Highlights
- Live music
- Sports
- Great beer selection
oChef » Pa’ina – San Francisco
Pa'ina - San Francisco
Photo from Pa’ina
Pa'ina at a glance
San Francisco Japantown
- 🍍 Hawaiian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 45 of the guests
#1982 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#8 Hawaiian Restaurant out of 19 in San Francisco
Good
6.5 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
426
Reviews
60.3%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious food
- Lively atmosphere
- Great deals
Frequently criticized
- Slow service
- Inconsistent food
- Poor seating
The restaurant Pa’ina invites you to experience a slice of island paradise right in the heart of San Francisco’s vibrant Japantown. This Hawaiian restaurant offers a truly unique atmosphere where you can unwind and enjoy the evening.
You’ll find yourself immersed in the lively spirit, especially with the added bonus of live music, making it a perfect spot for a memorable outing.
Overview: Introducting Pa'ina
Pa’ina offers a mixed experience, with many guests enjoying the delicious food and great drinks, especially their chicken wings and Hawaiian-inspired dishes. The atmosphere often gets praise for its Lively vibe, making it a popular spot for social gatherings.
However, some find the food can be bland, and there are consistent concerns about slow service and occasional issues with uncomfortable seating or cleanliness, which can detract from the overall visit.
Good
6.5
out of 10
426
Reviews
60.3%
Satisfaction
124
negative
45
neutral
257
positive
Overall, Pa’ina lands with an average Restaurant Score of 6.5, reflecting a generally acceptable experience. Customer feedback indicates a Customer Satisfaction of 60.3%, suggesting a mixed bag for many visitors.
This assessment is drawn from 426 customer observations, with 257 positive remarks and 124 negative ones. Digging into specifics, the Ambience (7.1) stands out as a strong point, often receiving positive remarks.
However, Food (6.6), Service (5.9), and Value (5.7) all hover in the average range, indicating areas where experiences can vary and some improvements might be welcomed.
What people like
- Delicious food options
- Lively atmosphere
- Excellent happy hour
What people don't like
- Slow service times
- Inconsistent food quality
- Uncomfortable seating
Pa’ina presents itself as a decent option, especially if you’re seeking a vibrant atmosphere and good happy hour deals. With a Recommendation Score of 6.7, it suggests a generally acceptable experience, though not without its flaws.
If you prioritize a lively setting and specific menu items like their wings or Hawaiian dishes, it might be worth a visit. However, be prepared for potentially slow service and variable food quality, which could impact your overall enjoyment.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Pa'ina
Food (6.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 93% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot offers a pretty interesting experience. With 145 positive remarks out of 239 total comments, many folks rave about the tasty fusion cuisine, especially the poke platter, chicken wings, and even the alcoholic boba drinks. Its clear there are some definite crowd-pleasers on the menu.
However, the overall food score sits at an average 6.6, and customer satisfaction is a bit mixed at 60.7%. Weve seen 60 negative comments pointing to issues like bland food, undercooked rice, tasteless noodles, and tough kalbi, suggesting inconsistency in execution. It seems some dishes might not hit the mark for everyone.
Food
239
Reviews
60%
Satisfaction
60
negative
34
neutral
145
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Tasty fusion cuisine
- Delicious chicken wings
- Creative alcoholic drinks
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Bland, tasteless dishes
- Tough, dry meat
Often praised
- foodThe smoky atmosphere inside also detracted from the overall experience. Although the food was good and our server was apologetic, we were not informed upfront about the wait, which affected our overall enjoyment. We definitely won't be returning.
- drinksMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed the great food, great drinks, and great atmosphere. The service was always amazing.
- wingsIt’s 25cent wings with the purchase of an alcoholic drink. My husband and I made this our last stop in SF before flying out, and it did not disappoint 👌🏾.
- Wing Wednesdayone of the best Wing Wednesday spots
- beerThis was a nice place to have a beer in the sun. The beers were priced at $6-7 apiece, or $26 for a pitcher.
- chicken wingschicken wings crispy and full of sweet-garlic flavor
- cocktailsguests constantly raved about the delicious cocktails
- garlic noodlesIt's better suited for more relaxed gatherings where you don't require the most precise service. The greatest menu hits were the poke platter, chicken tenders, garlic noodles, and fried whole fish. It got very crowded around 10 pm, and the clientele tends to skew younger.
- Hawaiian foodMy experience at this restaurant was incredibly positive. The food was even more delicious than the Hawaiian food I had in Hawaii. The cocktails were especially amazing; the owner personally made some of them.
- delicious foodMy experience at Pa'ina in San Francisco has been consistently excellent. It's my go-to spot because of the delicious food, great atmosphere, awesome drinks, and friendly staff. I particularly love their poke and wings!
