Highlights
- Live music
oChef » Parada 22 – San Francisco
Parada 22 - San Francisco
Photo from Parada 22
Parada 22 at a glance
San Francisco Cole Valley
- 🇵🇷 Puerto Rican Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 126 of the guests
#907 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#1 Puerto Rican Restaurant out of 1 in San Francisco
Good
7.7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
642
Reviews
75.4%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Authentic flavors
- Vibrant atmosphere
- Friendly staff
Frequently criticized
- Slow service
- High prices
- Limited parking
The restaurant Parada 22 invites you to experience the vibrant flavors of a Puerto Rican Restaurant right in the heart of San Francisco. Nestled in the charming Cole Valley neighborhood, this spot offers a truly unique dining experience.
You can immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere, often enhanced by captivating live music, making your visit memorable. It’s a perfect place to discover authentic Caribbean cuisine.
Overview: Introducting Parada 22
Parada 22 offers a taste of Puerto Rico, with many finding the food to be a delightful and authentic experience, often reminiscent of home cooking. The ambience also contributes positively, creating a vibrant and inviting setting for diners.
However, some experiences suggest that service can be slow, and while many appreciate the value from generous portions, others find the pricing a bit high. Parking can also be a challenge, impacting the overall convenience.
Good
7.7
out of 10
642
Reviews
75.4%
Satisfaction
120
negative
38
neutral
484
positive
Parada 22 earns a solid Restaurant Score of 7.7, indicating a generally good dining experience, with Customer Satisfaction also landing at a respectable 75.4%. This suggests most patrons leave content.
The Food (7.7) is clearly a highlight, drawing the most discussion and positive feedback, reflecting its central role in the restaurant’s appeal. The Ambience (8.2) stands out as particularly strong, contributing significantly to the overall experience.
Service (7.6) also performs well, though some comments point to occasional slowness. Value (6.5) presents a more mixed picture, with opinions split on pricing and portion sizes.
These insights are drawn from over 642 customer remarks, including 484 positive and 120 negative observations.
What people like
- Authentic Puerto Rican flavors
- Inviting, vibrant atmosphere
- Friendly, helpful staff
What people don't like
- Occasional slow service
- Perceived high prices
- Limited parking/space
With a Recommendation Score of 7.8, Parada 22 generally delivers a satisfying experience, particularly for those seeking authentic Puerto Rican flavors and a lively atmosphere. It’s a place where the food often evokes a taste of home, supported by a welcoming staff.
If you’re prepared for potentially slower service and are mindful of pricing, it’s worth a visit. However, if quick service and budget-conscious dining are top priorities, you might find aspects less appealing.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Parada 22
Food (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 100% of the guests
Food here generally hits the mark, with a 7.7 score indicating a good experience for many. A solid 74.2% customer satisfaction reflects that, with 299 positive comments out of 403 total. Guests frequently rave about the authentic Puerto Rican food, especially the Pernil Asado and mofongo, often praising the generous portions and homestyle cooking.
However, not everyone is completely won over, with 77 negative comments noting some concerns. Some found dishes bland or felt they were not authentic Puerto Rican cuisine. Others mentioned small portions for the price or that the food could be too fried/heavy, suggesting some inconsistencies.
Food
403
Reviews
74%
Satisfaction
77
negative
27
neutral
299
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Puerto Rican food
- Generous portion sizes
- Delicious Pernil Asado
What people don't like
- Food tastes bland
- Not authentic cuisine
- Portions too small
Often praised
- foodThe wait time was minimal, up to 10 minutes, and the service received a solid 4 out of 5. The food itself was excellent, earning a perfect 5 out of 5. The atmosphere was also rated highly at 5 out of 5.
- Puerto Rican foodMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed the delicious Puerto Rican food, which was complemented by great happy hour deals. The fabulous customer service truly stood out, with Ingrid in the front of house being a real gem.
- tostonesMy experience at this restaurant was truly transformative. The food was beautiful, and I ordered the monfongo supremo with tostones and a side of arroz con gandules. I wasn't expecting it, but when I began to eat, I was transported back to my grandma's house, an experience I've lived a thousand times, and the food brought me to tears.
- sangriaWow! The food was tremendous, the sangria delicious, and the atmosphere felt like a tropical vacation within our vacation. We enjoyed the sampler platter, mofongo, fried plantains, and coconut flan.
- FoodFood is amazing!
