Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
oChef » The Little Chihuahua – San Francisco
The Little Chihuahua - San Francisco
Photo from The Little Chihuahua
The Little Chihuahua at a glance
San Francisco Mission District
- 🌮 Mexican Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 44 of the guests
#1601 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#80 Mexican Restaurant out of 134 in San Francisco
Good
7.1 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
298
Reviews
69.1%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Vibrant atmosphere
- Friendly service
- Flavorful dishes
Frequently criticized
- High prices
- Difficult parking
- Service issues
Overview: Introducting The Little Chihuahua
The Little Chihuahua offers a vibrant atmosphere with its colorful decor and a generally warm setting, making it a pleasant casual spot. Many appreciate the authentic flavors in dishes like tacos and burritos, often highlighting the quality ingredients and the popular salsa bar.
However, some experiences suggest inconsistencies in the food, with occasional reports of blandness or issues with items like chips. While service is often praised for its friendliness and efficiency, there are instances where it falls short, and the overall value proposition can be a point of contention due to perceived high prices and additional fees.
Good
7.1
out of 10
298
Reviews
69.1%
Satisfaction
70
negative
22
neutral
206
positive
The Little Chihuahua achieves a solid overall score of 7.1, indicating a generally good dining experience. However, customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 69.1%, suggesting some patrons leave less impressed than others.
This assessment is drawn from 298 customer remarks, with 206 expressing positive sentiments and 70 highlighting areas for improvement. Diving deeper, the Ambience (8.4) stands out as a strong point, creating a pleasant setting.
Service (7.9) also performs well, often noted for its efficiency and friendly staff. While Food (7.1) is generally considered good, it’s the Value (3.4) that significantly pulls down the overall perception, with many finding the pricing and additional charges less appealing.
What people like
- Vibrant, welcoming atmosphere
- Friendly, efficient service
- Authentic, flavorful dishes
What people don't like
- High prices, hidden fees
- Parking can be difficult
- Occasional service issues
The Little Chihuahua presents a generally positive experience, reflected in its 7.4 recommendation score. If you’re seeking a lively spot with a good vibe and appreciate authentic flavors, particularly in their tacos and burritos, it’s certainly worth considering for a casual meal.
However, be mindful of the pricing, as some find it on the higher side, and prepare for potential parking challenges. While service is often praised, occasional inconsistencies exist.
It’s a place with strong points, but manage expectations regarding value and minor operational hiccups.
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Verdict: Our expert take on The Little Chihuahua
Food (7.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 99% of the guests
The food here generally hits the spot, with a score of 7.1 indicating a good experience for many. Based on 143 positive remarks out of 207 total opinions, diners often rave about the plantain burrito, the fantastic salsa bar, and the great flavors found in dishes. Many appreciate the quality ingredients and delicious vegan options available, making it a solid choice for diverse tastes.
However, customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 69.1%, suggesting some areas for improvement. Around 47 negative comments highlight concerns, particularly regarding the guac portions in burritos and overall flavor consistency. Some feel the Mexican food isn't quite authentic, and certain burrito fillings can be bland or dry, leaving room for a more consistently satisfying meal.
Food
207
Reviews
69%
Satisfaction
47
negative
17
neutral
143
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Amazing salsa bar
- Great flavors
- Quality ingredients
What people don't like
- Limited guac portions
- Inconsistent flavor
- Not authentic Mexican
Often praised
- foodFrom the moment you step through the door, you are transported to a colorful and warm universe that reflects the vibrant spirit of Mexican culture. The food was simply delicious. Each dish was carefully prepared, offering an explosion of authentic flavors that delight the taste buds.
- salsa barrecommend, however, is to take advantage of the salsa bar
- tacosEach dish was carefully prepared, offering an explosion of authentic flavors that delight the taste buds. Whether you are a fan of tacos, enchiladas, or homemade guacamole, you will be won over by the quality and flavor of the dishes offered. The restaurant's decor adds to the experience, with its colorful patterns and friendly atmosphere.
- FoodFood:5
- Mexican foodThis is definitely "nouveau" Mexican, not a classic taqueria. However, even though I'm a native and love my Mexican food old-school style, I did very much enjoy it.
- burritoMy husband had a burrito. Two thumbs up.
- burritosOf the many great places I've had burritos in SF, this is my favorite
- salsaI highly recommend the Tortilla salad, which is my go-to. It's huge and you can cover it in salsa from the bar.
- fried plantainsHighlight was the fried plantains
- guacExcellent guac here, too
Frequently criticized
- burritomy burrito was bland with only rice, beans, little steak meat and salsa
- chipsSometimes they forget to salt them, while other times they are a completely different tasting chip. Recently, the chips have been stale, and I don’t know how they could get more inconsistent. I’d rather buy my own chips just to be safe.
- burritosI thought it would be a good place because it had several stars, but I do not recommend it. The burritos had very bad flavor, were very small, and excessively expensive.
