Highlights
- Great beer selection
oChef » Mezcalito – San Francisco
Mezcalito - San Francisco
Photo from Mezcalito
Mezcalito at a glance
San Francisco Russian Hill
- 🍻 Bar & Pub
$$
Price per Person $41–$50
mentioned by 69 of the guests
#1444 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#111 Bar & Pub out of 151 in San Francisco
Good
7.2 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
374
Reviews
73%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Vibrant atmosphere
- Excellent cocktails
- Good food
Frequently criticized
- Inconsistent service
- Questionable value
- Loud atmosphere
The bar & pub Mezcalito in San Francisco’s vibrant Russian Hill neighborhood invites you to discover a truly authentic experience. You’ll find a casual yet trendy atmosphere perfect for unwinding, especially if you appreciate a great beer selection.
Whether you’re looking for happy hour drinks or a full meal, this spot has you covered with a variety of offerings.
Overview: Introducting Mezcalito
Mezcalito offers a lively setting with a generally positive atmosphere and a good selection of cocktails. Many guests appreciate the vibrant vibe, making it a pleasant spot for an evening out where the food generally satisfies.
However, some experiences with the service have been inconsistent, and the overall value can be a point of contention for certain items. Be mindful of potential noise levels, as it can get quite loud, and parking might require some effort.
Good
7.2
out of 10
374
Reviews
73%
Satisfaction
83
negative
18
neutral
273
positive
Mezcalito garners a solid overall score of 7.2, with customer satisfaction at a respectable 73%. This assessment is drawn from 374 customer observations, showing a clear leaning towards positive experiences with 273 favorable remarks against 83 less enthusiastic ones.
The Ambience (8.1) stands out as a strong point, creating an enjoyable setting for many. Food (7.6) also receives good marks, with many finding the dishes satisfying.
However, the Service (6.2) appears to be a more mixed bag, and Value (5.1) is an area where Mezcalito could see improvement, as some find it less compelling.
What people like
- Vibrant atmosphere
- Excellent cocktails
- Satisfying food
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service
- Questionable value
- Loud atmosphere
Mezcalito offers a lively spot for drinks and a good meal, especially if you appreciate a vibrant setting. While the food generally satisfies, be prepared for potential inconsistencies in service and a potentially boisterous atmosphere.
With a Recommendation Score of 7.3, Mezcalito is worth considering for its strengths. It’s a good choice for those prioritizing a fun ambiance and solid drinks, but manage expectations regarding service consistency and overall value.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Mezcalito
Food (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 95% of the guests
When it comes to the food and drinks here, it seems like a pretty solid bet! With a score of 7.6 and customer satisfaction at a strong 79.3%, many guests are leaving happy. People rave about the delicious burgers, a wide variety of tacos, and especially the creative cocktails and unique mezcal/tequila flights, based on 153 positive remarks.
However, its not all perfect. About 29 comments point to some inconsistencies, with concerns about the overall quality and flavor of some dishes. There were also mentions of cold food and soggy tacos, suggesting that while many love it, theres still a bit of room for improvement in execution.
Food
193
Reviews
79%
Satisfaction
29
negative
11
neutral
153
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious burgers
- Creative cocktails
- Unique mezcal flights
What people don't like
- Inconsistent quality
- Lackluster flavor
- Soggy tacos
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was largely positive, with great ambiance, excellent service, and delicious food. However, a bathroom remodel is necessary, as it detracts from an otherwise amazing experience.
- cocktailsThe atmosphere was described as comfortable and friendly, with a trendy vibe. I was particularly impressed with the really great cocktails. The food offered good execution on some traditional cuisines.
- drinksMy experience at this restaurant was highlighted by the amazing tasting drinks and the overall ambiance. The bar staff did a great job showcasing all the possibilities, and the bar itself was quite impressive.
- margaritasWe were happy to find it was still happy hour when we arrived for a drink and some dinner. We enjoyed the chicken and pork tacos and had a couple of margaritas. The service was great, and the atmosphere was very good.
- burgerThe drinks at this place were amazinggggg! The food was also really good; I had the burger which I really enjoyed. My husband had the carnitas quesadilla which was good, not that flavorful but comes with a nice spicy salsa and guacamole.
