Highlights
- Great beer selection
oChef » Papito Hayes – San Francisco
Papito Hayes - San Francisco
Photo from Papito Hayes
Papito Hayes at a glance
San Francisco Hayes Valley
- 🌮 Mexican Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 94 of the guests
#1414 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#71 Mexican Restaurant out of 134 in San Francisco
Good
7.3 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
622
Reviews
70.6%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Great service
- Tasty food
- Lively vibe
Frequently criticized
- Pricey
- Noisy
- Rushed service
The restaurant Papito Hayes invites you to experience authentic Mexican flavors right in the heart of San Francisco’s vibrant Hayes Valley neighborhood. This cozy, casual, and trendy spot is renowned for its great beer selection, making it a perfect destination for a relaxed meal or a lively evening out.
You’ll find a welcoming atmosphere whether you’re stopping by for a quick bite or settling in for a full dinner. It’s a fantastic choice for those seeking quality Mexican cuisine.
Overview: Introducting Papito Hayes
Papito offers a generally positive dining experience, where the accommodating service often stands out, making guests feel well-cared for. Many appreciate the authentic tasting dishes and the lively vibe that permeates the space.
However, it’s worth noting that while the food is a highlight, some find the atmosphere can be hectic and loud, potentially impacting the overall comfort. Despite these minor points, Papito manages to leave a good impression on many patrons.
Good
7.3
out of 10
622
Reviews
70.6%
Satisfaction
136
negative
47
neutral
439
positive
Papito earns a solid 7.3 out of 10 for its overall performance, with customer satisfaction sitting at a good 70.6%. This indicates a generally positive reception, supported by 439 positive remarks against 136 negative ones, out of 622 total customer comments.
The Service (8.3) is a clear strength, often described as attentive and accommodating. The Ambience (7.7) also contributes positively, though some find it a bit noisy.
While Food (7.0) is a central draw, the Value (5.0) score suggests that pricing can be a point of contention for some diners.
What people like
- Attentive, accommodating service
- Authentic, flavorful food
- Lively, vibrant atmosphere
What people don't like
- High price points
- Loud, hectic environment
- Occasionally rushed service
If you’re seeking a vibrant spot with flavorful Mexican cuisine and attentive service, Papito is a worthwhile consideration. It delivers on taste and atmosphere, making it a good choice for a lively meal out.
With a Recommendation Score of 7.4, it’s a place that generally satisfies. Just be prepared for a potentially bustling environment and consider that the pricing might feel a bit high for some, especially for a casual dining experience.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Papito Hayes
Food (7 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
The food here generally hits the mark, scoring a 7 which is pretty good, though customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 66.7%. With 264 positive remarks out of 396, many diners rave about delicious items like the Mole Chicken Enchiladas, authentic flavors, and excellent vegetarian options, often praising the tasty quesadillas. However, 93 negative comments point to some inconsistencies.
Issues include food being bland or dry, particularly chicken, and some finding portions too small. There are also mentions of watered-down salsa and concerns about overall food quality, suggesting some dishes might disappoint.
Food
396
Reviews
66%
Satisfaction
93
negative
39
neutral
264
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic flavors
- Delicious enchiladas
- Great veggie options
What people don't like
- Inconsistent quality
- Bland/dry food
- Small portions
Often praised
- foodAs someone born in Mexico and Mexican-American, I found the queso fundido to be authentic tasting and delicious. I give it 5 stars for the food, the vibe, and the drinks. It was all so good!
- guacamoleMy friend arrived before me and ordered the trio of salsas and guacamole. My favorite was the mango and the gauc was on point. I ordered the Chicken Mole Enchiladas.
- FoodFood:5
- drinksAs someone born in Mexico and Mexican-American, I found the queso fundido to be authentic tasting and delicious. I give it 5 stars for the food, the vibe, and the drinks. It was all so good!
- margaritasMy experience at this restaurant was largely positive, centered around their great comfort food and good margaritas. The atmosphere and service were both excellent, receiving a perfect 5/5 rating.
- quesadillasWe got quesadillas (carnitas and pastor)
- vegetarian optionsBeing vegetarian, there were still pretty good choices
- Mexican foodMy experience at Papito Hayes was fantastic! They serve up excellent Mexican food and delicious margaritas. The prices are reasonable, and the portions are pretty big.
- carnitasThe trio of salsa was interesting, offering a less spicy and unusual take on traditional salsa. The carnitas were great with the pineapple. While the mole enchiladas were a bit unusual, served on top of rice and beans in a skillet, they were still good.
