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oChef » La Quinta – San Francisco
La Quinta - San Francisco
Photo from La Quinta
La Quinta at a glance
San Francisco Mission District
- 🌮 Mexican Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $41–$50
mentioned by 7 of the guests
#2089 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#117 Mexican Restaurant out of 134 in San Francisco
Good
6.2 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
145
Reviews
56.6%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Authentic food
- Fresh tortillas
- Good atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- Poor service
- Hidden costs
- Dirty restrooms
The restaurant La Quinta, a vibrant Mexican restaurant nestled in the heart of San Francisco’s Mission District, offers you a delightful culinary escape. Whether you’re craving a quick bite or a leisurely meal, this cozy spot provides a casual yet trendy atmosphere perfect for any occasion.
You’ll find yourself immersed in authentic flavors, making it an ideal destination for a memorable dining experience in the city.
Overview: Introducting La Quinta
La Quinta offers a mixed experience, with many appreciating the food quality, often described as authentic and significantly better than chain options. The handmade tortillas receive particular praise, suggesting a focus on traditional preparation.
However, the service can be inconsistent, with some guests reporting very positive interactions while others encountered rudeness. The atmosphere is generally pleasant, though some practical aspects like cleanliness and operating hours could see improvement.
Good
6.2
out of 10
145
Reviews
56.6%
Satisfaction
49
negative
14
neutral
82
positive
Overall, La Quinta registers an average Restaurant Score of 6.2 , with Customer Satisfaction sitting at 56.6% . This indicates a somewhat mixed reception among diners.
Based on 145 customer opinions, including 82 positive and 49 negative remarks, the experience here appears to have notable highs and lows. Digging deeper, Food stands out as a strong point with a score of (7.3), frequently praised for its authenticity.
Ambience (6) is considered average, offering a pleasant but not exceptional setting. However, Service (4.4) and Value (3.8) are areas that clearly need attention, with many guests expressing concerns about inconsistent interactions and pricing.
What people like
- Authentic Mexican food
- Handmade tortillas
- Pleasant atmosphere
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service
- Deceptive pricing
- Poor bathroom cleanliness
La Quinta presents a mixed proposition, reflected in its Recommendation Score of 6.4 . If you prioritize authentic Mexican food and appreciate a generally pleasant atmosphere , it could be worth a visit, especially for breakfast or lunch.
However, be prepared for potentially inconsistent service and keep an eye on the bill due to reported value concerns. It’s a place with character and culinary strengths, but some operational aspects could temper the overall experience.
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Verdict: Our expert take on La Quinta
Food (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 92% of the guests
When it comes to the grub, diners are generally quite pleased, with a solid 7.3 score and 71.4% customer satisfaction. Many of the 60 positive remarks rave about the authentic flavors, especially the handmade tortillas, delicious pork tacos, and flavorful salsas. Specialty items like birria and menudo also get high praise for being super well served and truly tasty.
However, it's not all sunshine and spice, as 15 negative comments point to some inconsistencies. Some found the food to be bland or ordinary, with simple sauces and mushy rice being specific complaints. There were also mentions of stale chips, suggesting that not every dish hits the mark.
Food
84
Reviews
71%
Satisfaction
15
negative
9
neutral
60
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic flavors
- Handmade tortillas
- Delicious specialty dishes
What people don't like
- Bland food
- Simple sauces
- Inconsistent dish quality
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic. It's a family-owned establishment with very good food, significantly better than Mexican restaurant chains and fast food places. The restaurant is rooted in the neighbourhood, and the waiters know their customers, which adds a personal touch.
- handmade tortillashandmade tortillas were awesome
- menudothis is the second time I have the menudo and it is delicious
- Huevos RancherosWe had Huevos Rancheros. They were good.
- birriasoups menudo and birria. Both delicious
- coffeemenudo and coffee!
- tortillasThe tortillas are homemade and thick
- Alboniga soup bowlAlboniga soup bowl is delicious and large
- Pollo (chicken) MexicanoI ate every bit of my lunch special, the Pollo ( chicken ) Mexicano
- authenticit’s very authentic
Frequently criticized
- foodthe food is somewhat flavorless
- dishesI think the dishes were very simple. I liked the huevos rancheros, but the sauce was very simple and it only came with rice and beans.
- burrito to goMy burrito was just rice, beans and meat
- chipsThe chips were stale and thin
- drink selectionDrink selection was also close to none
- extra tortillasdon't ask for extra tortillas because they say they are out
- mushy ricemushy rice that would be great
- non alcoholic sangriaThe service was ok. I would advise against getting the non-alcoholic sangria; it was ridiculously sweet and not drinkable.
- ordinary foodthe food was very ordinary
- rice, beans and meatMy burrito was just rice, beans and meat
If you're seeking authentic Mexican flavors and handmade tortillas, this spot is definitely worth a try, especially for their specialty soups and tacos. Just be prepared that some dishes might be a bit simpler or less flavorful than others, so choose wisely.