- guacamoleMy experience at this restaurant was for drinks and snacks. I ordered a Moscow mule, fries (which were off the menu), and guacamole. The vibes were very nice, and the staff was super friendly.
- FoodFood:4
- Mexican foodvery decent and well seasoned Mexican food
- drinkThis is a cool spot to grab a drink, but the tacos and salsa were mediocre. I had to get a beer to wash down the disgusting tacos.
- friesWe found a fantastic deal: $45 for 2 meals and 2 drinks. I tried the Mezcalito burger, and the fries were standout. The tacos al pastor were yummy with a bit of a spicy kick.
Frequently criticized
- foodSucked that the food was no longer being served
- tacosThis is a cool spot to grab a drink, but the tacos and salsa were mediocre. I had to get a beer to wash down the disgusting tacos.
- cocktailsthe bar tender preparer the cocktails and the jar very short
- amountMy experience at this restaurant was for a fun place for Mexican food, drinks, and some reggaeton. The atmosphere can be a bit loud inside, and it's definitely pricey compared to the quality and amount you get.
- chips n guacamolechips n guacamole when we arrived. It showed up as dessert.
- churrosthe churros had a very weird taste and were hard
- cold foodfood comes out cold? Not good. Not impressed. Loud, bad service, cold food.
- drinkdrink not to have habanero
- drinksWe had to go to the bar to order drinks
- entreesI would absolutely return for the tapas. However, I would advise others to stay away from the bland, overpriced, and unsatisfying entrees.
If youre looking for a spot with great drinks and some standout food items like burgers and tacos, youll likely have a good time. Just be aware that a few dishes might not hit the mark, so stick to the popular choices for the best experience.
Service (6.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 68% of the guests
When it comes to service, many diners have had some really pleasant experiences, with 49 positive comments highlighting things like friendly staff, attentive service, and even quick arrival of orders. Guests often mention specific servers going above and beyond, contributing to an overall average 6.2 score for this aspect. However, the experience isn't always consistent, leading to a mixed 58.3% customer satisfaction.
Some 32 comments point to areas needing work, such as frustrating waiting times, a perceived lack of server attention, and occasional reports of bad service or rude interactions.
Service
84
Reviews
58%
Satisfaction
32
negative
3
neutral
49
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Attentive service
- Quick arrival
What people don't like
- Long waiting times
- Lack server attention
- Rude interactions
Often praised
- serviceUnfortunately, I was too tired to try any cocktails. The atmosphere was very nice, with a friendly vibe that was enhanced by the very good and friendly service. I had the grilled fish taco, which was excellent, and a carne quesadilla, which was just okay.
- staffMy experience at the restaurant was fantastic! They were able to squeeze seven of us in last minute even though it was packed, and the staff was super gracious about it. The cocktails were excellent, especially the Mezcal Vieux Carre and the Sensei.
- ServiceService:4
- serverMo is a great server
- BeauBeau is an excellent server
- BoBo was super helpful and really friendly
- Dustin SDustin S was great!
- StaffStaff was super friendliest
- arrival timeit arrived very quickly
- attentionThe food was quite good. We really liked the waitress for her attention and friendliness.
Frequently criticized
- serviceThe service was so bad that one of the servers even asked us not to write a bad Yelp review, prompting this Google review instead. While the food was good (rated 4/5), the overall experience was significantly marred by the poor service.
- waiterI went to this restaurant for happy hour. The waiter showed me what was on happy hour, but then they charged me full price. This was a disappointing experience regarding the price and service.
- serverThe server tried to add three items to the tab
- waitersimpatient waiters did not make us feel welcomed
- accommodate changedifficult to get them to change it
- bad servicebad service
- bartenders ignore youbar tenders ignore you? A self service machine in a cafeteria.
- checkWe asked the bartender to get our check
- employeeanother employee followed us and asked if he can ask us a personal question
- hostsHosts were extremely annoying about seating my party
Overall, the service here can be a bit of a gamble. While many guests rave about friendly staff and attentive service, others have encountered waiting times or less-than-ideal interactions. It's worth a try, but be prepared that your experience might be a mixed bag.