Frequently criticized
- foodFood was bland and didn’t meet expectations
- beerbeer was flat also like they didn't pour it right
- house wingsHowever, the food was mid. The house wings were dry and drenched in what tasted like a ready-made sauce, scoring 5. 5/10.
- noodlesfriend didn’t get their noodles
- poke bowlThe tuna in the poke bowl didn’t taste very good or fresh, and its sauce lacked spice and flavor. The rest of the poke bowl was similarly disappointing. While the service was slow, this was during a festival, so I'm not weighing that heavily in this review.
- 50 cent wingsthe 50 cent wings were so mid
- KaibiKaibi was too boney
- Pa’ina wingswings were crispy, but they just tasted like ginger in an unpleasant way
- Poke nachosPoke nachos was an odd flavor pairing.
- Soup of the daySoup of the day was literally scrambled egg in soup with spam bits and macaroni noodles
If youre looking for a fun spot with creative fusion dishes and great wings, its definitely worth a try, especially for their happy hour deals. Just be aware that some dishes might be a hit or miss, so stick to the popular items for the best experience.
Service (5.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 65% of the guests
It seems the service here is a bit of a mixed bag, with plenty to praise and a few areas for improvement. Many guests, based on 46 positive remarks, consistently highlight the friendly staff, attentive servers, and helpful bartenders who make dining a pleasant experience. This contributes to an overall score of 5.9, which is average, but shows a strong positive foundation.
However, 38 negative comments point to some significant challenges. Customers have experienced long wait times, slow service, and issues with being understaffed, leading to frustration and forgotten orders. With customer satisfaction at 53.5%, its clear that while many enjoy the service, theres still room for improvement in consistency and efficiency.
Service
86
Reviews
53%
Satisfaction
38
negative
2
neutral
46
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Helpful, accommodating service
- Quick bartenders
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Slow, inattentive service
- Understaffed issues
Often praised
- serviceExcellent service, especially the friendly bartender!
- staffOn the beverage front, the beer was flat, suggesting it wasn't poured correctly. On a positive note, the staff was nice and the place looked nice. They also appear to be dog friendly.
- ServiceI also have to note moments of gratitude since businesses don’t have to go out of their way to be nice to a paid customer once they leave. I dropped my Invisalign tray (right after I changed it too!) at the restaurant and they remember me from the day before and called me to let me know they found my tray. I was embarrassed, but grateful that they picked up my tray so that I could continue my teeth alignment.
- HongHong is an incredible server
- MattMatt has 5 star service
- SF localsrun by SF locals, which is a rare gem
- bartenderThe bartender was quick though
- buffet style servingbuffet style serving worked wonderfully
- delivery and takeoutThey’re open for delivery and takeout
- fantastic servicefantastic service
Frequently criticized
- serviceMy experience at the restaurant was marked by slow service and extremely uncomfortable seating. The seats were way too short, and the table was even shorter, making for a very awkward dining experience.
- waiting timeThe food was okay, but the service was incredibly slow. We ended up waiting over an hour for 4 dishes. To make matters worse, a table that arrived 20 minutes after us received their food before we did.
- wait timeWhile we were excited to celebrate Mother's Day brunch at Pa'ina Restaurant, our experience fell short of expectations. We placed our order quickly but had to wait around an hour for our food, which was quite disappointing. The smoky atmosphere inside also detracted from the overall experience.
- waiterThe waiter seemed like he didn't want to be there
- attitudeHer attitude could've been better
- charge for ittried to charge for it
- checked onWe were never checked on during the whole meal
- clock outtrying to clock out before our food was on the table
- declined add onswas a bit snarky/judgy when we declined further add ons
- forgot mealsForgot entire meals
If youre looking for a place with genuinely friendly staff and dont mind potentially waiting a bit, you might find the service here quite pleasant. However, be prepared for the possibility of slower service or longer waits, especially during busy times, which could impact your overall experience.
Ambience (7.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 55% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, this spot generally hits the mark, earning a solid score of 7.1 and a good customer satisfaction of 72%. Many guests rave about the fun vibe and lively atmosphere, especially appreciating the karaoke options and private rooms for events. With 54 positive remarks out of 75 total, its clear most find the modern setting and good vibes quite appealing.
However, not everyone is completely charmed. Some experiences mention uncomfortable seating and a smoky atmosphere that can detract from the enjoyment. A few also noted a filthy bathroom and felt the space could be a bit impersonal, resembling a large bar.
These 15 negative observations suggest theres room for improvement in certain comfort aspects.
Ambience
75
Reviews
72%
Satisfaction
15
negative
6
neutral
54
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Lively fun vibe
- Great for groups
- Karaoke options
What people don't like
- Uncomfortable seating
- Smoky atmosphere
- Filthy bathroom
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at this restaurant was excellent. The atmosphere was upscale, and they had a solid selection of whiskey. The service was good, and Matt provided 5-star service.
