Highlights
- Great tea selection
oChef » Chili Cha Cha 2 – San Francisco
Chili Cha Cha 2 - San Francisco
Photo from Chili Cha Cha 2
Chili Cha Cha 2 at a glance
San Francisco Mission District
- 🌶️ Thai Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 45 of the guests
#299 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#3 Thai Restaurant out of 46 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.4 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
349
Reviews
87.1%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Flavorful food
- Friendly service
- Good value
Frequently criticized
- Inconsistent quality
- Higher prices
- Dated interior
The restaurant Chili Cha Cha 2 invites you to explore the vibrant flavors of a Thai Restaurant right in the heart of San Francisco’s lively Mission District. You’ll find a cozy and casual atmosphere perfect for any meal.
This spot is particularly known for its great tea selection, offering a delightful complement to your dining experience. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a relaxed dinner, you’ll feel right at home.
Overview: Introducting Chili Cha Cha 2
Chili Cha Cha offers a generally positive dining experience. Many appreciate the tasty food, noting the flexibility to adjust spice levels and generous portions.
The staff are frequently highlighted for their friendly and attentive approach, contributing to a pleasant visit. However, some diners have observed a decline in overall food quality compared to previous visits, with specific dishes like Pad Thai sometimes falling short.
The interior design also receives occasional comments about feeling a bit dated, lacking natural light.
Excellent
8.4
out of 10
349
Reviews
87.1%
Satisfaction
25
negative
20
neutral
304
positive
Chili Cha Cha earns a solid 8.4 out of 10, indicating a generally well-regarded establishment. This is supported by a strong Customer Satisfaction rate of 87.1%, reflecting that most patrons leave content.
These figures are drawn from 349 customer observations, with 304 positive remarks outweighing 25 negative ones. Digging deeper, Service stands out with an impressive (8.9), closely followed by Food (8.4), which is often praised for its flavor.
While Value (7.7) is considered good, offering reasonable prices, the Ambience (7.6) is also seen as pleasant, though some note its more traditional feel.
What people like
- Flavorful Thai Food
- Friendly, Fast Service
- Good Value, Portions
What people don't like
- Inconsistent Food Quality
- Increased Prices
- Dated Interior
Chili Cha Cha presents a compelling option for those seeking reliable Thai cuisine with excellent service. With a strong Recommendation Score of 8.6, it’s clear many find it a worthwhile spot.
If you value friendly staff and customizable, flavorful dishes, it’s certainly worth a visit. However, be mindful that some dishes might not consistently hit the mark, and prices have seen an increase.
If you prioritize a modern dining atmosphere or are particular about certain classic dishes, you might find aspects less appealing.
Similar Restaurants in San Francisco
- Thai Restaurant
8.6
out of 10
out of 10
465
89.7%
- €€
- Inner Sunset
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Thai Restaurant
8.5
out of 10
out of 10
142
85.2%
- $$
- Duboce Triangle
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Thai Restaurant
8.3
out of 10
out of 10
257
86%
- $$
- Civic Center
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Thai Restaurant
8.3
out of 10
out of 10
314
86%
- $$
- Hayes Valley
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Thai Restaurant
8.3
out of 10
out of 10
534
86%
- $$
- Richmond District
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Thai Restaurant
8.3
out of 10
out of 10
407
86%
- $$
- Little Saigon
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
Verdict: Our expert take on Chili Cha Cha 2
Food (8.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 100% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot truly shines with a 8.4 score, reflecting a generally positive experience for many. With 86.3% customer satisfaction, it's clear that most diners leave happy, especially given the 207 positive comments out of 240 total. Guests frequently rave about the flavorful & delicious dishes, Thai spicy options, and generous portions, often highlighting excellent vegetarian options and fresh ingredients.
However, a few diners (18 comments) have noted some areas for improvement. Concerns include inconsistent quality and some finding the Pad Thai too sweet. There were also mentions of dry rice and noodles and occasionally small portions compared to expectations.
