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Date spots for ribs

A rib spot where you can get messy without feeling like you are ruining the mood of the evening.

Based on 641 Opinions
+638
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Updated May 2026
01
Bourbon Steak Restaurant image 1
Bourbon Steak Restaurant image 2
Bourbon Steak Restaurant image 3
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American restaurant

Elegant steakhouse space combines modern sophistication with warm, inviting decor and breathtaking booths. Atmosphere is loud and crowded, with music often too loud for easy conversation. Menu features perfectly cooked steaks and standout dishes like truffle macaroni and caviar.

Short ribs come out tender enough to cut with a wet noodle and packed with flavor. The Wagyu short rib features a celery root foam that adds a unique touch and almost steals the show.

Perfect setting for date night with options for intimate seating or the bar. Staff create a personal touch with birthday cards and friendly check-ins.

People are saying

"The steak here is perfectly cooked and bursting with flavor."

"I found the cocktails here to be awesome."

"I enjoyed the braised short ribs; they were amazing."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to high demand, especially on weekends.

2

Expect wait times of 30-60 minutes during peak dinner hours.

3

The restaurant has a dress code; business casual attire is required.

02
SUNGHO image 1
Korean restaurant

Modern interior with an open kitchen creates a clean, industrial chic atmosphere. Warm and inviting vibe complements authentic Korean comfort food served in stoneware bowls that keep dishes hot. Tables space guests comfortably despite hard surfaces that can make the space a bit noisy.

Beef short ribs come in a soup with a deep umami broth and tender meat that melts in your mouth. Spicy pork bone soup features large ribs with a moderate spice level around 6 out of 10.

A relaxing and roomy ambiance sets a casual tone for date nights. The bone soup matches the quality of Korean noodle soup, offering a flavorful option for sharing.

People are saying

"The pork bone soup is rich and delicious."

"The spicy pork bone soup had tender meat and a good spice level."

"These Date Spots have delicious, flavorful noodle soups."

Good to know

1

Reservations are highly recommended, especially on weekends to avoid long waits.

2

Expect to pay $35-45 per person after tax and tip for a meal.

3

Parking can be challenging on weekends; consider using the Civic Center parking lot.

03
ABSteak by Chef Akira Back image 1

Basement setting features dark wood walls, candle-lit tables, and luxurious gold tableware creating an elegant Korean steakhouse atmosphere. Smokeless grills built into tables allow for interactive dining without smoke or stuffiness. Stylish decor and a private dining room add to the upscale, intimate vibe.

Snow Flower Kkotsal wagyu short rib has perfect marbling and a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Combo A includes boneless short rib, beef brisket, and marinated galbi, all with rich, savory flavors.

Dinner here offers a helpful server who explains the menu and suggests dishes. The setting suits special occasions like birthdays and anniversaries, creating an unforgettable night.

People are saying

"The Korean BBQ food here is exceptional, especially the Wagyu."

"The servers here make you feel so special on your date."

"These Korean BBQ ribs are a must-try, filling a significant gap."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends, to avoid long wait times.

2

Parking is available in front of the restaurant until 6pm in the commercial zone.

3

The restaurant is located one floor below street level, so be prepared for stairs.

04
Blind Butcher image 1
New American restaurant

Open kitchen and DJ playing soulful house music create a lively, cozy atmosphere with red faux leather booths and sexy lighting. Space feels limited and narrow, making movement tricky when busy. Music volume often makes conversation difficult, especially during weekend nights.

Short ribs come incredibly tender with a balanced sauce that is not overly sweet. They sit on a bed of super smooth mashed potatoes that pair perfectly with the rich flavors.

Red faux leather booths and sexy lighting create a cozy, intimate vibe. Steak and rack of lamb come perfectly cooked, making it a solid spot for a date night splurge.

People are saying

"The food at these Date Spots is amazing, especially the prime ribeye."

"The Lobster Mac & Cheese had generous chunks of lobster."

"The short ribs were so tender and packed with flavor."

Good to know

1

Reservations are highly recommended, especially on busy nights like Valentine's Day.

