Whether you're a business traveler with a free evening or a local who just wants a perfect meal without coordinating six people's calendars, solo dining in SF is practically an art form. As one local put it, recounting a scene at The Progress: "A French gentleman sat by himself, got an appetizer, a cocktail, and the duck dish — which is very substantial — and ate everything. And I thought, that's how you visit San Francisco."

That's the energy. Channel it.

So where should you go? If you love meat — and we mean love meat — here's the short list.

House of Prime Rib is the undisputed classic. It's been serving enormous cuts of prime rib with spinning salad bowls since 1949, and it remains one of the most quintessentially San Francisco experiences you can have. Get a reservation or prepare to wait.

San Ho Won is a Michelin-starred Korean spot that's practically built for the solo carnivore. They welcome walk-ins at the counter starting at 5 PM, and parties of one or two are actually preferred for those seats. The menu is gloriously meat-heavy.

Rich Table in Hayes Valley is another institution. One nearby resident noted they'll often have a bar seat open before 6 PM if you're flying solo. And if you're still hungry afterward, their takeout spot RT Rotisserie is a block away.

A few more names worth your time: Boulevard (ask for the chef's counter), Zuni Cafe (a legend that gets unfairly overlooked because it's not the new shiny thing), Suppenküche for German-sized portions of schnitzel, and Californios if you want to go full splurge on Mexican fine dining.

And look — nobody in this city is spending $200 of their own money to impress a stranger at the next table. San Francisco's restaurant culture rewards curiosity, not company. The free market has provided an embarrassment of culinary riches here. Take advantage of it. Table for one, please.