- portionsMy experience at this restaurant was very positive. The food was very delicious with big portions. A friend from Puerto Rico joined me and mentioned that the food reminded him of his grandma's cooking.
- plantainsThe plantains was about 2x larger than I expected
- mofongoThe food was much more than our taste buds were expecting! We especially enjoyed the pork, the shrimps, the mofongo, and the sauces in the recipe – miam! Don't forget to try the homemade hot sauce🌶️.
- Pernil AsadoI had Pernil Asado and my friend had Chicharrones de pollo. Everything was fantastic.
- fried plantainsThe food was tremendous, the sangria delicious, and the atmosphere felt like a tropical vacation within our vacation. We enjoyed the sampler platter, mofongo, fried plantains, and coconut flan. We're so glad we found Parada 22.
Frequently criticized
- foodThey're also stingy with the plantain side; they used to give you 4 or 5 pieces, now it's usually two. All in all, it just seems like the food is made and served really carelessly. Sadly, I won't be back.
- Puerto Rican foodI believe they use the name 'Puerto Rican food' to attract Latinos because it has NOTHING to do with Boricua food. The 'Spanish' rice was mushy and not mamposteao, the beans were bland, colorless, and tasteless.
- vegetarian optionsMy experience at the restaurant was very disappointing. The service was just okay, and there were no vegetarian options available. Everything seemed to be combined with pork.
- authenticThey were very rude and even hung up on me while I was still talking. Furthermore, the food itself was not very good and not authentic. My boyfriend, who is from Puerto Rico, was very disappointed and expected a taste of home.
- beansThe beans are not Puerto Rican at all
- blandwere very bland
- menuthe menu said the item I ordered was a sandwich
- riceThe rice was so dry and not flavorful at all.
- saladthe salad is drenched in dressing
- yucathe lechón, yuca, and arroz con gandules were shockingly bad.
If you're craving a taste of Puerto Rico, this spot is generally a good bet for flavorful, hearty meals. Just be mindful that while many find it authentic and delicious, some experiences point to occasional inconsistencies in flavor or portion size.
Service (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 63% of the guests
The service here generally shines, boasting a good score of 7.6 and customer satisfaction at a solid 74.8%. Based on 86 positive comments, guests frequently praise the friendly staff, attentive waiters, and warm service, often highlighting quick seating and helpful recommendations. Many found the overall experience great, making them eager to return.
However, not every experience is perfect. Among the 25 negative remarks, some guests reported slow service, long wait times for food, and occasional issues with rude staff or hostess interactions. While the general sentiment is positive, there are instances where communication and kitchen timelines could certainly see improvement.
Service
115
Reviews
74%
Satisfaction
25
negative
4
neutral
86
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, warm service
- Attentive staff
- Good recommendations
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Long food wait
- Rude staff
Often praised
- serviceThe place was pretty busy, creating a nice and cozy atmosphere. While the food took a little slow to come out, the service was great. The food portions were large and definitely enjoyable, though perhaps not enough to warrant a return visit.
- ServiceService is simple and friendly
- staffFriendly and accommodating staff!
- customer serviceI enjoyed the delicious Puerto Rican food, which was complemented by great happy hour deals. The fabulous customer service truly stood out, with Ingrid in the front of house being a real gem.
- serverThe mofongo was tasty and authentic, and the tostones were perfectly crispy. Our server was nice, and the outside seating atmosphere was cute and enjoyable. The restaurant is quiet and easy to talk in, with clearly labeled vegetarian dishes.
- waiterThe waiter could make gluten free suggestions, and had a solid understanding of cross-contamination risks
- peoplethe people are great
- recommendationsrecommendations that helped us have a complete meal
- waitMy experience at this restaurant was centered around the authentic Puerto Rican food, which was just like my titi's. While the seating can take awhile and the service is slow, the food quality made it worth the wait.
- wait timeThe vegetarian offerings are extensive and highly recommended for vegetarians. The wait time was minimal, up to 10 minutes, and the service received a solid 4 out of 5. The food itself was excellent, earning a perfect 5 out of 5.
Frequently criticized
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was centered around the authentic Puerto Rican food, which was just like my titi's. While the seating can take awhile and the service is slow, the food quality made it worth the wait.
- waitWe were told they were on a wait
- attentionit is difficult to get attention
- employeesemployees were all super drunk while cooking
- false advertisementthere false menu item
- food cooking timeWe were seated immediately and ordered shortly after. However, our food took almost an hour to cook. I ordered the special, which, in my opinion, lacked some flavor.