While these are minor points, they suggest a slight variability in execution.
Food
240
Reviews
86%
Satisfaction
18
negative
15
neutral
207
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Bold authentic flavors
- Generous serving sizes
- Great vegetarian options
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Pad Thai too sweet
- Dry rice and noodles
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was largely positive, with very tasty food. I particularly appreciate the flexibility to spice it up or down to individual liking, which is great for couples with different spice preferences.
- Thai foodMy experience at Chili Cha Cha was consistently good. It's always a good bet for Thai food in SF, and it's one of my favorites.
- pad see ewI ordered the pad see ew with chicken and shrimp and requested the highest spice level. This is one of the best Thai places in SF.
- papaya saladTheir papaya salad, lemongrass beef and larb with sticky rice are amazing
- portionsMy experience at the restaurant involved ordering the chili cha cha fried rice and the pad thai. Both dishes were very tasty and came in good portions. However, I found the pad thai to be way too sweet for my personal preference.
- curriesTheir curries... are all solid
- flavorunbeatable when it comes to both price and flavor
- green curryThe spicy dishes are indeed very spicy, but incredibly delicious. My personal favorites include the papaya salad, Tom kha soup, green curry, and pad kee mao. The food is affordable and consistently tasty.
- panang currybest panang curry I’ve ever had
- pumpkin currythe pumpkin curry and it was divine
Frequently criticized
- Pad Thaithe Pad Thai here isn't great
- Food qualityFood was better before
- coconut sweet milky soupDidn't fully enjoy the coconut sweet milky soup.
- dipping sauceswish they would be a little more generous with the dipping sauces
- food qualitythe food quality drastically dropped
- fried riceneither is the fried rice
- fried rice spiceopting for high spice on the fried rice, beware. It's actually super spicy
- limes, peanuts or chiliNo limes, peanuts or chili
- pad see ewMy experience at this restaurant was decent, offering Thai food, though I believe there are better options available. I personally didn't enjoy the pad see ew, but the other dishes we had were good. The restaurant provides vegetarian options with veggie and tofu dishes, and anything can be made with tofu.
- pad thaithe pad thai was way too sweet
If you're seeking bold, flavorful Thai food with plenty of spice and vegetarian choices, this place is definitely worth a try. Just be aware that some dishes might vary slightly in quality or sweetness, so manage your expectations for consistency.
Service (8.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 59% of the guests
The service here truly shines, earning an excellent score of 8.9 and an impressive 94.4% customer satisfaction. With 51 positive remarks out of 54 total, guests consistently praise the friendly staff, quick service, and great hospitality. Many also noted how accommodating with kids the team is, ensuring a pleasant experience for everyone.
While overwhelmingly positive, there's a minor point to consider. Just one comment out of 54 mentioned waiting times, specifically Longer waiting times. This suggests that while service is generally prompt, there might be occasional instances where you could experience a slight delay.
Service
54
Reviews
94%
Satisfaction
1
negative
2
neutral
51
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Quick service
- Accommodating with kids
What people don't like
- Longer waiting times
Often praised
- serviceI ordered the spicy duck egg noodles because they sounded delicious. The staff kindly asked if I could handle spicy food, which was thoughtful. I found the spiciness to be close to Buldak level, making it a great pairing with beer.
- staffThe staff is also very friendly
- ServiceThe service was also top-notch, receiving a score of 5
- deliveryMy experience at Chili Cha Cha was fantastic! I received very fast delivery right before closing, and was impressed by the portion size. The Tom Yum was perfect for my cold, with a strong flavor that I appreciated.
- peopleAll the people are very friendly
- PattPatt always with the smile
- StaffStaff is very friendly
- accommodating with kidsThey are very accommodating with kids
- fast and nice servicefast and nice service
- food came fastFood came fast and was still hot
Frequently criticized
- waiting timesLonger waiting times
If you value attentive and speedy service, this place is definitely worth a visit. You can expect a warm welcome and efficient handling of your order, making for a very pleasant dining experience.
