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oChef » Chao Pescao – San Francisco
Chao Pescao - San Francisco
Photo from Chao Pescao
Chao Pescao at a glance
San Francisco Civic Center
- 🌶️ Latin American Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 82 of the guests
#1973 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#4 Latin American Restaurant out of 4 in San Francisco
Good
6.5 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
520
Reviews
62.7%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious food
- Vibrant ambiance
- Friendly staff
Frequently criticized
- High prices
- Inconsistent service
- Loud environment
The restaurant Chao Pescao brings the vibrant flavors of a Latin American Restaurant to the heart of San Francisco’s Civic Center neighborhood. You’ll discover a welcoming spot where the culinary traditions of Latin America are celebrated with fresh, exciting dishes.
This eatery stands out for its commitment to offering diverse choices, including excellent vegan options that cater to every palate. Whether you’re seeking a quick lunch or a relaxed dinner, you’ll find a delightful experience waiting for you.
Overview: Introducting Chao Pescao
Chao Pescao offers a vibrant setting with a generally `lively` atmosphere that many find appealing. Guests often praise the `flavorful` dishes, noting a good selection of well-prepared items that contribute positively to the dining experience.
However, the experience can be a mixed bag. While some report `attentive service`, others encounter significant delays and issues, leading to frustration.
The perception of `overpriced` items also surfaces, suggesting that the value proposition isn’t always clear.
Good
6.5
out of 10
520
Reviews
62.7%
Satisfaction
167
negative
27
neutral
326
positive
Overall, Chao Pescao earns a `Restaurant Score` of `6.5`, placing it in the average range, with `Customer Satisfaction` at `62.7%`, indicating a mixed reception. This assessment is drawn from a substantial 520 customer opinions, comprising 326 positive and 167 negative remarks, offering a comprehensive view of the dining experience.
Diving deeper, the `Food` (6.8) generally receives positive remarks for its quality. However, `Service` (5.9) appears to be a point of concern, often described as inconsistent.
The `Ambience` (7.3) is a clear strength, contributing significantly to the overall appeal, while `Value` (3.1) is notably a weak point, frequently cited as a drawback.
What people like
- Delicious Food
- Vibrant Ambiance
- Friendly Staff
What people don't like
- High Prices
- Inconsistent Service
- Loud Environment
With a `Recommendation Score` of `6.7`, Chao Pescao presents a compelling option if you prioritize a lively atmosphere and flavorful dishes. It’s a place that can certainly deliver a good time, especially if you’re not overly sensitive to noise levels.
However, be prepared for potentially higher costs and service that can be a bit hit-or-miss. If you value a consistent experience and budget-friendly options above all else, you might want to consider other choices.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Chao Pescao
Food (6.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 99% of the guests
When it comes to the food, theres a lot to love, with many guests praising the authentic flavors and fresh ingredients. Dishes like the Lechon Cubano and various empanadas frequently earn high marks for being delicious and well-prepared. Based on 296 comments, with 195 positive remarks, the culinary experience often hits the right notes, contributing to a generally good score of 6.8.
However, the food experience isnt without its challenges, as reflected in the 82 negative comments and a mixed customer satisfaction of 65.9%. Some diners found certain dishes to be bland or unseasoned, while others noted small portions or that the food was occasionally too salty. These points suggest there's room for more consistency in the kitchen.
Food
296
Reviews
65%
Satisfaction
82
negative
19
neutral
195
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic flavors
- Fresh ingredients
- Delicious empanadas
What people don't like
- Bland or unseasoned
- Small portions
- Too salty
Often praised
- foodMy experience last night was a great dinner with friends before heading to the theater. The service was excellent and the food was delicious. I particularly enjoyed the flank steak empanadas, which were very flavorful.
- drinkseverything from the food to drinks were amazing
- empanadasThe service is abysmal; we waited for 20 minutes for our drinks when the space was barely full and there were at least 3 servers. The empanadas were good, and for that, I'll come back sometime to give it a second shot.
- cocktailsall of their cocktails! So yummy you'll WANT to be back!
- pan de bonopan de bono - delicious, chewy soft, cheese “bread” balls of heaven
- Lechon CubanoThe Latin food was tasty and the service was good. I particularly enjoyed the Lechon Cubano.