- churrosI found it to be a nice outside place to grab a duck quesadilla, which was delicious. The amazing churros were also a highlight. However, I wasn't a fan of the fish taco, as it was a bit bland for my taste.
Frequently criticized
- foodThe food was bad watery food.
- salsaThe food should have a real salsa or something spicy on the side
- tacosWe enjoyed two house margarita pitchers that were delicious, along with chips and assorted salsas. I personally had two tacos (pastor and camaron costeño), but they were quite small, and I should have ordered three. Others in my party ordered assorted enchiladas that they loved and were portioned appropriately.
- beansEverything we ordered lacked any pop or discernible taste. The beef enchiladas were mild, the beans were undercooked, and the queso was made with plain jack cheese, with no chorizo flavor detectable. Most concerning was the lack of spice from the al pastor.
- cheeseeverything comes with cheese so make sure to tell no cheese
- chickenThe burrito's exterior was golden brown and delicious, but the inside was a letdown. It contained spicy chunky salsa, and the chicken was some of the driest I’ve had in a long time. While the chicken chunks were generous, they were too large for a single bite and were described as super dry and hard.
- chicken molechicken mole, it was dry and didn’t have much mole on it at all
- food qualityseverely disappointed with the food quality
- mango salsathe mango salsa seemed to have straight from a preserved mango can
- portion sizeIt was disappointing. The quesadilla with avocado was black and too small. For those who say this place is delicious, I don't believe it.
If youre looking for a Mexican meal with some standout dishes and authentic flavors, its worth a try, especially for the enchiladas and vegetarian options. Just be aware that some experiences mention blandness or dry meat, so choose wisely to avoid disappointment.
Service (8.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 72% of the guests
When it comes to service, Papito Hayes truly shines! With a strong score of 8.3 and a customer satisfaction rate of 83.5%, its clear guests often leave happy. Out of 127 comments, a whopping 106 highlighted the positive aspects, praising the friendly service, attentive staff, and quick service.
Many appreciated the staffs willingness to resolve issues and accommodate special requests. However, not every experience was perfect. A smaller number of 17 comments pointed to areas for improvement, mentioning slow service, rushed service, and even unfriendly bartender encounters.
Some guests felt hurried during their meal, and a few noted staff with grumpy faces, suggesting occasional inconsistencies in the service quality.
Service
127
Reviews
83%
Satisfaction
17
negative
4
neutral
106
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Quick, efficient service
- Accommodates requests
What people don't like
- Service can be slow
- Feeling rushed sometimes
- Inconsistent staff
Often praised
- serviceThe food was great, and the vibe was good, complemented by fun margaritas. The service was accommodating, as they were easy to help with modifications like no cheese. I've dined in a few times and have been happy each time, leaving with an eagerness to return.
- staffIt was well spiced and spicy, the eggs were perfect, the hollandaise very creamy, the English muffin well toasted and the home fries were really good. Unfortunately, we had to sit outside due to my friend's condition and it was cold, but the staff was very attentive and made sure we have everything we needed. I highly recommend it.
- ServiceService:5
- JorgeJorge took care of us and made sure we had a great time
- Raúlserver, Raúl, was incredibly nice
- arrived quicklyThe restaurant is a busy place with tables and chairs designed for customer turnover, meaning the tables were small and the chairs uncomfortable. Despite this, the food, made to order, arrived quickly. Overall, I'd rate it 3.
- attentive staffmuy atentos
- bar serviceour lady was very nice and attentive
- cool guysWe had lunch here today. It's a really cool place with authentic food and some cool guys behind and in front of the counter. For starters, we had the Trio Salsa with chips, which were refilled for free once they were empty : -) As a main course, I had the Burrito Mojado with grilled chicken.
- courteous serviceservice was amazingly fast and courteous
Frequently criticized
- serviceWhen I brought this to the attention of the waiter, who was wearing a hat, he shouted at me in front of all the other customers. Due to the lack of hygiene and the terrible service, I definitely do not recommend this place and will never return. 🤮
- serversWhile the food was good, the service was disappointing. The servers seemed to be in a rush, making us feel as if we were being hurried out of the restaurant. We didn’t even get a chance to fully enjoy or finish our meal.
- bartenderunfriendly bartender
- morning facesthe guys working there have a grumpy faces
- platesWe didn’t even get a chance to fully enjoy or finish our meal. They kept coming one after another, removing plates from the table while we were still eating. Overall, it was not a pleasant experience.
- reservationarrived without a reservation since Papito doesn't take them
- service qualityWhile the presentation of the food was attractive, it did not live up to expectations. Additionally, the service was very slow and bad. I accept that the presentation of the food is attractive, but it is not what it seems.