Ambience (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 27% of the guests
Alright, lets talk vibes! The ambience here is generally a hit, scoring a solid 7.6, which is definitely in the good range. Customers seem to agree, with a 75% satisfaction rate, putting it firmly in the good category too.
Based on 18 positive remarks out of 24 total comments, folks really appreciate the indoor seating, the homely spot, and the good vibes, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for a dine-in experience. However, its not all sunshine and roses. A few voices, 3 to be exact, mentioned that the interior looks a bit retrograde and theres little natural light.
While these arent major deal-breakers for most, its something to keep in mind if youre looking for a super modern or brightly lit space.
Ambience
24
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
3
negative
3
neutral
18
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Homely spot
- Good vibes
- Warm atmosphere
What people don't like
- Retrograde interior
- Little natural light
Often praised
- atmosphereThe atmosphere is warm and inviting.
- AtmosphereThe atmosphere was enjoyable, rated at a 4
- ambienceThe place has a very nice ambience
- convenient locationconvenient located
- dine in experiencestrongly prefer the dine in experience
- down to earthIt's one of my favorite Thai places in the Mission. The food is yummy, and the restaurant is affordable and down to earth. The service was rated 5/5, atmosphere 4/5, and food 5/5.
- environmentI love the environment
- excellent Thai restaurantExcellent Thai restaurant
- good peopleGood people
- good vibesMajor good vibes at this place
Frequently criticized
- interiorinterior looks a bit retrograde
- natural lightlittle natural light
- pandemicSadly the pandemic may make it permanently shutter
If youre looking for a cozy, unpretentious spot with good vibes, this place is definitely worth checking out for a relaxed meal. Dont expect a super modern or brightly lit interior, but it's a solid choice for a comfortable dine-in experience.
Value (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 42% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.7 and an excellent customer satisfaction rating of 90.3%, most diners are thrilled with what they get. People frequently praise the prices, good price, and overall value, often highlighting the generous portion size and appealing lunch combo special as real wins.
Out of 31 total remarks, a whopping 28 were positive, showing a strong consensus. However, it's not entirely without its critics, with 3 negative comments noting that it can be a bit pricey or that prices have increased. Some feel that while it offers good value, recent changes have made it less of a steal than it once was.
Still, these are minor quibbles in an otherwise very positive picture.
Value
31
Reviews
90%
Satisfaction
3
negative
0
neutral
28
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Good value
- Reasonable prices
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Prices increased
Often praised
- pricesI particularly appreciate the flexibility to spice it up or down to individual liking, which is great for couples with different spice preferences. The lunch specials are especially good, and the prices are reasonable. The staff are friendly.
- priceMy experience at this Thai eatery in the heart of the Mission was largely unmemorable, despite being well-priced. While the interior has been updated, it still feels a bit retrograde, reminiscent of the 1990s with its low ceilings and limited natural light.
- good priceThis is one of my favorite Thai restaurants. I had a great experience here, enjoying the good flavor of the food, the good price, and the convenient location. The service was also fast and nice.
- affordableAffordable and consistently tasty
- valueThis is one of my go-to places in the Mission for good Thai food. I appreciate the generous portions and the great value. It's a total gem in SF!
- cheapthe Lunch Combo is cheap
- cheap Thai placeMy experience at this restaurant was positive for a relatively cheap Thai place. I would definitely come here again to try some more dishes.
- good valueIt's a good value too!
- locationmodestly priced for it's location in the city
- lunch combo plateits a good deal for $14.95
Frequently criticized
- priceMy experience at this restaurant has been disappointing since they reopened in late August. The price has gone up, and unfortunately, the quality has gone down. The Pad Thai tastes different every time now, which is a shame.
- pricesTheir prices have substantially increased
- priceyIt's a bit pricey
If youre looking for a place that generally offers great bang for your buck, especially with their lunch specials and generous portions, this is definitely worth checking out. While a few have noticed price hikes, the overwhelming sentiment is that youll find good value here.
How are the prices at Chili Cha Cha 2?
