Payments
- Cash-only
oChef » Baby’s – San Francisco
Baby's - San Francisco
Photo from Baby’s
Baby's at a glance
San Francisco Excelsior
- 🇵🇭 Filipino Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 10 of the guests
#917 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#7 Filipino Restaurant out of 15 in San Francisco
Good
7.7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
104
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Authentic Food
- Friendly Service
- Good Value
Frequently criticized
- Limited Seating
- Cold Food
- Cash Only
The restaurant Baby’s is a welcoming Filipino Restaurant nestled in the vibrant Excelsior neighborhood of San Francisco. You’ll find a wonderfully casual atmosphere here, perfect for a relaxed dining experience.
Whether you’re craving small plates or looking for a quick bite, this spot offers a delightful taste of Filipino cuisine in a friendly setting.
Overview: Introducting Baby's
Baby’s offers a genuine taste of Filipino cuisine, often praised for its flavorful food and the kind and lovely people who run it. It’s a place where you can expect a warm, consistent experience, reflecting a true mom-and-pop establishment.
While the ambience is notably simple and it’s a small spot, many appreciate its no-frills charm. It delivers on good value for hearty meals, making it a popular choice for those prioritizing taste and friendly service over a fancy setting.
Good
7.7
out of 10
104
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
14
negative
12
neutral
78
positive
Overall, Baby’s earns a solid 7.7 out of 10, with customer satisfaction sitting at a good 75%. This indicates a generally positive reception, reflecting a place that consistently meets expectations for many patrons.
These insights are drawn from a total of 104 customer remarks, with 78 positive observations against 14 negative ones. The Food stands out as a clear highlight, scoring an impressive (8.1), frequently mentioned for its authentic flavors.
Service also performs well with a (7.8), often described as quick and friendly. While Ambience (6.3) is more moderate, aligning with its casual style, the Value (7) remains a strong point, offering reasonably priced meals.
What people like
- Authentic Filipino Food
- Friendly, Consistent Service
- Great Value
What people don't like
- Limited Seating
- Food Temperature Issues
- Cash Only
If you’re seeking authentic Filipino comfort food and appreciate a no-frills, community-focused spot, Baby’s is certainly worth considering. It excels in delivering flavorful dishes and friendly interactions, making it a reliable choice for a satisfying meal.
However, be prepared for a very casual setting with limited seating and note that it operates on a cash-only basis. With a strong recommendation score of 8.4, it’s a solid pick if you prioritize great food and value over a formal dining experience.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Baby's
Food (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 91% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark with a good score of 8.1 and a good customer satisfaction of 79.7%. With 55 positive remarks out of 69 total, many rave about the memorable food and authentic Philippino Food, praising the big bold flavors and hearty meals that truly satisfy. However, a few of the 5 negative comments point to some issues, specifically mentioning foods are all cold and concerns about the heating rack not keeping food heated properly.
This suggests an occasional inconsistency in food temperature that could be a dealbreaker for some.
Food
69
Reviews
79%
Satisfaction
5
negative
9
neutral
55
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Filipino food
- Memorable, bold flavors
- Hearty, generous portions
What people don't like
- Food served cold
- Heating rack issues
Often praised
- lumpia(iii) lumpia rolled fresh by the house matriarch on-site
- Filipino foodMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I found it to be the best Filipino food in the Bay Area. The staff is extremely friendly, and my grandkids felt special when they were given a free lumpia.
- foodI have to say this is one of my favorite places to grab food. They are always so nice.
- adoboDelicious adobo goes by quick
- palabokAng sarap ng palabok dito
- Filipino restaurantsI've eaten in hella Filipino restaurants
- LongganisaTheir Longganisa is the best thing on this planet.
- PancitPancit... omgeee I love it all
- Philippine foodbest Philippine food I've ever tasted
- Shanghai Lumpiathe Shanghai Lumpia is the best
Frequently criticized
- foodWhen I asked if they sold puto, a Filipino steamed rice cake, an old lady just laughed in my face. There are plenty of other Filipino restaurants that have respectful employees and better food. I recommend saving yourself a trip and checking out Irma’s, Chibog, or Isla instead.
- food heatedkeep the food heated to avoid getting spoiled or bacteria
- foodsthe foods are all cold
- heating rackstored in a Bain Marie heating rack but I guess it wasn’t working
- putoI used to like this place, but my recent experience was disappointing. When I asked if they sold puto, a Filipino steamed rice cake, an old lady just laughed in my face. There are plenty of other Filipino restaurants that have respectful employees and better food.
