Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
oChef » El PorteƱo Empanadas – San Francisco
El PorteƱo Empanadas - San Francisco
Photo from El PorteƱo Empanadas
El PorteƱo Empanadas at a glance
San Francisco South Beach
- š„© Argentinian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11ā$20
mentioned by 17 of the guests
#2194 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#5 Argentinian Restaurant out of 5 in San Francisco
Average
5.8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
59
Reviews
49.2%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Quality Empanadas
- Great Beverages
- Friendly Service
Frequently criticized
- High Prices
- Inconsistent Quality
- Hidden Costs
The restaurant El PorteƱo Empanadas invites you to experience a taste of Argentina right in the heart of San Francisco’s vibrant South Beach neighborhood. This casual Argentinian restaurant is your go-to spot for a delicious and quick bite.
Whether you’re craving authentic empanadas, a refreshing coffee, or a cold beer, you’ll find a welcoming atmosphere perfect for any time of day.
Overview: Introducting El PorteƱo Empanadas
El PorteƱo Empanadas offers a mixed experience, with many appreciating the care put into their empanadas and the quality of their coffee and alfajores. The service often receives praise, with staff described as friendly and attentive, contributing to a pleasant visit.
It’s a spot where you can find some genuinely enjoyable items and a welcoming atmosphere. However, the experience isn’t without its drawbacks.
Some find the overall value to be a concern, with specific empanadas occasionally falling short in quality, described as dry or inconsistent. There are also mentions of issues with missing items in orders and extra charges for sauces, which can detract from the experience.
Average
5.8
out of 10
59
Reviews
49.2%
Satisfaction
26
negative
4
neutral
29
positive
The restaurant holds an average Restaurant Score of 5.8 out of 10, reflecting a generally moderate performance. Customer satisfaction sits at 49.2%, indicating a mixed reception from patrons.
This assessment is drawn from 59 customer remarks, comprising 29 positive and 26 negative observations, suggesting a fairly balanced range of experiences. Delving into specifics, the Ambience (7.3) stands out as a strong point, often noted for its cleanliness and suitability for working or socializing.
The Food (6.2) and Service (5.9) both land in the average range, with positive comments about certain empanadas and friendly staff, balanced by concerns over consistency and occasional service hiccups. The Value (2.6), however, is perceived as poor, frequently cited for high prices and additional costs for items like chimichurri.
What people like
- Carefully made empanadas
- Great coffee and alfajores
- Friendly, attentive service
What people don't like
- Poor value for money
- Inconsistent empanada quality
- Extra sauce costs
With a Recommendation Score of 5.6, El PorteƱo Empanadas presents a situation where your experience might vary. If you prioritize a good atmosphere and enjoy well-made coffee, alfajores, and specific empanada varieties, it could be worth a visit.
Just be prepared for potential inconsistencies in food quality and pricing. Ultimately, if you’re seeking exceptional value or consistently perfect empanadas across the board, you might find yourself a bit disappointed.
It’s a place that has its strengths, particularly in its beverages and some food items, but it also has clear areas where it could improve to offer a more uniformly satisfying experience.
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Verdict: Our expert take on El PorteƱo Empanadas
Food (6.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 100% of the guests
When it comes to food, many diners are absolutely raving! They loved their delicious empanadas, with shrimp and vegetarian options often highlighted as amazing and melt-in-your-mouth. The coffee, especially the excellent cappuccinos and alfajores, along with fresh brew Yerba Mates, also received high praise for being phenomenal.
This positive sentiment is reflected in 19 favorable comments. However, the overall food experience is a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 6.2 and customer satisfaction at 57.6%. Some found empanadas to be mushy, dry, or stale, with specific complaints about shrimp and meat fillings being overcooked or lacking flavor.
Concerns about value and quality, particularly for drip coffee, also surfaced among the 12 negative remarks out of 33 total opinions.
Food
33
Reviews
57%
Satisfaction
12
negative
2
neutral
19
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Melt-in-mouth empanadas
- Phenomenal Yerba Mates
- Excellent coffee, alfajores
What people don't like
- Dry, mushy empanadas
- Poor shrimp quality
- Overpriced drip coffee
Often praised
- foodthe food was incredible
- coffeeTheir coffee and alfajores are out of the world
- empanadasmade to order empanadas made with care
- Carne empanadasOur choices: Carne(beef)
- Champinion empanadasand Champinion(mushrooms)
- MaradonaThe Maradona was our favorite
- Quilmes on tapQuilmes on tap!
- alfajoresTheir coffee and alfajores are out of the world
- cappuccinoloved their cappuccino ā¤ļø
- caprese (Maradona)the caprese (Maradona) was good
Frequently criticized
- empanadasMy most recent bad experience involved a takeaway order of over 10 empanadas. Upon arriving home, we discovered 2 were missing. Furthermore, after spending $100 on empanadas (which is ridiculous), one would expect a few complimentary takeout cups of chimichurri, but they also cost extra.
- shrimp empanadaNot only was it a bit fishy but the small pieces of shrimp inside was probably the worst I've ever had.
