Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
oChef » CHALOS – San Francisco
CHALOS - San Francisco
Photo from CHALOS
CHALOS at a glance
San Francisco Parkside
- 🌶️ Latin American Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 86 of the guests
#290 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#1 Latin American Restaurant out of 4 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.4 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
509
Reviews
86.4%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Great Food
- Warm Service
Frequently criticized
- High Price
- Laptop Ban
The restaurant CHALOS, a vibrant Latin American Restaurant in San Francisco’s charming Parkside neighborhood, invites you to a truly authentic dining experience. You’ll find a casual atmosphere perfect for any occasion, whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a leisurely meal.
They cater to diverse tastes with excellent vegan and vegetarian options, alongside tempting happy hour drinks.
Overview: Introducting CHALOS
CHALOS offers a generally positive experience, with many patrons praising the quality of its offerings. You’ll find well-regarded items like their freshly made empanadas and delightful churros, often described as highlights.
The overall atmosphere is frequently noted as welcoming and comfortable. While the culinary aspects are a strong draw, some visitors have noted concerns regarding the perceived value of certain items.
Additionally, specific operational choices, such as a no laptop policy , have occasionally impacted the experience for some, despite the generally friendly service.
Excellent
8.4
out of 10
509
Reviews
86.4%
Satisfaction
50
negative
19
neutral
440
positive
CHALOS earns a solid overall score of 8.4, indicating a good dining experience, supported by a strong customer satisfaction rate of 86.4%. This positive sentiment is drawn from over 500 customer remarks, with 440 positive observations outweighing the 50 negative ones, suggesting a generally well-received establishment.
The culinary offerings are a clear highlight, with Food scoring an excellent (8.6). The Service also stands out as good (8.2), often described as attentive and welcoming.
The Ambience contributes positively with a good score (8.0), creating a pleasant setting. However, Value is an area that could see improvement, registering an average score (4.8), which suggests some items might not meet expectations for their cost.
What people like
- Excellent Food Quality
- Friendly, Welcoming Service
- Pleasant, Cozy Ambience
What people don't like
- Perceived Poor Value
- Restrictive Laptop Policy
- Limited Operating Hours
CHALOS presents itself as a strong contender for a casual meal, particularly if you prioritize well-prepared food and a welcoming atmosphere. With a recommendation score of 8.5, it generally delivers a positive experience, making it a place worth considering for its core offerings.
However, be mindful of the value proposition for certain menu items and their specific policies, such as the laptop restriction. If you’re seeking a relaxed spot for good food and friendly interactions, and these minor caveats don’t deter you, CHALOS could be a suitable choice.
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Verdict: Our expert take on CHALOS
Food (8.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
When it comes to the food, you're in for a treat! It boasts an excellent score of 8.6 and an impressive 90.7% customer satisfaction. With 312 positive remarks out of 344, diners consistently rave about the delicious and authentic empanadas, highlighting their variety, flavor, and fresh ingredients.
The amazing churros, flavorful coffee, and hearty breakfast burritos also receive high praise. While overwhelmingly positive, a small number of 18 comments out of 344 did point out a few areas for improvement. Some found the breakfast burrito a bit greasy or overly filled with tater tots, while a few churros were noted as undercooked or bland.
Occasionally, certain beef and chicken empanadas were thought to need more flavor, and some coffee was described as burnt.
Food
344
Reviews
90%
Satisfaction
18
negative
14
neutral
312
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic, delicious empanadas
- Amazing, fresh churros
- Hearty breakfast burritos
What people don't like
- Greasy breakfast burritos
- Undercooked churro dough
- Bland empanada fillings
Often praised
- empanadasI tried the empanadas, their breakfast burrito, and some churros. The empanadas were freshly made, with one baked option that was nice and flaky, and one fried that was deliciously crispy. The breakfast burrito was hearty, well-filled, and even kept well for leftovers the next day.
- churrosThe breakfast burrito was hearty, well-filled, and even kept well for leftovers the next day. The churros were amazing – delightfully crispy and chewy in the middle without being overly oily. I would recommend this place to anyone in the area, especially if you're looking for a nice, quiet breakfast or brunch spot.