- Ropa ViejaWe started with the classic Cuban empanadas, which were perfectly crispy and bursting with flavorful fillings. The Ropa Vieja is a must-try, featuring tender shredded beef simmered to perfection in a savory tomato-based sauce, served with a generous portion of rice and beans. One of the highlights was the Lechón Asado—slow-roasted pork that was incredibly juicy and seasoned to perfection.
- brussel sproutsIt's a nice place for dinner and a show at the Orpheum, but otherwise, it's overpriced. We ordered the Camarones with black beans and plantains, the tapioca buns, brussel sprouts, a side of Maduros, and the pork empanadas. The food itself was rated a 5, but the overall experience was impacted by the cost.
- burgerthe best burger you can find
- chicken sandwichthe chicken sandwich was seasoned just right (for me)
Frequently criticized
- foodNearly 50 minutes after we arrived, the manager informed us that they were out of 2 of the 5 items I ordered—something I was never told before waiting nearly an hour. In the end, they handed us one tiny to-go container with three small bites of food. We left quickly to make our show, furious and starving.
- arepasMy mother-in-law ordered a salad and received only a lettuce leaf. The arepas were tiny and overpriced.
- portionsvery overpriced given the quality and portions
- AjiacoEl Ajiaco sabe a cualquier sopa menos a Ajiaco
- Colombian foodthere was no Colombian food available
- FoodFood:1
- arepagot the wrong dish for arepa .. got pork instead of fried chicken
- beef arepabeef arepa was tough and underwhelming
- flavorlacking in terms of flavor
- tostonesThis place has a lot of potential with its breezy space and salsa music, but the food and service leave it lacking. The pan de bonos from Trader Joe's are so much more flavorful, and the tostones need work. The service is abysmal; we waited for 20 minutes for our drinks when the space was barely full and there were at least 3 servers.
If youre looking for a spot with the potential for truly flavorful Latin dishes, especially the Lechon Cubano or empanadas, its worth a try. Just be aware that some experiences point to inconsistencies in seasoning and portion sizes, so manage your expectations.
Service (5.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 79% of the guests
The service here often shines, with many guests praising the staff for being incredibly friendly and attentive. Based on 73 positive comments, diners frequently highlight the efficiency and kindness of the team, from servers to bartenders, making for a great time. However, its a bit of a mixed bag, with a customer satisfaction of 57.5% and an average score of 5.9.
About 50 opinions point to issues like slow service, long wait times for drinks and food, and sometimes disorganized staff, suggesting theres room for improvement in consistency.
Service
127
Reviews
57%
Satisfaction
50
negative
4
neutral
73
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Efficient service
- Good customer service
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Long wait times
- Disorganized staff
Often praised
- serviceThe sprouts were really yummy, but they would have been easier to eat if they weren't served whole; trying to slice each sprout on a side plate was frustrating. Service was friendly, but they were clearly understaffed. Our server had to help behind the bar and basically abandoned our section.
- staffI highly recommend the classic Mojito, which was refreshing and expertly balanced. The staff at Chao Pescao were as warm and welcoming as the Cuban sunshine. Their attentive service and genuine passion for Cuban cuisine added a personal touch to the overall dining experience.
- ServiceService:4
- attentive serviceThe staff at Chao Pescao were as warm and welcoming as the Cuban sunshine. Their attentive service and genuine passion for Cuban cuisine added a personal touch to the overall dining experience. The vibrant ambiance, combined with the authentic and flavorful dishes, makes Chao Pescao a standout destination in San Francisco's diverse culinary scene.
- bartendersBartenders Eddie and Carolina are always incredible and fun
- serversThe servers are nice
- teamThe restaurant was incredibly busy with staff rushing around, but they remained very friendly and attentive. Some patrons in Colombian soccer jerseys were quite rude, not understanding that they weren't the only ones in the restaurant, but the team handled it well. The food was delicious and the entire place had a great vibe.
- waitressOur waitress was really helpful.
- AnnabellaAnnabella always making sure your getting what you need
- Dan the bartenderDan the bartender is very knowledgeable and extremely nice
Frequently criticized
- serviceThe pan de bonos from Trader Joe's are so much more flavorful, and the tostones need work. The service is abysmal; we waited for 20 minutes for our drinks when the space was barely full and there were at least 3 servers. The empanadas were good, and for that, I'll come back sometime to give it a second shot.
- waiting timeduré una hora sentada en la mesa y no me llevaron la comida
- managerWe left quickly to make our show, furious and starving. A refund is not enough—this was a complete waste of our time, with terrible management, zero communication, and no customer service. If you value your time or plan to eat before a show, do not waste it here.
