Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
oChef » Caramba – San Francisco
Caramba - San Francisco
Photo from Caramba
Caramba at a glance
San Francisco Haight-Ashbury
- 🌮 Mexican Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 47 of the guests
#910 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#48 Mexican Restaurant out of 134 in San Francisco
Good
7.7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
250
Reviews
79.2%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- delicious food
- budget friendly
- quick service
Frequently criticized
- inconsistent quality
- order errors
- menu confusion
The Mexican restaurant in San Francisco’s vibrant Haight-Ashbury neighborhood offers a truly authentic culinary journey. When you step inside Caramba, you’re immediately greeted by an inviting atmosphere that promises a memorable meal.
Whether you’re craving a hearty lunch or a delightful breakfast, this spot has you covered. You can choose to dine-in and soak up the local vibe, grab your order for takeout, or even have it delivered right to your door.
Overview: Introducting Caramba
Caramba offers a casual dining experience where the focus is clearly on the plate. Many appreciate the fresh, handmade items and the substantial portions, particularly the burritos.
However, some experiences suggest the food quality can be a bit inconsistent, with occasional issues like unmelted cheese or watery sides. Beyond the food, you’ll find a generally friendly staff who aim to please, often providing quick service.
While the atmosphere is described as having an authentic Mexican feel, a few patrons have noted that the exterior and overall look could use some refreshing.
Good
7.7
out of 10
250
Reviews
79.2%
Satisfaction
38
negative
14
neutral
198
positive
Caramba holds a respectable overall score of 7.7, indicating a good dining experience, which aligns well with a solid 79.2% customer satisfaction rate. This suggests that most visitors leave content with their meal.
The positive feedback significantly outweighs the negative, with 198 positive remarks compared to 38 negative, out of 250 total customer observations. Looking closer at the specifics, Ambience scores highest at (7.9), followed closely by Service (7.8) and Food (7.7).
Value also performs well at (7.6). These scores collectively paint a picture of a place that generally delivers across the board, providing a pleasant environment, efficient service, and satisfying dishes at a reasonable cost.
What people like
- Delicious, fresh food
- Affordable, fair prices
- Quick, friendly service
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Order accuracy issues
- Confusing menu display
If you’re seeking a straightforward, satisfying meal with a focus on good portions and fair pricing, Caramba is certainly worth considering. The 7.9 recommendation score suggests many find it a reliable choice for Mexican cuisine, especially if you appreciate quick service and a welcoming atmosphere.
However, be mindful that while the food is often praised, there are occasional reports of minor inconsistencies. If you prioritize a consistently perfect dish or a highly polished setting, you might find some aspects less than ideal.
For a casual, budget-friendly option, it generally hits the mark.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Caramba
Food (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 100% of the guests
It seems like the food here generally hits the spot! With a solid score of 7.7 and customer satisfaction at 77.6%, diners are largely pleased. Many of the 118 positive remarks rave about the homemade tortillas, authentic Mexican flavors, and spicy salsa, often highlighting the big portions that leave you feeling satisfied.
However, it's not all perfect, as 26 comments point to some areas for improvement. Some guests have encountered watery refried beans, old rice, or unmelted cheese, and a few found the chicken to be lacking in flavor, suggesting some inconsistencies in preparation.
Food
152
Reviews
77%
Satisfaction
26
negative
8
neutral
118
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Mexican flavors
- Homemade tortillas/salsas
- Great breakfast burritos
What people don't like
- Inconsistent salsa quality
- Old, hard rice
- Questionable health practices
Often praised
- foodI cannot say enough amazing things about the food! Everything was fresh, handmade, and absolutely delicious! From the homemade tortillas and hot sauces to the incredible compote!
- breakfast burritosingle greatest breakfast burrito spot I have been to
- Mexican foodbest Mexican food in the Haight Ashbury area by far
- breakfast burritosthey do breakfast burritos all day too that I really liked.
- burritoMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I had the best burrito I’ve ever had. The workers, who I believe are the owners, were extremely friendly.
- burritosthe burritos are massive and good priced
- vegetarian optionsaccommodating of vegetarians and have very kindly sauteed additional veggies
- Foodwish everyone could go taste the food
- carnitasThe carnitas tasted like something I would have at a family gathering, so tender and juicy
- menuTried everything on menu, mostly good
Frequently criticized
- salsaI appreciated the good morning prices and the authentic Mexican atmosphere. However, the refried beans were quite watery, and unfortunately, there was no salsa on the side, nor any chips served with the order.
- cheesethe cheese wasn’t melted at all
- chipschips are store bought
- foodfood was disappointing
- Caramba bowlit was mostly bowl--very little protein
- appetitefinding a piece of wood in your food made me loose my appetite
- chickenThe chicken didn’t have much flavor
- eggsovercooked my eggs
- food preparationfail her in food prep too
- food quantitythe quantity was lacking
If youre craving authentic Mexican flavors and generous portions, especially for breakfast burritos, this spot is definitely worth a try. Just be aware that some dishes might have minor inconsistencies, like old rice or bland chicken. Overall, its a good bet for a satisfying meal.
