Highlights
- Sports
oChef » Media Cancha – San Francisco
Media Cancha - San Francisco
Photo from Media Cancha
Media Cancha at a glance
San Francisco Excelsior
- 🇸🇻 Salvadoran Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 12 of the guests
#2368 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#17 Salvadoran Restaurant out of 17 in San Francisco
Average
4.1 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
53
Reviews
32.1%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Flavorful food
- Delicious pupusas
- Handmade tortillas
Frequently criticized
- Rude service
- Questionable value
- Long waits
The restaurant Media Cancha is a vibrant Salvadoran Restaurant located in the heart of San Francisco’s Excelsior neighborhood. You’ll find a casual atmosphere perfect for enjoying delicious food while catching up on your favorite Sports.
Whether you’re looking for a quick bite, a satisfying lunch, or a relaxed dinner, this spot offers a welcoming experience. You can expect a friendly setting where you can unwind and savor authentic flavors.
Overview: Introducting Media Cancha
Media Cancha offers a mixed experience, with many finding the food to be quite flavorful, especially the handmade tortillas and delicious pupusas. The atmosphere can be pleasant and spacious, though some note it feels more like a bar.
However, the dining experience is often hampered by significant issues. Customers have reported rude service and long waiting times, alongside concerns about extra charges that make the overall value questionable.
Average
4.1
out of 10
53
Reviews
32.1%
Satisfaction
34
negative
2
neutral
17
positive
Media Cancha’s overall performance registers a Restaurant Score of 4.1, placing it in the average category. However, customer sentiment tells a different story, with Customer Satisfaction at a low 32.1%.
This notable divergence suggests that while some aspects are acceptable, a significant portion of diners leave disappointed. This assessment is drawn from 53 customer observations, with 17 positive and 34 negative remarks.
Digging deeper, the Food (6.1) stands out as a relative strength, indicating that the culinary offerings are generally well-received. In contrast, both Service (2.4) and Value (2.0) fall into the poor range, highlighting areas needing considerable attention.
The Ambience (5.7) hovers around average, contributing to the mixed overall impression.
What people like
- Flavorful food
- Delicious pupusas
- Handmade tortillas
What people don't like
- Rude service
- Questionable value
- Long waiting times
Media Cancha presents a mixed bag where the food often shines, particularly for its flavor and handmade tortillas. However, the overall experience is significantly pulled down by inconsistent service and concerns over value.
If you prioritize tasty food above all else, you might find something to enjoy here. With a Recommendation Score of 4.5, it’s clear Media Cancha struggles to consistently impress.
While the kitchen has its moments, be prepared for potential frustrations with service and unexpected costs. It might be worth a try if you’re local and craving specific dishes, but manage your expectations.
Similar Restaurants in San Francisco
- Salvadoran Restaurant
8.7
out of 10
out of 10
201
93%
- $$
- Mission District
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Salvadoran Restaurant
8.2
out of 10
out of 10
84
88.1%
- $$
- Ingleside
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Salvadoran Restaurant
7.7
out of 10
out of 10
463
75.6%
- $$
- Mission District
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Salvadoran Restaurant
7.1
out of 10
out of 10
274
70.4%
- $$
- Bernal Heights
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Salvadoran Restaurant
6.7
out of 10
out of 10
112
67.9%
- $$
- St. Mary's Park
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Salvadoran Restaurant
6.5
out of 10
out of 10
153
60.1%
- $$
- Silver Terrace
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
Verdict: Our expert take on Media Cancha
Food (6.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 88% of the guests
Alright, lets talk about the food here! Overall, its a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 6.1, placing it in the average category. Customer satisfaction sits at 57.9%, which is also a mixed result.
Out of 19 opinions, we saw 11 positive remarks and 7 negative ones, showing some clear areas of strength and weakness. Many folks really enjoy the food, especially the delicious pupusas and the fantastic handmade tortillas, often praising the good flavor. However, some experiences highlight issues with pupusas being raw or overly oily, particularly when certain cooks are on duty.
Other dishes like the appetizer, shredded meat, eggs, and beef have also received criticism for being flavorless or dry.
Food
19
Reviews
57%
Satisfaction
7
negative
1
neutral
11
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious pupusas
- Handmade tortillas
- Good food flavor
What people don't like
- Oily/raw pupusas
- Flavorless eggs
- Dry beef
Often praised
- foodYes, the food is all delicious 🤤
- pupusasMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed the hot and filling pupusas, specifically the revuelta and chicharron varieties. They were served with a delightful combination of pickled vegetables, plantains, and beans.
- food flavorI ordered takeout and I have no complaints about the food itself; it has good flavor. However, they go too far with the charges.
- handmade tortillasThe hand made tortillas are awesome!
Frequently criticized
- pupusasShe is very clean and cooks them deliciously. The other cooks tend to add liters of oil to the pupusas, making them seem like they are swimming in oil. I would call them 'pupusas in oil broth'.
