Highlights
- Great dessert
- Great coffee
oChef » Tikal – San Francisco
Tikal - San Francisco
Photo from Tikal
Tikal at a glance
San Francisco Excelsior
- 🍽️ Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 11 of the guests
#2071 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#238 Restaurant out of 254 in San Francisco
Good
6.3 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
66
Reviews
59.1%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Homemade food
- Bright ambience
- Friendly service
Frequently criticized
- Poor value
- Inconsistent food
- Slow service
The restaurant Tikal in San Francisco’s Excelsior neighborhood is a casual spot where you can enjoy a fantastic dessert. You’ll find it’s a welcoming place for a quick bite or a relaxing coffee break.
This restaurant offers a delightful experience, perfect for you to unwind and savor delicious treats. Whether you’re starting your day with breakfast or stopping by for lunch, you’ll appreciate the friendly atmosphere and great coffee.
Overview: Introducting Tikal
Tikal offers a mixed experience, with many finding comfort in its food, often described as homemade and prepared with care. Dishes like the Sopa de Res and Tamales de Pollo receive praise for their flavor and comforting qualities, suggesting a kitchen that aims for heartfelt cooking.
However, the experience isn’t consistently smooth. Some guests have encountered issues with the freshness of certain items, such as stale pastry or soggy tortillas.
Service can also be a point of contention, with reports of rude interactions and notable waiting times.
Good
6.3
out of 10
66
Reviews
59.1%
Satisfaction
24
negative
3
neutral
39
positive
Tikal holds an overall 6.3 score, placing it in the average category, while customer satisfaction sits at a 59.1% mixed rating. This suggests that while many find aspects to appreciate, there’s also a notable portion of guests who leave less impressed.
This assessment is drawn from 66 customer opinions, with 39 positive remarks balancing against 24 negative ones. Digging deeper, the Food (6.6) and Ambience (6.8) generally perform adequately, with guests often noting a clean, bright space.
However, Service (6.3) also falls into the average range, indicating some inconsistencies. The most significant area for improvement appears to be Value (3.3), which customers frequently found to be poor, citing high prices for small portions.
What people like
- Comforting, homemade food
- Clean, bright ambience
- Friendly service
What people don't like
- Poor value
- Inconsistent food quality
- Slow, rude service
With a recommendation score of 6.6, Tikal presents itself as a place with potential, particularly for those seeking comforting, home-style dishes. If you prioritize a warm, familiar meal and a pleasant, bright setting, it might be worth a visit.
However, be mindful of the reported inconsistencies in food quality and service, and prepare for a potentially higher bill than expected for the portion sizes. It’s a spot that could satisfy if expectations are managed, but it may disappoint if you’re looking for consistent excellence across the board.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Tikal
Food (6.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 100% of the guests
The food here receives an average score of 6.6, with many customers finding it delicious and comforting. With 24 positive remarks out of 39 total, guests rave about the fresh, authentic, and traditional Guatemalan food, often highlighting the coffee and breakfast breads as standouts. It truly feels like a homemade meal.
However, customer satisfaction is a mixed 61.5%, indicating some areas for improvement. Concerns include small portions and high prices, with some experiences mentioning stale pastries, soggy tortillas, or burnt pancakes. It seems the quality can be inconsistent across different dishes.
Food
39
Reviews
61%
Satisfaction
13
negative
2
neutral
24
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic comfort food
- Delicious coffee
- Fresh ingredients
What people don't like
- Small portions
- Inconsistent quality
- High prices
Often praised
- foodI found this place — Tikal Restaurante y Panaderia — and it felt like a blessing from God. The food here is simple, but it’s made with so much love and care that it feels like it was made by my mom or grandma. I ordered the Sopa de Res and the Tamales de Pollo, and both dishes were absolutely perfect.
- coffeeThe customer service is fantastic! I ordered Huevos Revueltos, coffee, and bread, and everything was so delicious! It reminded me of my childhood.
