Alfred's Steakhouse

659 Merchant Street

Tel: 415-781-7058

Alfred's has relocated from its cozy spot in North Beach to a larger (but still very red) space 1 block from the Transamerica building. I was never able to check it out while it was in N.B. but I can tell you that it is still a fantastic place to spend a few hours.

The atmosphere is traditional without being stuffy, service was friendly without being overbearing. We started with a Caesar ($5.95), which was prepared tableside. The waiter cracked the egg right into the stainless steel bowl, just how it should be. The salad was delicious, perhaps the best Caesar I've had in the city-lots of sharp Parmesan and a good deal of anchovy paste.

As for the main attraction, the steaks were succulent and perfectly cooked. I went for the big daddy Porterhouse ($32.75), and my friends ordered the Petit filet ($21.75) and the Rib-eye ($25.75). Not a complaint from either and I found my meat fabulous. They cook their steaks over mesquite, which imparts a wonderfully smoky taste to the meat. Very fair pricing, also, considering that the steaks come with 2 sides. Garlic mashers were okay, not outstanding but the creamed spinach was very tasty. The wine list is relatively slender for a steakhouse, and prices are decent but not great. They do have a superb selection of single malts-over 100 types. And they serve a nice martini as well.

I used to think I was a Harris' man, but I am an Alfred's man now.

Chris Cordani

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