- foodthe food was less than delicious
- guacbasically zero guac with the super burrito
- tacostacos to be the absolute worst
- Agua Frescacup of ice with quarter cup of Agua Fresca
- HorchataHorchata tasted like starch left bad residue
- Mexican foodits taco bell level Mexican...its not real Mexican food
- Mexican inspired foodDont give me that "Mexican inspired food" bs
If you're seeking a quick, flavorful meal with excellent vegetarian options and a standout salsa bar, this spot is worth a visit. Just be mindful that some burritos might be light on the guac or lack consistent flavor, so choose wisely.
Service (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 46% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.9, its clear that most diners are happy, reflected in a strong customer satisfaction of 83.3%. Out of 42 comments, a whopping 35 praise the experience, often highlighting the friendly service, quick food, and attentive staff who are organized and efficient.
However, its not entirely without its bumps. The 7 negative comments mention occasional issues like an order wrong or slow service, and even a hiccup with an eye rolling cashier. While these instances are few, they suggest there's still a little room for fine-tuning to ensure every visit is perfect.
Service
42
Reviews
83%
Satisfaction
7
negative
0
neutral
35
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, kind staff
- Fast, efficient service
- Quick issue resolution
What people don't like
- Incorrect orders
- Occasional slow service
- Unfriendly cashier
Often praised
- servicegood quality ingredients and service
- ServiceService:5
- staffThe tacos were also great. While it's not a fancy place and can be pricey for Mexican fare, the quality of food and the super friendly staff make it a five-star experience.
- peopleI absolutely love this place and the people there are so nice. It's also great for kiddos with lots of options.
- Good serviceGood service
- NelbiNelbi ( one of cooks) super quick fixed the issue
- cashierThe cashier was really sweet
- dine-in serviceThe dine-in service for lunch was efficient
- fix my ordercleared it up to fix my order
- food comes out quickfood comes out quick
Frequently criticized
- serviceWhat was lacking however was the service
- cashierEye rolling cashier on 11/14
- chipsforgot our chips, we had to ask them to bring
- issueMy experience at the restaurant was positive, despite an initial hiccup. The kitchen made a mistake, but Nelbi, one of the cooks, was super quick to fix the issue. She even made me an amazing kale salad!
- orderthey got my order wrong!
- order takerThe order taker suggested that I order Super burrito instead of regular burrita
If youre looking for a place with generally quick and friendly service, youll likely be pleased. While there might be a rare minor hiccup, the staff often goes the extra mile to fix things, making it a solid choice for a pleasant dining experience.
Ambience (8.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 34% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, this spot really hits the mark! With a solid score of 8.4 and customer satisfaction at a great 83.3%, the ambience here is definitely a highlight. Guests frequently praise the great atmosphere, charming setting, and decor, often noting its kid friendly and cleanliness.
Out of 30 total comments, a whopping 25 were positive, highlighting a busy yet chill atmosphere perfect for a casual outing. However, its not entirely without its quirks. The main point of contention, mentioned in 1 of the 30 comments, revolves around "Parking.
" Some visitors found it "somewhat difficult to find parking, " which can be a minor inconvenience if youre driving. But honestly, that's a small blip on an otherwise stellar ambience report.
Ambience
30
Reviews
83%
Satisfaction
1
negative
4
neutral
25
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great atmosphere
- Charming decor
- Kid friendly
What people don't like
- Difficult parking
Often praised
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- atmosphereOverall, this Mexican restaurant is a true celebration of Mexican cuisine and culture. I unhesitatingly give it a 5 out of 5 for the excellent food, charming setting, and warm atmosphere. A must-visit for all Mexican food lovers in San Francisco.
- cleanlinessNice salsa bar. Clean and super convenient location. Consider me a regular!
- Mexican jointvibe of being a local, authentic Mexican joint
- ambianceThe flavor was also lacking. The ambiance is nice - that’s about all it has going for it.
- back patioThey have a little back patio that's open on one side but sheltered that's nice
- bathroomclean (mini, lol) bathroom
- busy but chill atmosphereenjoyed hanging out in the early evening with the busy but chill atmosphere
- casual spotlooking for a casual spot for mexican
- decorWhether you are a fan of tacos, enchiladas, or homemade guacamole, you will be won over by the quality and flavor of the dishes offered. The restaurant's decor adds to the experience, with its colorful patterns and friendly atmosphere. It's the ideal place for a relaxed evening with friends or family.
Frequently criticized
- ParkingParking space:Somewhat difficult to find parking
If you're looking for a place with a fantastic atmosphere, charming decor, and a clean, kid-friendly environment, this restaurant is absolutely worth checking out. Just be prepared that parking might require a little patience, but the overall vibe makes it a great choice for a relaxed meal.
Value (3.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 21% of the guests
Despite a low score of 3.4 and customer satisfaction at just 15.8%, a few diners did find some positive aspects regarding value. Out of 19 total comments, 3 highlighted a great value meal or a reasonable price per person for lunch, even praising reasonably priced tacos. However, the overwhelming sentiment leans negative, with 15 critical remarks.
