Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
oChef » Venga Empanadas – San Francisco
Venga Empanadas - San Francisco
Photo from Venga Empanadas
Venga Empanadas at a glance
San Francisco Transbay
- ☕ Café
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 29 of the guests
#839 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#73 Café out of 162 in San Francisco
Good
7.8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
96
Reviews
83.3%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious empanadas
- Great value
- Pleasant vibe
Frequently criticized
- Inconsistent service
- Order issues
- Weak coffee
The cafe in San Francisco’s vibrant Transbay neighborhood offers a delightful spot for a quick bite. Step into Venga Empanadas for a casual dining experience where you can savor delicious offerings.
This cozy cafe is perfect for a relaxed lunch or a sweet dessert, providing a welcoming atmosphere for everyone. You’ll find it’s a great place to grab a coffee and enjoy the free Wi-Fi.
Overview: Introducting Venga Empanadas
Venga Empanadas offers a compelling quick bite experience, largely driven by its flavorful food options. Many patrons appreciate the empanadas, finding them tasty and varied, with particular praise for the vegetarian selections.
The establishment also provides a pleasant atmosphere for a casual meal. However, the experience isn’t without its drawbacks.
While some commend the friendly staff, others have encountered service that left much to be desired, occasionally leading to delays or issues with online orders. Despite these points, it remains a notable spot for its core offerings.
Good
7.8
out of 10
96
Reviews
83.3%
Satisfaction
12
negative
4
neutral
80
positive
Overall, Venga Empanadas earns a solid 7.8 out of 10, with customer satisfaction sitting at a healthy 83.3%. This indicates a generally positive reception, where most visitors leave content.
The Food (8.3) is a clear highlight, frequently praised for its quality and variety, drawing 80 positive remarks out of 96 total customer comments. The Ambience (8.4) also scores highly, contributing to a comfortable and inviting setting.
Customers find the Value (8) to be quite good, especially for the area. The primary area for improvement appears to be Service (5.4), which, despite some positive interactions, has received 12 negative comments, suggesting an inconsistent experience for some patrons.
What people like
- Delicious empanadas
- Good value
- Pleasant atmosphere
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service
- Online order issues
- Weak coffee
If you’re seeking a quick, flavorful meal in a pleasant setting, Venga Empanadas is certainly worth considering. The Food and Ambience are consistently strong, offering a satisfying experience for those looking for well-priced empanadas and other light fare.
However, be mindful that service can be a bit of a mixed bag; while some encounters are positive, others report inconsistencies. With a Recommendation Score of 8, it’s a place many would suggest, particularly if you prioritize good food and value over flawless service.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Venga Empanadas
Food (8.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 100% of the guests
When it comes to the food here, youre in for a treat! With a solid score of 8.3 and a fantastic customer satisfaction rate of 89.8%, its clear most folks are loving whats on offer. Out of 59 comments, 53 rave about the "delicious empanadas, " "flaky crust, " and "flavorful food.
" Many appreciate the "lot of options, " including "vegetarian options" and "gluten-free" choices, often recommending the "chimichurri. "However, its not entirely perfect. A small handful of 3 comments out of 59 did mention some minor hiccups.
A few found the drip coffee wasn't up to par, and a couple of general empanadas comments suggested not everyone experienced the same level of satisfaction. But these seem to be isolated incidents.
Food
59
Reviews
89%
Satisfaction
3
negative
3
neutral
53
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious empanadas
- Great variety
- Flavorful food
What people don't like
- Subpar drip coffee
Often praised
- empanadasWe tried two veggie and two meat options. While all were tasty, we thought the veggie empanadas were better. I'd definitely go back to try the other varieties.
- foodIn addition to empanadas, there's a selection of salads, soups, and a couple of desserts. Everything we tried was great and tasted very good. The guy behind the counter was great.
- veggie empanadasa wide array of veggie empanadas
- Aji (Spicy) Gallina empanadasAji (Spicy) Gallina, and all of them were super tasty
- Argentine Beef empanadasArgentine Beef, and all of them were super tasty
- Argentine ChorizoArgentine Chorizo and also loved it
- Argentine beef and chicken empanadasreally enjoyed the Argentine beef and chicken empanadas
- Coffees, Teas, Beers, pop or vinoCoffees, Teas, Beers, pop or vino
- GF lunchyummy gf lunch is a rare find
- Mediterranean EmpanadaThe Mediterranean Empanada was quite tasty
Frequently criticized
- drip coffeethe drip coffee wasn’t good
- empanadasdidn't experience the same level of satisfaction with the empanadas
- fooddid not give me any food unless I ordered and paid AGAIN.
