Highlights
- Great coffee
oChef » The Brazilian Spot – San Francisco
The Brazilian Spot - San Francisco
Photo from The Brazilian Spot
The Brazilian Spot at a glance
San Francisco Mission District
- š Brazilian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11ā$20
mentioned by 37 of the guests
#534 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#5 Brazilian Restaurant out of 6 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.1 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
313
Reviews
85%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Friendly staff
- Great acai
- Clean space
- Authentic food
Frequently criticized
- High prices
- Inconsistent food
- Poor communication
The restaurant The Brazilian Spot, a vibrant Brazilian restaurant in San Francisco’s lively Mission District, invites you to discover a taste of Brazil. Formerly known as Cafe Valencia, this cozy and casual spot is celebrated for its great coffee, perfect for starting your day or enjoying a quick pick-me-up.
You’ll find a welcoming atmosphere whether you’re dining in or grabbing a healthy option to go.
Overview: Introducting The Brazilian Spot
The Brazilian Spot offers a vibrant taste of Brazil, where many guests appreciate the warm, inviting atmosphere and the genuinely friendly staff . It’s a place that consistently delivers on its promise of a pleasant experience, making it a local favorite for many.
While the overall sentiment is quite positive, some visitors have noted mixed feelings regarding certain food items and the perceived price point. However, these concerns are often overshadowed by the strong positive feedback on other aspects, contributing to a generally well-regarded establishment.
Excellent
8.1
out of 10
313
Reviews
85%
Satisfaction
35
negative
12
neutral
266
positive
This spot earns a solid overall score of 8.1 , with customer satisfaction sitting at a healthy 85% . These figures are built on a substantial base of 313 customer observations, with 266 positive remarks significantly outweighing the 35 negative ones.
It’s clear that most patrons leave feeling quite pleased with their visit. Digging deeper, the Service shines brightest with an impressive (8.8), closely followed by the appealing Ambience (8.6).
The Food also holds its own with a good (8.1). However, Value (5.1) presents a more average picture, suggesting that while the experience is generally positive, some find the pricing a point of consideration.
What people like
- Exceptional Service
- Welcoming Atmosphere
- Delicious Acai Bowls
- Authentic Cheese Bread
What people don't like
- Inconsistent Food Quality
- Perceived High Prices
- Phone Communication Issues
For those seeking a taste of Brazilian culture delivered with genuine warmth, The Brazilian Spot is certainly worth considering. With a strong recommendation score of 8.3 , it promises a welcoming environment and delightful culinary highlights that resonate with many.
While you might find some items a bit pricier than expected or occasionally encounter an inconsistent dish, the overall positive experience, driven by excellent service and a charming atmosphere, makes it a compelling choice for a casual meal or a specific Brazilian craving.
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Verdict: Our expert take on The Brazilian Spot
Food (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 99% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark with a good score of 8.1 and a solid 85.9% customer satisfaction. Based on 176 positive opinions out of 205, many rave about the authentic Brazilian food, especially the delicious aƧaĆ bowls and perfect pĆ£o de queijo. The weekend buffet also gets a lot of love for its hearty portions and variety.
However, not every dish is a winner, with 22 negative opinions pointing to some inconsistencies. A few customers found the juice watery, the bean dish too salty, or experienced tasteless coxinha and cold pastries. While these instances are fewer, they suggest that not everything on the menu always lives up to expectations.
Food
205
Reviews
85%
Satisfaction
22
negative
7
neutral
176
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Brazilian food
- Delicious aƧaĆ bowls
- Perfect pĆ£o de queijo
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Watery juice
- Stale pastries
Often praised
- foodI miss the buffet at another place on Valencia that closed down years ago. The food was really good and moderately priced for SF. I had a nice portion for about $15-16.
- coffeeI enjoyed their great acai bowls. They also offer a variety of Brazilian snacks, coffee, and fresh squeezed orange juice. Additionally, the cafƩ stocks cool Brazilian brand groceries, ranging from savory to sweet items.
- coxinhaMy experience at the restaurant was great! I had the best coxinha in the city. I recommend improving the juice, as mine was a bit watery.
- pĆ£o de queijopĆ£o de queijo (cheese bread/gluten free) is consistently on point
- aƧaĆthe best aƧaĆ Iāve had in the US!
- FoodFood:5
- aƧaĆ bowlthe aƧaĆ bowl was so delicious
- cheese breadThe cheese bread here is the real deal. Absolutely perfect.
- Brazilian buffetIt's a very friendly place with amazing staff. They offer Brazilian foods, and importantly, a Brazilian buffet is available from Friday to Sunday. The establishment is also pet friendly, and the owner, Miguel, is 100% gay friendly.
- Brazilian coffeeMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed the really good Brazilian coffee and the delicious baked goods. The owner was super kind, making the overall experience even better.
Frequently criticized
- coxinhathe coxinha... didn't meet my expectations
- coffeeIād say itās worth going for just the cheese bread if you can get them fresh. My friends mentioned they tried the coffee and smoothies and werenāt impressed.