Ambience (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 58% of the guests
The vibe here is definitely a hit! With a solid score of 8.1 and a fantastic 87.1% customer satisfaction, its clear most folks love the atmosphere. Reviewers frequently praise the awesome atmosphere, great music, and chill vibe, often highlighting the decor and outdoor seating as major pluses.
Out of 70 total opinions, 61 were glowing about the ambiance. However, its not entirely perfect. While only 8 opinions mentioned drawbacks, some found the atmosphere a bit loud inside, and its generally not considered kid-friendly.
Parking can also be a bit of a challenge, so plan ahead if youre driving.
Ambience
70
Reviews
87%
Satisfaction
8
negative
1
neutral
61
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great atmosphere
- Lively music/vibe
- Outdoor seating
What people don't like
- Can be loud
- Parking issues
- Not kid-friendly
Often praised
- atmosphereWe enjoyed the chicken and pork tacos and had a couple of margaritas. The service was great, and the atmosphere was very good. We were glad to have been ahead of the Saturday night rush.
- ambianceMy experience at this restaurant was marked by a great ambiance and great service. However, the experience was slightly marred as the bartender prepared the cocktails and the jar very short.
- AtmosphereNice Atmosphere but the waiters could be a little happier
- vibeThe place has a really nice vibe
- musicThe atmosphere was awesome, and they had a great selection of drinks. The staff was super friendliest, and even at closing time, they started playing music 🎵. It's worth noting that it's a bar and not suitable for kids.
- vibesVery nice vibes
- experienceI particularly preferred the Leyendas Verde and Metiche from the flight over the Legendario Domingo. Despite missing out on the food, it was still an excellent flight and experience.
- locationClose location to our hotel
- Wheelchair accessibilityvery easy to get in and lots of space to sit with wheelchair 🦽
- back barThe tall back bar is properly impressive
Frequently criticized
- Kid-friendlinessThe staff was super friendliest, and even at closing time, they started playing music 🎵. It's worth noting that it's a bar and not suitable for kids. The price per person is around $10–20, and seating is in an indoor dining area.
- Parking spaceSomewhat difficult to find parking
- bad musiclisten to bad music
- bathroom remodelA bathroom remodel is necessary
- insideMy experience at this restaurant was for a fun place for Mexican food, drinks, and some reggaeton. The atmosphere can be a bit loud inside, and it's definitely pricey compared to the quality and amount you get.
- loudLoud, bad service, cold food.
- musicwish the music was a little quieter
- parkingOverall, if you're looking for a place to eat that could fill you up, I'd recommend this restaurant to anyone! Parking may be an issue; the front has free parking, but you'd have to be lucky finding a spot.
If you're looking for a lively spot with great music and a cool vibe for a night out, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be prepared for a potentially loud environment and consider alternative transport, as parking can be tricky.
Value (5.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 30% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot is a bit of a mixed bag! Many folks rave about the fantastic deals, especially during happy hour. Guests often mention finding great prices on both food and drinks, with some even snagging two meals and two drinks for around $45. It seems the happy hour here is the real deal, offering super good value and decent portion sizes for the price.
Overall, the score for value sits at an average 5.1, based on 27 customer opinions. However, the value experience isnt always smooth sailing, with customer satisfaction at a rather poor 37%. Some diners felt the quality didnt match the price, describing entrees as bland and overpriced.
There are also concerns about prices increasing and frustrating billing issues, like being charged full price during happy hour or for another table's order. So, while happy hour is a hit, regular pricing and service accuracy around the bill can be a miss.
Value
27
Reviews
37%
Satisfaction
14
negative
3
neutral
10
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great happy hour deals
- Reasonable happy hour prices
What people don't like
- Overpriced regular menu
- Billing errors
- Prices increased
Often praised
- happy hourduring happy hour so it was not only crazy good but a super good deal
- pricedecent size for price
- happy hoursvery good deals for both food and drinks during their happy hours
- pricesPrices were reasonable as well
Frequently criticized
- billwhere we had the bill in our table
- priceI would absolutely return for the tapas. However, I would advise others to stay away from the bland, overpriced, and unsatisfying entrees.
