House of Prime Rib menu prices are a key consideration for anyone planning a visit to this iconic San Francisco steakhouse. The restaurant is famous for its carved-to-order prime rib, served in a classic, old-world setting. You pay a fixed price for a complete dinner, which includes sides, salad, and dessert, making the cost straightforward and predictable.
This article breaks down everything you need to know about the current menu, pricing, and what to expect when you dine there. We’ll cover the different cuts of prime rib, the full dinner experience, and tips for getting the best value. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a regular, this guide will help you plan your meal.
House Of Prime Rib Menu Prices: The Complete Dinner Experience
The core of the menu is a fixed-price dinner that includes your choice of prime rib cut, plus a starter salad, side dishes, and a dessert. This structure means you don’t have to worry about adding up individual items. The price you see is largely the price you pay, excluding drinks and tax.
As of late 2024, the base dinner price starts around $60 to $70 per person, depending on the cut you select. This is a significant investment, but it reflects the high quality of the beef and the full-service experience. The restaurant has been operating since 1949, and its pricing model has remained consistent over the decades.
Here is a breakdown of the standard dinner components included in the fixed price:
- Salad: A tableside-prepared chopped salad with blue cheese dressing, beets, and egg.
- Bread & Butter: Fresh sourdough bread served with butter.
- Side Dishes: Creamed spinach, mashed potatoes, and Yorkshire pudding are included.
- Dessert: A choice of cheesecake, chocolate mousse, or ice cream.
You also get a second helping of prime rib if you finish your first portion, at no extra cost. This is a well-known perk that adds significant value for hearty eaters.
Prime Rib Cuts And Their Prices
The main variable in the price is the cut of prime rib you order. The restaurant offers several options, each with a different size and price point. The most popular choices are the City Cut, the English Cut, and the King Henry Cut.
Here is a list of the typical cuts and their approximate prices:
- City Cut: A smaller, leaner portion. Price around $60.
- English Cut: A medium-sized cut with more marbling. Price around $65.
- King Henry Cut: A larger, thicker cut for big appetites. Price around $70.
- Kansas City Cut: A bone-in cut, offering rich flavor. Price around $75.
These prices can fluctuate slightly based on market conditions and the restaurant’s annual adjustments. Always check the current menu when you arrive or call ahead for the most accurate numbers.
What Each Cut Offers
Understanding the differences between cuts helps you choose the best value for your appetite. The City Cut is ideal if you want a lighter meal or plan to save room for dessert. The English Cut is the most balanced option, with a good ratio of meat to fat.
The King Henry Cut is for those who want a substantial portion of beef. It is often the best value if you plan to take advantage of the second helping offer. The Kansas City Cut is the most flavorful due to the bone, but it is also the most expensive.
Additional Menu Items And Beverages
While the fixed-price dinner covers the main meal, you can add extras. Appetizers like shrimp cocktail or crab cakes are available for an additional charge. These typically range from $15 to $25.
Beverages are not included in the fixed price. The restaurant has a full bar with a good wine list, beer, and cocktails. A glass of wine can cost between $12 and $20, while a cocktail is around $15 to $18. Soft drinks and coffee are also extra, usually around $5 each.
Here is a quick overview of common add-ons and their price ranges:
- Appetizers: $15 – $25
- Wine by the glass: $12 – $20
- Cocktails: $15 – $18
- Soft drinks: $5
- Coffee/Tea: $5
If you are on a budget, sticking to the fixed-price dinner and water is the most cost-effective approach. The meal is filling enough without appetizers or extra drinks.
How To Get The Best Value At House Of Prime Rib
Getting good value here is about understanding the fixed-price model and making smart choices. The second helping of prime rib is the biggest value driver. If you are hungry, order the City Cut first, then ask for a second helping of a larger cut if available.
Another tip is to skip the appetizers. The included salad and bread are substantial, and you will have plenty of food with the main course. Also, consider sharing a dessert if you are not overly full, as portions are generous.
Here are some practical steps to maximize your experience:
- Arrive hungry: The meal is large, and you want to enjoy every part.
- Order the English Cut: It offers a good balance of size and price.
- Ask for a second helping: Even if you are full, you can take it to go.
- Skip the drinks: Stick with water to keep the bill low.
- Share dessert: Two people can easily split one dessert.
By following these steps, you can enjoy a full prime rib dinner for around $70 per person, which is reasonable for the quality and quantity.