- appetizerI didn't find the appetizer to be good
- beefI went for breakfast today and personally, I did not like the shredded meat. The eggs were flavorless, and the beef was very dry and old.
- burritoburrito only with avocado but they put different stuff
- eggsI went for breakfast today and personally, I did not like the shredded meat. The eggs were flavorless, and the beef was very dry and old.
- shredded meatI went for breakfast today and personally, I did not like the shredded meat. The eggs were flavorless, and the beef was very dry and old.
If youre craving pupusas and handmade tortillas, this spot might be worth a try, especially if you catch them on a good day. However, be aware that consistency can be an issue, and some other menu items might disappoint. Its a bit of a gamble, but the highlights are genuinely good.
Service (2.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 69% of the guests
On the brighter side, a few folks had good things to say about the service here. Some customers praised the staff for being prompt and attentive, especially when it came to pick-up orders, noting that their food was ready punctually. It seems a pleasant service experience is possible, even if it's not the norm.
However, the overall picture for service is quite grim, with a very low score of 2.4 and customer satisfaction at a mere 12.5%. Out of 24 comments, a whopping 21 were negative. Many reported incredibly rude service, excessive waiting time, and staff with a poor attitude who seemed unwilling to attend to guests.
It sounds like a challenging experience for most.
Service
24
Reviews
12%
Satisfaction
21
negative
0
neutral
3
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Prompt pick-up
- Pleasant service
What people don't like
- Rude staff attitude
- Excessive wait times
- Unwilling to attend
Often praised
- pick-upI bought some pupusas, they were very delicious 😋. I ordered them for pick-up and they were ready punctually at 11 am. The service was very pleasant, thank you for the good service.
- serviceI ordered them for pick-up and they were ready punctually at 11 am. The service was very pleasant, thank you for the good service.
- staffThe staff were prompt and attentive
Frequently criticized
- serviceterrible service they are giving
- orderI placed an order by phone and was told it would be ready in 30 minutes. When I arrived, I was informed that my order wasn't ready and that the ticket might have been lost. I received no apology.
- waiting timeI received no apology. The waitress told me I could wait if I wanted to, but honestly, if you call, it's because you don't have time. It was a very bad experience, and it was my first time at this place.
- waitressThe waitress didn't pay any attention to us
- apologyWhen I arrived, I was informed that my order wasn't ready and that the ticket might have been lost. I received no apology. The waitress told me I could wait if I wanted to, but honestly, if you call, it's because you don't have time.
- attitudea pesima actitud
- experienceThe waitress told me I could wait if I wanted to, but honestly, if you call, it's because you don't have time. It was a very bad experience, and it was my first time at this place. I will not be returning.
- extra juicesMy experience today around 4 PM on 2/16/25 was marred by incredibly rude service. The waitress was adding 3 extra juices to our order, which significantly increased the bill by over $15. When we questioned it, she became angry.
- plates and cutlerydid not bring out enough plates and cutlery
- rude serviceincredibly rude service
Given the overwhelmingly negative feedback, especially regarding rude staff and long waits, you might want to reconsider if good service is a priority. While a few pick-up experiences were positive, dining in seems to be a gamble you might not want to take.
Ambience (5.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 31% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, the feedback is a bit of a mixed bag, with an overall score of 5.7, placing it squarely in the average range. Customers have a 42.9% satisfaction rate, which suggests theres some room for improvement. On the bright side, many appreciate the "excellent pleasant atmosphere" and note that "the place has a lot of space.
" Plus, theres a nod to kitchen cleanliness when a particular lady is working, highlighting positive aspects like the general atmosphere and spaciousness. However, not everyone is thrilled, with 3 positive and 3 negative comments out of 7 total observations. Some feel the atmosphere is like one of a bar, and the music is way too loud, which can definitely impact your experience.
A more concerning issue mentioned is the presence of fruit flies galore back there, which certainly detracts from the overall ambiance and cleanliness.
Ambience
7
Reviews
42%
Satisfaction
3
negative
1
neutral
3
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Pleasant atmosphere
- Ample space
- Kitchen cleanliness
What people don't like
- Bar-like atmosphere
- Loud music
- Fruit flies
Often praised
- atmosphereExelente ambiente agradable
- kitchen cleanlinesswhen a particular lady is in kitchen very aseada
- spaceel lugar tiene mucho espacio
Frequently criticized
- atmospherethe atmosphere is like one of a bar
- fruit fliesthere were fruit flies galore back there
- musicthe music is way too loud
If you don't mind a lively, potentially loud atmosphere and value spaciousness, this spot might work for you. However, be prepared for a bar-like vibe and potential issues with fruit flies, which could be a dealbreaker for some seeking a more refined or pristine setting.