- service speedthe service was very slow
- waiterwaiter in the hat, he shouted at me
- waiting for tablesasked to wait outside with our baby
Papito Hayes largely delivers a good service experience, with many guests praising the friendly and efficient staff. While a few diners occasionally felt rushed, the overall sentiment is positive, making it a solid choice if you appreciate quick, accommodating service.
Ambience (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 44% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, this spot generally hits the mark, scoring a good 7.7 and leaving 77.9% of customers satisfied. With 60 positive remarks out of 77 total, many folks rave about the lively atmosphere, great vibes, and the option for outdoor seating, making it a fun experience. Youll often hear praise for the overall ambiance, the cool mural, and how it feels like a great place for a night out or even with family.
However, its not always smooth sailing, as 14 negative comments point to some potential drawbacks. Some found the atmosphere hectic and loud, especially if seated at a table by the door. Concerns were also raised about uncomfortable chairs and tables, and the small space sometimes making conversation tough.
So, while the good vibes are strong, be prepared for a potentially bustling environment.
Ambience
77
Reviews
77%
Satisfaction
14
negative
3
neutral
60
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Lively atmosphere
- Great vibes
- Outdoor seating
What people don't like
- Loud and hectic
- Uncomfortable seating
- Small, crowded space
Often praised
- atmosphereWe visited this very tasty Mexican restaurant on our way from Alamo Park to the city center. The staff was friendly, and the atmosphere was also top-notch. I had the tacos, which were very delicious and well-filled.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- ambianceThe drinks were also just so-so. While the ambiance is nice and the service is good, neither was anything special.
- experienceThe whole experience from start to finish.
- vibeAs someone born in Mexico and Mexican-American, I found the queso fundido to be authentic tasting and delicious. I give it 5 stars for the food, the vibe, and the drinks. It was all so good!
- locationthe location which is hard to beat
- outdoor seatingthey have outdoor seating available
- placeBeautifully decorated place
- vibesGreat vibes here. It’s like one big party
- al frescoThe prices are reasonable, and the portions are pretty big. Plus, if you're feeling like dining outdoors, you can devour all that in the sun.
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereThe food was delicious, earning a perfect score. However, the atmosphere was hectic and loud. We were seated at a table right by the door, which contributed to the busy and hectic environment.
- ambienceeven though cold if sitting close to the door
- barbar is not for people buying drinks and waiting for tables
- conversationmaking it tough to enjoy conversation
- experienceWe suspect our baby might have been unwelcome, though he was quiet. Overall, it was a very strange and unfriendly experience. Papito needs to improve its service.
- hygienicIt is not hygienic at all
- indoor dining areaindoor dining area was really loud
- parkingDifficult to find parking
- restroomThe toilet had a line, was dirty
- spaceSmallish space so gets very loud
If youre looking for a lively spot with good energy and dont mind a bit of a buzz, you'll likely enjoy the atmosphere here. Just be aware that it can get loud and busy, so it might not be your top pick for a quiet, intimate chat.
Value (5 out of 10)
mentioned by 16% of the guests
Looking at the positives, many guests praised the overall experience and felt they received value for money, especially noting the reasonable prices for food items. Out of 22 total opinions, 9 were positive, highlighting that some found the pricing quite fair, contributing to an average score of 5. However, the picture isn't entirely rosy, with 12 negative remarks.
Many expressed concern over overcharging and found the restaurant pricey or expensive for what they received, with some feeling shocked by the check. This mixed sentiment is reflected in a customer satisfaction of 40.9%, suggesting that value is a real sticking point for others.
Value
22
Reviews
40%
Satisfaction
12
negative
1
neutral
9
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Good value for money
- Reasonable food prices
- Positive dining experience
What people don't like
- Can be pricey
- Overcharging concerns
- Expensive for casual
Often praised
- pricesI highly recommend it for its food, drinks, and ambiance. The place is beautifully decorated and offers yummy food at reasonable prices, which is a great find in the super-expensive Hayes Valley. The margaritas were also fantastic.
- experienceit definitely and experience worth your money
- food itemsFood items are also decently priced
- value for moneyMy experience at the restaurant was excellent! I found it to be great value for money, with great taste and great service. We ordered the quesadillas, and they were fantastic!
Frequently criticized
- priceI had higher expectations, and "Ehh" is the word that comes to mind. On a hot day, warm water was served in a carafe, and the food was mediocre and way over priced. You can find more "authentic" Mexican food in the Mission.