- placeOn the beverage front, the beer was flat, suggesting it wasn't poured correctly. On a positive note, the staff was nice and the place looked nice. They also appear to be dog friendly.
- spaceWe also shared some appetizers; the shishito peppers and edamame were pretty standard. The space is nice, although it feels a little impersonal, resembling a large bar area with many hard surfaces and TV screens.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- Lively vibeLively vibe.
- Saturday night karaokeAn added bonus for large groups is Saturday night karaoke
- Tuesday trivianow we come frequently for Tuesday trivia! Always a blast
- ambianceThe ambiance was nice
- big screen tvscatch the game in the big screen tvs
- catch the gamecatch the game in the big screen tvs
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereNo real atmosphere. Just a bar with a TV
- ambiancecontributed to an oddly quiet ambiance for karaoke or drinks
- cozy restaurant feelMiss a more cozy restaurant feel
- dirty platesPlates and silverware dirty with hair and food
- front of the houseThe front of the house is a little cold
- heaters outsideMake rezos or get on yelp waitlist beforehand as you’ll likely have to wait for a table. Only thing that would improve this place is if they added heaters outside so there’s more seating and less waiting for a table.
- industrial lounge experiencetrading in for a cooler industrial lounge experience
- men's bathroomthe men's bathroom was filthy
- outdoor seatingoutdoor seating felt isolated and cold
- seatsseats are way too short
If you're looking for a lively spot with a fun atmosphere, karaoke, and space for groups, this place is definitely worth checking out. However, if comfort and a pristine environment are your top priorities, you might want to manage your expectations regarding seating and cleanliness.
Value (5.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 27% of the guests
When it comes to value, many guests are thrilled with the affordable options and fantastic happy hour deals, making it quite economical. With 12 positive remarks out of 26 total, its clear that finding a great deal here is definitely possible, especially for those looking for tasty food that wont break the bank. However, the value isnt always consistent.
Some found it a bit pricey or expensive, feeling it wasnt always worth the price, especially with unexpected extra charges. This leads to an average score of 5.7 and a mixed customer satisfaction of 46.2%, showing there's room for improvement, with 11 negative comments echoing these concerns.
Value
26
Reviews
46%
Satisfaction
11
negative
3
neutral
12
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable happy hour
- Great daily deals
- Economical choices
What people don't like
- Can be pricey
- Unexpected extra charges
- Not always worth
Often praised
- $1 oyster happy hourSO WORTH IT.
- $1 oysterssaw they have $1 oysters
- $2 Taco Tuesdaysign 2 dollar tacos Tuesday
- 25cent wingsIt’s 25cent wings
- affordableThe American Waygu beef burger (Da Burger) was spectacular, with a delightful chipotle mayo kick and fresh avocadoes. The food was amazing and surprisingly affordable too. I will definitely be back for seconds very soon ☺️.
- dealsenjoy their deals when available
- economicalMy experience at the restaurant was very positive, especially due to the Taco Tuesday specials. The tacos were both tasty and economical. I also appreciated the atmosphere; it wasn't too noisy, which allowed for easy conversation with my friends at the table.
- great dealThis place is a great deal for some oysters
- happy hourgreat deal for happy hour
- happy hour drinkshappy hour drinks which were delicious and reasonably priced
Frequently criticized
- priceThis all cost $54 - not cheap but simply not good at all
- 20% tiptip themselves 20% for horrible service
- add-onsmade it sound like they were included when they were actually extra charges
- better valuebetter value at other restaurants
- expensiveThe waiters disappeared, leading to a long wait even with a reservation. It felt expensive and not worth the price.
- extra $50We ordered the platter for 4-6 people. However, they accidentally gave us the fish combo platter for up to 10 people, which was an extra $50. When we informed them it wasn't what we ordered, they took it away.
- priceyPricey side
- tiptip was tackled on for the drink we didn’t finish and the service we didn’t really get
- two drinksyour have to order 2 drinks
- worth the priceThe waiters disappeared, leading to a long wait even with a reservation. It felt expensive and not worth the price.
If you're looking for a great deal, definitely check out their happy hour and daily specials, as many find them incredibly affordable. However, be aware that regular pricing can feel a bit pricey to some, so plan your visit wisely to get the best value.
How are the prices at Pa'ina?
On average, you’ll spend around 35 $ per person – based on 45 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $31–$40 category. For a Hawaiian Restaurant, that’s mid-range, maybe slightly above.