Service (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 65% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark! Many guests rave about the incredibly friendly staff and speedy service, often noting how quickly their food arrives. With 37 positive remarks out of 48 total, its clear the team, including attentive workers and a sweet lady at the front, makes a great impression.
Customer satisfaction sits at a strong 77.1%, reflecting a good experience overall. However, its not all perfect. With 8 negative comments, some guests encountered issues like poor menu knowledge and order accuracy problems.
There were also mentions of confusing order placement due to the menu board, occasional poor team communication, and even absolutely terrible service in one instance. While not widespread, these are areas where the service could be tightened up, contributing to a good score of 7.8.
Service
48
Reviews
77%
Satisfaction
8
negative
3
neutral
37
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Speedy service
- Attentive workers
What people don't like
- Order accuracy
- Menu knowledge
- Poor communication
Often praised
- staffThe staff asked if I needed any modifications
- serviceI was especially impressed with the service
- foodThe food got to us quickly and hot
- service speedmy food was done in 30 secs
- workersMy experience at this restaurant was super delicious! The food was fairly priced, and the workers were very kind. I highly recommend the super quesadilla with chicken.
- Carmenbe sure to thank Carmen the owner
- ServiceService:5
- StaffStaff was super nice
- Wait timeNo wait
- burrito builderThe "burrito builder" behind the counter was easy to work with
Frequently criticized
- lineline can reach the door sometimes.
- menu knowledgeserver apparently didn't know the menu
- ordershe messed that up and still she wanted to argue I ordered 1
- order accuracyGave me a burrito instead of a California
- ownersAdvice to the owners – this isn’t getting lost on locals
- placement of the menu boardThe restaurant is located on 2nd street and is fairly busy during the lunch hour. One of the unique aspects of the restaurant is that orders are placed at the beginning of the counter when you first walk in and if you’re a new customer, it’s a bit confusing because of the placement of the menu board. I ordered a super shrimp burrito on a spinach wrap.
- serviceAbsolutely terrible service
- team communicationPoor communication with her team
If youre seeking a place with generally friendly and quick service, youll likely be pleased. Just keep in mind there's a slight chance of minor order accuracy or menu knowledge issues, especially during peak hours.
Ambience (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 38% of the guests
When it comes to atmosphere, this spot truly shines! With a 7.9 score and an impressive 92.6% customer satisfaction, its clear most diners love the vibe. Based on 25 positive remarks out of 27, guests frequently praise the authentic Mexican atmosphere, clean dining area, and simple yet charming decor.
Youll also find plenty of seating options, making it a comfortable visit. However, a couple of comments (2 negative out of 27) suggest the exterior might not be its strongest suit. Some have noted the outside looks a little run down, hinting that the initial impression from the street could be improved.
But don't let that deter you from the positive experience inside!
Ambience
27
Reviews
92%
Satisfaction
2
negative
0
neutral
25
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic atmosphere
- Clean interior
- Ample seating
What people don't like
- Run-down exterior
Often praised
- atmosphereThe atmosphere has a really nice feel to it
- 2nd St location2nd St location is right off the Monty bart station
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:4
- Kid-friendlinessKids are welcome!
- Mexican spotMy experience at this restaurant was positive. It's a decent hole in the wall Mexican spot. The fish tacos are good, and they also offer several vegetarian options.
- Parkingnot difficult to park at all
- Parking optionsPaid street parking
- Wheelchair accessibilityNo problem there
- authentic Mexican atmosphereMy experience at this restaurant was pretty good. I appreciated the good morning prices and the authentic Mexican atmosphere. However, the refried beans were quite watery, and unfortunately, there was no salsa on the side, nor any chips served with the order.
- cleanit clean
Frequently criticized
- atmospherePlace looks a little ugly
- exteriorLooks a little run down from the outside
Overall, if youre looking for a place with a genuinely good and authentic atmosphere, this restaurant is definitely worth a visit. Dont be swayed by its modest exterior; the interior charm and clean dining experience are highly praised. It's a great spot for a comfortable, local meal.
Value (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 40% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid 7.6 score and a strong 78.3% customer satisfaction, its clear most diners feel theyre getting a good deal. Based on 18 positive remarks out of 23 total, many praise the reasonably priced, fair prices, and super affordable options, often noting the quality for price is excellent.
However, not everyone agrees, with 2 opinions suggesting it can be a little pricey for some. While the overall sentiment is positive, a few folks felt the price wasn't always as low as they hoped, or warned against trying to cheap out if you want a good experience.
Value
23
Reviews
78%
Satisfaction
2
negative
3
neutral
18
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fairly priced food
- Great value
- Super affordable
What people don't like
- Can be pricey
Often praised
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was super delicious! The food was fairly priced, and the workers were very kind. I highly recommend the super quesadilla with chicken.
