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oChef » Mahalo – San Francisco
Mahalo - San Francisco
Photo from Mahalo
Mahalo at a glance
San Francisco Inner Sunset
- 🍍 Hawaiian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 25 of the guests
#2153 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#13 Hawaiian Restaurant out of 19 in San Francisco
Average
6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
206
Reviews
54.9%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Generous portions
- Island vibe
Frequently criticized
- Inconsistent service
- Cleanliness issues
The restaurant Mahalo brings a taste of the islands to San Francisco’s vibrant Inner Sunset neighborhood. As a Hawaiian Restaurant, it offers a casual atmosphere perfect for a quick bite or a relaxing meal.
You can enjoy delicious food for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, with options for dine-in, takeout, or even delivery right to your door.
Overview: Introducting Mahalo
Mahalo offers a taste of island comfort, often praised for its hearty portions and a vibe that reminds some of home. The food itself frequently hits the mark, providing satisfying flavors that resonate with many diners.
However, the experience can be a mixed bag, with some finding the ambience a bit rough around the edges and the service occasionally falling short. Cleanliness concerns and parking hassles are also noted.
Average
6
out of 10
206
Reviews
54.9%
Satisfaction
71
negative
22
neutral
113
positive
Mahalo holds an overall Restaurant Score of 6, placing it squarely in the average category. Customer Satisfaction sits at 54.9%, indicating a mixed reception among diners.
This suggests that while many find aspects to appreciate, there’s also a notable portion with reservations. Looking closer, Food (6.2) is a key draw, mentioned in 66.5% of comments, with Value (6.8) also performing reasonably well.
However, Service (5.5) and Ambience (5) pull the overall experience down, with 16% and 10.7% of comments respectively highlighting these areas, often with concerns.
What people like
- Generous food portions
- Comforting island vibe
- Affordable pricing
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service
- Cleanliness issues
- Dated interior
If you’re seeking substantial, affordable Hawaiian-inspired food and appreciate a casual, unpretentious setting, Mahalo could be a good fit. It particularly resonates with those looking for a taste of home.
With a Recommendation Score of 6.6, it suggests a visit might be worthwhile, especially for takeout. Just be prepared for a potentially uneven experience regarding service and atmosphere.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Mahalo
Food (6.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 96% of the guests
When it comes to the food, opinions are a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 6.2 indicating an average experience and customer satisfaction at 57.7%. Many of the 79 positive remarks praise the generous portions and the surprisingly juicy chicken katsu. Guests also enjoyed the delicious BBQ beef and found the overall quality of the island food to be comforting and satisfying.
However, not all 42 negative comments were as glowing. Some found the rice stiff, the gravy watery, or the macaroni salad inconsistent. There were also mentions of dishes being too salty or meats like the short rib being unpleasantly chewy, with a few concerning reports of undercooked chicken.
Food
137
Reviews
57%
Satisfaction
42
negative
16
neutral
79
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Generous portions
- Juicy chicken katsu
- Flavorful Hawaiian classics
What people don't like
- Inconsistent mac salad
- Chewy meats
- Undercooked chicken
Often praised
- foodWe were delivery regulars of this place for a while because we liked the food. Went in to pick up the other day for the first time because I happened to be in the area.
- Chicken KatsuThe Chicken Katsu was extra crispy and the sauce was delicious
- chicken katsuThe chicken is so tender and tastes like it's been marinated. It's covered in what looks to be panko breadcrumbs.
- macaroni saladmacaroni salad was pretty good
- portionsThe portions are beautiful and I wasn't able to finish them
- riceThe BBQ chicken was excellent, and the macaroni salad side was also good. The rice was cooked properly. The only drawback was the interior, which was a bit tacky, but I considered it part of the experience.
- BBQ chickenordered the BBQ chicken
- Hawaiian foodcraving Hawaiian food as there's nothing like it
- gravyI was given extra gravy when I asked
- portionThe portions are quite generous; I often find myself unable to finish my meal, even though I eat a lot. Their chicken katsu is particularly juicy and served in a huge portion. I did find their BBQ chicken to be a bit too salty, but this is a personal preference.
Frequently criticized
- gravynot enough gravy and I had to ask for more
- foodSuper lacking on food
- macaroni saladThe macaroni salad had pre-shredded carrots and two tiny pieces of some type of meat
- BBQ MIX PLATEBBQ MIX PLATE, chicken was okay, beef was too chewy
- BBQ PorkI ordered the plate lunch, specifically the Chicken Katsu and BBQ Pork. The pork was tender but very salty. The Chicken Katsu was extra crispy, so be careful when biting into it as it might tear up the roof of your mouth.
- Chicken KatsuFood poisoning from Chicken Katsu
- Hawaiian BBQ macaroni saladNot authentic Hawaiian BBQ macaroni salad is terrible
- Kalua porkThe Kalua pork does not taste like a Hawaiian recipe.
- Mac saladhow much liquified butter was in the Mac salad
- bagir got wet with sauce.
If you're looking for a quick, filling meal with generous portions, this spot might hit the mark, especially for its chicken katsu. However, be prepared for a potentially inconsistent experience with some side dishes and meat textures, as the food quality can be a bit of a gamble.