- foodthe food wasn't good
- juiceI had the best coxinha in the city. I recommend improving the juice, as mine was a bit watery. Regarding the price of the products, I found it okay.
- pastelI ordered coxinha and pastel, and both were disappointingly tasteless, which is unusual for Brazilian food. The pastel was also served cold and had a very thick dough. The carrot cake was hard, indicating it was old.
- Maizenarealized that was expired
- bean dishthe bean dish was too salty
- carrot cakecarrot cake was hard so was definitely old
- dietary restrictionsswapping an ingredient because of my diet
- food qualitythe coxinha was hard and not fresh
If you're craving authentic Brazilian flavors, especially aƧaĆ bowls or pĆ£o de queijo, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be aware that some items, like the juice or certain pastries, might be a bit hit-or-miss.
Service (8.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 55% of the guests
When it comes to service, this place truly shines! With an impressive score of 8.8 and an excellent customer satisfaction of 93.8%, its clear guests are loving it. Out of 48 comments, a whopping 45 praise the staff, owner, and their friendliness, often described as amazing staff and very friendly service.
Many found them flexible and helpful, even generous, pointing to wonderful management. However, its not entirely perfect. A small handful of 3 comments out of 48 did mention issues with customer service, specifically noting difficulties reaching them by phone or getting them to answer calls.
While these are minor points compared to the overwhelming positives, it's something to keep in mind if you plan to call ahead.
Service
48
Reviews
93%
Satisfaction
3
negative
0
neutral
45
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, kind staff
- Welcoming owner
- Helpful, flexible service
What people don't like
- Phone calls unanswered
Often praised
- staffMy favorite combo is the Carioca smoothie with pĆ£o de queijo (Brazilian cheese bread). The service was exceptional; Miguel and the entire staff are always so nice. Iām really rooting for this place!
- serviceservice, and vibe! Staff is very friendly
- ServiceService:5
- ownerThe owner is a Portuguese (PT), married to a Brazilian (paulistana). Of unparalleled sympathy
- Friendly staffFriendly staff
- MarcosMarcos is very friendly
- MiguelMiguel is so kind and welcoming!
- OwnerOwner is super friendly and welcoming
- amazing staffMy experience at this restaurant was very positive. It's a very friendly place with amazing staff. They offer Brazilian foods, and importantly, a Brazilian buffet is available from Friday to Sunday.
- catering experiencemy catering experience with The Brazilian Spot
Frequently criticized
- answer callsthis shop doesnt answer calls
- customer serviceHorrible customer service.
- phonetheir phone is always occupied
Overall, the service here is a major highlight, making for a very pleasant dining experience. If you value friendly, helpful staff and a welcoming atmosphere, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be aware that reaching them by phone might be a bit tricky.
Ambience (8.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 42% of the guests
The ambiance here is truly a standout, earning a good 8.6 score and an excellent 93% customer satisfaction! With 40 positive remarks out of 43 total, guests frequently praise the spacious inside, clean environment, and internet cafƩ experience. Many also love the pet friendly and gay friendly atmosphere, making it a versatile and welcoming spot.
However, its not entirely without its quirks, with 2 negative comments noted. A few guests mentioned the "atmosphere" could be "very loud, " which might detract from the otherwise pleasant "vibe" if youre looking for a quiet retreat.
Ambience
43
Reviews
93%
Satisfaction
2
negative
1
neutral
40
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Spacious, clean interior
- Versatile cafe vibe
- Pet and gay friendly
What people don't like
- Can be loud
Often praised
- atmospherethe atmosphere was a perfect 5 out of 5
- placeplace is very clean and accommodating
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- Brazilian flaredepth of Brazilian flare that is hard not to like
- InternetThe establishment is also pet friendly, and the owner, Miguel, is 100% gay friendly. They provide Internet and space to work and read, making it a versatile spot.
- authenticityshows authenticity!
- cafe viberemodeled cafe vibe. Ita the only place in the neighborhood you can get
- cleanquality, clean
- clean environmentthe establishment maintained a clean environment
- clean ministoreGot a small cup of coffee in this clean ministore
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereit's very loud here
- language barrierdoesn't make the language barrier any easier
If you're seeking a vibrant, clean, and accommodating spot with plenty of space to work or relax, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be aware that it can get a bit lively, so it might not be your top choice for a super quiet escape.
Value (5.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 21% of the guests
Looking at value, it's a bit of a mixed bag! Some customers found certain items to be fairly priced or even moderately priced, with a few calling specific deals incredible. Out of 17 total remarks, 5 were positive, often mentioning the general price or price of products.
The overall score for value is an average 5.1, suggesting some hits among the misses. However, the majority of feedback leans towards the pricier side. With 8 negative remarks, many felt the bill was not cheap, describing overall prices as expensive or even outrageous.
Specific concerns included the coxinha price being too much and frustration over being charged for swapping an ingredient. This sentiment is reflected in a rather low customer satisfaction of just 29.4%, indicating significant room for improvement.