- drip coffeepaid $5 for a drip coffee and you get a pre-made coffee
- humita (corn) empanadathe humita (corn) only had corn in it, no sauce, and the corn had a bad taste
- meat empanadaThe meat one was awful, no sauce, dry meat
- overcooked, dry, and rubberyIt tasted very overcooked, dry, and rubbery.
- qualityitās not about the money itās about the quality, It wasnāt worth it
- shrimpthe small pieces of shrimp inside was probably the worst I've ever had.
If you're craving delicious empanadas, especially the shrimp or vegetarian options, and a great cappuccino, this place might hit the spot. However, be mindful that some dishes, particularly certain empanadas and drip coffee, have received criticism for quality and value, so choose wisely to avoid disappointment.
Service (5.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 50% of the guests
Looking at the service, there are definitely some good vibes! Many guests gave positive feedback, with 5 out of 9 comments praising the service and specifically highlighting the barista for being very nice and friendly. Some even called the customer service the best in town, contributing to an average score of 5.9 and a mixed customer satisfaction of 55.6%.
However, its not all smooth sailing. There were 4 negative comments, with some frustration around tips and a significant issue regarding Blackbird payment transactions. One guest had a particularly difficult experience with an employee who struggled to understand a simple payment concept, suggesting a potential need for better training on handling specific transactions'.
Service
9
Reviews
55%
Satisfaction
4
negative
0
neutral
5
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly barista
- Great customer service
What people don't like
- Confusing payment rules
- Untrained staff
- Unjustified tip requests
Often praised
- serviceThe service was great
- baristaThe barista is very nice and friendly too
- customer serviceCustomer service is the best in town
Frequently criticized
- Blackbird paymentI was interested in using Blackbird to pay for my empanadas here, but the employee kept insisting that they only allow Blackbird for drinks and that it was not redeemable after 11 am. Even after I explained to him three times that I didnāt want a drink and just wanted to pay for the empanadas using Blackbird, he still didnāt understand that simple concept.
- employeeI was interested in using Blackbird to pay for my empanadas here, but the employee kept insisting that they only allow Blackbird for drinks and that it was not redeemable after 11 am. Even after I explained to him three times that I didnāt want a drink and just wanted to pay for the empanadas using Blackbird, he still didnāt understand that simple concept.
- tipsAsking tips for this is madness
- transactionsEven after I explained to him three times that I didnāt want a drink and just wanted to pay for the empanadas using Blackbird, he still didnāt understand that simple concept. I donāt understand why a business would partner with companies like Blackbird and not train/explain how to handle transactions properly. Honestly, the empanadas were cold and stale as well, so I wouldnāt come back.
So, if youre looking for friendly barista service, you might find it here. However, be prepared for potential hiccups with specific payment methods or transactions, which could be a deal-breaker for some. Its a bit of a mixed bag, so manage your expectations, especially if you plan on using alternative payment options.
Ambience (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 29% of the guests
The vibe here is definitely a strong point, with many guests praising the cleanliness, fantastic location, and overall inviting atmosphere. Its described as a great space for both working and socializing, contributing to a solid score of 7.3. Out of 8 comments, 5 were positive, highlighting these aspects.
However, not everyone is completely thrilled, as customer satisfaction sits at a more mixed 62.5%. A couple of comments, specifically 2 out of 8, pointed out issues with the seating, particularly the hard wooden seats'. It seems comfort could be an area for improvement.
Ambience
8
Reviews
62%
Satisfaction
2
negative
1
neutral
5
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Spotless cleanliness
- Prime location
- Inviting atmosphere
What people don't like
- Hard wooden seats
- Limited comfortable seating
Often praised
- atmosphereAtmosphere:4
- cleanlinessCleanliness 5/5
- locationLocation 4/5
- spaceGreat space for working or hanging out with friends
Frequently criticized
- hard wooden seatshard wooden seats!
- seatingNo seating
If youre looking for a spot with a great vibe, clean surroundings, and a good location, this place is worth checking out. Just be prepared that the seating might not be the most comfortable for a long stay, especially if youre sensitive to hard wooden chairs.
Value (2.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 50% of the guests
When it comes to value, there arent any glowing remarks to share. While we always look for the bright side, customers havent highlighted any positive aspects regarding what you get for your money here. On the flip side, the sentiment around value is quite challenging.
The score for this aspect is a rather poor 2.6, and customer satisfaction is a stark 0%, indicating significant disappointment. Based on 8 negative comments out of 9 total, many feel the value for money has become awful. Prices are consistently described as expensive and ridiculous, with the lack of free sauces also a common complaint.
Value
9
Reviews
0%
Satisfaction
8
negative
1
neutral
0
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
What people don't like
- Poor value for money
- Overpriced for quality
- No free sauces
Often praised
No positive aspects so far.
Frequently criticized
- pricePaid 15$ for 2 empanadas itās not about the money itās not worth it
- chimichurrithose cost extra as well
- chimichurri pricesthe prices are ridiculous. $1.50 for a small 1 oz size.