- foodIt was huge, and the addition of tater tots made it the perfect choice for a weekend breakfast, particularly when feeling hungover. The food was excellent, and the atmosphere and service were also top-notch.
- coffeeMy experience at the restaurant was incredible. We enjoyed the incredible food, great coffee, and wonderful service. We visited after my daughters' soccer match, and it was a perfect way to celebrate their game.
- breakfast burritoMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I had the best breakfast burrito in the city, and the churros were also amazing. My friends tried the fried and baked empanadas, which were quite good.
- FoodThe food was truly fantastic!
- breakfast burritosbest breakfast burritos in town! Perfectly charred tortilla
- baked empanadasMy experience at Chalos was a great end to our morning stroll, offering delicious eats between churros and coffee, and baked empanadas. Thank you for such a relaxing and enjoyable morning!
- flavorEach bite bursts with flavor
- flavorsMy experience at the restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed savory Argentinian empanadas with a great array of different flavors to choose from. The exquisite churros con dulce de leche, made the Argentinian way, were also a highlight.
Frequently criticized
- burritoTheir $10 burrito only has eggs, (processed microwaveable) tater tots and cheese
- churrosConsidering how popular CHALOS seems to be and the number of 5-star reviews, I was somewhat disappointed by the coffee and churros I tried. The churros were bland and a little undercooked. The coffee was burnt.
- avocadocould not seem to find inside but a pinch of a drop
- baconadded bacon for $2 extra but there was barely any bacon
- beef and chicken empanadasBeef and chicken empanadas needs more flavor
- breakfast burritobreakfast burrito is incredibly greasy and nasty
- breakfast sausage burritoburrito was just full of tots, barely egg or meat
- coffeeThe churros were bland and a little undercooked. The coffee was burnt. The pungent and savory mixture of breakfast burrito and spicy empanada wafting into my nose did little to enhance my experience.
- dipping sauceBeef and chicken empanadas needs more flavor and maybe a dipping sauce
- empanadasthey are too small
If you're seeking authentic, flavorful empanadas, delightful churros, and quality coffee, this spot is a must-try. While a few minor critiques exist regarding some breakfast burritos or occasional churro consistency, the vast majority of diners find the food exceptional and incredibly satisfying.
Service (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 64% of the guests
The service here generally shines, with a strong score of 8.2 and a solid 80% customer satisfaction. Out of 90 comments, 72 highlight the incredibly friendly and welcoming staff and owners. Many appreciate the hands-on approach and professionalism, making for a truly pleasant experience.
However, not all experiences are perfect, with 16 comments pointing to some areas for improvement. A few customers encountered rude employees or issues like lost orders. Additionally, some found the screen-free policy and limited hours a bit restrictive, leading to minor frustrations.
Service
90
Reviews
80%
Satisfaction
16
negative
2
neutral
72
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, welcoming staff
- Owners are hands-on
- Attentive, quick service
What people don't like
- Rude staff instances
- Strict laptop policy
- Orders get lost
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at the restaurant was incredible. We enjoyed the incredible food, great coffee, and wonderful service. We visited after my daughters' soccer match, and it was a perfect way to celebrate their game.
- staffMy experience at this restaurant was a mix of incredible food and a frustrating policy. The food is consistently 10/10, and the staff are generally nice. However, I was unaware of their “no laptop policy” and was surprised when I couldn't finish some work during breakfast.
- ServiceThe churros were absolutely fabulous, and my dulce de leche coffee was so yummy! The service was excellent, with no wait time, and the atmosphere was great.
- ownersThe owners have been there every time I've been there and they are super friendly.
- ownerthe owner is super friendly and hospitable
- ChaloAs an Ecuadorian who lived in San Francisco for a short time, I had the pleasure of meeting Chalo, who is an amazing person. He makes the place really cozy and welcoming for any Latino.
- Wait timeThe churros were absolutely fabulous, and my dulce de leche coffee was so yummy! The service was excellent, with no wait time, and the atmosphere was great.
- customer serviceAmazing customer service at this mom and pop shop!
- customersThe food was good, and the service was truly great. I could tell the person who handled the front end genuinely cared for his customers and took pride in the food he served.
- energyI really appreciate her professionalism and energy!