If youre craving authentic Filipino flavors and generous portions, this place is definitely worth a try, as most experiences are overwhelmingly positive. Just be aware that there might be an occasional hiccup with food temperature, so its something to keep in mind.
Service (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 48% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark, boasting a solid score of 7.8 and a customer satisfaction rate of 76.9%, both indicating a good experience. Many folks rave about the friendly staff and kind people who are consistently earnest and even speak English, making interactions smooth. Based on 10 positive remarks out of 13 total, guests often feel well-cared for and appreciate the quick, consistent service.
However, its not entirely without its hiccups. One customer had a rather unpleasant encounter, feeling disrespected by an employee' who reportedly laughed in their face when asked about a specific item. While this is a single instance among 13 comments, it highlights a potential for inconsistency in customer interactions that could be improved.
Service
13
Reviews
76%
Satisfaction
1
negative
2
neutral
10
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Kind people
- Consistent service
What people don't like
- Disrespectful interaction
Often praised
- ServiceService was quick
- consistencyI've been coming here for years, and the experience is always very consistent. I just left with dinner for 3, and the total was under $30.
- earnestThey are earnest at what they do
- hard working, kind peopleThese folks are hard working, kind people
- kind and lovely peopleVery kind and lovely people.
- lolaEven my lola (grandma) loves this spot
- peopleThis authentic Filipino food is good for those who appreciate small, mom-and-pop establishments. It's not going to win any ambiance awards, but good food is good, and the people are friendly. I'd go again.
- servicethey are always so nice
- speak Englishthe gals here speak English
- staffThe staff is extremely friendly
Frequently criticized
- employeesWhen I asked if they sold puto, a Filipino steamed rice cake, an old lady just laughed in my face. There are plenty of other Filipino restaurants that have respectful employees and better food. I recommend saving yourself a trip and checking out Irma’s, Chibog, or Isla instead.
If friendly, consistent, and quick service is high on your list, youll likely find this place a good fit. While one isolated incident suggests there might be an occasional hiccup, the overwhelming sentiment points to a welcoming and efficient team. Its definitely worth a visit if you appreciate earnest and kind people.
Ambience (6.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 52% of the guests
Based on 18 opinions, with 10 positive mentions, the ambience here offers a charming, no-frills, friendly vibe, often described as a homey place or even a hidden gem. Many appreciate the open kitchen and the mom and pop type restaurant feel, contributing to a sense of nostalgia. However, with 7 negative mentions, the experience is a bit of a mixed bag, reflected in a customer satisfaction of 55.6%.
Some find the place too small with limited seating or no dine-in options at all. There were also specific concerns about the Bain Marie food rack impacting the overall ambiance, leading to an average score of 6.3.
Ambience
18
Reviews
55%
Satisfaction
7
negative
1
neutral
10
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Homey, friendly vibe
- Open kitchen view
- Mom-and-pop charm
What people don't like
- Limited seating space
- No dine-in options
- Bain Marie concern
Often praised
- carinderia stylecarinderia style of Filipino restaurants where the food is displayed
- hidden gemDefinitely a hidden gem ❤️
- homey placeVery homey place!
- mom and pop type restaurantgood for those who is into the small mom and pop type restaurant
- nostalgicIt was very nostalgic
- open kitchenwith an open kitchen
- placeit's an excellent place
- small spotThis is a super small spot
- vibeWhile the glass-noodle pancit is tasty, it's more of a personal preference. It's an excellent option for Filipino food in the Outer Mission/Excelsior area, with a very strong, no-frills, friendly vibe from the islands.
- whole in the wallwhole in the wall with great family cooked meals
Frequently criticized
- seatingseating is very limited
- AtmosphereNo tables and chairs for customers
- Bain Marie food rackstop cleaning the Bain Marie food rack with soap and water white you have other food next to it
- ambianceIt's not going to even come close to winning any ambiance award
- dine-indoes not offer dine-in options
- placethe place is too small
If youre seeking a cozy, no-frills, home-style Filipino meal and dont mind a very casual, small setting, this spot could be a delightful find. However, if spacious dining or a polished atmosphere is high on your list, you might find the limited seating and carinderia-style setup a bit challenging.
Value (7 out of 10)
mentioned by 17% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot truly delivers! With a good score of 7 and a customer satisfaction of 75%, its clear guests feel theyre getting a great deal. Many folks rave about the price , noting you can get dinner for 3 for under $30, making it incredibly reasonable.