- beer for the next tablemistakenly charged us the beer for the next table
- deals on margsWish they had some better deals on margs.
- dinnerI did find the dinner quite pricey per person
- expensiveMy experience at this restaurant was quite a waste for a nice space in a good location. If you're looking to feel like you've wasted your money on expensive bad tacos, this is the place to go. Additionally, if you enjoy listening to bad music at the same time, I highly recommend it.
- full priceI went to this restaurant for happy hour. The waiter showed me what was on happy hour, but then they charged me full price. This was a disappointing experience regarding the price and service.
- happy hourI went to this restaurant for happy hour. The waiter showed me what was on happy hour, but then they charged me full price. This was a disappointing experience regarding the price and service.
- meal of the tablecharged for the meal of the table next us
- parkingParking is not easy
If youre looking for a great deal, definitely check out their happy hour – it seems to be where the real value is. However, be mindful of regular menu prices and double-check your bill, as some guests have faced unexpected charges or felt the full price wasnt justified.
How are the prices at Mezcalito?
On average, you’ll spend around 43 per person – from 69 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $41–$50 category. For a Bar & Pub, that’s mid-range, maybe slightly above.
Looking at what people actually spend, there’s a good mix of options. While the average is 43, many guests find value in the 21 – 40 $ range, but there are also some premium choices pushing the average up.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 69 reviews.
How this Bar & Pub’s value compares to similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels fair for a Bar & Pub in San Francisco. It offers a good range of options, so you can choose your adventure!
Customer Reviews: what people think about Mezcalito
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Great Food, Service, and Vibe!
My first experience at this restaurant was wonderful! I was impressed with the great food, great service, and the overall vibe in there. I'm definitely going back.
Thank you for the amazing first-time experience.
- food10
- service10
- vibe10
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
2
Sugary Cocktails and Impatient Service
My experience at this restaurant was disappointing, primarily due to the cocktails, which all tasted like pure sugar. The waiters were also impatient and did not make us feel welcomed. It's possible our late arrival contributed to this, but the overall service was not great.
- cocktails2
- waiters2
Service Type
- Dine-in
1
Terrible Service, Left Immediately
My experience at this restaurant was one of the worst table service I've encountered in San Francisco. Our waiter was extremely rude and entitled, which led us to decide to just leave.
- table service1
- waiter1
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
8
Great Happy Hour and Outdoor Seating
My experience at this friendly neighborhood spot was great, especially during their happy hour. They offer outdoor seating which is a plus for dog owners. The decor was nice, and the service was friendly, although a bit sluggish.
Overall, it's a good place for a casual outing.
- happy hour8
- outdoor seating8
- decor7
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Delicious Food and Excellent Margaritas!
I visited Mezcalito and I recommend it for anyone in the area. The food was delicious and the margaritas were excellent. It was a 10/10 visit for me!
- food10
- margaritas10
- visit10
What Mezcalito offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Restroom
Offerings
- Food at bar
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Food
- Wine
- Beer
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Table service
- Seating
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere and service options can you expect at Mezcalito?
At Mezcalito, you’ll discover a casual and trendy atmosphere perfect for any occasion. You can enjoy your visit with convenient outdoor seating, traditional dine-in service, or opt for takeout and delivery if you’re on the go, making it versatile for your plans.
Does Mezcalito offer accessible options and accept reservations?
Yes, Mezcalito is committed to accessibility, featuring a wheelchair-accessible entrance, seating, and restroom to ensure comfort for all guests. For your convenience, the establishment also accepts reservations, allowing you to plan your visit without hassle.
How does Mezcalito generally perform according to customer feedback?
Mezcalito holds a solid overall score of 7.2, with customer satisfaction at 73%. Its Ambience (8.1) and Food (7.6) are well-regarded, though Service (6.2) and Value (5.1) show room for improvement.
What do customers particularly enjoy about Mezcalito?
Many customers highlight the restaurant’s vibrant atmosphere and the quality of its cocktails and margaritas. The staff is often described as friendly and accommodating.
What are some common concerns or drawbacks at Mezcalito?
Some guests have noted issues with inconsistent service, finding the environment can be quite loud, and occasionally perceiving the overall value as less favorable, especially for certain entrees.