- expensiveExpensive as well
- free saucesthey don't offer ANY free sauces, not even hot sauce which is absolutely unheard of for an empanada place.
- pricesThe prices are high, but to be fair argentinian empanadas in the US are worth $6 a piece. These empanadas are overpriced for the quality they offer.
- value for moneythe value for money has become increasingly awful
If youre heading out, be prepared that the value for your money might be a significant letdown. With consistently high prices and a lack of complimentary items like sauces, many customers feel the offerings are overpriced for the quality. This spot might disappoint if youre looking for a budget-friendly or even reasonably priced experience.
How are the prices at El PorteƱo Empanadas?
Youāre looking at roughly 14 per person ā reported by 17 diners. That puts it in the $11ā$20 category. For an Argentinian Restaurant, itās comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at what people usually spend, prices are quite varied! While many guests find options in the $1ā$10 range, the sweet spot for most seems to be around the $11ā$20 mark, with a few venturing into the $21ā$30 bracket.
Hereās a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 17 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
For an Argentinian Restaurant in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels pretty fair. There’s a good mix of options, so you can find something that fits your budget without compromising on the experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about El PorteƱo Empanadas
Price per Person
- $1ā$10
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Wait Time
- Immediate (0ā5 min.)
Noise Level
- Loud
9
Delicious Empanadas and Great Cappuccino
My experience was a delightful quick breakfast. I absolutely loved their cappuccino ā¤ļø. The empanadas were a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
We tried the Carne (beef) and Champinion (mushrooms) varieties. Although there was no seating, we took our food to the pier benches and thoroughly enjoyed our meal.
- cappuccino9
- empanadas10
- Carne empanadas8
- seating4
Price per Person
- $11ā$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
2
Not Worth the Price
My experience at the restaurant was disappointing. I paid $15 for two empanadas, and while the cost wasn't the main issue, the quality simply wasn't worth it. Unfortunately, it was not a good value.
- empanadas2
- quality2
- price2
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Poor Service and Cold Empanadas
I was interested in using Blackbird to pay for my empanadas here, but the employee kept insisting that they only allow Blackbird for drinks and that it was not redeemable after 11 am. Even after I explained to him three times that I didnāt want a drink and just wanted to pay for the empanadas using Blackbird, he still didnāt understand that simple concept. I donāt understand why a business would partner with companies like Blackbird and not train/explain how to handle transactions properly.
Honestly, the empanadas were cold and stale as well, so I wouldnāt come back.
- Blackbird payment2
- empanadas2
- employee1
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Disappointing coffee experience
My experience at this restaurant was disappointing. I paid $5 for a drip coffee, which turned out to be a pre-made coffee from a dispenser. Asking for tips in this situation felt like madness.
- drip coffee2
- tips1
- price2
Price per Person
- $11ā$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
3
Disappointing Empanadas and High Prices
My experience at this restaurant was a disappointment, especially considering the rave reviews I had read. I was very excited to try the shrimp empanada, but it was a letdown. It tasted a bit fishy, and the small pieces of shrimp inside were the worst I've ever had ā overcooked, dry, and rubbery.
To make matters worse, at $7 per empanada, they don't offer any free sauces, not even hot sauce, which is unheard of for an empanada place. The chimichurri was available for sale, but the prices were ridiculous; $1. 50 for a tiny 1 oz size felt excessive.
While the beef empanada was decent, it wasn't good enough to warrant a return visit.
- beef empanada5
- shrimp empanada2
- shrimp1
- overcooked, dry, and rubbery1
What El PorteƱo Empanadas offers
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Lunch
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Coffee
- Beer
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Lunch
- Breakfast
Service Options
- Takeout
- Delivery
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What dining options and service does El PorteƱo Empanadas offer?
At El PorteƱo Empanadas, you can enjoy delicious meals for both lunch and breakfast. For your convenience, the restaurant provides excellent service options including easy takeout and reliable delivery, ensuring you can savor your favorite Argentinian flavors wherever you are.
Is El PorteƱo Empanadas accessible and suitable for families?
Yes, El PorteƱo Empanadas is designed to be welcoming for everyone. You’ll find a wheelchair accessible entrance, making it easy for all guests to visit. Additionally, it’s considered good for kids, making it a perfect casual spot for families to enjoy a meal together.
How does El PorteƱo Empanadas generally rate?
It holds an average **Restaurant Score** of **5.8** with **Customer Satisfaction** at **49.2%**. While **Ambience** (7.3) is good, **Food** (6.2) and **Service** (5.9) are average, and **Value** (2.6) is poor.
Are the empanadas consistently good at El PorteƱo Empanadas?
Opinions on empanada quality are mixed. Some praise the carefully made ones like the Maradona, while others found certain varieties, such as shrimp or corn, to be disappointing or dry.
Is El PorteƱo Empanadas considered good value?
Many customers find the pricing to be a significant concern, noting that empanadas are expensive and even sauces like chimichurri incur extra costs, impacting the overall value.