Based on 3 positive remarks, your wallet will definitely be happy here. However, theres one small detail to keep in mind. The main point of contention, mentioned in 1 negative comment, is that the establishment operates on a cash only basis .
While not a deal-breaker for everyone, its definitely something to be aware of so youre not caught off guard when its time to settle the bill.
Value
4
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
1
negative
0
neutral
3
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Very affordable meals
- Reasonable pricing
What people don't like
- Cash only payment
Often praised
- priceVery reasonably priced
- dinner for 3dinner for 3 under $30
Frequently criticized
- cash onlyoperates on a cash only basis
If youre seeking a place that offers excellent value and wont strain your budget, this restaurant is a solid choice. Just remember to bring cash, as it's their only accepted payment method, to ensure a hassle-free experience.
How are the prices at Baby's?
You’re looking at roughly 14 per person – reported by 10 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Filipino Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at what people actually spend, most diners (7 out of 10) land right in this $11–$20 sweet spot, with a couple finding cheaper bites and just one venturing a bit higher. So, prices definitely cluster around this average.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 10 reviews.
How does this restaurant’s value stack up against similar spots in San Francisco?
Overall, we think the pricing feels pretty fair for a Filipino restaurant in San Francisco, offering good value for a mid-range experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Baby's
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Favorite Spot for Great Food and Service!
I have to say this is one of my favorite places to grab food. They are always so nice. I will be in soon to grab me a plate.
- food9
- service10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Disappointing Service, Better Options Available
I used to like this place, but my recent experience was disappointing. When I asked if they sold puto, a Filipino steamed rice cake, an old lady just laughed in my face. There are plenty of other Filipino restaurants that have respectful employees and better food.
I recommend saving yourself a trip and checking out Irma’s, Chibog, or Isla instead.
- puto2
- employees1
- food2
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Takeout
10
Best Filipino Food in Town!
This is a great spot for takeout Filipino food. I found it to be the best Filipino food in town! 😊 You must try it!
- Filipino food10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Takeout
9
Hearty Flavors in a Tiny Gem
This is one of those deceivingly small places, but it packs a lot of big bold flavors and hearty meals. It is a highly efficient mom-n-pop restaurant, with an open kitchen and a food-prep operation in plain sight. Often you'd see fresh dishes poured right into the food warmers directly from the stoves.
And with everything out in the open, you have the sense that everything is honest, as simple as a home kitchen. And in spite of their tiny operation, the selection is ample on any given day in this turo-turo style, so much to pick from, and it seems as if point at anything, even from their shelves, everything is for sale. These folks are hard working, kind people who try to send you off with as much food they can pack into to-go overflowing plastic containers.
They are earnest at what they do. This is a fine example of a small business with big dreams.
- big bold flavors9
- hearty meals9
- open kitchen8
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Excellent Place, No Regrets
I decided to check out this place after seeing a YouTube video about it, and I have no regrets. It's an excellent place.
- place10
What Baby's offers
Popular for
- Solo dining
- Lunch
- Breakfast
Offerings
- Small plates
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Catering
- Lunch
- Dessert
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What can you expect to find on the menu at Baby's Eatery & Palabok?
At Baby’s Eatery & Palabok, you’ll discover a delightful selection of small plates perfect for a quick bite. You can also enjoy lunch and dessert options, and they even offer catering services for your events. It’s a great spot for a casual meal.
What kind of dining experience does Baby's Eatery & Palabok offer?
You’ll find a wonderfully casual atmosphere at Baby’s Eatery & Palabok, making it a relaxed spot for any meal. Whether you prefer to dine-in and soak up the ambiance or grab your food to go with their convenient takeout service, they’ve got you covered.
How is Baby's generally rated by customers?
Baby’s holds a good overall score of 7.7 out of 10, with 75% customer satisfaction. Its Food (8.1) and Service (7.8) are highly regarded, while Value (7) is also strong. The Ambience (6.3) is considered more average, reflecting its casual nature.
What kind of dining experience can I expect at Baby's?
You can expect a very casual, mom-and-pop style restaurant with a homey, no-frills vibe. It’s often described as a small spot with an open kitchen, offering a friendly atmosphere, though seating is very limited and it may not offer dine-in options.
Are there any important considerations before visiting Baby's?
Yes, it’s important to note that Baby’s operates on a cash-only basis. Also, some customers have mentioned issues with food temperature, with dishes occasionally being served cold. Seating is also very limited, so it might be best for takeout.