- checkshocked when the check arrived
- guacamole priceguacamole itself is an EXTRA $12.00, just for guacamole!!!
- lunchit's not a cheap lunch. It's pretty pricy
- overcharginglow key a rip-off when they overcharge you
- price per person3 lunch meals and drinks $92
- priceya bit pricey for what it was
- pricey for casual dininga tad pricey for casual dining
So, is it worth it? If you're looking for reasonable prices and a good experience, some guests found it. However, be prepared that others felt it was quite pricey and expensive, so check the menu carefully before you commit.
How are the prices at Papito Hayes?
You’re looking at roughly 32 per person – reported by 94 diners. That puts it in the $31–$40 category. For a Mexican Restaurant in San Francisco, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Interestingly, while the average is 32, many guests actually spend less, with a significant number falling into the $21–$30 and even $11–$20 ranges. This suggests a good mix of options, from more budget-friendly bites to slightly higher-end dishes.
This chart shows what people usually spend per person, using the 94 most recent reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels fair for a Mexican Restaurant in San Francisco. It offers flexibility, allowing guests to enjoy a meal without breaking the bank, or to indulge a little more if they wish.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Papito Hayes
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
2
Disappointing Pozole Experience
My experience at the restaurant was quite disappointing, particularly with the food. My pozole was not as expected; it lacked beans and was primarily broth with cabbage 🥬, radishes, and a single pork trotter 🐾. It was a very unsatisfactory dish 😩😩😩😩.
I cannot recommend it.
- pozole1
- pork trotter1
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Loud
10
Amazing Quesadillas, Highly Recommended!
My experience at this restaurant was amazing! I had the carne asada quesadillas, and they were the best quesadillas I have ever eaten. I definitely recommend this place!
- carne asada quesadillas10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
3
Disappointing Mexican Experience
My experience at this restaurant was disappointing. While the photos looked good, I was reminded why I don't typically eat Mexican food in neighborhoods not known for it. The Duck taco was drenched in cheap barbecue sauce, which was quite sad.
However, the Chorizo taco was good. The salsa roja was disgusting, appearing to be straight up oil.
- Chorizo taco7
- Duck taco2
- Salsa roja1
- filling3
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Amazing Asada Quesadilla!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I had the amazing Asada Quesadilla, and it was so good that my plate was empty afterward. The sauce the meat was cooked with was really good and complex.
The portions are big, and the prices are decent. I really enjoyed the rich Mexican flavors. The vegetarian options, like the Vegeteriano tacos and the vegetarian quesadilla with cauliflower and mushrooms, are also highly recommended, with a large vegetarian selection available.
The service and food both received a perfect score of 5, and the atmosphere was also rated highly at 5. It was a quiet atmosphere, making it easy to talk. There was no wait time.
- Asada Quesadilla10
- sauce9
- portions8
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Delicious Mexican Food and Great Atmosphere
We visited this very tasty Mexican restaurant on our way from Alamo Park to the city center. The staff was friendly, and the atmosphere was also top-notch. I had the tacos, which were very delicious and well-filled.
- tacos9
- staff8
- atmosphere8
What Papito Hayes offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Tourists
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Hard liquor
- Late-night food
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Organic dishes
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere and dining options can you expect at Papito Hayes?
Papito Hayes offers a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere, ideal for enjoying brunch, lunch, or dinner with table service. You can explore a great beer selection, along with cocktails, wine, and hard liquor. The menu also caters to diverse preferences with healthy, organic, and vegetarian options, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
What service options and accessibility features does Papito Hayes provide?
Papito Hayes offers flexible service options including outdoor seating, dine-in, takeout, and delivery for your convenience. If you’re planning ahead, reservations are accepted. The restaurant is also fully accessible, featuring a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restroom, ensuring a comfortable experience for all guests.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Papito?
Papito generally receives good feedback, with an overall Restaurant Score of 7.3 out of 10 and a Customer Satisfaction rate of 70.6%. Customers particularly appreciate the **Service** (8.3), **Ambience** (7.7), and **Food** (7.0), though **Value** (5.0) is seen as average.
What are the standout features of the dining experience at Papito?
Customers frequently praise the attentive and accommodating service, with staff often going the extra mile. The food is noted for its authentic flavors, with dishes like queso fundido and carnitas receiving positive mentions. The restaurant also offers a lively and vibrant atmosphere.
Are there any common concerns or drawbacks when dining at Papito?
Some diners find the prices to be on the higher side, particularly for a casual meal. The atmosphere can also be quite loud and hectic, which might not be ideal for those seeking a quiet conversation. Additionally, some experiences mention service feeling rushed at times.