The Big 4 — Restaurant in San Francisco

Made reservations to eat before a concert at the Masonic. I knew going in it would be pricey; everything in SF is. FYI the final tally was about $180 for two people.

We got there a few minutes early and had to wait as there was no one at the hostess station. We finally flagged down a server who went looking for the hostess for us.

We were seated in a classic dining room. Read that as a kind of dingy, old, out of date ambiance. The waiter tried to be pleasant, but he clearly had been doing this way too long and just wasn't into it. Actually, none of the staff seemed to be very pleased to be there.

I was surprised at how limited the menu was, as was the wine list. I was concerned about ordering too much, since we were going right to the concert and could not carry left-overs. I needn't have worried. Portions were mercifully small. I say mercifully because my salmon was way under-cooked (raw, really), and bland beyond belief. Dessert was okay. I don't usually have dessert, but portions were so small and I was desperate to finish dinner on a high(er) note.

We arrived at 5:15, but did not get out of there until just after 7PM. We are not slow eaters, but our server would disappear for long stretches at a time, despite the area we were seated being almost empty up until about the time we left.

Unfortunately, my dinner experience did not end there. I missed several songs from the main act because I had to run to the bathroom during the show. I am guessing my system is not geared for their raw fish.

Big 4? No, I will give you 2 small stars, and I think I am being...

My husband and I had dinner before the concert in the Masonic center last month. We enjoined great ambiens with live piano music, holiday decorations and deemed lights. Table/ food service was prompt and friendly. We found food quality average. The soup (sweet red pepper) was very watery. The duck liver pater was delicious but the crutons were grilled to a black color. A big disappointment for us was lack of presentation for the chicken pot pie - some place on the way to our table, it was scupped out of the baking form into the bowl and the pie crust was placed on the top of mixture and got soggy. Our server explained, that this is their tradition of many- many years to serve the chicken pot pie this way, but for my husband the pie was ruined as he likes the crispy top. Next time we decide to dine here, we'll order smth different. The menu has lots of choices and can accommodate...

After visiting San Fran for many years, we finally remembered to make a dinner reservation at The Big 4 before arriving in town. The restaurant is so named for the four industrialists who were responsible for SF's early growth and success. Many photos and artifacts are on display much like a museum. The decor is gorgeous wood paneled walls, large antique mirrors, burgandy velvet banquettes, candle light, fine linens and restaurant silver, impeccably mannered staff attend almost invisibly while making guests feel like royals. The menu is heavily weighted towards aged, prime steak and chops. Sides are family style, order several. Desserts are decadent. Enjoy live piano music, and arrive early to spend time in the bar before dinner for a full Big 4 experience. We can't wait to return for another luxurious experience in this...