Editorial Review

by Contributor

Named after four railroad tycoons, this Nob Hill institution mixes a refined, clubby atmosphere with seasonal game and seafood from Chef Ciccarone-Nehls.

02/20/08

Nob Hill gem mixes railroad-era decor with contemporary American cuisine in the Huntington Hotel.

by Contributor

The Scene
Named in honor of the city's original railroad magnates, Charles Crocker, Leland Stanford, Mark Hopkins and Collis Huntington, the restaurant echoes the opulence of their time. Live piano greets Huntington Hotel guests entering the fire-lit lounge. Etched-glass mirrors reflect framed pictures depicting California's railroad roots. The dining room is bordered by forest-green banquettes, which get filled by multi-generational families and hobnobbing groups sipping classic cocktails. This adds up to a slightly opulent atmosphere that's friendly and inviting rather than stuffy or fussy.

The Food
Large portions of artful, contemporary American cuisine fill plates. Sensational starters include pan-fried crab cakes--moist shreds complemented by corn salsa and creamy caper vinaigrette--and smoked salmon served with a spongy cornmeal blini that's topped with lemon creme fraiche. Pan-seared entrees are standouts. Vibrant strips of blue-fin tuna are covered by a mountainous rainbow of fruits and veggies--including grilled pineapple, asparagus and roasted beets--but the flavors fall flat compared to the whiskey-marinated rib-eye that'fs20s served with chipotle-honey butter and crispy onion rings.

The Hits: This is a great place to take a date, thanks to the romantic lighting, live music and cozy ambience.

The Misses: The servers are delightfully personable, but may not be able to explain details of the food preparation or wine characteristics.

05/26/06

LOVING IT FOR 30 YEARS

by lareginae

The Big 4 is my "Hood" restuarant - 2 blocks from home into a truly clubby, Old Guard institution. Warm & inviting - dark and traditional, interesting artifacts, actually really comfy. It makes me feel coddled.

My husband and I loved it. Its my place for cocktails, Easter brunch, after Church lunches and evening gatherings - intimate and large. The crowd ranges from up and coming to The well-coiffed, groomed Old Guard. sometimes a few crazies & colorful geezers.

The food has gotten better over the years, the newest thing is more hip dinner settings. Need a comforting dish - The Chicken Pot Pie is LOADED with succulent chicken breast. The Bar Burger is served with THE BEST FRIES!! The AllAmerican Menu is really done well, the surprise is that they serve buffalo rib-eye and great, fresh sides.

I like to have cocktails by the fire with a fine friend.

• Pros: Ambiance, Fresh, clean food, Interesting habitues

09/27/05

A Manhatten Bar in SF

by oregon1duck

This bar is the feel of Eastern sophistication on Nob Hill. A very feel good atmosphere with class. Great piano bar too.

03/12/05

A meat eaters paradise

by winediva

We went to big four twice within one week. Both times we had great service, and the food had a excellent balance of flavors. Be sure to go for Big Game week (in the fall) where the restaurant offers elk, yak, buffalo and other hard to find game dinners. We were impressed. The wine list was good with a wide variety of quality wines at most price points.

• Pros: game meats, old sf feel

03/11/03

Avoid Like the Plague

by janehoya

Although I eat out a great deal, I do not submit reviews unless the experience is fantastic or awful. Our dinner at the Big Four was, in truth, terrible. The ambiance is wonderful, very old school boy's club. We ate there on a Thursday evening and although the restaurant was quite empty the service was painfully slow. Even though the wine was the first thing we ordered our waiter did not bring it until we were halfway through our appetizers, and that was only after we asked about it. The food was extremely mediocre. I would definitely not return and nor would I recommend it to friends.

• Pros: Atmosphere
• Cons: Food, Service

01/24/03

a taste of old San Francisco

by noefoodie

I dined here on the Dine About Town menu. The food has some innovative, fusion-like twists. But skip dessert...I'm not one to refuse chocolate but the chocolate pave was brain-tingling sweet. Just a little too much.

Service is great, as the waiters are prompt, professional, and friendly.

The atmosphere is definitely old SF-mahogany wood, forest green seats, dim lighting, black and white photos of Nob Hill mansions...most of the people there were probably in their 50s-60s.

11/11/02

FABULOUS!

by MBAVEC

I dined with a group of six for brunch after Mass at Grace Cathedral and we all enjoyed ourselves immensely!