You’re looking at roughly 24 per person – reported by 45 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Thai Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at what people usually spend, most diners find themselves in the $11–$20 or $21–$30 brackets, showing prices generally cluster around this mid-range sweet spot.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 45 reviews.
A peek at how this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering it’s a Thai restaurant in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels pretty fair. It hits that sweet spot for a good meal without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Chili Cha Cha 2
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
8
Spicy Duck Egg Noodles Hit the Spot
I ordered the spicy duck egg noodles because they sounded delicious. The staff kindly asked if I could handle spicy food, which was thoughtful. I found the spiciness to be close to Buldak level, making it a great pairing with beer.
The price was reasonable, and the food was tasty. While I was eating, I noticed many customers picking up their takeout orders.
- spicy duck egg noodles8
- spiciness7
- beer7
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
2
Price Up, Quality Down
My experience at this restaurant has been disappointing since they reopened in late August. The price has gone up, and unfortunately, the quality has gone down. The Pad Thai tastes different every time now, which is a shame.
Additionally, there are longer waiting times.
- Pad thai5
- price2
- quality2
- waiting times3
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
7
Decent Thai Food, Mixed Feelings
My experience at this restaurant was decent, offering Thai food, though I believe there are better options available. I personally didn't enjoy the pad see ew, but the other dishes we had were good. The restaurant provides vegetarian options with veggie and tofu dishes, and anything can be made with tofu.
It's also fine for kids, with free street parking available. The price per person is around $20–30. For vegetarians, the restaurant is highly recommended, offering a vegetarian menu or section.
We experienced no wait time. The atmosphere and service were rated a 3, while the food received a 4.
- Thai food6
- other dishes7
- vegetarian options8
- pad see ew2
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Takeout
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Delicious Thai Food, Fast Service!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The Thai food was unassuming yet delicious. The service was incredibly super fast, whether for pickup or dine-in.
I highly recommend not sleeping on the Crab Rangoon; it's the best I've ever had!
- Thai food10
- service10
- Crab Rangoon10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
8
Good Lunch Combo Special
I visit this restaurant about 2-3 times a year. On this trip, I tried their lunch combo special for $16. 95.
I selected the house salad, pot stickers, and spicy basil chicken. I also had the Thai fish cake appetizer. The food was good, although I personally think ground chicken would have been better than sliced chicken for my spicy basil dish.
The service was good, and the place is no frills but clean.
- lunch combo special8
- house salad7
- pot stickers7
What Chili Cha Cha 2 offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Restroom
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Healthy options
- Vegan options
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Catering
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Delivery
- Dine-in
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
What kind of dietary options and beverages can you expect at Chili Cha Cha 2?
At Chili Cha Cha 2, you’ll find diverse offerings including healthy, vegan, and vegetarian options. For drinks, enjoy alcohol, wine, beer, and a great tea selection. Small plates are also available for a quick bite, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
What service options and accessibility features does Chili Cha Cha 2 offer?
Chili Cha Cha 2 offers flexible service with no-contact delivery, takeout, delivery, and dine-in. The restaurant is fully accessible, featuring a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restroom. You’ll experience a cozy and casual atmosphere, ensuring comfort for all guests.
How do customers generally rate Chili Cha Cha?
Chili Cha Cha receives a strong overall score of 8.4 out of 10, with Customer Satisfaction at 87.1%. Service (8.9) and Food (8.4) are particularly well-regarded, while Value (7.7) and Ambience (7.6) also score positively.
What are the main strengths of Chili Cha Cha?
Customers frequently praise the tasty food, especially curries and the flexibility to adjust spice levels. The staff are consistently noted for their friendly and fast service, and many find the restaurant offers good value with generous portions.
Are there any common criticisms or areas for improvement at Chili Cha Cha?
Some diners have noted that the food quality can be inconsistent, with specific dishes like Pad Thai sometimes being too sweet or not meeting expectations. There are also mentions of increased prices and the interior feeling a bit dated.