- hostessWe waited. When we returned inside, the hostess had quite an attitude, likely because she was caught being disorganized. The food is just okay.
- kitchen timelinesI would not return or recommend this place, sadly. There is potential for improvement, but the service needs to care more and communicate kitchen timelines more transparently. It was pointless to be told the food was almost ready when it took another 15 minutes.
- long waitl'attente est assez longue
- managementdidn't let me speak to management
If you're seeking a place with generally friendly and attentive service, this spot is definitely worth considering. While some guests experienced slower moments or longer waits, the majority find the positive interactions and overall experience to be very rewarding.
Ambience (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 56% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot really shines! With a solid score of 8.2 and customer satisfaction at a fantastic 84.8%, its clear most folks love the vibe. Out of 105 total opinions, a whopping 89 rave about the atmosphere, decorations, and music.
Many describe it as a cozy restaurant with Puerto Rican vibes, praising everything from the outdoor patio to the Boricua soul that makes the place feel so genuine. However, not everyone is completely swept away. A smaller number of 12 opinions mention a few drawbacks, primarily concerning the small dining area and the noise level.
Some found the music a bit too loud, contributing to a noisy' atmosphere, especially when combined with conversations.
Ambience
105
Reviews
84%
Satisfaction
12
negative
4
neutral
89
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Puerto Rican vibe
- Lively, cozy atmosphere
- Beautiful decor, music
What people don't like
- Small dining area
- Loud music, noisy
Often praised
- atmosphereThe food itself was excellent, earning a perfect 5 out of 5. The atmosphere was also rated highly at 5 out of 5. We visited for dinner with a group of 3-4 people, and the price per person was between $30-50.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- musicMusic tricks you into thinking you’re in Puerto Rico
- placeThis place is a real treat
- ambianceThe ambiance is really cool though
- decornice decor
- nice placeI enjoyed the delicious food and the great deals at their happy hour, which is available everyday. It's a nice place to stop by, especially when you're out shopping on Haight.
- smellI came in after the Haight Street Fair, and I tell you, this place smelled phenomenal. We were seated immediately and ordered shortly after.
- vibethe vibe is right
- Boricua soulThis place has Boricua soul
Frequently criticized
- parkingMy experience at this restaurant was marked by excellent food. While the dining area is small, and parking can be difficult, I thoroughly enjoyed my meal and would definitely go back.
- musicmusic playing in the background is not from Puerto Rico
- ambienceDisappointed with the confused flavors and ambience
- dining areaSmall dining area
- noiseI really enjoyed the food; I cleaned my plate, though I was also starving after a long day of hiking. The seating area is small and cozy, but it was also a little noisy with music and people talking. It was a good choice for the day, but I probably won't go back soon.
- placeThis place is trash
- roomroom could just have been a bit warmer
- street parkingyou have to find street parking
- vibeAfter seeing some reviews, I can understand why some might think it's authentic, but it isn't. Neither is the vibe. I even had to ask who in the restaurant was Puerto Rican, as there were Latin people present, but they seemed to be Mexican, not from the islands.
If youre looking for a place with a vibrant, authentic atmosphere and dont mind a potentially lively (or sometimes loud) setting, this spot is definitely worth checking out. It offers a genuine Puerto Rican experience that most customers adore, making it a great choice for a fun outing.
Value (6.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 13% of the guests
For value, this restaurant scores an average 6.5, with many guests appreciating the generous amount of food for the price and the appealing democratic prices. Out of 19 opinions, 10 specifically praised the value, often mentioning the great happy hour deals that make dining here a real treat. However, customer satisfaction for value sits at a mixed 52.6%, indicating some room for improvement.
A few guests felt the overall pricing was a bit high, with 6 opinions noting that certain items were simply too expensive or that the portion sizes didn't quite match the cost.
Value
19
Reviews
52%
Satisfaction
6
negative
3
neutral
10
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Generous food portions
- Great happy hour
- Reasonable prices
What people don't like
- Pricing can be high
- Portions felt small
Often praised
- priceThe service was super friendly, and the staff provided helpful recommendations that led us to order the sampler, rice, and black beans, creating a complete meal. We were impressed by the large portions for the price, offering fantastic value. While the fried chicken and tostones in the sampler were our favorites, everything we tried was delicious.
