Visit the heart of San Francisco with dinner and a show.
The Golden Gate, Orpheum and Curran trio of San Francisco theaters are owned by Carole Shorenstein Hays and James Nederlander. Catch a Broadway show at the famous Golden Gate Theater at 1 Taylor Street, San Francisco, and swing by a nearby restaurant afterward for drinks or dessert, or go early for dinner. Many of the restaurants a few blocks from the theater are just as storied as the Golden Gate stage, which first opened to vaudeville in 1922.
Historic John's Grill
The Historic John's Grill has specialized in seafood, steak, salad and pasta since 1908, and was one of the settings in the movie, "The Maltese Falcon." The restaurant is casual, and decorated with period furnishings as a tribute to "old San Francisco."
Notable people who have dined at John's Grill include Alfred Hitchcock, Andy Warhol, President Gerald Ford and Renee Zellweger. For lunch enjoy "Jack Lalanne's Favorite Salad," seasonal greens and Dungeness crab, for $16.95, as of winter 2011. A bowl of New England clam chowder is $5.95. Dinner appetizers run from $10 to $20, with the low-end entrees at $10 and $15. The grill is located on Market Street, a few blocks north of the Golden Gate Theater.
Urban Tavern
The Urban Tavern describes itself as a "fresh, new gastropub." The decor is urban mixed with country elegance, designed by Donna Scala and Gensler Architects. Nestle at a quiet table for two, or mingle with friends at the wine bar. The tavern is located four blocks north of the Golden Gate Theater.
Enjoy a vegan carrot hot dog at lunch for $7, or a Naturewell prime rib dip sandwich with grilled onions, au jus and horseradish cream for $12, as of winter 2011. Choose from $10 to $12 starters at dinner. Dine on entrees that range from fresh fish for $24 to a braised lamb shank with olive oil mashed potatoes for $26.
First Crush
First Crush is a "lively, street-level" restaurant perfect for dessert, a glass or half-bottle of wine and lingering conversations with friends. The restaurant coordinates special events, one-on-one. First Crush also offers a dinner and show package for $30, as of winter 2011, excluding tax and gratuity. The eatery is located three blocks north and one block east of the Golden Gate Theater.
Choose a "small plate" Caesar salad or Maine lobster mac and cheese for $10 or $14, respectively. Savor a large plate option of pan-roasted wild king salmon and oven-roasted Peking duck breast, for $29 or $28.
Heaven's Dog
Heaven's Dog serves contemporary Chinese cuisine. Create a meal from a prix fixe menu for convenience, if you plan to catch a show at the Golden Gate Theater. Dishes include braised beef short ribs with watermelon radish and star anise, and wild flounder with ground pork, ginger, shallot and green onion.
Small plates range from $9 to $10, and main dishes from $10 to $20, as of winter 2011. Heaven's Dog offers a private dining room for 14, or a whole restaurant buy-out to accommodate 30. The restaurant is located on Market Street, a few blocks south of the theater.
Tags: Golden Gate, Gate Theater, Golden Gate Theater, winter 2011, blocks north, First Crush