Service (5.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 49% of the guests
When it comes to service, you'll find a bit of a mixed bag here, with a score of 5.5 and customer satisfaction at 45.5%. Many of the 15 positive comments praise the friendly staff and quick service, noting how attentive the waitstaff can be. Guests often mention fast delivery times and welcoming customer service, making for a pleasant experience.
However, the 14 negative pieces of feedback highlight some significant issues. Concerns range from slow service and poor customer service to unenthusiastic staff. There are also mentions of problems with handling orders and even hygiene issues, suggesting that consistency might be a challenge.
Service
33
Reviews
45%
Satisfaction
14
negative
4
neutral
15
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Quick service
- Attentive waitstaff
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Poor customer service
- Hygiene concerns
Often praised
- serviceFast and friendly service.
- staffgreeted by warm, welcoming staff who made us feel like family
- customer servicenever had a problem with customer service
- deliverydelivery is fast
- delivery timeAlways get my order delivered in 30 mins or less.
- ownersMy experience at this restaurant was great! The owners are very nice, and I highly recommend giving them a chance. You won't be disappointed with this great place!
- quick eatGood quick eat
- wait timegot my food within 10 minutes
- waitressthe waitress was very polite
- waitstaffthe waitstaff was attentive without being overbearing
Frequently criticized
- customer servicethe customer service was even worse
- serviceThe service was poor as it seemed me wanting to order was a big chore for them
- Mahalo meaningThey don't even no what Mahalo means
- bad serviceI realized the bad service upon my arrival
- businessHow is this place still in business?
- guy at front counterWent in to pick up the other day for the first time because I happened to be in the area. Like another review said, the guy at the front counter kept coughing the whole time I was in there without a mask on, coughing into his hand and then handling to go orders. I'm not a germaphobe but it was really gross and you can't unsee it.
- handling to go ordersWent in to pick up the other day for the first time because I happened to be in the area. Like another review said, the guy at the front counter kept coughing the whole time I was in there without a mask on, coughing into his hand and then handling to go orders. I'm not a germaphobe but it was really gross and you can't unsee it.
- ordersShe didn't deliver us our orders
- staffThey are less than enthusiastic and are not quite welcoming
- takeout deliverytakeout delivery to be ready at a certain time
Overall, service here seems to be a roll of the dice. If you value quick delivery and friendly staff, you might have a great experience. But be prepared for the possibility of slow or unwelcoming service, which could definitely disappoint.
Ambience (5 out of 10)
mentioned by 41% of the guests
Despite a poor customer satisfaction of only 36.4%, some folks really dig the vibe here. Out of 22 comments, 8 praised the ambience, finding it a cozy place with a comforting vibe that even reminds them of home. The music videos and convenient location also add to its charm, contributing to an average score of 5.
However, the ambience isn't all sunshine and rainbows. With 12 negative comments, many found the decor to be lacking and the overall appearance a bit dated. Concerns about cleanliness and even flies were raised, alongside issues with parking.
This mixed bag contributes to the overall poor customer satisfaction of 36.4%, despite an average score of 5.
Ambience
22
Reviews
36%
Satisfaction
12
negative
2
neutral
8
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy, comforting vibe
- Nostalgic music videos
- Convenient location
What people don't like
- Lacking, dated decor
- Cleanliness concerns
- Parking is difficult
Often praised
- ambianceThe ambiance was the perfect blend of relaxing and festive
- convenient locationit's at a convenient location near the rail
- cozy placecozy place
- hole in the wallhole in the wall, comfy island food
- music videosMy favorite part of this restaurant was by far the 90s and early 2000s music videos playing on the TV
- placethis place is great!
- reminds me of homeAs a Hawaii transplant, my experience at this restaurant was fantastic because it truly hits the spot and reminds me of home. I highly recommend getting the chicken katsu.
- vibethe vibe is comforting with the old school design of the interior
Frequently criticized
- atmospherehow quiet it was. No music, tv turned off.
- TV on the wallhate when places have the tv on the wall
- appearanceDon’t judge this place based on appearance. A bit rough around the edges
- cleanlinessLike another review said, the guy at the front counter kept coughing the whole time I was in there without a mask on, coughing into his hand and then handling to go orders. I'm not a germaphobe but it was really gross and you can't unsee it. Gross enough not to order ever again.
- decordecor is a bit lacking
- fliescovered in flys very disgusting
- interiorinterior as it's a bit tacky
- parkingparking is a big hassle
- placeplace is covered in flys
- restaurantIt’s a bit dated and not the prettiest restaurant
So, if youre looking for a no-frills, cozy spot with a nostalgic vibe and dont mind a few rough edges, this place might hit the spot. However, if cleanliness and modern decor are high on your list, you might want to manage your expectations or look elsewhere.
Value (6.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 24% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 6.8 and customer satisfaction at 78.6%, its clear that most diners feel theyre getting a good deal. Many folks rave about the price and how affordable things are, often mentioning a Total $17 or even less for generous portions, based on 11 positive remarks.