Value
17
Reviews
29%
Satisfaction
8
negative
4
neutral
5
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fairly priced food
- Moderately priced items
- Good value deals
What people don't like
- Prices too high
- Expensive items
- Extra charges
Often praised
- Price$15 for a 24oz acai bowl is amazing
- cheese breadfor $2, this was incredible
- moderately pricedmoderately priced for SF
- priceFood was fairly priced
- price of productsprice of the products I found it okay
Frequently criticized
- pricewhat really impressed us was the price
- billnot cheap for what I received
- coxinha price6.25 a coxinha and other types was too much
- empadinha$6 para uma empadinha foi meio pesado
- pricesprices are outrageous.
- swapping an ingredientcharged me for swapping an ingredient
So, is it worth your hard-earned cash? While you might snag a good deal on a few specific items, be prepared that the overall experience could feel a bit pricey, especially if youre looking for modifications. Its worth a try if youre mindful of what you order, but dont expect budget-friendly prices across the board.
How are the prices at The Brazilian Spot?
Youāre looking at roughly 16 per person ā reported by 37 diners. That puts it in the $11ā$20 category. For a Brazilian Restaurant, itās comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at what people spend, most prices cluster right around this $11ā$20 sweet spot, though a good chunk of folks also find options in the $1ā$10 range. It seems like there’s a nice mix, but the average is right where most people are spending.
This chart shows what people usually spend per person, using the 37 most recent reviews.
Heres how this restaurants value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels pretty fair for a Brazilian Restaurant. It offers good value without breaking the bank, especially given the popular price points.
Customer Reviews: what people think about The Brazilian Spot
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
10
Delicious Brazilian Treats & Kind Staff
As a Brazilian, I can attest that their pĆ£o de queijo, aƧaĆ, and carrot cake are absolutely divine. I highly recommend this place. Do yourself a favor and purchase their homemade pĆ£o de queijo to bake at home ā it's worth it!
The staff is also incredibly kind and sweet.
- pĆ£o de queijo10
- aƧaĆ10
- carrot cake10
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Quick Lunch Favorite!
This place is quickly becoming my favorite for a quick lunch! I haven't even tried the lunch buffet yet, but the cheese bread, coxinha, and acaii bowls are SO good. I'm seriously so obsessed.
- cheese bread10
- coxinha10
- acaii bowls10
Price per Person
- $11ā$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Delicious Brazilian Flavors and Fresh Juices!
My experience at this Brazilian spot was fantastic! I absolutely loved the coxinha, which was super tasty. The passionfruit juice felt so fresh and pure.
The chicken dishes were really flavorful, and my daughter especially enjoyed the aƧaĆ bowl, finding it so delicious. Overall, a wonderful meal with great food.
- coxinha9
- passionfruit juice9
- chicken dishes8
Price per Person
- $11ā$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0ā5 min.)
9
Friendly Brazilian Buffet with Great Staff
My experience at this restaurant was very positive. It's a very friendly place with amazing staff. They offer Brazilian foods, and importantly, a Brazilian buffet is available from Friday to Sunday.
The establishment is also pet friendly, and the owner, Miguel, is 100% gay friendly. They provide Internet and space to work and read, making it a versatile spot.
- friendly place10
- amazing staff10
- Brazilian foods9
Price per Person
- $11ā$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Loud
6
Good Smoothie, Loud Atmosphere
My experience at this restaurant was mixed. I found the smoothie to be pretty good. However, the atmosphere was very loud, which made the language barrier more challenging.
Additionally, I was charged for swapping an ingredient due to my dietary restrictions, which I felt was unnecessary.
- smoothie7
- atmosphere3
- language barrier4
- swapping an ingredient3
What The Brazilian Spot offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Solo dining
- Lunch
- Breakfast
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Quick bite
- Coffee
- Beer
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Seating
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Dessert
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere and offerings can you expect at The Brazilian Spot?
You’ll find a cozy and casual atmosphere at The Brazilian Spot, perfect for a relaxed meal. They offer a variety of healthy options and quick bites, alongside their renowned coffee, beer, and other alcoholic beverages. Whether you’re looking for breakfast, lunch, or dessert, you’ll find comfortable seating and a welcoming environment.
Is The Brazilian Spot accessible and suitable for families with children?
Absolutely! The Brazilian Spot is fully wheelchair accessible, featuring an accessible entrance, seating, and restroom for your convenience. It’s also a great spot for kids, offering high chairs to ensure a comfortable dining experience for your little ones. You can enjoy a family meal with ease.
How does The Brazilian Spot generally score with customers?
The Brazilian Spot holds a strong overall score of 8.1 , driven by excellent Service (8.8), appealing Ambience (8.6), and solid Food (8.1), though Value (5.1) is more moderate.
What are the most praised food items at The Brazilian Spot?
Customers frequently highlight the delicious acai bowls and the consistently good pĆ£o de queijo (cheese bread) as standout menu items.
Are there any common concerns or areas for improvement mentioned by visitors?
Some visitors have noted that certain food items, like the coxinha or juice, can be inconsistent, and a few find the prices to be on the higher side. There are also mentions of occasional difficulty reaching the restaurant by phone.