C&L

I went here when they first opened and it looks like they’ve changed up the menu a bit. Origininally the concept was they had a steak dish for each of the major cities: NY, SF, Denver, etc. They would then layout a suggested pairing of sides and starters that accompanied the steak. It seems this concept is still somewhat there but steak is no longer an exclusive theme.
We had started with drinks down at the bar (they make a solid Belvedere martini) and soon headed up to the dining room. An assortment of fresh baked breads and butter came out and since our table took a few minutes we got a complementary order of Yorkshire Pudding (which was quite addictive). I think I could have made a meal on the bread and Yorkshire pudding alone. Being a NY Steak lover, that of course is what I opted for, the Black Pepper Crusted Strip. It came out a perfect medium-​rare and very well seasoned. My side were the swiss chard and a very rich/​decadent mac& cheese. As if I wasn’t full enough I gave into the dessert bug and got the apple bread pudding.
The space is very chic and great for a full on date or just nice drinks. I wish I could remember our waiter’s name because he was impeccable. Not only did we have wonderful food, the service was just outstanding and it provided for a fantastic dining experience. Coming from the people at Aqua, the prices were actually quite reasonable (at Aqua you’re probably going to spend almost twice as much). Since the restaurant is in a somewhat remote area, the parking is tough and we ended up doing the valet thing. As I look at the other reviews it seems like either it was complete dud or it was an excellent time. I for one can say I had a remarkable dinner.

We went to this place as it was touted as one of the the best steak places to go to — and was written up for its delicious side dishes…
My friend and I started with the Butter Lettuce salad and the Crayfish Ceasar Salad– both were well prepared — the dressing just right and not drenched… We followed with NY Strip and A petit filet mignon– both ordered to our specs and requested with the bernaise sauce… for sides– I wanted to try the recommended yucca fries– but were out (the waiter said that this was no longer in the menu– to which I thought– why was it still printed there) and settle with the cream of spinach (as did my friend). I was disappointed with the filet– it lacked the succulent and tender qualities that make this a favorite– it was salted gratuitously– my friend’s steak was a little better. The wine list deserves recognition– as most Aqua group restaurants– we picked the velvety finish on the Château de Tours, Vacqueyras (yr?) and ended with a shared pineapple dessert cake.
I dont think this restaurant lives to the expectation one would get from its sister restaurants– there’s definitely BETTER places to go enjoy steaks…

I was really excited about going to this place but had another «CitySearch is inferior to Unilocal!» experience. This place has decent drinks and service, but the atmosphere is incredibly pretentious and most importantly the food was very dissapointing.

First off, I have to saw that we went for the Happy Hour and not for dinner. Second off, the Happy Hour was so awesome I’m going back for dinner this week. I may have to amend my review afterwards in lite of what other reviews have to say, but as of right now, I love the place. Love it!
We got there a bit early and it was dead quite which gave us time to get to know Shamus, the bartender over $ 5 martinis. He was out of Kettle One, so substituted Grey Goose. Who’s complaining? Certainly not me! We ordered a couple of the $ 5 appetizers and noshed on some bread while we waited. So far we have a great bartender, a huge fabulously crafted martini, homemade bread with BBQ butter (SO much better then it sounds) cheap eats on the way in a swanky setting. What’s not to love and I’ve only been there 10 minutes!
The evening proceeded in that same manor until I had two too many martinis and had to go home. One of the dangers of cheap martinis I guess. I do remember the steak tartare and the onion rings being out of this world tasty. It was hard to get either as every time they arrived at the table our crowd gobbled them up.
This is officially one of my very favorite places to Happy Hour in the city.
UPDATE: So, I took my boyfriend there for his birthday last night, and it was spectacular! I know part of any great meal it the people your with, but still, the food was awesome. I had the pepper rubbed strip which was one of the best cuts Iof meat I’ve had in ages. The sides were all interesting takes on food from across the states. No steamed broccoli here! Not that steamed broccoli isn’t tasty, but I can make that at home. The service was laid back, but attentive. We’re the kind of people who like to befreind out waiter though. He is after all, the one who brings us the food and drink.

A group of 6 girls went to C&L for our monthly dinner club and for dine around town. We had the worst experience from any restaurant ever. Two of us went to happy hour for Kettle One Martini’s and the bartender ran out of Kettle one and gave us Stoli Vodka instead. Then said he would give us something else and never did. Then we sat down to eat and waited 45 minutes for our bottle of wine to come to the table and it finally did after telling our server twice about it. Our first course came and one of the girls asked for pepper and they gave it to the girl who asked for it, but didn’t offer it to the rest of the table. Then the main course arrived and all the steaks were cold. One of the gals ordered a chicken but they gave her a game hen instead because they ran out of chicken without telling her. They of course replaced it with something else after she complained. Then when our desert came the brownies tasted like cardboard and had no flavor to them whatsoever and we couldn’t even cut into them. My friend went up to manager and complained about the food and he basically told her that C&L was not a right fit for us and was very rude.
Is it too much to ask for good service and food from a 5 star restaurant?

