IZZY’S STEAKS & CHOPS - SAN FRANCISCO

ARCHITECTURE:

Stephen MacCracken (Partner)
Daniel Robinson (Partner & Project Lead)
Devin MacCracken (Senior Designer)
Grace Hurley (Designer)
Leah Schultz (Designer)

INTERIOR DESIGN:

Gachot Studios

BUILDER:

Hasz Construction

PROJECT MANAGEMENT:

Brodie Group

CONSULTANTS:

MHC Engineers (MEP)
EJA Lighting Design (Lighting)

PHOTOGRAPHY:

William Jess Laird

RENDERINGS:

MacCracken Robinson Architects

San Francisco restaurant renovation: Izzy's Steak & Chops Marina District transformation

Izzy’s Steak & Chops has been a cherished San Francisco institution for over 35 years. For this Marina District restaurant renovation, MacCracken Robinson Architects carefully balanced enhanced functionality and design with a deep respect for the rich heritage that has made Izzy’s a beloved cornerstone of the community.

A renovated restaurant in the heart of San Francisco

When MacCracken Robinson Architects teamed up with New York's Gachot Studios, they faced a delicate challenge: updating a beloved historic San Francisco steakhouse without losing the timeless character that made it legendary. The result is a sensitive renovation that seamlessly blends preservation with innovation.

While renovating throughout, the main dining room on the first floor remains intact, its original booths given new life through thoughtful refurbishment. 

The upper level of Izzy's has undergone a complete transformation into an elegant lounge space, designed for private events and refined dining experiences. The redesigned area features a secluded intimate bar alongside a striking new fireplace, both dramatically illuminated by natural light streaming through a restored opaque skylight. Previously hidden beneath layers of concealment, this architectural centerpiece has been refurbished with contemporary framing and translucent glass that bathes the entire space in a soft, atmospheric glow.

The key to commercial success: Modernizing the kitchen and back of house 

A key component of this commercial restaurant renovation project was the complete replacement of an aging commercial kitchen and back-of-house support area. Our Bay Area team also added completely new infrastructure, upgraded underground electrical systems, and designed dynamic office spaces — all crucial elements for modernizing dining establishments in San Francisco's competitive restaurant market.

This comprehensive restaurant remodel addressed the unique challenges of San Francisco's building codes and seismic requirements while creating a state-of-the-art culinary workspace that meets the demands of the City's world-renowned food scene.

Key materials: Beadboard, antique glass, vertical grain walnut, marble, unlacquered brass.