Frequently criticized
- baristabarista had a very big problem with anger
- closing timethey close too early (5pm)
- customer serviceCustomer service is everything to me alongside of great eats
- employee at the deskEmployee at the desk when we asked about food allergies (nuts) was very rude
- laptopsNot allowing laptops
- limited hourstheir limited hours
- outside foodasked me not to eat outside food
- paying customerssince we were already paying customers
- policing behaviorpolicing people's behavior
- pretentiousfeels more PRETENTIOUS
If you're looking for a place with genuinely friendly and welcoming staff, this spot is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful of their screen-free policy and check their hours beforehand, as some find them a bit restrictive. Overall, expect good service, but be aware of potential policy-related quirks.
Ambience (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 47% of the guests
The vibe here is definitely a winner! With a good score of 8 and a good customer satisfaction of 85.5%, its clear most folks love the atmosphere. Many of the 53 positive comments rave about the cozy and relaxed vibe, praising the nice atmosphere and natural light, often highlighting the indoor and outdoor seating options.
However, its not all sunshine and roses, as 8 comments point out a few snags. Some found parking a bit rough or constrained, and the location can make things difficult. A few also werent thrilled about the no laptop policy or discouraged internet use, ' which might be a dealbreaker for some.
Ambience
62
Reviews
85%
Satisfaction
8
negative
1
neutral
53
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy, relaxed atmosphere
- Inviting indoor/outdoor seating
- Bright natural light
What people don't like
- Limited parking
- Tricky location access
- No laptop policy
Often praised
- atmosphereIt was huge, and the addition of tater tots made it the perfect choice for a weekend breakfast, particularly when feeling hungover. The food was excellent, and the atmosphere and service were also top-notch.
- AtmosphereThe churros were absolutely fabulous, and my dulce de leche coffee was so yummy! The service was excellent, with no wait time, and the atmosphere was great.
- placeAs an Ecuadorian who lived in San Francisco for a short time, I had the pleasure of meeting Chalo, who is an amazing person. He makes the place really cozy and welcoming for any Latino. I used to go with someone special and cherished memories with.
- ambianceAmbiance and service match the excellence of the food served
- dining areaVery clean, spacious dining area
- spacethere's ample space where tables aren't too close together.
- vibeI used to go with someone special and cherished memories with. Him, being born and raised in California, loved the place and the vibe. He totally felt right at home as well, no doubt.
- ambiencethe ambience is relaxing to just chill and eat.
- authentic experienceAn authentic and try experience
- cafeThe cafe is very clean and open
Frequently criticized
- parkingParking in the area is not great
- cafehost such an inhospitable cafe
- internet useInternet use is discouraged here
- locationlocation make this a bit difficult
- no laptop policyWhat an idiotic policy
- streetcar track renovationTaraval street car track renovation underway
If youre looking for a cozy, relaxed spot with great indoor and outdoor seating to unwind, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be prepared for potential parking challenges and know that its not the best place if you plan on working on your laptop.
Value (4.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 11% of the guests
When it comes to value, some customers found pleasant surprises, especially with an End of Day Pastry Sale offering items at an affordable price. Many appreciated that the food was fairly priced, making it a good stop for a quick bite without breaking the bank. However, the overall sentiment leans towards disappointment, with 8 negative opinions compared to just 3 positive ones out of 13 total.
The score for value sits at an 4.8, which is average, but customer satisfaction is a poor 23.1%. Many felt the price point was too high, citing issues with portion to price ratios and having to pay extra for dipping sauce, ultimately not getting value for the money.
Value
13
Reviews
23%
Satisfaction
8
negative
2
neutral
3
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable pastry deals
- Fairly priced food
What people don't like
- Poor portion value
- High price point
- Extra dipping sauce
Often praised
- End of Day Pastry Salesaw the "End of Day Pastry Sale" for only $2 each
- affordable pricefor the affordable price
- fairly pricedThe ambiance was great, and the owners/workers were super friendly. The food was excellent and fairly priced, arriving hot and fast. It's a perfect pit stop after a day of biking or surfing, or if you’re just passing through.
Frequently criticized
- pricenot so amazing to justify a price of $6
- PriceThe pungent and savory mixture of breakfast burrito and spicy empanada wafting into my nose did little to enhance my experience. If you're going to charge $10 for some fried dough and a small coffee, it better be amazing - sadly, CHALOS falls a bit short of that mark.