However, it's not entirely without its quirks. A few customers, 3 to be exact, felt it was not worth my money, particularly when being charged for a togo box or even sauce. These small charges can sometimes leave a sour taste, even if the overall value is good.
Value
14
Reviews
78%
Satisfaction
3
negative
0
neutral
11
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Good prices
- Affordable food
- Large portions
What people don't like
- Charged for extras
- Not worth money
Often praised
- priceThe decor was a bit lacking, with a picture of Hanauma Bay on one wall and word art of Paris/London on the other. If you're in the area with a large appetite, Mahalo offers large portions at a good price.
- pricesMy experience at the restaurant was positive, with great prices and good food. I particularly enjoyed the fried shrimp and bbq short ribs.
- Total $17Total $17
- affordableMy experience at this restaurant was centered around the Hawaiian food, which was very tasty. While the restaurant itself is a bit dated and not the prettiest, the food is solid, affordable, and seemingly of good quality. It was also very satisfying.
Frequently criticized
- not worth my moneynot worth my money!!
- sauce.50 cents for the sauce
- togo boxcharged us .50 cents for our togo box
If you're looking for a place where your money goes a long way, this restaurant is generally a good bet, offering satisfying portions at reasonable prices. Just be aware of potential small charges for extras like to-go boxes or sauces, which a few customers found a bit off-putting.
How are the prices at Mahalo?
You’re looking at roughly 17 $ per person – reported by 25 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Hawaiian Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most diners (21 out of 25, in fact!) found themselves in that $11–$20 sweet spot, showing a pretty consistent pricing experience.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 25 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing here feels quite fair for a Hawaiian spot in San Francisco. It’s a solid mid-range option where you know what to expect.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Mahalo
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Awesome BBQ Chicken and Friendly Staff!
On our way down the coast, we stopped in and had a great experience. We tried the loco moco and the Mahalo! Chicken Club, both of which were excellent.
The staff were incredibly friendly, and their bbq chicken was particularly AWESOME – it was clear someone put a lot of love into preparing it.
- loco moco8
- Mahalo! Chicken Club8
- staff9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Amazing Macaroni Salad and BBQ Chicken!
I loooove the macaroni salad! We ordered the BBQ chicken and a side of macaroni salad. Big serving, great flavors.
- macaroni salad10
- BBQ chicken8
- Big serving8
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
5
Underwhelming Loco Moco, Decent Musubi
My experience at this restaurant was pretty average overall. I've been there three times in as many years, and each visit has been similar. The loco moco was incredibly underwhelming because they precook their beef patties, resulting in hard meat.
The mac salad was also under seasoned. On a positive note, the musubi was good. I’d be more inclined to dine in if they had music or something to make the atmosphere feel more inviting.
The service was rated a 4, and the food and atmosphere were rated a 3.
- musubi7
- loco moco2
- beef patties2
- hard meat2
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Hidden Gem with Delicious Katsu!
This is a hidden gem in the Inner Sunset! The Chicken Katsu is a classic that you cannot go wrong with. The portions are beautiful, so much so that I wasn't able to finish them.
The vibe is comforting with the old-school design of the interior. I was pleasantly surprised by the Macaroni Salad; it was really good, and I'm not usually a big fan of mac salads. The service was adequate, nothing special, but they got the job done and fed me.
I will definitely be coming back!
- Chicken Katsu10
- portions9
- vibe9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Quiet
3
Food Quality Decline Noticed
My experience at this restaurant was marked by a noticeable decline in food quality. The food used to be very tasty, but recently the chicken hasn't tasted the same. I believe they need to focus on improvement in their food quality.
- food quality2
- chicken3
What Mahalo offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Crowd
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Wi-Fi
- Free Wi-Fi
Offerings
- Quick bite
- Coffee
Dining options
- Catering
- Breakfast
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What kind of dining experience can you expect at Mahalo! in San Francisco's Inner Sunset?
At Mahalo!, you’ll find a casual Hawaiian Restaurant perfect for any meal. You can enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner with table service, or grab a quick bite. They also offer catering, takeout, and delivery, ensuring you can savor their flavors wherever you are.
Does Mahalo! offer accessible options and amenities for all guests, including those with pets?
Yes, Mahalo! is committed to accessibility, featuring a wheelchair accessible entrance and seating. You can also stay connected with free Wi-Fi. For pet owners, dogs are welcome at their outdoor seating area, making it a friendly spot for everyone.
What is the overall dining experience like at Mahalo?
Mahalo offers an average dining experience with a Restaurant Score of **6** and Customer Satisfaction at **54.9%**. While the **Food** (6.2) and **Value** (6.8) are generally appreciated, **Service** (5.5) and **Ambience** (5) are areas where experiences can vary.
What do customers enjoy most about Mahalo?
Many customers appreciate the generous food portions and the affordable pricing. The comforting, island-inspired vibe, sometimes enhanced by 90s/2000s music videos, is also a positive aspect for some.
Are there any common concerns about Mahalo?
Yes, some patrons have noted inconsistent service, with staff sometimes perceived as less welcoming. Cleanliness issues, including mentions of flies and coughing staff, along with a dated or tacky interior, are also recurring concerns.