- Chile rellenoChile relleno was good
- Huevos RevueltosThe customer service is fantastic! I ordered Huevos Revueltos, coffee, and bread, and everything was so delicious! It reminded me of my childhood.
- Sopa de ResI ordered the Sopa de Res and the Tamales de Pollo, and both dishes were absolutely perfect. The soup was flavorful, hearty, and exactly what I needed to feel better — like a homemade cure. The tamale was soft and delicious, so comforting.
- Tamales de PolloThe soup was flavorful, hearty, and exactly what I needed to feel better — like a homemade cure. The tamale was soft and delicious, so comforting. Thank you, Tikal, for making my day a little brighter and warmer.
- awesome foodenjoy there awesome food
- breadThe customer service is fantastic! I ordered Huevos Revueltos, coffee, and bread, and everything was so delicious! It reminded me of my childhood.
- breakfast breadsbreakfast breads (pan dulce)
- champurradoChampurrado was spectacular
Frequently criticized
- breakfast dishbreakfast dish included 2 eggs, half a banana cut into three small pieces
- coffeeThe coffee, without refills, was $3.50
- eggssadly the eggs were cooked well done
- foodthe food leaves much to be desired
- homemade tortillastortillas looked that were made earlier, soggy and didn’t taste very well
- mealsthey were sugary
- one of the pastries was staleone of the pastries was stale and seems it has been sitting
- pancakes50. Two very small pancakes, burnt on one side, with a few strawberry pieces, cost $10. I understand prices have increased, but this is excessive.
- plantainsThe place is very nice, but the last two times I've gone, they've given me plantains from the previous day. I've let the waitress know.
- plateHis plate came LAST
If youre craving authentic Guatemalan comfort food, this spot offers some truly delicious options that might remind you of home. Just be prepared for potentially small portions and a slightly mixed experience, as the overall customer satisfaction sits at 61.5%. Its worth a try if you manage expectations.
Service (6.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 71% of the guests
When it comes to service, many customers had truly positive experiences! People raved about the great and exceptional service, highlighting servers who were kind and genuine and open to suggestions. Some even appreciated cashiers for being very friendly and giving plenty of time to make decisions.
Out of 18 total comments, 10 were positive, showing a solid base of good interactions. However, it's not all smooth sailing. The overall service score sits at an average 6.3, and customer satisfaction is a mixed 55.6%.
Some found the service quite poor or awful, with issues like rude staff and significant waiting time for food. Seven comments specifically mentioned these concerns, including slow cooks and unprofessional behavior from staff members.
Service
18
Reviews
55%
Satisfaction
7
negative
1
neutral
10
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, kind staff
- Attentive servers
- Open to suggestions
What people don't like
- Rude staff
- Slow service
- Long wait times
Often praised
- serviceFor lunch, I often get the super churrasco plate, which is more food than anyone can handle! Everything is fresh and authentic, and the service is always kind and genuine!
- cashierCajera muy amable
- customer serviceThe customer service is fantastic!
- serverI want to highly recommend this place! The service was great, and I'm so sorry I didn't get my server's name, but she was awesome. She gave me a sample of champurrado since I'm from a different country and was open to suggestions.
- suggestionsshe was opened to suggestions
- time to make decisionsgave us plenty of time to make our decisions
- wait timeThe atmosphere also received a low rating of 2, suggesting it was not a pleasant environment. Despite the issues with service and atmosphere, the price was very affordable, ranging from $1–10 per person, and there was no wait time.
Frequently criticized
- servicethe service was quite poor
- cookstienen Cocineros demasiados lentos
- lady was rudethe lady was rude after we asked
- rude againShe was rude again and gave a snarky look
- staffone person was shouting no es profesional
- waiting timeTook about half an hour to get our first plate
So, should you go? The service here seems to be a bit of a gamble. While many praise the genuinely kind staff and attentive servers, others have encountered rudeness and long waits.
If you're feeling lucky and patient, you might get a fantastic experience, but be prepared for potential hiccups.
