enjoyed the dressing flavor. As expected, I had the roasted boneless prime rib, medium rare with baked potato, loaded for a $3 supplement (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=KCNefCnBT6hqK48i7r3q-g&userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q); the menu describes this as 10 oz with caramelized shallot jus with a reminder that it's "limited availability". Besides the potato, the meal comes with vegetables which were creamed spinach today. The beef was tender and the flavor shines. It was more flavorful than my last one, eaten a five and a half hour flight away about a month ago. Let's just say, the aging process, seasoning, quality of the meat, and just overall cooking skills make a difference. The portion was perfect for dinner though the soup didn't leave me room for my baked potato which I asked to be packed. By the time we were ready to leave, the bar counter was about half full and there were three other tables with diners. I guess, being a bar, they get a later crowd. They have an outdoor dining structure when the dining room fills up. Thanks to our gracious and cheerful waitress Erin in guiding us through our meal. When I got home, I later learned there was one mishap with my packed-to-go baked potato. There was a small container of sour cream and no bacon or cheese that was on my plate. I hope the restaurant notes this for future diners. Knocking this review a half star for this but still rounding up to five stars for an enjoyable dinner otherwise. read more

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Food was mediocre . Dark pub style atmosphere. Very tight not much room. Steak tasted old and not very well cooked. Whenever gravy is put on steak your hiding something in my opinion read more

After telling a chef friend about my experience at Brazen Head, I obviously was served yesterday's prime rib because I came in right when you opened at 5pm. This is unacceptable for a restaurant with such a good reputation. I will only come back to try this restaurant again if you offered me a full refund or half refund on the prime rib I had ordered and ate. read more

Brazen Head is a classy, unique spot which I would classify as a must try SF's Cow Hollow area. Id you're looking for a dim-lit, lively bar environment serving hardy and tasty comfort dishes, this spot is for you. Colonial-era photos and decor on the walls almost transports you to a different era, adding to the idea of a dining experience. Our food and drink were out quick and servers were quite friendly. I look forward to returning to Brazen Head soon! read more

I'll be honest I wanted to gate keep this a little. A hidden unassuming gem with no signage, you might just walk past this dark intimate treasure. Half bar half tables, I've been coming for years, the best vibe in cow hollow. Order the escargot, heirloom tomatoes with burrata, onion soup, petit filet, prawn scampi all immaculate. The bartender makes the best Negronis, Old Fashions and Martinis. The portions are modest but satisfying the drinks are perfection and the servers delightful. It's cosy, they don't take reservations and they are open late!! read more

Brazen Head - Steakhouses Near Me - San Francisco, California

How have I waited so long to try this place! I live close by, but had never been. I finally tried it for dinner on a Thursday night around 7pm. They don't take reservations but we showed up and were first on the waitlist. We grabbed a drink at the bar (Brazen Head martini, dirty) and as soon as we finished our table was ready! You have to try these martinis, they have blue cheese olives and are absolutely perfect. You can also eat at the bar it looks like. For dinner we had the French onion soup, prime rib, and lobster ravioli. Omg everything was so good! The soup was rich and had a ton of cheese on top. The ravioli was so fresh and I ate every bit of the cream sauce with the free garlic bread - it was actually quite light and delicious. The prime rib however was next level. It was a really generous and thick slice with the most amazing sauce and creamed spinach. Also comes with a side! The service was also super friendly and everyone was so kind. The decor is cute, low lit, old school, and cozy. Can't wait to come back soon! read more

Such a unique ambiance - great mood lighting, people watching is immaculate, and food was well executed. Great place to grab a drink and catchup with friends - definitely a hidden gem. read more

Brazen Head - Escargot - Steakhouses Near Me - San Francisco, California

The food was spectacular. Andrew (our server) was extremely attentive with our needs. The ambiance was great because it's basically a hole in the wall pub with awesome food and beverages. I had the lobster ravioli with a glass of rose and a manhattan drink to start. And ended the meal with a "fallen angel torte" for dessert. It was a delicious meal from start to end. And if you are ever in the San Francisco area, I would highly recommend it. Two thumbs way up. read more

Brazen Head - My Fallen Angel Cake...sinfully delicious. - Steakhouses Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Old school steak house and it's such a vibe. Food is fantastic, one of the best dirty martinis I have ever had! Cold, crisp and blue cheese stuffed olives what more could you ask for! Service is phenomenal, the only thing is they don't take reservations so expect to wait! read more

Great neighborhood bar/steak house. Always a warm welcoming environment for a midweek meal and cocktail.

Had a great dinner experience at Brazen Head. Everything was great - the ambience, service, cocktails, and food. We started with a classic Caesar and French onion soup, followed by the petite filet and grilled salmon filet, and ended the meal with a crème brûlée dessert. We also had a gin martini and espresso martini, as well as a couple glasses of wine. Recommend for a comforting meal and fun, moody vibe. read more

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Ate here last night with a few friends. BEWARE: this restaurant charges you the 3% transaction fee for using a credit card. I've never seen this at a restaurant before. We had a $700+ tab... so... it was incredibly unexpected. When asked about it, the server just said it was common -- definitely not common at all. Beyond this, the portion of the special beef bourguignon was laughably small. read more

BREAD PUDDING hella good. Good people , old school vibes. Good drinks. Did I mention. The bread pudding???!?!?!?

