Dragon Horse

Hello, California diners! Are you seeking a Japanese culinary experience that goes beyond just delicious food, offering a serene escape and a truly welcoming atmosphere? Then let us introduce you to Dragon Horse, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of San Francisco’s vibrant SoMa district. This isn't just another Japanese restaurant; it's a destination where fresh, flavorful cuisine meets a calm and peaceful ambiance, perfect for unwinding and celebrating any occasion.

Dragon Horse has quickly garnered a reputation for its "fabulous" food, noted for its fresh ingredients, vibrant flavors, and beautiful presentation. But what truly sets it apart, as many delighted customers have found, is the genuine warmth and hospitality from the moment you walk in. Whether you're craving expertly prepared nigiri, a variety of tempting izakaya small plates, or unique, alcohol-free mocktails, Dragon Horse promises a delightful journey for your senses. It’s a place where you can relax, savor each bite, and truly feel welcomed, making it an ideal choice for locals seeking a serene yet engaging dining experience in San Francisco.

Dragon Horse is conveniently located at 917 Folsom St, San Francisco, CA 94107, USA. This address places it squarely in the bustling and evolving SoMa (South of Market) district, a dynamic neighborhood known for its mix of tech companies, cultural institutions, and an ever-growing array of dining establishments. Its Folsom Street address makes it a central and accessible spot within San Francisco.

The SoMa area is incredibly well-served by public transportation, making Dragon Horse easy to reach from various parts of the city and beyond. Major BART and Muni Metro stations, such as Powell Street and Montgomery Street, are within a reasonable walking distance or a short bus ride away, offering extensive connections. Numerous Muni bus lines operate along Folsom Street and nearby thoroughfares, providing convenient access. For those driving, there are typically several parking garages and lots available in the surrounding blocks, though as is common in urban areas, it's wise to factor in potential parking costs and availability, especially during peak hours. The restaurant's location in SoMa also means it's ideally situated for pre- or post-event dining if you're attending an exhibition at the Moscone Center or visiting one of the nearby museums. Its prime spot on Folsom Street contributes to its appeal as a convenient and desirable dining destination.

• Diverse Japanese Menu: Dragon Horse offers a comprehensive Japanese menu encompassing a variety of dishes. This includes fresh sushi and sashimi, a wide selection of Izakaya hot entrees (such as Tori Karaage, Agedashi Tofu, various skewers), and other Japanese staples like Donburi (Gyu Don, Unagi Don) and Ramen (Tori Paitan Ramen).
• Fresh Sushi and Sashimi: Patrons consistently praise the freshness and quality of their sushi and sashimi, with options like Chef's Nigiri and Sashimi, and popular rolls such as the Dragon Horse Roll and Rainbow Horse Roll.
• Creative Izakaya Dishes: The menu features an array of creative Izakaya small plates, perfect for sharing, including Cauliflower Tempura, Premium Mushroom Gyoza, Panko Shrimp, and a selection of skewers (Zucchini, Chicken, Pork Belly, American Angus Beef, Garlic Herb Jumbo Shrimps, Beef Tongue).
• Hand-Crafted Cocktails: Dragon Horse boasts a full bar with a focus on expertly crafted cocktails. They are known for unique and well-balanced drinks, some featuring creative infusions and smoky elements.
• Unique Alcohol-Free Mocktails: A thoughtful offering that sets them apart is their selection of "creative and delicious" alcohol-free mocktails, ensuring that all guests can enjoy sophisticated beverages.
• Private Dining Rooms & Events: Dragon Horse is well-equipped for group dining and private events. They offer spacious private dining rooms, including one with free karaoke, that can accommodate large groups (up to 36 guests) without additional room rental fees. They also offer full bar or dining room buy-out options.
• Late-Night Dining: For those seeking a meal after typical dinner hours, Dragon Horse is noted as one of the only spots in San Francisco that keeps its kitchen open past midnight, serving fresh sushi and yakitori.
• Friendly and Welcoming Service: The staff is consistently highlighted for being "genuinely welcomed," "attentive," and "knowledgeable on the menu," contributing to a comfortable and pleasant dining experience.