- orderA sign told us to “please wait for the host, ” but several servers passed by without even acknowledging us. After five minutes, someone came out, and when I told her I was picking up a to-go order, she went to the kitchen—returning to tell me they did not have my order. I showed her the receipt, she went back, and then came back again—after nearly 10 minutes—saying they missed it and it would take 20 more minutes to make.
- serversthe servers were talking loudly with their friends
- wait timeAfter five minutes, someone came out, and when I told her I was picking up a to-go order, she went to the kitchen—returning to tell me they did not have my order. I showed her the receipt, she went back, and then came back again—after nearly 10 minutes—saying they missed it and it would take 20 more minutes to make. The manager apologized and offered a free beverage while promising to refund the $100+ meal.
- administrationThe administration of this place leaves a lot to be desired
- barista tip demandbarista demanded me to tip him
- communicationWe left quickly to make our show, furious and starving. A refund is not enough—this was a complete waste of our time, with terrible management, zero communication, and no customer service. If you value your time or plan to eat before a show, do not waste it here.
- customer serviceWe left quickly to make our show, furious and starving. A refund is not enough—this was a complete waste of our time, with terrible management, zero communication, and no customer service. If you value your time or plan to eat before a show, do not waste it here.
If you catch them on a good day, you'll likely enjoy friendly and efficient service. But be prepared for potential delays or disorganization, especially during busy times, as consistency seems to be a challenge.
Ambience (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 55% of the guests
Stepping into this spot, youre likely to be greeted by a truly good vibe, with the ambience scoring a solid 7.3. Customers are largely pleased, with 77.1% expressing satisfaction, based on 54 positive remarks out of 70 total. Many rave about the vibrant ambiance, warm atmosphere, and exquisite interior design, often enhanced by rhythmic Cuban beats or salsa music, creating a truly immersive experience.
However, its not always a quiet escape. Some guests found the atmosphere to be loud or noisy, with a few noting it can get crowded and suffer from bad acoustics. While these concerns are fewer, with 14 negative comments, they suggest it might not be the best choice if you're seeking a serene, hushed environment.
Ambience
70
Reviews
77%
Satisfaction
14
negative
2
neutral
54
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Vibrant ambiance
- Warm atmosphere
- Lively music
What people don't like
- Too loud
- Crowded space
Often praised
- atmosphereHowever, the service was quite disappointing. The servers were very non-willing to seat us, which made us feel awkward, even though the restaurant was completely empty. The atmosphere was pleasant, rated a 4.
- vibeThe value, quality of food, service, the general vibe and the personalization of the event was a hit.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- ambianceambiance was a perfect 5/5, described as lively and bright
- ambienceright kind of ambience for me and my partner
- musicThe music was lively but played at a reasonable volume level
- placeThe staff is super cool; bartenders Eddie and Carolina are always incredible and fun, and Annabella ensures you get everything you need. Rene and Allison deserve credit for providing this incredible place in the Tenderloin in SF. It's a great spot to hang out with friends, a significant other, or for a date night!
- Colombian musicThe alluring interior design and mouthwatering delicacies combine to create an unforgettable journey for your taste buds and senses. I encourage you to step inside, let the Colombian music wash over you, and savor the vibrant flavors this charming restaurant has to offer.
- ambience and decorLove the ambience and decor
- breezy spacepotential with its breezy space
Frequently criticized
- loudIt's loud inside, very rowdy so you'll have to yell to hear your friends
- atmospherevery loud, like a cafeteria
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:1
- crowdedIt was crowded in there!
- environmentThe environment was too noisy for my tastes
- experiencethe service and the experience were awful
- musicthe music was way too loud
- parkingplus about 15 minutes searching for parking
- spaceThe space is VERY LOUD
If you're looking for a lively, vibrant atmosphere with great music and decor, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be prepared that it can get a bit loud and bustling, so it might not be your go-to for a quiet, intimate conversation.
Value (3.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 22% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot presents a bit of a puzzle. While the overall sentiment is quite low, with a score of 3.1 and customer satisfaction at a mere 14.8%, a few folks did find some bright spots. Positive comments, though only 4, highlighted well-priced drinks, good happy hour deals, and a correct price for SF, suggesting some specific offerings hit the mark.