- amount of foodamount of food for the price was impressive
- democratic pricesMy experience at this restaurant was positive. It's a nice place with democratic prices. You have the option to sit in or out.
- great dealsgreat deals at happy hour
- happy hourgreat deals at happy hour
- happy hour dealsMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed the delicious Puerto Rican food, which was complemented by great happy hour deals. The fabulous customer service truly stood out, with Ingrid in the front of house being a real gem.
- pricesThe prices are also very reasonable
Frequently criticized
- expensiveIt was expensive for what it was
- priceMuy caro
- price of dishesBut I’m from a place where Puerto Rican food is on every corner. These rice portions compared to the price of dishes is crazy lol, def not the Puerto Rican cuisine that is my comfort food. Leaves you wishing for more.
- pricesthey’ve realized their prices too much
- pricingso the pricing is on the high side
If you're looking for generous portions and great happy hour deals, this spot could be a good fit. However, be mindful that some find the regular menu prices a bit steep, so choosing wisely is key to a satisfying experience.
How are the prices at Parada 22?
You’re looking at roughly 28 per person – reported by 126 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Puerto Rican Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Good news is, prices really cluster around this average! The vast majority of guests, 81 of them, are spending in that $21–$30 range, showing a clear focus rather than a wide spread of super cheap or premium options.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 126 reviews.
A comparison of value for money for this restaurant versus similar ones in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for this type of Puerto Rican restaurant. It offers a solid mid-range experience without breaking the bank, which is always a win!
Customer Reviews: what people think about Parada 22
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Delicious Food, Great Service, Nice Atmosphere
My experience at the restaurant was very positive. I enjoyed the delicious food and found the service to be great. The atmosphere was very nice, and the sangria was delicious.
- food9
- service8
- atmosphere8
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Great Food, Service, and Atmosphere
My experience at this restaurant was overwhelmingly positive. The food was great, and the service was excellent, even being described as funny. The casual atmosphere also contributed to a very pleasant dining experience.
While there wasn't a dedicated kids' menu, the children were happy eating rice and meat. I was very pleased with my visit and will definitely return.
- food9
- service10
- casual atmosphere8
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Excellent Food and Atmosphere!
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! We started with the plantain balls as an appetizer, which were delicious. For our main courses, we enjoyed the bistec encebollado and the pernil asado.
The food quality was excellent, and the service and atmosphere were also top-notch, both receiving a perfect score.
- plantain balls9
- bistec encebollado9
- pernil asado9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
6
Good Food, High Prices
My experience at the restaurant was mixed. The food tasted good, but I found it to be quite expensive. For example, a small empanada cost $7.
50 and a can of Diet Coke was $5. 00. As a Puerto Rican, I have some familiarity with this type of food and felt the pricing was high for what was offered.
- food8
- empanada3
- Diet Coke3
- expensive3
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
5
Small Portions, Difficult Parking
My experience at this restaurant was mixed. The food was actually not bad, but the portions were small for the price. Additionally, finding street parking was difficult.
- food6
- portions3
- street parking3
What Parada 22 offers
Crowd
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Tourists
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Offerings
- Vegan options
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Counter service
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of dining experience and dietary options can you expect at Parada 22?
At Parada 22, you can savor authentic Puerto Rican cuisine with a range of options. They offer quick bites, small plates, and full meals for lunch, dinner, and even brunch. You’ll find excellent vegan and vegetarian options available, alongside a selection of coffee, wine, and beer.
Does Parada 22 offer outdoor seating and is it suitable for families or pets?
Yes, Parada 22 provides outdoor seating for you to enjoy the San Francisco weather. The atmosphere is casual and trendy, making it good for kids, with high chairs available. If you’re bringing your furry friend, dogs are allowed in the outdoor seating area.
How does Parada 22 generally perform?
Parada 22 holds a **Restaurant Score** of **7.7** and **Customer Satisfaction** at **75.4%**, indicating a good overall experience. The **Ambience** (8.2) and **Food** (7.7) are particularly strong, with **Service** (7.6) also performing well, though **Value** (6.5) is more mixed.
Is the food at Parada 22 considered authentic?
Many patrons describe the food as authentic Puerto Rican, with dishes like mofongo and tostones often praised for their traditional flavors and generous portions, reminding some of home cooking.
What are some common concerns at Parada 22?
Some customers have noted occasional slow service and longer wait times. Additionally, while many find good value in portions and happy hour deals, others perceive the prices to be on the higher side.