The Bottom Line
At Town Hall, you'll find a varied menu with globally-inspired dishes, some comfort food favorites (like fried chicken) and the stunning ambiance of a renovated 1907 building. Its SoMa location is convenient to public transport, just blocks from either Montgomery or Embarcadero stations.
Sample Menu Prices:
- Lunch Entrees: $10 to $17
- Dinner Starters: $8 to $14
- Dinner Entrees: $19 to $30
Pros
- Gorgeous space in the 1907 Marine Electric Building
- Roomy tables and also a large communal table for group dining
- Attentive and knowledgeable service
- Flavorful menu twists, like Cajun-inspired barbecued shrimp
Cons
- The WC requires a trek upstairs
Description
Town Hall Website & Reservations
342 Howard Street
San Francisco, CA 94105
Telephone: (415) 908-3900
Map of Location- BART Station: Montgomery or Embarcadero - Walk about 1/2 mile to Howard
- Muni Station: Montgomery or Embarcadero
Muni Bus Routes
#10 Townsend
#12 Folsom
#14 Mission- Hop Stop Trip Planner (in SF)
- 511.org Trip Planner (Bay Area)
Guide Review - Town Hall Restaurant - San Francisco
Town Hall Ambiance
Town Hall lives in the Marine Electric Building, one of the first structures built after the 1906 earthquake. New York designer Mark Zeff had a "lived-in, Adirondack eating hall" vision for the interior. He succeeded in creating an airy and elegant space with exposed brick and dark wood floors, while still retaining a homey sense of warmth and comfort. You can't miss the unusual light fixtures -- from an old movie theater in Spanish Harlem -- with turned metal arms evoking large starbursts throughout the room.
The hand-made and robust Arts-and-Crafts styled tables feel roomy enough to have a private conversation, while enjoying the general buzz of the room. There's a large communal table at the front, seasonal patio seating, and a private dining room upstairs.
Town Hall Food
Cajun, French, East Coast and West Coast flavors infuse the menu at Town Hall. You'll find dishes like (very rich and tasty) barbequed shrimp, a gumbo or cornbread side, fried chicken -- but also cedar-planked salmon and slow-roasted duck, or tuna tartare with fried tomatoes and green onions. The selections change frequently, but you can peruse Townhall's online menus for sample lunch and dinner fare.
Town Hall hosts a Mardi Gras party every year, featuring a Cajun menu and entertainment.
Sample Menu Items (2007):
- Barbequed Shrimp - $15.00
- Sauteed Day Boat Scallops w/Andouille Sausage Jambalaya and Crab Butter - $26.50
- Buttermilk Fried Chicken - $19.50
Vegetarian Options: Some - vegetarian appetizer (tempura squash blossoms), salads, English pea risotto
Town Hall Stats
- Founders: Mitchell Rosenthal, Steven Rosenthal & Doug Washington
- Opened in November 2003
- Seating: 85 in dining room and bar area, 20 on seasonal patio
2007 - Prices, items and events are subject to change. Always check with venue directly for information and updates.