However, the overwhelming majority of 21 negative comments out of 27 total, paint a different picture. Many felt items like arepas and cocktails were overpriced, with portions being too small for the cost. Concerns about the overall price tag, automatic tips, and an added Fair Wage fee also left many feeling that the value was poor, making it a tough sell for the money.
Value
27
Reviews
14%
Satisfaction
21
negative
2
neutral
4
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Good happy hour deals
- Correct SF pricing
What people don't like
- Overpriced menu items
- Small portions
- Hidden fees
Often praised
- happy hour dealMy experience at the restaurant was decent, though there wasn't anything particularly outstanding to rave about. I did notice they have a great deal for happy hour if you're a drinker, offering a beer, a shot, and a burger for around $20.
- priceThe dining room is decorated in an original way, the sandwiches and salads are generous and tasty. The service is efficient and the price is correct for SF. I recommend it.
- pricedI went to this restaurant for happy hour and had a great experience with the drinks. The cocktails were excellently priced, and the happy hour food was tasty. However, there were no healthy options, as most of the food consisted of fried carbs.
- valueThe value, quality of food, service, the general vibe and the personalization of the event was a hit.
Frequently criticized
- pricethe price—this place is extremely expensive
- overpricedvery overpriced given the quality and portions
- Fair Wage feeDespite the good service, I regretted not choosing a different restaurant. To add to the disappointment, the restaurant added a "Fair Wage" fee to our bill in addition to the expected tip. While I appreciate the intention behind this charge, it would have been easier to accept if the food had met my expectations.
- arepasMy mother-in-law ordered a salad and received only a lettuce leaf. The arepas were tiny and overpriced.
- arepas priceArepas are too expensive
- automatic tipI was pleasantly surprised and would come back! Beware when paying through QR code, the automatic tip is over 22% 😒. I tried 'Midnight in Medellin, ' their take on an espresso martini, and it was one of the best I've had – not too bitter or sweet.
- billnos cobraron casi 100 dólares entre propinas y taxes
- checkuntil I saw the check
- cocktailscharge 2-3 dollars uncharted for cocktails
- mealI showed her the receipt, she went back, and then came back again—after nearly 10 minutes—saying they missed it and it would take 20 more minutes to make. The manager apologized and offered a free beverage while promising to refund the $100+ meal. We sat at the bar, waiting, watching couples who arrived after us get their food first.
If youre considering this place, be aware that value is a major sticking point for many. While happy hour might offer some decent deals, the general consensus is that the regular menu items are significantly overpriced for their quality and portion size. Proceed with caution, especially if youre budget-conscious.
How are the prices at Chao Pescao?
You’re looking at roughly 40 per person – reported by 82 diners. That puts it in the $31–$40 category. For a Latin American Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average is 40, its interesting to see that many guests also spend a bit less, with a good number falling into the $21–$30 range, and others venturing into the $41–$50 bracket. So, theres a nice mix of options, not just one fixed price point.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 82 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering it’s a Latin American spot in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It offers good value for a mid-range experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Chao Pescao
Price per Person
- $100+
Visit Type
- Romantic Date
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
1
Terrible Experience, Avoid This Place
My husband and I had a show at the Bill Graham on a Wednesday night and decided to make a date night out of it with dinner beforehand. After reading reviews about good food but slow service, I opted to place a pick-up order directly through Chao Pescao’s website at 6: 20 PM, with a pick-up time of 6: 49. We arrived at 6: 55.
From the moment we walked in, it was chaos. A sign told us to “please wait for the host, ” but several servers passed by without even acknowledging us. After five minutes, someone came out, and when I told her I was picking up a to-go order, she went to the kitchen—returning to tell me they did not have my order.
I showed her the receipt, she went back, and then came back again—after nearly 10 minutes—saying they missed it and it would take 20 more minutes to make. The manager apologized and offered a free beverage while promising to refund the $100+ meal. We sat at the bar, waiting, watching couples who arrived after us get their food first.
Nearly 50 minutes after we arrived, the manager informed us that they were out of 2 of the 5 items I ordered—something I was never told before waiting nearly an hour. In the end, they handed us one tiny to-go container with three small bites of food. We left quickly to make our show, furious and starving.
A refund is not enough—this was a complete waste of our time, with terrible management, zero communication, and no customer service. If you value your time or plan to eat before a show, do not waste it here. This place does not deserve your money, and their so-called “solutions” are insulting.
