Tadich Grill

"The oldest of the old-school seafood spots in San Francisco, Tadich dates back to 1849, and at 172 years old, it claims to be the longest-standing restaurant in California. Between the bustling waiters in white coats, the clamor of dishes, and the trolley car ringing outside, it’s not quiet and offers no reservations. Smart diners slide in at the bar and tuck into Dungeness crab cakes, Louie salad, and classic cioppino." - Becky Duffett, Eater Staff

"Open since 1849, Tadich Grill is a San Francisco legend, complete with a wood-fired grill that outputs satisfyingly charred steaks. The most famous dish is the Hangtown Fry, an oyster omelet, but the steaks are of equal mention. Just be prepared to wait, since this is a popular tourist destination, though bartenders will happily ply you with drinks until your table is ready." - Dianne de Guzman, Eater Staff

"Open since 1849 under a changing roster of proprietors, Tadich is a San Francisco original, occupying its current location since 1967. Tadich Grill has tried to honor its history by keeping the interior authentic to the times with train-car-like booths lining the wall and other mid-century flourishes in the wooden bar. Once seated, servers in white coats help you navigate the seafood-focused menu, organized by cooking preparation, so you choose the style and then the type of seafood or meat." - Dianne de Guzman, Eater Staff

"The perfect day in San Francisco involves a stop at Tadich Grill. The current iteration has been here since the ’60s, and so little has changed that you could believe Kennedy was still President. And while you can drop in to the oldest restaurant in the state for scallops, prawns, or sole a la newburg, the best way to do Tadich is to sit at the long bar and order a martini or a cup of classic clam chowder." - will kamensky

"At Tadich Grill, you can hide away in a semi-private, train car-like wooden booth and discuss covert business dealings over a platter of crab cakes the size of a flying saucer, and endless free bread. The Financial District classic has been around since way before the phrase “circle back” entered the lexicon (1849, to be exact), and the old-school charm still oozes out of every corner of this place with waiters in white button-ups and folded napkin pyramids atop each table. Get a bowl of clam chowder to start, plus a martini apiece." - ricky rodriguez, julia chen 1, patrick wong