Ambience (6.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 29% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, this spot really shines! Guests frequently praise the clean area and the lovely natural light that makes the place feel bright and inviting. Many even call it a true standout!
With 4 positive pieces of feedback out of 5 total, its clear the ambiance is a hit, reflected in a solid customer satisfaction of 80%. However, not everyone is completely swept away. Theres been a slight murmur about the overall atmosphere receiving a lower mark, though this is based on just 1 piece of feedback.
Despite this, the overall score for ambience still sits at a respectable 6.8, suggesting there's a good foundation to build upon.
Ambience
5
Reviews
80%
Satisfaction
1
negative
0
neutral
4
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Natural light
- Clean area
- Standout place
What people don't like
- Atmosphere concerns
Often praised
- areaThe restaurant/bakery offers a limited menu with a few breakfast and lunch items, and they also serve Guatemala Bread. The area was clean, and I liked the natural light that made the place bright. I ordered the Picana special.
- lightI liked the light that comes in from the outside to make the place bright all around
- placeThe place is very nice, but the last two times I've gone, they've given me plantains from the previous day. I've let the waitress know.
- standoutdefinitely is a standout
Frequently criticized
- atmospherethe atmosphere also received a low rating
Overall, if youre looking for a bright, clean, and inviting spot, the ambiance here is generally well-received and worth checking out. While theres a tiny note about the general atmosphere, it doesn't overshadow the positive experience most guests have.
Value (3.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 21% of the guests
While theres one positive comment noting the affordable price, suggesting it could be a budget-friendly option, the overall sentiment for value is quite low. With a score of just 3.3, it falls into the poor category, indicating significant room for improvement. On the flip side, the majority of feedback, with 3 negative comments, points to significant concerns.
Many found the prices very expensive for the small portions, leading to disappointment. There was even mention of an absurd brown bag charge, ' contributing to a very poor customer satisfaction of just 25%.
Value
4
Reviews
25%
Satisfaction
3
negative
0
neutral
1
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable price
What people don't like
- Expensive prices
- Small portions
- Brown bag charge
Often praised
- priceThe atmosphere also received a low rating of 2, suggesting it was not a pleasant environment. Despite the issues with service and atmosphere, the price was very affordable, ranging from $1–10 per person, and there was no wait time.
Frequently criticized
- absurd brown bag chargecharge an absurd brown bag charge to carry
- foodI paid $42. 50 for just myself, which is far too expensive for such little food.
- pricesIt's a nice place, but the food leaves much to be desired. It's very expensive, and the portions are so small that one person can't even get full from a single plate. For example, a 'breakfast' dish included 2 eggs, half a banana cut into three small pieces, a tiny bit of fried food, and at most a teaspoon of beans and half a sausage for $17.
While one review noted an affordable price, the overwhelming sentiment is that this spot offers poor value. Expect small portions for high prices and potential extra charges, making it a place that might disappoint your wallet and your appetite.
How are the prices at Tikal?
You’re looking at roughly 20 per person. This is based on 11 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category.
For a Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either. Interestingly, while the average is here, prices are quite spread out. Many guests find options in the $1–$10 range.
But there are also some premium experiences. These push into the $41–$50 and even $61–$70 brackets. It’s quite a mix!
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 11 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Given the range of options, from budget-friendly to more premium, we think the pricing feels fair for a Restaurant. It offers flexibility for different budgets.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Tikal
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
5
Disappointing Service, Okay Food
My experience at the restaurant was mixed. The food was decent, rated a 3 out of 5. However, the service was quite poor, receiving a low score of 2.
The staff seemed unprofessional; one person was shouting instead of speaking, and another left everything on the floor, indicating a lack of cleanliness and professionalism. The atmosphere also received a low rating of 2, suggesting it was not a pleasant environment. Despite the issues with service and atmosphere, the price was very affordable, ranging from $1–10 per person, and there was no wait time.
- food6
- price9
- wait time10
- service2
- staff2
- atmosphere2
Visit Type
- Family Dinner
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
2
Awful Service and Sugary Food
My family and I had an awful service experience. We arrived as other patrons were leaving, and we were the only ones left. It took about half an hour to receive our first plate.