2

Free and paid street parking is available nearby, but it can be challenging.

3

Expect longer wait times during peak hours, even with a reservation.

05
Yakitori Edomasa image 1
Yakitori restaurant

Small, cozy yakitori restaurant with authentic Japanese ambiance and traditional decorations. Atmosphere stays calm and quiet even when full, with a clean, modern interior and kitchen in view. Offers high-quality skewers and a variety of sake and beers, creating a relaxed dining experience.

Beef short ribs come as a skewer on the Grab & Go Menu, priced at $6. The Kushiyaki set includes short ribs, pork belly, and chicken for variety.

Dinner offers a cozy setting for couples with options like the 3 meat skewers box and a deluxe lunch set that stands out. Bento boxes and seafood sets provide variety for shared meals.

People are saying

"The yakitori, especially the grilled thighs and bonjiri, were delicious."

"The food here is delicious, especially the meat skewers."

"These beef short ribs are so tender and juicy."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not accepted; a walk-in waiting list is available with 35-55 minute wait times.

2

A 5.2% 'SF Mandate' charge is added to the bill without prior notice.

3

The skewers are priced at $5 each, which is reasonable for the quality.

06
Smokin D’s BBQ SF image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Small barbecue spot with on-site smoked meat creates a cozy, chill atmosphere reminiscent of Texas. Limited seating encourages takeout, attracting those who appreciate authentic Texas-style BBQ with bold, salty flavors.

Ribs come well seasoned and tender with a Texas-style flavor that is not too fatty. St Louis Ribs pair well with bread and butter pickled onions and cucumbers, and full racks satisfy hearty appetites.

Banana brulee bliss dessert stands out even for those who don't like bananas. The brisket shows great quality, and the menu includes hearty options like Smash Burger and Mac n Cheese with Pulled Pork.

People are saying

"The American Food here, especially the brisket, is tender and perfectly cooked."

"The brisket was so soft and tender."

"The brisket here is perfectly cooked and reminds me of home."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is takeout only, with limited seating available.

2

Pricing is reasonable for the quality, with meals around $200 for a family.

3

Bao buns are available only from Friday to Sunday.

07
Arquet Restaurant image 1

Open kitchen with front-row view of the hearth creates an engaging dining experience. Spacious interior blends modern elegance with warm, inviting decor and offers stunning waterfront views including the Bay Bridge. Atmosphere is lively and bustling, suited for those who enjoy vibrant settings.

Short ribs melt in your mouth with tender texture. Spare ribs offer rich flavor alongside BBQ steamboat oysters and rack of pork.

Sunday nights offer a relaxed vibe for couples. Dinner works well for celebrations like birthdays.

People are saying

"The food at this dinner spot is phenomenal and creative."

"The food here is phenomenal, especially the duck and ribeye."

"The short ribs just melted in my mouth."

Good to know

1

Reservations are often fully booked until late evening, so plan ahead.

2

Expect smaller portion sizes, which may not justify the price.

3

The restaurant does not serve complimentary bread with meals.

08
Quê Việt image 1
Vietnamese restaurant

Wooden tables and large windows create an open, cozy space with Vietnamese music playing softly in the background. The atmosphere stays quiet and laid-back, attracting those seeking an authentic and nostalgic vibe. Simple, clean decor and affordable prices make it a welcoming spot for casual dining.

Bone-in rib meat appears in dishes like Bun Bo Hue and pho with short rib. Garlic noodles with short rib offer a flavorful option. Some dishes with ribs can taste plain, but appetizers with short rib add variety.

Seating at the bar offers a casual spot for couples. Options include vegetarian pho, vermicelli bowl with steak, and 5-spiced chicken pho for varied tastes.

People are saying

"The pho here has a rich, flavorful broth and generous meat."

"The pho here is incredibly flavorful and tasty."

"I usually order the pho with short rib."

Good to know

1

Street parking is challenging; be prepared to pay the meter.

2

Prices are reasonable, with meals typically under $25.

3

The restaurant is within walking distance from the SF Caltrain station.

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