Spruce

Tucked into the well-heeled enclave of Presidio Heights, Spruce has established itself as a neighborhood institution where the city’s elite gather for polished American cuisine. The dining room exudes an understated elegance with its heavy leather chairs and refined atmosphere—the kind of place where regulars have occupied the same tables for over a decade.

The kitchen offers a three-course prix fixe dinner featuring dishes like delicate crudo, succulent duck breast, and decadent chocolate tartelettes. While the tasting menu is impeccably executed, the real draw sits just a few steps away at the bar. Here you’ll find what many consider one of San Francisco’s finest burgers—a perfectly composed creation nestled in a buttery English muffin that soaks up every drop of seasoned aioli and rich beef drippings. The caramelized onions add a sweet complexity, and the accompanying fries are exactly what you’d hope for: thick, golden, and generously salted.

For those seeking the full Spruce experience without the prix fixe commitment, the bar offers à la carte entrées that deliver the same quality at a friendlier price point. The restaurant also serves weekend brunch and lunch, each with their own tasting menus that showcase the kitchen’s range. The kale Caesar arrives adorned with a crispy parmesan and anchovy tuile—proof that even the simplest dishes receive thoughtful attention here.

Spruce is ideal for impressing parents, celebrating milestones, or simply enjoying a civilized evening with a well-made Boulevardier in hand. While the food may not reinvent the wheel, it delivers consistent refinement in a setting that feels both special and welcoming.