- order1
- wait time1
- manager2
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
8
Empanadas Delight, Ceviche Miss
My experience at the restaurant was a mix of hits and misses. I absolutely loved the empanadas! However, the ceviche was a miss.
On a positive note, the platanos with black beans are tasty, and the drinks were also enjoyable. The atmosphere and service were excellent, both rated 5 out of 5.
- empanadas10
- platanos with black beans8
- drinks8
- ceviche2
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Best Burger and Fried Chicken!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I tried the best burger I've ever had. I also sampled the 3-piece chicken plate, and I must say, they can truly fry some chicken.
It's definitely a go-to spot, and you won't be disappointed.
- burger10
- chicken plate9
- food10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Authentic Cuban Flavors in San Francisco
From the moment I stepped into Chao Pescao, I was transported straight to Havana. The vibrant colors and rhythmic Cuban beats immediately set the stage for what turned out to be an unforgettable dining experience. The menu at Chao Pescao is a tribute to the rich culinary traditions of Cuba, and each dish we tried was a masterpiece.
We started with the classic Cuban empanadas, which were perfectly crispy and bursting with flavorful fillings. The Ropa Vieja is a must-try, featuring tender shredded beef simmered to perfection in a savory tomato-based sauce, served with a generous portion of rice and beans. One of the highlights was the Lechón Asado—slow-roasted pork that was incredibly juicy and seasoned to perfection.
The accompanying mojo sauce was the perfect complement, adding a zesty kick to each delectable bite. To complement the meal, their selection of rum-based cocktails is outstanding. I highly recommend the classic Mojito, which was refreshing and expertly balanced.
The staff at Chao Pescao were as warm and welcoming as the Cuban sunshine. Their attentive service and genuine passion for Cuban cuisine added a personal touch to the overall dining experience. The vibrant ambiance, combined with the authentic and flavorful dishes, makes Chao Pescao a standout destination in San Francisco's diverse culinary scene.
Whether you're a Cuban cuisine aficionado or experiencing it for the first time, Chao Pescao promises a delightful culinary journey you won't soon forget. Bravo to the team at Chao Pescao for bringing a piece of Cuba to San Francisco! I can't wait to return and explore more of their menu.
I hope this review captures the essence and allure of Chao Pescao for potential visitors!
- Cuban empanadas9
- Ropa Vieja10
- Lechón Asado10
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
Noise Level
- Loud
2
Awful Service and Long Wait
My experience at this restaurant was terrible. We only ordered three pre-made empanadas, and the waiting time was excessively long. The waitress had a terrible attitude; she refused to let us sit at our preferred table and instead assigned us one, even though we were the only customers.
Adding to the unpleasantness, the music was too loud, and the servers were engaged in loud conversations with their friends. Overall, the service and the experience were awful.
- empanadas5
- waiting time2
- waitress attitude1
- music2
What Chao Pescao offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Transgender safespace
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Family-friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Free Wi-Fi
- Restroom
Offerings
- Vegan options
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Delivery
- Dine-in
Pets
- Dogs allowed inside
- Dogs allowed outside
- Dogs allowed
Parking
- Free street parking
- Paid parking garage
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere can you expect at Chao Pescao?
At Chao Pescao, you’ll find a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere, making it a perfect spot for a relaxed meal or a lively gathering. It’s designed to make you feel comfortable while enjoying delicious Latin American cuisine.
Does Chao Pescao offer options for specific dietary needs or families?
Yes, Chao Pescao caters to various needs. You’ll find excellent vegetarian and vegan options on the menu. For families, it’s good for kids, offering a dedicated kids’ menu and high chairs for your convenience.
How does Chao Pescao generally score with customers?
Chao Pescao holds an overall `Restaurant Score` of `6.5` and a `Customer Satisfaction` of `62.7%`. While `Ambience` (7.3) and `Food` (6.8) are well-regarded, `Service` (5.9) is average, and `Value` (3.1) is a notable concern.
What do customers enjoy most about Chao Pescao's atmosphere?
Many customers appreciate the `lively` and `vibrant` atmosphere at Chao Pescao, often highlighting the pleasant `music` and `decor` that contribute to a great `vibe` for socializing.
Are there any common complaints regarding the pricing at Chao Pescao?
Yes, several customers mention that Chao Pescao can be `overpriced`, with concerns about the general `price` of items, `Fair Wage fees`, and automatic `tip` percentages.