- pricesthe prices are super affordable
- reasonably pricedI asked for a recommendation and was suggested the bacon and potato breakfast burrito with eggs, cheese, and green chili. It was filling, full of flavor, and very reasonably priced. I will definitely go back when I'm in town again.
- cheapCheap and good
- fair pricesMy experience at Caramba was awesome! I really loved the delicious food and the fair prices. It's a great lunch option in the downtown/SoMa area, and their catering is great too.
- fairly pricedfairly priced
- good morning pricesMy experience at this restaurant was pretty good. I appreciated the good morning prices and the authentic Mexican atmosphere. However, the refried beans were quite watery, and unfortunately, there was no salsa on the side, nor any chips served with the order.
- good pricesgood prices, and friendly staff
- mealIt's nice to have a meal that isn't pizza for less than $10.
- pricedreasonably priced Mexican option.
Frequently criticized
- cheap outif you cheap out you won’t last
- pricea little pricey in my opinion
If youre looking for a meal that wont break the bank, this place is generally a solid bet. Most customers find the prices fair and the quality good, making it a worthwhile stop for budget-conscious diners. Just be aware that a small minority found it a tad expensive.
How are the prices at Caramba?
You’re looking at roughly 15 per person – reported by 47 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Mexican Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most guests actually spend in that $11–$20 sweet spot, with a good chunk also finding options in the $1–$10 range. So, prices definitely cluster around the average, offering a nice mix without straying into premium territory.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 47 reviews.
A look at how this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Mexican Restaurant in San Francisco, especially given the range of options available. It seems like a solid choice for a good meal without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Caramba
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Delicious Vegetarian Burrito, Great Value!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I had a delicious vegetarian burrito, and their homemade sauces were equally tasty. The portions were big, and the overall experience was very reasonably priced.
I highly recommend this place for its great food and value.
- vegetarian burrito9
- homemade sauces9
- Big portions8
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
9
New Go-To Spot with Amazing Barbacoa!
This is going to be my new go-to place! I ordered a barbacoa torta, and it was the best one I ever had. The bread was so soft yet crunchy at the same time.
My friend got a quesadilla and taco and was very happy with her meal. Their brunch menu looked amazing so definitely coming back again for that. Definitely give this new place to Haight a shot!
- barbacoa torta10
- bread9
- quesadilla and taco8
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Authentic Mexican Food Gem
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I found it to be the best Mexican food in the Haight Ashbury area by far. The homemade corn tortillas made it feel like eating at a friend's cocina.
Everything was incredibly fresh and flavorful. I highly recommend trying the Chilaquiles Trio.
- Mexican food10
- homemade corn tortillas10
- fresh9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Authentic Mexican Gem in the Haight
My experience at this Mexican restaurant was fantastic! I've found my new favorite spot in the Haight. The food was incredibly authentic, making me feel like I was back in Mexico.
The atmosphere was also a highlight, rated a perfect 5. Overall, it was a wonderful dining experience.
- food10
- atmosphere10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Great Food and Welcoming Staff!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The food was great, and the staff were very nice. They are new to the neighborhood, and I encourage everyone to give them a warm welcome.
The restaurant is easily customizable for dietary restrictions and welcomes kids. Parking is available via paid street parking, and it's not difficult to find in the evening. The price per person is between $10–20.
I highly recommend their vegetarian offerings, as they have a large selection. There was no wait time, and the service was takeout. It's wheelchair accessible, and it was a pleasant dinner experience.
- food9
- staff9
- Dietary restrictions8
What Caramba offers
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- High chairs
Dining options
- Seating
- Lunch
- Breakfast
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
FAQs
What dining and service options are available at Caramba!?
At Caramba!, you have several convenient options. You can enjoy a relaxed dine-in experience with comfortable seating for breakfast or lunch. If you’re on the go, takeout is available, or you can opt for delivery right to your location. High chairs are also provided for your little ones.
Does Caramba! offer accessibility features and welcome pets?
Yes, Caramba! is designed to be accessible for everyone, featuring a wheelchair accessible entrance for your convenience. If you’re visiting with your furry friend, dogs are welcome to join you in the outside seating areas, ensuring a pleasant experience for all.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Caramba?
Caramba generally receives good feedback, with an overall score of 7.7 and a customer satisfaction rate of 79.2%. Most patrons appreciate the experience, as evidenced by 198 positive remarks out of 250 total customer observations.
What are the standout features of Caramba's offerings?
Customers frequently praise the delicious and fresh food, particularly the burritos and carnitas, along with the affordable and fair prices. The quick and friendly service also stands out as a strong positive.
Are there any common issues or areas for improvement at Caramba?
Some customers have noted inconsistencies in food quality, such as unmelted cheese or watery sides, and occasional issues with order accuracy. The placement of the menu board can also be confusing for new visitors, and some find the exterior appearance a bit dated.