George Kelly, writing at The San Francisco Standard on the death of House of Prime Rib owner Joe Betz:
Joe Betz purchased House of Prime Rib in 1985 from Lou Balaski, who founded it in 1949, and over four decades preserved its old-world charm while building it into one of the city’s most enduring dining destinations.
Under his stewardship, the 178-seat restaurant became synonymous with perfectly marbled prime rib, chilled martinis, and unwavering hospitality.
The House of Prime Rib is one of my favorite restaurants ever, full stop. I'm lucky to live close enough to visit it fairly easily, if that can be said for a place where a reservation for a coveted early evening slot must be made weeks, if not months, in advance. I had dinner there with my wife and friends for my birthday in April, and have an upcoming reservation this November. I'll admit that I never gave any thought to the ownership in particular, but I'll certainly raise a glass then to celebrate the success that is the House of Prime Rib and to Mr. Betz for making and keeping it the quintessential San Francisco institution that it is.
By the way, if you ever get a chance to go, it's always hard to not get either the standard House of Prime Rib Cut or, if you're really hungry, the King Henry VIII Cut. However, I'm here to say that the smaller but more flavorful English Cut is my favorite. Don't worry about not getting enough: if you eat everything, they will offer you seconds—no joke. Also, while the creamed spinach is the usual side, you can ask for creamed corn instead (it's not on the menu), which is excellent.
House of Prime Rib owner Joe Betz dies at 86
The House of Prime Rib owner is lauded for his generosity and commitment to old-school dining in San Francisco.