Looking at the price distribution, while the average is 35 $, a good chunk of diners actually spend a bit less, with the most common range being $21–$30. This suggests a nice mix, offering options for those looking for a slightly cheaper bite while still catering to those who spend a bit more.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 45 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Hawaiian Restaurant in San Francisco. It offers a good balance, allowing for both more budget-friendly visits and slightly more indulgent experiences.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Pa'ina
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Awesome Wings and Amazing Service!
Wing Wednesdays are awesome! I also have to note moments of gratitude since businesses don’t have to go out of their way to be nice to a paid customer once they leave. I dropped my Invisalign tray (right after I changed it too!) at the restaurant and they remember me from the day before and called me to let me know they found my tray.
I was embarrassed, but grateful that they picked up my tray so that I could continue my teeth alignment. Lol. Thank you!
:) and also the wings taste fantastic!
- wings10
- Service10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Type
- Large Group
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
3
Disappointing Atmosphere, Average Food
My experience at this restaurant was underwhelming. The atmosphere was lacking, feeling more like a bar with a TV than a dining establishment. While the food was decent, scoring a 4 out of 5, I believe better culinary options and nicer places with similar values can be found nearby.
The service also received a low score of 2. Overall, it didn't meet expectations for a pleasant dining experience.
- food4
- atmosphere1
- service2
Price per Person
- $71–$80
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
1
Awful Food, Miserable Experience
We happened upon this place and although it was empty except for one table of six, we thought it might be good. It was NOT. I truly have not had food this bad since forever.
I ordered the oxtail noodle soup. The soup was tasteless, the oxtail was not soft (needed to be boiled more), and the noodles were tasteless. It was called oxtail soup with bok choy, but I swear there were only 2 pieces of bok choy.
I asked for salt hoping it would help, but it did not. Simply awful. My husband ordered the pork belly tacos.
He ate one of the three tacos and left it there as it was not good either. We ordered two sides: the Mac and cheese was okay, but the edamame was overcooked and tasteless. This all cost $54, which is not cheap, but it was simply not good at all.
Don’t expect this place will last as it shouldn’t. A miserable experience.
- Mac and cheese5
- oxtail noodle soup1
- oxtail2
- noodles1
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Large Group
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Amazing Party Venue at Pa'ina!
We hosted a large, private party for over 120 people at Pa'ina, and the experience was amazing. The planning process with Beung and Tracy was incredibly kind and accommodating. The restaurant itself is spacious, featuring multi-levels and private rooms that were perfect for our large event.
We utilized the main speaker systems for music, the large screens for personal slideshows, and enjoyed karaoke in both the private rooms and on the main stage. Our guests consistently raved about the delicious cocktails and food. We highly recommend booking an event with Pa'ina!
- cocktails9
- food9
- service10
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
3
Disappointing Lunch with Mixed Service
I visited this restaurant for lunch with a small group and found the experience to be "meh. " While the food looked appealing, it ultimately lacked flavor in every dish we ordered. The restaurant was surprisingly empty during the lunch hour.
Our experience with the service was mixed: a female server was very nice, but a male server was less helpful. He seemed to "trick" us into ordering more add-ons by making them sound included, and was "snarky/judgy" when we declined further additions. Given these issues, I "probably won't be coming back" and would "better to keep walking into Japantown for tastier options.
"
- food presentation5
- female server8
- atmosphere5
- food flavor2
- male server2
- add-ons3
What Pa'ina offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Transgender safespace
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- College students
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Late-night food
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Delivery
- Dine-in
Parking
- Free street parking
- Paid parking garage
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of dining experience can you expect at Pa'ina Restaurant & Lounge?
At Pa’ina Restaurant & Lounge, you can enjoy a casual and trendy atmosphere perfect for various occasions. They offer lunch, dinner, and even brunch, with comfortable seating and table service available. If you’re planning a special event, catering options are also provided for your convenience.
What special offerings and amenities can you find at Pa'ina Restaurant & Lounge?
You’ll find a great beer selection, hard liquor, wine, and cocktails at Pa’ina Restaurant & Lounge, along with happy hour drinks and food. They also serve late-night bites and small plates. For your comfort, the venue is wheelchair accessible, including entrances, seating, and restrooms.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Pa'ina?
Pa’ina holds a Restaurant Score of 6.5, with Customer Satisfaction at 60.3%. While Ambience (7.1) is a strong point, Food (6.6), Service (5.9), and Value (5.7) are generally considered average.
What do customers enjoy most about Pa'ina?
Many customers appreciate the delicious food, especially the chicken wings and Hawaiian dishes, along with the great drinks and Lively vibe. The happy hour deals are also frequently mentioned as a highlight.
What are common complaints about Pa'ina?
Recurring concerns include slow service, inconsistent food quality (some finding it bland), and issues with uncomfortable seating or general cleanliness. Some also find the pricing to be on the higher side for the experience.