California is home to 11 of the Top 100 Independents; most of those in the Golden State are split fairly evenly between San Francisco and the Southland.
Top 100 Rank: 13
Annual Sales: $21,732,969
Average Check: $41
The Buzz: The restaurant has Gourmet Market and Patisserie adjacent to it.
Top 100 Rank: 57
Annual Sales: $15,800,000*
Average Check: $100
The Buzz: It encompasses several venues in one within a sprawling celebration of small plates and cocktails.
*RB estimate
Top 100 Rank: 64
Annual Sales: $15,092,497
Average Check: $50*
The Buzz: Al and Joe Scoma bought a six-stool coffee shop on Pier 47 in 1965 and turned it into a legendary restaurant.
*RB estimate
Top 100 Rank: 65
Annual Sales: $14,870,355
Average Check: $75
The Buzz: The Innovative Dining Group concept marries cosmopolitan design with traditional steakhouse fare.
Top 100 Rank: 74
Annual Sales: $14,625,584
Average Check: $27
The Buzz: It brought social media control in-house, leading to a 55% increase in reach and engagement.
Top 100 Rank: 75
Annual Sales: $14,500,000*
Average Check: $49*
The Buzz: Los Angeles County will hold an open competition for rights to the Gladstones site; it could be the end of the 44-year-old icon.
*RB estimate
Top 100 Rank: 78
Annual Sales: $14,126,100
Average Check: $53
The Buzz: The top menu addition in 2015 was Braised Halibut with Shiitake Crust & Dashi.
Top 100 Rank: 90
Annual Sales: $13,250,000*
Average Check: $77*
The Buzz: One of San Francisco’s most highly regarded restaurants since its opening in 1993.
*RB estimate
Top 100 Rank: 93
Annual Sales: $13,150,000*
Average Check: $88*
The Buzz: There's a monthly “Craft at the Cove” cocktail seminar at the Level 2 bar.
*RB estimate
Top 100 Rank: 95
Annual Sales: $13,033,723
Average Check: $29
The Buzz: New to the Top 100, this concept will pack a picnic lunch or cater a beach party.
Top 100 Rank: 96
Annual Sales: $12,942,913
Average Check: $51
The Buzz: Buys only Dungeness crabs that are at least 2 pounds each, fished from the Pacific Oceaan at its back door.