Service (4.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 57% of the guests
Despite a low 30% customer satisfaction, some guests have experienced genuinely pleasant interactions, praising the friendliness of the staff and owners who aim to serve you to your liking. With 12 positive remarks among 40 total, there are moments of good service to be found. However, the overall picture, reflected in an average 4.4 score, shows significant room for improvement.
Many describe bad service with long waits, rude attitudes from staff, and a notable lack of customer service attention, with 25 negative comments.
Service
40
Reviews
30%
Satisfaction
25
negative
3
neutral
12
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Hospitable owners
- Attentive service
What people don't like
- Rude attitude
- Long waits
- Poor attention
Often praised
- servicevery nice service the person who attended the table very Pleasant and kind
- staffMy experience at this family Mexican place was marked by really tasty food, featuring great sauces and served by nice staff. However, the restaurant's operating hours were a significant drawback, as they close too early.
- friendlinesswith the friendliness that every customer hopes to be attended to with
- good serviceif you want good service come in the morning
- lady who servesMy experience at La Quinta has been generally good. The lady who serves the tables has always been very kind to me. I'm not very varied in what I order, so when I want a delicious breakfast, generally eggs with chorizo, or just fried eggs, or for lunch, beef soup or green enchiladas, I'll go to La Quinta.
- ownersThe couple that own the place are very hospitable
- serve you to your likingthey truly serve you to your liking
- waitersWaiters friendly
- woman servingWe went here on purpose, but it just wasn't that good. The woman serving us was nice, but the food was just bland. The drink selection was also close to none.
Frequently criticized
- servicethe service was horrible to say the least!!!!!!
- attitudeall you get is bad service & attitude
- customer servicecustomer service needs to be replaced
- bad servicein the evening all you get is bad service
- curlerMy experience was terrible. The TV didn't work and I discovered my curler was missing. When I called to inquire, the lady stated no one was staying in that room and it should be there.
- delivery serviceswith the different delivery services it has not given me good results
- helpDid not want to help at all
- ladyThe lady rudely responded "YES!! What do you need."
- lady at counterThe food was great, but the service was horrible to say the least! The lady that worked at the counter was incredibly rude and standoffish. I will never patronize them again!
- menuI went in to get a burrito to go. I wasn't helped by anyone, I had to ask for the menu. The lady rudely responded "YES!
If youre hoping for consistently stellar service, this might not be your spot. While some find the staff friendly, be prepared for potential frustrations like long waits and less-than-attentive interactions. Its a bit of a gamble.
Ambience (6 out of 10)
mentioned by 32% of the guests
The ambience here often strikes a chord with its family-owned charm and neighbourhood roots, creating a nice ambiance for conversation. Guests frequently praise the Mexican theme inspired environment and good music, contributing to a generally pleasant atmosphere. With 8 positive remarks, it's clear many enjoy the vibe, though the overall score of 6 (average) and customer satisfaction at 53.3% (mixed) indicate a balanced reception.
On the flip side, some aspects of the setting could use attention. A few customers found the tables and chairs uncomfortably large, which can affect comfort during a meal. More critically, the bathroom was pretty gross for some, a significant detractor from the overall experience.
These 5 negative comments highlight specific areas where the physical environment could definitely improve.
Ambience
15
Reviews
53%
Satisfaction
5
negative
2
neutral
8
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Neighborhood feel
- Mexican theme
- Good music
What people don't like
- Gross bathroom
- Uncomfortable seating
Often praised
- ambiancenice ambiance from inside to chat
- atmosphereMy experience at this restaurant, located in the heart of the Mission, was marked by its good unique food. While it was a little pricy, the good atmosphere made up for it.
- environmentthe environment is mexican theme inspired
- family-ownedMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic. It's a family-owned establishment with very good food, significantly better than Mexican restaurant chains and fast food places. The restaurant is rooted in the neighbourhood, and the waiters know their customers, which adds a personal touch.
- musicgood music in Spanish of course
- neighborhoodbest neighborhood in the US for places like this one
- neighbourhoodRooted in the neighbourhood
- open on Sundaysthey open on Sundays!
Frequently criticized
- hoursif had better hours
- TVMy experience was terrible. The TV didn't work and I discovered my curler was missing. When I called to inquire, the lady stated no one was staying in that room and it should be there.
- bathroomBathroom was pretty gross
- tables and chairsThe tables and chairs are uncomfortably large
If a cozy, neighborhood spot with a distinct Mexican theme and good music sounds appealing, you'll likely enjoy the atmosphere here. Just be prepared for potentially large seating and be aware that the bathroom might not be up to par.