If you're looking for a place with a wide array of delicious, flavorful empanadas and other tasty bites, this spot is definitely worth trying. While the drip coffee might not be a highlight, the overall food experience is overwhelmingly positive and satisfying.
Service (5.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 50% of the guests
When it comes to service, theres a bit of a mixed bag, with a 5.4 score suggesting an average experience and customer satisfaction sitting at 50%. However, 8 positive remarks out of 16 total highlight some bright spots. Many appreciated the guy behind the counter and the nice staff, with some even praising the service as great.
On the flip side, an equal number of 8 negative comments point to areas needing improvement. Concerns arose from a shortage of staff leading to delay in assistance. Issues with online order processing via the website and awful customer service from indifferent employees were also noted, leaving some feeling the service' left a lot to be desired.
Service
16
Reviews
50%
Satisfaction
8
negative
0
neutral
8
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great counter guy
- Friendly, nice staff
- Good service
What people don't like
- Staffing shortages
- Awful customer service
- Online order issues
Often praised
- serviceMuy buen servicio
- staffThe staff is everything that creates a great host
- guy behind the counterThe guy behind the counter was great
- take them to goGet them to go
- waitIt's worth the wait in my opinion!
Frequently criticized
- serviceservice that left a lot to be desired
- customer serviceAwful customer service.
- delayresulting in a delay before someone could assist me
- employeeThe employee was totally indifferent.
- online orderemployee told me he never received my order.
- shortage of staffrestaurant was facing a shortage of staff
- websiteon their website, online orders went to the other location by default
Overall, the service here seems to be a bit of a gamble. While some guests rave about friendly staff, others have faced significant delays and issues with online orders. If you're patient and order in person, you might have a great experience, but be prepared for potential hiccups.
Ambience (8.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 41% of the guests
The ambience here truly shines, scoring a solid 8.4 and boasting an excellent customer satisfaction of 91.7%. Based on 11 positive remarks out of 12 total, guests rave about the unique rooftop park access and find it a convenient and great spot. Many appreciate the bar seats with a view, the wood countertops, and the nice music, making it a cool hangout spot.
What's truly remarkable is the complete absence of any negative feedback regarding the atmosphere. With 0 negative mentions, it seems this place consistently delivers a pleasant and enjoyable environment for all its visitors, leaving no room for complaint.
Ambience
12
Reviews
91%
Satisfaction
0
negative
1
neutral
11
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Rooftop park access
- Great hangout spot
- Pleasant music
What people don't like
Often praised
- atmosphereThe restaurant offers bar seats with a view of the food court and plays nice music. It's also not busy in the evening, contributing to a pleasant atmosphere.
- bar seatsThere are bar seats around the edge of the restaurant with a view
- convenientThe guy behind the counter was great. It turned out to be super convenient for a snack on a Sunday evening, and I'll definitely be stopping by at other times too.
- great spothere is a great spot
- hangout spotIt's a rare find in SOMA to get a quick bite under $10. The empanadas were delicious, and it's a cool little hangout spot. I 10/10 recommend this place!
- musicthere's nice music
- place like thisThis area needed a place like this!
- rooftop parktake the elevator to the roof top park
- wood countertopsMy experience at this restaurant was a pleasant surprise. It's a stand at the bar kind of place, but with a swankish feel, featuring really nice wood countertops to eat at. We ended up here after trying another place for dessert and decided to grab some empanadas to go.
Frequently criticized
No complaints so far.
If you're looking for a place with a genuinely pleasant and unique vibe, this spot is definitely worth checking out. Its excellent atmosphere, complete with rooftop access and good music, makes it a reliable choice for a casual and enjoyable experience.
Value (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 36% of the guests
Youll be happy to hear that the value here is pretty solid, scoring a good 8 and making 88.9% of customers quite satisfied. Many guests consistently praise the good price and reasonably priced options, often finding it affordable enough for a quick bite. With 8 positive comments, its clear people appreciate the generous portions and the ability to get a meal for under $10, especially considering its a good price for SF.
On the flip side, out of 9 total observations, theres just one minor hiccup to note. One customer had an issue related to a refund, specifically mentioning that their money wasnt returned. While this is an isolated incident, its worth being aware of their refund process.
Value
9
Reviews
88%
Satisfaction
1
negative
0
neutral
8
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable prices
- Generous portions
- Quick, cheap bites
What people don't like
- Refund issues
Often praised
- price$6.50 yummy gf lunch
- affordable enoughAffordable enough to eat lunch here every day
- decently pricedreally decently priced
- good pricegood price for SF
- quick biteget a quick bite under $10
- reasonably pricedsmaller bites that are reasonably priced
- sangriait was VERY generously portioned for $9
Frequently criticized
- refundHe did not refund my money.