Reservations And Timing
House of Prime Rib is extremely popular, and walk-ins are rare. You should make a reservation weeks in advance, especially for weekends. The restaurant takes reservations up to 30 days ahead, and they fill up quickly.
If you cannot get a reservation, try arriving early for the bar area, which serves the full menu on a first-come, first-served basis. This can be a good option for smaller groups or solo diners.
Timing your visit can also affect your experience. Lunch is not served, so plan for dinner only. The restaurant opens at 4:30 PM on weekdays and 4:00 PM on weekends. Early dinners are often quieter and more relaxed.
Comparing House Of Prime Rib Menu Prices To Other Steakhouses
When you compare House of Prime Rib to other high-end steakhouses in San Francisco, the fixed-price model offers good value. At places like Alexander’s Steakhouse or Harris’, a similar meal with appetizer, entree, and dessert can easily cost $100 to $150 per person.
The inclusion of sides and dessert in the base price makes House of Prime Rib more predictable. You know exactly what you are paying before you sit down. This transparency is a big plus for budget-conscious diners.
However, the restaurant does not offer a la carte options for the main course. You must choose one of the fixed-price dinners. This limits flexibility but simplifies the decision-making process.
Here is a quick comparison of average costs at similar restaurants:
- House of Prime Rib: $60 – $75 per person (fixed-price dinner)
- Harris’ Restaurant: $80 – $120 per person (a la carte)
- Alexander’s Steakhouse: $100 – $150 per person (a la carte)
- Bobo’s Steakhouse: $70 – $100 per person (a la carte)
For the price, House of Prime Rib offers a unique, classic dining experience that is hard to beat. The service is attentive, and the atmosphere is timeless.
What About The Second Helping?
The second helping policy is a major selling point. After you finish your first cut, your server will offer you another portion of prime rib. This is included in the fixed price, so you can eat as much as you want.
Many diners take advantage of this to get a second cut of a different type. For example, you might order the City Cut first, then ask for the King Henry Cut for your second helping. This lets you try two different cuts in one meal.
If you are full, you can ask for the second helping to be packed to go. This is a great way to have lunch the next day. Just be aware that the second helping is usually smaller than the first, but it is still a generous portion.
Frequently Asked Questions About House Of Prime Rib Menu Prices
Here are some common questions people have about the menu and pricing. These should help clarify any remaining doubts.
Are House Of Prime Rib Menu Prices The Same For Lunch And Dinner?
The restaurant does not serve lunch. It is dinner-only, so the same fixed-price menu applies for all service times. Prices are consistent regardless of when you dine.
Can I Get A Discount On House Of Prime Rib Menu Prices?
There are no official discounts or coupons. The restaurant does not participate in discount programs. The best value is to take advantage of the second helping offer.
Do House Of Prime Rib Menu Prices Include Tax And Tip?
No, the fixed price does not include tax or gratuity. Tax is added to your bill, and a standard tip of 18-20% is customary for the service staff. Factor these into your total budget.
Are There Vegetarian Options At House Of Prime Rib?
The menu is focused on prime rib, but they offer a limited vegetarian option, usually a pasta dish. This is not listed on the main menu, so you should ask your server. The price for this is lower than the prime rib dinners.
Can I Order A Smaller Portion For A Lower Price?
The fixed-price dinners are the only options for prime rib. There is no a la carte pricing for smaller portions. The City Cut is the smallest and cheapest option available.
Final Tips For Your Visit
To make the most of your experience, plan ahead. Make a reservation, arrive on time, and be ready for a leisurely meal. The service is professional but not rushed, so expect to spend about 90 minutes to two hours.
Dress code is business casual. No shorts or flip-flops are allowed, so dress appropriately. The atmosphere is elegant but not stuffy, so you can feel comfortable in nice jeans and a collared shirt.
If you are celebrating a special occasion, let the staff know. They sometimes offer a complimentary dessert or a special touch. It is a nice way to make the meal memorable.
Overall, House of Prime Rib menu prices are fair for what you get. The fixed-price model, high-quality beef, and generous portions make it a worthwhile splurge. With a little planning, you can enjoy a classic San Francisco dining experience without breaking the bank.
Remember to check the current menu online or call ahead for the most up-to-date prices. The restaurant occasionally adjusts its pricing, so confirming before you go is always a good idea.
Enjoy your meal, and dont forget to save room for that second helping of prime rib. It is a tradition that keeps people coming back year after year.