• Fabulous, Flavorful, and Fresh Food: Customers consistently rave that the food is "absolutely fabulous—flavorful, fresh, and beautifully presented," indicating a high standard of quality in both taste and aesthetics.
• Warm, Calm, and Peaceful Atmosphere: A significant highlight is the restaurant's ambiance, described as "warm, calm, and peaceful—a perfect setting to relax and celebrate." This tranquil environment contributes significantly to the overall dining experience.
• Genuinely Welcoming Service: From the moment guests walk in, they "felt genuinely welcomed," with staff praised as "attentive" and "very knowledgeable," providing great recommendations. This creates a highly pleasant and personalized experience.
• Creative and Delicious Alcohol-Free Mocktails: The availability of "creative and delicious" mocktails is a standout feature, demonstrating inclusiveness and catering to a wider range of preferences beyond alcoholic beverages.
• Award-Winning Bartender/Mixologist: The presence of an award-winning bartender or mixologist, as noted by customers, ensures high-quality, unique, and well-balanced cocktails, further elevating the dining experience.
• Large Group and Private Event Friendly: Dragon Horse is explicitly stated as "large group-friendly," offering spacious private dining rooms with free karaoke and options for full buyouts, making it ideal for celebrations and business dinners.
• Late-Night Sushi and Izakaya: As one of the few spots in San Francisco with a kitchen open past midnight, offering fresh sushi and yakitori, it's a perfect destination for late-night cravings.
• Good Value for the Area: Despite its high quality and inviting atmosphere, customers note it offers "overall good value for the area," indicating a favorable balance between price and experience in a prime San Francisco location.

Dragon Horse in San Francisco offers enticing promotions that make its sophisticated Japanese dining experience even more accessible and enjoyable for locals:

• Happy Hour: Dragon Horse features an "irresistible Happy Hour" from Monday to Friday, 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM. This promotion includes special pricing on select beverages:
  • Crafted Cocktails: $12
  • Sake: $4
  • Wine: $8
  • Beer: $8
  The Happy Hour also extends to food, with discounted appetizers and rolls such as Edamame ($5), Seaweed Salad ($6), Tori Karaage ($10), Cauliflower Tempura ($10), California Roll ($10), Salmon Avocado Roll ($12), and Spicy Tuna Roll ($12). This is an excellent opportunity to enjoy their delicious food and unique drinks at a more affordable price point.
• Karaoke Nights: Dragon Horse hosts "unforgettable nights of karaoke" from 9 PM until closing (Mon-Thu 9 PM-10 PM, Fri 9 PM-10:45 PM, Sat 9 PM-11 PM). This promotion allows guests to belt out their favorite tunes while enjoying signature cocktails and fresh izakaya-style sushi. The private dining room with free karaoke is a significant draw for groups looking for a fun and engaging evening.
• Private Dining Room with No Additional Fee: For groups planning special celebrations, business dinners, or gatherings, Dragon Horse offers a "spacious private dining room" that can accommodate 12 to 36 guests with "no additional fee" for the room rental. This provides a cost-effective solution for private events.

These ongoing offers, particularly the happy hour and free karaoke in private rooms, add significant value to the Dragon Horse experience. For the most up-to-date details on any specific seasonal offerings or changes to promotions, it's always recommended to check their official website or contact the restaurant directly.

To experience the unique and serene Japanese dining at Dragon Horse, you can reach them using the following contact details:

Address: 917 Folsom St, San Francisco, CA 94107, USA

Phone: (415) 324-4742

General Contact Email: dragonhorsesf@gmail.com

Dragon Horse is open for dinner:

• Monday–Thursday: 4:00 PM–11:00 PM
• Friday–Saturday: 4:00 PM–12:00 AM
• Sunday: Closed

Given its popularity for both its cuisine and its unique atmosphere, especially during happy hour and late-night, making reservations, particularly for groups or during peak times, is highly recommended. You can often make reservations through platforms like OpenTable or by contacting them directly via phone or email for larger group inquiries.

For Californians, particularly those residing in or frequently visiting San Francisco, Dragon Horse on Folsom Street offers a compelling and highly suitable Japanese dining experience. It strikes a remarkable balance between culinary excellence and a genuinely welcoming, tranquil atmosphere, making it a true urban oasis.

Locals will appreciate the restaurant's commitment to delivering "fabulous—flavorful, fresh, and beautifully presented" food. This consistent quality across its diverse menu, from fresh nigiri to creative izakaya dishes, means there’s always something new and delicious to explore. The "warm, calm, and peaceful" ambiance provides a much-needed respite from the city's fast pace, making it an ideal spot for unwinding after a long day or for intimate celebrations. The "genuinely welcomed" feeling experienced by customers, coupled with attentive and knowledgeable staff, creates a dining experience that feels personal and cared for.

Furthermore, Dragon Horse caters to various local needs and preferences. Their selection of "creative and delicious alcohol-free mocktails" ensures that everyone can enjoy sophisticated beverages, a thoughtful touch. For social gatherings, the availability of "spacious private dining rooms with free karaoke" makes it an exceptional choice for birthdays, corporate events, or simply a fun night out with friends, offering a unique entertainment element without extra cost. And for those with late-night cravings, being one of the few spots in the city with a kitchen open past midnight serving quality Japanese fare is a significant advantage. Ultimately, Dragon Horse provides an overall "good value for the area," delivering a premium, serene, and versatile Japanese dining experience that truly caters to the diverse tastes and lifestyles of San Francisco locals.

Dragon Horse

917 Folsom St, San Francisco, CA 94107, USA