Value (3.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 11% of the guests
When it comes to value, some folks have found things to cheer about, noting Great price and Reasonable prices. Out of 6 comments, 2 highlighted the positive aspects of the price and prices, suggesting that some diners felt they got a good deal. However, the overall sentiment leans negative, with a score of just 3.8, placing it in the average-to-poor range, and customer satisfaction at a poor 33.3%.
Many experiences, accounting for 4 out of 6 comments, pointed to issues like deceptive pricing and price increase, with some even mentioning being charged an additional $1.
Value
6
Reviews
33%
Satisfaction
4
negative
0
neutral
2
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Good value
What people don't like
- Deceptive pricing
- Unexpected charges
- A bit pricey
Often praised
- priceGreat price
- pricesReasonable prices
Frequently criticized
- additional $1charged us an additional $1 with a vague story
- deceptive pricingWarning! Deceptive pricing!
- priceMy experience at this restaurant, located in the heart of the Mission, was marked by its good unique food. While it was a little pricy, the good atmosphere made up for it.
- price increaseprices are $1 more than is printed in the menu
If youre highly sensitive to pricing discrepancies, you might want to proceed with caution. While some find the prices fair, the recurring issues with deceptive pricing' and unexpected charges could be a dealbreaker for others.
How are the prices at La Quinta?
You’re looking at roughly 43 per person – reported by 7 diners. That puts it in the $41–$50 category. For a Mexican Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average is 43, the prices paid by these 7 guests are quite spread out, showing options from budget-friendly to more premium. With only 7 customers, this data is limited, but it gives us a good indication.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 7 reviews. While this is a good indication, remember the data is limited.
See how this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering it’s a Mexican restaurant in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels fair, especially given the range of experiences reported by diners. It seems like you can find options for different budgets here.
Customer Reviews: what people think about La Quinta
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Authentic Tacos with Handmade Tortillas!
My experience was fantastic! I stumbled upon this place by chance and was delighted by how authentic it felt. The handmade tortillas were a standout, making for a very good taco.
I highly recommend it for anyone looking for a genuine taste.
- handmade tortillas10
- authentic9
- taco8
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
7
Perfect Hangover Burrito, Mushy Rice Needs Work
This is the burrito to get if you are hungover at 8 am on a Sunday. I loved the avocado and the pork was satisfying. The price was great.
While this wasn't the burrito I initially wanted, it was the burrito I needed. If it's normal taqueria business hours, I'd recommend visiting another establishment for a better burrito. However, for an 8 am hangover, I will definitely be back.
That being said, if you could do something about the mushy rice, that would be great.
- avocado9
- pork8
- price9
- mushy rice3
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Delicious Food and Great Service!
We stumbled upon this restaurant by chance and left very satisfied with both the food and the service. We tried the menudo and birria soups, both of which were delicious. We will definitely be back soon!
- food10
- service10
- soups10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
2
Deceptive Pricing and Ordinary Food
My experience at this restaurant was marked by deceptive pricing and ordinary food. We were initially charged $14. 95 for dishes listed at $12.
95 on the menu. We later discovered a sign on the front window indicating a $1 price increase per dish due to inflation, which we hadn't seen before ordering. To add to this, we were charged an additional $1 per dish with a vague explanation about eggs increasing costs.
The food itself was edible and filling, but nothing special. Given these pricing issues and the unremarkable food, we will not be returning.
- food5
- deceptive pricing1
- price increase1
- additional $11
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Best Sopa and Enchiladas!
My experience at this restaurant was truly fantastic. I had the best sopa (soup) in the Mission. I also loved the enchiladas, and their hot sauce was super tasty.
I absolutely love this place.
- sopa10
- enchiladas9
- hot sauce9
What La Quinta offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Delivery
- Dine-in
Pets
- Dogs allowed inside
- Dogs allowed
Parking
- Paid parking garage
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
Is La Quinta in San Francisco accessible for all guests?
Yes, La Quinta prioritizes your comfort with comprehensive accessibility features. You’ll find a wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, seating, and restrooms, ensuring a welcoming experience for everyone.
What dining and service options are available at La Quinta?
La Quinta offers a variety of convenient options to suit your plans. You can enjoy dine-in with table service for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner, or opt for no-contact delivery, takeout, or standard delivery for meals at home.
What is the overall customer sentiment for La Quinta?
La Quinta has an average Restaurant Score of 6.2 and Customer Satisfaction of 56.6% . While Food (7.3) and Ambience (6) are generally well-regarded, Service (4.4) and Value (3.8) are areas where customers have expressed concerns.
Is the food at La Quinta considered authentic and high quality?
Many customers praise La Quinta for its authentic Mexican food , often highlighting dishes like menudo and birria as delicious. The handmade tortillas are also frequently mentioned as a positive aspect of the culinary experience.
How is the service experience at La Quinta?
The service at La Quinta appears to be inconsistent. While some guests report very pleasant and kind interactions with the staff, others have unfortunately encountered rude or unhelpful service, particularly during evening hours.