If you like a young fun atmosphere, C&L is not the place to go to. The atmosphere was too pretentious for me, although the service was excellent. The food was not exceptional for the price or the portion size. I was quite disappointed. Thank goodness there are so many other steakhouse options to choose from!

Swanky, almost sedate New American steakhouse on Nob Hill. The concept is that you can pair steaks, sides, and appetizers from eight cities. That translates into a western-​style steak served with a side of beans, mini Texas toast, and a quail egg. We enjoyed our steaks, but while everything is close to excellent, nothing actually is. And for the price, everything should be.
I’d be interested in returning, but for their happy hour with discounted drinks and appetizers.

The understanded-​yet-​opulent décor and hidden (ish) location make this place a nice romantic spot, but as a steakhouse, it is a dud.
Their steaks, while prepared perfectly to order, posses little if any flavor. I was dining here with a group of fellow carnivores and we were all somewhat underwhelmed. Although I must say their au poivre and Bernaise sauces were peerless.
Side dishes were hit or miss… the quaint green bean casserole was gloopy and gross, the tiny helping of creamed spinach flavorless. The fries were faboo and wine list fairly impressive, plus the bread was good. I can’t even remember the desserts.
Service was entertaining in that our waitress was clearly ticked off at the clumsy server who helped with our large party. Her eye rolling and under-​the-​breath comments were unprofessional but we’ve all been there, so it didn’t bother me.
There was a quite a bit of sticker shock — and I don’t usually balk at an expensive meal. But the way the menu is organized, everything reeaaally adds up. I ended up paying about 30% more than I expected. I have to say it wasn’t worth it. I really wanted to love this place, but next time I want a steak I know where NOT to go. I doubt I’ll be back.

Amazingly good steak. I ate nearly ²⁄₃ of the entire NY Strip, and really was full to the gills after half. But it was soooooo good. Very flavourful meat, just the right amount of taste-​enhancing saltiness. Just misses out on 5 stars becuase the starters, sides and desserts are good but don’t match up to the meat. And our popovers were burnt :-(but a great concept served with bacon and bernaise sauce. Also, there are barely any bottles of wine under $ 50. If you’re looking to have a big ticket night with good service, then this would definitely be on the short list.

C&L, whaz that spell? Charles & Laurent, that’s the famed Charles Condy and Laurent Manrique from Aqua. But it also spells the new fabulous steakhouse atop Nob Hill. You feel as if you are eating in the familiar clubby dining room of your best friend’s plush apartment.
We had a private birthday party at C&L, and it couldn’t have been more perfect. I highly recommend for a private party! Let me say this: the service was superb. Bad-​ass. Unparalleled. Tyler, Molly, Peter, Sean and the whole crew.
P. S. The valet here is your friend. Use him or lose it.

Ask them not to seat you in a corner as it’s a bit strange facing the other diners. Steak was nice, good service and the breads were a treat. But the spinach and potatoes were average. If you’re looking for a great stylish old steak house that deserves these prices, go to Alfred’s.

yum yum and the wait staff is awesome…

Maybe I’m picky (I am), but while the overall ambiance was nice, and the food good (great home made breads), the steak itself was random. What’s up with that?

Pricey but it is Nob Hill. It may not sound like it but I would go back again. The concept is a list of dishes from eight cities. From salad to dessert inspired by said city; eat straight across or mix it up (corresponding cocktails as well). New Orleans crawfish salad w/​radicchio and fried okra (a little tough) and not enough dressing was o.k. The black pepper pommes frites served w/​pepper aoili is overkill (one or the other is fine if the potato flavor matters to you). Denver ribeye w/​coffee rub and baked bean BBQ sauce was fine (but don’t let them pour the sauce over as it masks the taste of the steak). The preserved peach cobbler w/​streusel topping was not technically a cobbler but a crisp and was bland. Service was fine though.

Since Unilocal doesn’t have the address, here is their website:
and phone: 415.771.5400. I disagree with the first reviewer, I mean it’s expensive but the steak is the best I’ve had in the city, even better than Bobo’s or Harris’. C&L stands for the two restauranteurs who brought us Aqua, Charles Condy and Laurent Manrique, that should entice some of you…