If youre on the hunt for a place that offers solid value, youre likely to be pleased here. Most find the prices very fair for what you get, making it a great option for an affordable meal. Just be mindful of their refund process, as one guest had an issue.
How are the prices at Venga Empanadas?
You’re looking at roughly 13 per person – reported by 29 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Cafe, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at the numbers, most folks spend in the $1–$10 and $11–$20 brackets, with just a couple venturing into the $21–$30 range. So, prices definitely cluster around the average, keeping things pretty consistent.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 29 reviews.
How does this Cafe stack up against similar spots in San Francisco when it comes to value for money?
For a Cafe, an average of 13 feels pretty fair. Given the price distribution, it seems they offer a good range of options without pushing into premium territory. We think the pricing here hits a sweet spot for a casual bite or coffee in San Francisco.
Its a solid choice if youre looking for good value without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Venga Empanadas
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Best Empanadas with Great Veggie Options
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic, especially for their empanadas! They offer a wide variety of clearly-labeled vegetarian options, with the five-pepper manchego and sweet corn being particularly solid choices. I've also heard great things about their salteña beef.
For dessert, the alfajores are a delightful sweet treat with their soft texture. The empanadas are heated to order in the oven, ensuring they are always fresh and perfectly warmed. While there can be a wait if the line is long, I believe it's worth the wait.
- empanadas10
- vegetarian options9
- five-pepper manchego8
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Delicious Empanadas with a Rooftop View
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic, especially the empanadas! I highly recommend grabbing a few, asking them to be heated up, and then taking them to the rooftop park. It's a great way to enjoy the food with a lovely atmosphere.
- empanadas10
- rooftop park8
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
8
Tasty Vegan Empanada Option
My experience at this restaurant was great for a quick bite to eat. I found the Mediterranean Empanada to be quite tasty and it's a good vegan option.
- Mediterranean Empanada8
- vegan option7
- quick bite7
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
10
Delicious Empanadas with Flaky Crust
My experience at this restaurant was great! It's a nice option in FIDI for a quick and hot meal. The flaky crust was perfect, and we enjoyed the creamy mushroom filling the most.
The food, service, and atmosphere were all rated a 5 out of 5.
- flaky crust10
- creamy mushroom filling10
- food10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Dinner
1
Awful Service, No Food or Refund
My experience was awful. I ordered online after work, intending to pick it up before catching my bus. Upon arrival, the employee informed me they never received my order and suggested I might have accidentally placed it at their other location, which turned out to be accurate.
The only apology offered was a weak, “I’m sorry… We get that complaint a lot. ” I was not given a refund, nor was I provided with the food unless I ordered and paid again. I showed the employee how their website defaults online orders to the other location, requiring customers to check fine print.
The employee was completely indifferent. I left with no refund and no food, having paid $20 for nothing. If this issue occurs frequently, it seems logical to fix the system or have a standard protocol for resolution, such as issuing a refund or providing the ordered food.
This was awful service, and I will never return.
- customer service1
- online order1
- refund1
What Venga Empanadas offers
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Solo dining
- Lunch
Amenities
- Wi-Fi
- Free Wi-Fi
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Lunch
- Dessert
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Usually difficult to find a space
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What service options and accessibility features does Venga Empanadas offer?
At Venga Empanadas, you can enjoy convenient service options including dine-in, takeout, and delivery. The cafe also ensures a welcoming experience with a wheelchair accessible entrance, making it easy for everyone to visit.
Is Venga Empanadas a good spot for families or those needing Wi-Fi?
Absolutely! Venga Empanadas is considered good for kids, making it a family-friendly choice. Plus, you can stay connected with free Wi-Fi available, perfect for a quick work break or browsing while you enjoy your meal.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Venga Empanadas?
Venga Empanadas holds a strong overall score of **7.8** out of 10, with customer satisfaction at **83.3%**. The **Food** (8.3) and **Ambience** (8.4) are highly rated, while **Value** (8) is also considered good. **Service** (5.4) is the main area identified for improvement.
What do customers enjoy most about Venga Empanadas?
Customers frequently praise the delicious and varied empanadas, with many highlighting the veggie options. The pleasant atmosphere and the good value for money, allowing for an affordable quick bite, are also commonly appreciated.
Are there any common complaints or areas for improvement at Venga Empanadas?
Some patrons have reported inconsistent service experiences, including indifferent staff and issues with online orders not being received. Additionally, a few customers noted that the drip coffee was not of good quality.