Many felt the prices were too expensive, calling it an absolute rip off. Common complaints included junk fees and the general feeling that you could find better bang for your buck elsewhere, making the price point a significant concern.
Value
19
Reviews
15%
Satisfaction
15
negative
1
neutral
3
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Value meal option
What people don't like
- Too expensive
- Junk fees charged
- Poor bang for buck
Often praised
- pricereasonably priced tacos
- price per personIt's conveniently located near a playground for younger kids, making it the perfect bite to eat just on the edge of town when you're done playing. The dine-in service for lunch was efficient, and the price per person was reasonable, falling between $10–20.
- value mealTHE value meal in SF on a cold day!
Frequently criticized
- burritopaid D $18.50 for one burrito
- priceThe tacos were also great. While it's not a fancy place and can be pricey for Mexican fare, the quality of food and the super friendly staff make it a five-star experience.
- bag feeCharged me a bag fee for the paper bag
- bang for your buckbetter bang for your buck elsewhere
- burritostoo expensive
- business costsI really enjoyed the good quality ingredients and the service. However, I had to deduct stars because they continue to charge junk fees instead of including their business costs in the regular menu price. This is a deceptive business practice and not customer-friendly, even if it's in small print.
- chipspay extra for chips?
- deceptive business practiceHowever, I had to deduct stars because they continue to charge junk fees instead of including their business costs in the regular menu price. This is a deceptive business practice and not customer-friendly, even if it's in small print. I hope they become more upfront with customers in the future.
- junk feescharge junk fees
- price pointworth its astronomical price point
If youre prioritizing value, this spot might disappoint, as many find the prices high and the overall experience a rip off. While a rare value meal might exist, be wary of junk fees' that can quickly inflate your bill.
How are the prices at The Little Chihuahua?
You’re looking at roughly 19 per person – reported by 44 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Mexican Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at the breakdown, most diners spend within that $11–$20 bracket, with a few venturing into slightly higher price points.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 44 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing here feels pretty fair for a Mexican spot in San Francisco. Its a solid choice if youre looking for good value without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about The Little Chihuahua
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
8
Fantastic Plantains and Good Rice
San Francisco offers too many sandwich shops, so this was a nice stumble. The plantains were fantastic. And I’m a big sucker for rice.
Good rice. Will come back next time I visit.
- plantains10
- rice8
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
7
Good Food, Inconsistent Chips
I've been coming here for about 8 years and eat here at least a couple times a month. The food is always good. However, the chips are a gamble every time, and it’s always been like that.
Sometimes they forget to salt them, while other times they are a completely different tasting chip. Recently, the chips have been stale, and I don’t know how they could get more inconsistent. I’d rather buy my own chips just to be safe.
- food8
- chips3
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
8
Different but good taqueria experience
My experience at this restaurant was interesting. It's a killer spot, but it doesn't quite hit the same as the taquerias I'm used to. However, the upside is that you don't feel like crap afterward.
The atmosphere and service were both rated a 5, and the food received a 4. Vegetarian options are highly recommended and a vegetarian menu is available. Parking can be somewhat difficult to find.
- taquerias6
- feel like crap8
- Atmosphere10
- Parking4
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Wicked Burrito and Amazing Sauces!
I had a wicked filling burrito at this really lovely spot. All the sauces were just amazing. If you're around, please check it out.
- burrito9
- sauces10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
10
Outstanding Taqueria with Amazing Pozole
My experience at this wonderful little taqueria was definitely worth the walk, even from the Mission! The outstanding pozole was a standout, but honestly, everything is good. The food received a perfect score of 5, and the atmosphere was equally impressive with a score of 5.
Service was also excellent, rated at 4. This lunch visit, with a price range of $20–30 per person, was a fantastic culinary exploration.
- pozole10
- everything9
- Food10
What The Little Chihuahua offers
Crowd
- Transgender safespace
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Family-friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Beer
- Organic dishes
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Counter service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Delivery
- Dine-in
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What is the overall dining experience like at The Little Chihuahua?
The Little Chihuahua generally offers a good dining experience with an overall score of 7.1. Its Ambience (8.4) and Service (7.9) are highly rated, and the Food (7.1) is also considered good, though Value (3.4) is a notable area for improvement.
What do customers particularly enjoy about The Little Chihuahua's offerings?
Patrons frequently praise the vibrant atmosphere and the friendly, efficient service. Many highlight the authentic flavors of dishes like tacos and burritos, often enjoying the quality ingredients and the popular salsa bar.
Are there any common concerns or drawbacks when visiting The Little Chihuahua?
Some customers express concerns about the pricing, finding it expensive for Mexican fare, and mention additional charges like bag fees. Parking can also be somewhat difficult to find, and there are occasional reports of inconsistent food quality or minor service issues.