Value (2 out of 10)
mentioned by 12% of the guests
When it comes to value, it seems theres not much to cheer about here. With a very low score of 2 and customer satisfaction at a stark 0%, its clear that this aspect is performing poorly. There were no positive remarks among the 3 opinions shared, indicating a significant area for improvement.
Customers are particularly vocal about the charges and how expensive everything feels, especially the dreaded container charges . Based on 3 negative comments, guests felt that charging for takeout containers was just too much, making the overall experience feel overpriced and leaving a sour taste regarding the overall cost.
Value
3
Reviews
0%
Satisfaction
3
negative
0
neutral
0
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
What people don't like
- Excessive charges
- Container fees
- Too expensive
Often praised
No positive aspects so far.
Frequently criticized
- chargesI ordered takeout and I have no complaints about the food itself; it has good flavor. However, they go too far with the charges. I understand everything is expensive, but charging for the container the food is served in is just too much.
- container chargesHowever, they go too far with the charges. I understand everything is expensive, but charging for the container the food is served in is just too much. I clarified that I didn't order anything special.
- expensiveeverything was very expensive
If youre looking for good value, this might not be the place for you. The consistent feedback about high charges and expensive items, including container fees, suggests you might leave feeling overcharged. Its probably best to manage your expectations on pricing if you decide to visit.
How are the prices at Media Cancha?
On average, you’ll spend around 31 per person – from 12 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $31–$40 category. For a Salvadoran Restaurant, that’s mid-range, maybe slightly above.
Looking at the full picture, we see a nice mix: while many guests enjoyed more budget-friendly options, there are also some higher-end experiences that pull the average up, showing a good spread of choices.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 12 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering the average price for a Salvadoran restaurant, this might seem a bit on the higher side for some. However, if the quality, portion sizes, or unique offerings justify it, we think it could still offer good value. Its always a good idea to check out their specific menu for what youre looking for!
Customer Reviews: what people think about Media Cancha
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Noise Level
- Loud
9
Delicious Pupusas and Attentive Service
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed the hot and filling pupusas, specifically the revuelta and chicharron varieties. They were served with a delightful combination of pickled vegetables, plantains, and beans.
The staff were prompt and attentive throughout my meal. While the banda music was a bit loud for a weekday lunch, it was still good music.
- pupusas10
- staff9
- banda music6
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
5
Inconsistent Pupusas: Depends on the Cook
I only like the pupusas when a particular lady is in the kitchen. She is very clean and cooks them deliciously. The other cooks tend to add liters of oil to the pupusas, making them seem like they are swimming in oil.
I would call them 'pupusas in oil broth'.
- pupusas9
- kitchen cleanliness8
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
1
Terrible Service and Long Wait
What was your experience at the restaurant? My experience was one of great disappointment. Firstly, the waitress provided detestable attention, as if she was doing me a favor.
Secondly, the wait was ages; if you're going to make me wait an hour, at least have a better attitude. I do not recommend it at all; it was terrible.
- waitress attention1
- wait time1
- attitude1
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
5
Rude Service Ruined Good Food
My experience today around 4 PM on 2/16/25 was marred by incredibly rude service. The waitress was adding 3 extra juices to our order, which significantly increased the bill by over $15. When we questioned it, she became angry.
I would not have left a tip due to her rudeness and poor service. Other issues also occurred. I hope she is removed; the food is good, but this woman ruins everything.
- food8
- rude service1
- extra juices2
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
2
Poor Service and Undercooked Pupusas
My experience at this restaurant has been disappointing lately. The pupusas are consistently served undercooked. When I complained, the cook reacted with a bad attitude and only seared them further, resulting in burnt pupusas.
The service is terrible, and they are giving a pessimo (terrible) service.
- pupusas2
- service1
What Media Cancha offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Crowd
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Quick bite
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Table service
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What kind of dining experience and offerings can you expect at Media Cancha Restaurante?
At Media Cancha, you can enjoy a casual dining experience perfect for lunch or dinner. They offer a variety of options including quick bites, small plates, and coffee. You’ll also find a selection of alcoholic beverages like beer and cocktails. Table service is available for your convenience, ensuring a relaxed meal.
Is Media Cancha Restaurante accessible and suitable for families?
Yes, Media Cancha is designed to be accessible, featuring a wheelchair-accessible entrance and seating. It’s also considered good for kids, making it a great spot for family outings. You can choose between dine-in and takeout service options, providing flexibility for your visit.
What is the overall rating for Media Cancha?
Media Cancha holds a Restaurant Score of 4.1, with Customer Satisfaction at 32.1%. While Food (6.1) is a relative strength, Service (2.4) and Value (2.0) are areas needing significant improvement, and Ambience (5.7) is average.
What are the highlights of the food at Media Cancha?
Customers frequently praise the flavorful food, specifically mentioning delicious pupusas and the quality of the handmade tortillas.
Are there any common complaints about Media Cancha?
Yes, many customers report issues with rude service, long waiting times, and concerns about unexpected charges and overall value.