- dipping sauceThe churros were just okay, lacking any cinnamon and only having sugar. Additionally, we had to pay extra for dipping sauce.
- empanadasoverpriced and small for about $6 each
- portion to price ratiosHowever, they are overpriced and small for about $6 each. This resulted in one of the worst portion to price ratios I've encountered in San Francisco.
- price pointespecially at such a high price point
- value for the moneydon't feel like I got value for the money
If youre looking for a bargain, especially on pastries, you might find some good deals. However, be prepared that many feel the regular menu items dont offer great value for the money due to high prices and small portions. It's a mixed bag, so manage your expectations.
How are the prices at CHALOS?
You’re looking at roughly 14 per person – reported by 86 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Latin American Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most guests find themselves spending right around that $11–$20 sweet spot, though there are options for both more budget-friendly and slightly more premium experiences.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 86 reviews.
How does this restaurant’s value stack up against similar spots in San Francisco?
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Latin American restaurant in San Francisco. It offers good value without being overly expensive, making it a solid choice for many.
Customer Reviews: what people think about CHALOS
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Family Dinner
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Great Burrito and Coffee!
My experience at the restaurant was great! I enjoyed a great burrito and empanadas before taking my family to the zoo. The sight glass coffee was also great.
I highly recommend this place.
- burrito9
- empanadas8
- sight glass coffee9
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Visit Type
- Solo Dining
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
1
Barista Anger Incident - Coffee Secondary
My experience at this restaurant was marred by a very big problem with anger from the barista, which unfortunately escalated to the point of calling the police. 😭 The coffee itself was secondary to this alarming incident. Beware Battery!
- coffee5
- barista1
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
9
Delicious Empanadas and Hot Chocolate!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I was impressed by the great selection of fresh empanadas, which included both traditional and California-inspired options. The ingredients and food quality were excellent.
I highly recommend trying the hot chocolate drink and the churros!
- fresh empanadas9
- ingredients9
- food quality9
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.)
10
Best Empanadas, Friendly Owners!
My girlfriend and I absolutely love the empanadas here. We find ourselves craving Chalos at least once a week! Hands down, these are the best empanadas we’ve ever had.
Our personal favorite is the baked sweet beef. We consistently opt for the baked options. The owners are incredibly nice and great to talk to.
I highly recommend a visit. Grab an empanada, a coffee, and head to the beach for some amazing views.
- empanadas10
- baked sweet beef10
- baked options9
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
9
Cozy Cafe with Friendly Staff
My experience at this café was really positive. I tried a latte with oat milk and it was really good. The staff was super friendly and welcoming, which made the place even nicer.
While they only have pastries on weekends, the café itself is very cozy and definitely worth visiting. I'm looking forward to trying more from their menu next time. I highly recommend stopping by!
- latte with oat milk9
- staff10
- café8
What CHALOS offers
Crowd
- Transgender safespace
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Family-friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Solo dining
- Lunch
- Breakfast
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Restroom
Offerings
- Vegan options
- Happy hour drinks
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Parking
- Free street parking
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What accessibility features and parking options are available at CHALOS?
CHALOS ensures a comfortable visit for everyone, offering a wheelchair accessible entrance and seating. You’ll also appreciate the convenience of free street parking, which is usually plentiful in the Parkside neighborhood.
Does CHALOS offer options for different dining times and dietary needs?
Absolutely! CHALOS serves you throughout the day with breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, plus catering services. You’ll find excellent vegan and vegetarian options, small plates, and a selection of wine, beer, and coffee.
What is CHALOS's overall rating and what aspects contribute to it?
CHALOS has a good overall score of 8.4. Its strengths lie in **Food** (8.6), **Service** (8.2), and **Ambience** (8.0), while **Value** (4.8) is an area for improvement.
What are some popular food items at CHALOS?
Customers frequently praise the **empanadas**, noting their freshness and variety, as well as the delightful **churros** and hearty **breakfast burrito**.
Are there any specific policies or aspects to be aware of before visiting CHALOS?
Some customers have noted a no laptop policy and concerns regarding the perceived value of certain items, particularly their size relative to price.