We requested they expedite our order because my dad has diabetes and needed to eat. Unfortunately, his plate came last, and the meals served were too sugary for him to eat.
- service1
- waiting time1
- plate1
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Delivery
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Breakfast
9
Comforting Home-Style Food
I rarely order takeout, but today I was feeling so sick, with a cough and my bronchitis flaring up, and I really needed something warm and comforting. I found this place — Tikal Restaurante y Panaderia — and it felt like a blessing from God. The food here is simple, but it’s made with so much love and care that it feels like it was made by my mom or grandma.
I ordered the Sopa de Res and the Tamales de Pollo, and both dishes were absolutely perfect. The soup was flavorful, hearty, and exactly what I needed to feel better — like a homemade cure. The tamale was soft and delicious, so comforting.
Thank you, Tikal, for making my day a little brighter and warmer. I highly recommend the Sopa de Res and the Tamales de Pollo. I will definitely order from here again whenever I need that comforting, home-cooked feeling.
🔝😊
- Sopa de Res10
- Tamales de Pollo10
- food9
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Group Type
- Large Group
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Spectacular Food and Awesome Service!
I want to highly recommend this place! The service was great, and I'm so sorry I didn't get my server's name, but she was awesome. She gave me a sample of champurrado since I'm from a different country and was open to suggestions.
We were given plenty of time to make our decisions on our food. The champurrado was spectacular, and the costillas en Adobe were perfectly cooked. The Chile relleno was good; even though it wasn't my favorite, an authentic Chapin said it tasted great.
The chuchito was tasty, and the pan con chow mein was extremely good. We ordered it and couldn't eat it right away, but when we finally ate it (after two days of traveling with it and two nights in hotel rooms), it was just perfect, which is the reason I'm making this review. We just finished it and it's too bad we ate it till today.
We are too far away to go back for more; we are in Arizona, heading to San Antonio, TX. But definitely, if you are in San Francisco, you should go and enjoy their awesome food and service. To my server, thank you for everything.
- champurrado10
- costillas en Adobe9
- Chile relleno8
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Delicious Childhood Memories!
The customer service is fantastic! I ordered Huevos Revueltos, coffee, and bread, and everything was so delicious! It reminded me of my childhood.
I will be coming back next time I visit CA 🤗.
- customer service10
- Huevos Revueltos10
- coffee9
What Tikal offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Crowd
- Family-friendly
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Solo dining
- Lunch
- Breakfast
Offerings
- Quick bite
- Coffee
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Seating
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Dessert
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Parking
- Free street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What accessibility features and parking options does Tikal offer?
Tikal Restaurante Y Panaderia in San Francisco provides a wheelchair accessible entrance and seating, ensuring a comfortable visit for everyone. You’ll also find the convenience of free street parking available, making your trip to the Excelsior neighborhood easy and stress-free.
What dining options are available at Tikal, and is it suitable for children?
At Tikal, you can enjoy various dining options including breakfast, lunch, and dessert, with comfortable seating for dine-in. It’s also a great choice for kids, offering high chairs to accommodate younger guests, making it a family-friendly spot in San Francisco.
How does Tikal generally rate among customers?
Tikal holds an overall score of **6.3**, indicating an average experience. While **Food** (6.6) and **Ambience** (6.8) are generally adequate, **Service** (6.3) is also average, and **Value** (3.3) is a notable area for improvement.
What kind of food experience can I expect at Tikal?
Many customers appreciate Tikal for its comforting, homemade-style dishes, often described as flavorful and prepared with care. Specific items like Sopa de Res and Tamales de Pollo have received positive remarks for their quality.
Are there any common concerns visitors have about Tikal?
Some guests have noted issues with inconsistent food quality, such as stale pastries or soggy tortillas. Additionally, service can sometimes be slow or perceived as rude, and many find the overall value to be poor due to high prices for smaller portions.