Amazing hidden gem in the marina! Came here on date night and really enjoyed the moody ambiance + local feel. There are no reservations and the place was PACKED both at the bar and at the dining tables. We waited about 35 mins for an indoor table but it was worth it! My bf and I really enjoyed the meal and overall experience. I ordered the NY Pepper Steak with a loaded baked potato and he got the prime rib...both yummy. We also shared the burrata pesto app -- had less flavor than I expected but still tasty and fresh! Will return to try other entrees and the cocktails as well, specifically the espresso martini! read more

Brazen Head - New York Strip Pepper Steak - Steakhouses Near Me - San Francisco, California

Best food and cocktails that have not changed! Always packed with fun hungry people Prime Rib! Mashed potatoes broccoli ! Irish coffee read more

Great neighborhood place for steaks, prime rib, and a great atmosphere. The staff is friendly and conscientious read more

We had a delicious dinner last night with friends. The ambiance was lively and joyful with diners engaged in conversation while enjoying great food. I had an end cut of prime rib accompanied by spinach and mashed potatoes with garlic bread. Service was on point with us never having to ask for anything. Everyone enjoyed their dinner. Would return in a heartbeat. read more

Just ok. I had high hopes for Brazen Head and for my personal preference in food, it was just ok. Nothing particularly special but also still good. I got the strip pepper steak which came with mash potatoes and string beans. The service was attentive and friendly. The interior had a very moody ambiance which was nice. I still plan to return for another visit and try more of their menu as well as their cocktails! read more

Brazen Head - Steakhouses Near Me - San Francisco, California

New England Clam chowder was tasty Onion soup was tasty Salad was fresh Chicken masala was yummy Fresh pasta raviolis were amazing Affogata was amazing, the espresso was perfectly done. The fallen angel was delicious and I got it with an Ala mode vanilla ice cream! So good. read more

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Maybe it always an off night for them or a comedy of errors. But it is disappointing when one asks for a call back from management and never gets a call. read more

My 1st visit was so exceptional, I have been back 1 more time since. My friend introduced me, otherwise I don't think I would know anything about it. It's so unassuming and has no sign outside. My guess, it's a neighborhood gem and what a gem, it is. I love the feeling of an old speak easy inside. Kind of dark, dark wood, curtains on the windows, low lighting @ the tables, quiet ambiance, very intimate, which makes one want to speak in a quiet voice. It's a very "meaty" menu, which isn't usually my go to place. But I had to try the meatball appetizer and oh my, they are delicious and the sauce, it has to be scooped up by the extra bread. 2x now I have had the burger, as it's so dang good and huge. Each time I have taken half home as it's so filling and always cooked perfectly. Great wine list both by the glass and by the bottle. Service is exceptional and so friendly but not intrusive. The servers make one feel very welcome. Good coffee and my friend and I both love the fact it comes in it's own little silver pot. Feels so elegant. I can't say enough good things about this restaurant and I will be back when I'm craving an "off the hook burger" with a starter of meatballs. read more

My husband and I celebrated our anniversary here about a month ago. Everything was perfect. We loved the old-fashioned steakhouse atmosphere, and we were seated at a cozy little table. We both got the filet mignon with the bearnaise sauce. So so delicious! My husband likes his steak so rare it's almost mooing, and the chef got it just right. Our server Shelley was excellent. She gave us very warm friendly service. She really made the night for us. Thank you for a memorable anniversary dinner! read more

Very nice small restaurant with good menu selections. Got there a little before opening (5pm) and was greeted and invited to the bar nevertheless. The inside was dim and very cool with traditions. The waitress was outstanding. We started off with Mushroom soup (special of the day) which was outstanding...... I wanted to order another bowl but I knew there was plenty more coming. Meatballs Marinara was cooked perfectly plenty to share with another person. For our entrees we enjoyed a grilled salmon filet and Prawn Scampi which were both cooked perfectly. Our waitress assured us the deserts were worth the indulgence and she was right. We enjoyed Affogato and Carrot Cake with a nice cappuccino and it was worth it!!!!! It was a great way to end a meal. Very nice restaurant with great people working hard to make your meal a delight! Thank you to all. read more

Brazen Head's ambience and warm atmosphere makes it one of my favorite late night dinner spots in SF. There are low yellow lamps around the tables and the interior layout is so comfortable that you can spend hours inside for a longer meal. The wall decorations and overall design is both sophisticated and warm. Service has always been amazing, and I can't wait to go back for the steak (a favorite on their menu). Think of an immersive environment with depth that works well for both formal dates and casual business meetings. read more

This place is a little hidden gem my wife and I found years ago, ever since we've been coming every so often. It never disappoints. The food is delicious and savory. The drinks are strong enough and the ambience is delectable!! It's the whole experience that makes it such a 5 star spot. While we're there, sitting close to my wife, my swag on high and the rooms rizz is so thick you can taste it... it's like it's we're love smitten kids again. Thanks guys! read more

Love it here this spot has such a cozy, intimate vibe with its tiny space and warm red lighting. It's perfect for a date night or a relaxed evening out. I actually came here for my 21st birthday years ago, and it's had a special place in my heart ever since. The drinks are always solid, and the French onion soup is one of my absolute favorites rich, cheesy, and so comforting. It's one of those places you just keep coming back to. read more