Chao Pescao - Reviews

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! The food was absolutely amazing, and I really loved the vibe. The drinks were pretty decent too. Overall, a 5-star experience for sure!

As a gluten-free girlie, I was excited to try this place I found on Find ME GF. I went here in the middle of the day, and it was fairly quiet since it was before the rush. The bartenders were very sweet, and I got to sit next to the window that looks into the secret garden. They told me that all kinds of animals visit every day. The food was excellent, especially the veggie empanadas. Such delicious filling! My only wish is that there had been more delicious salsa, but I was too shy to ask for more. Sauces were delicious too! I will definitely be back when I come visit SF again.

My experience at this restaurant was quite disappointing. The food was very expensive and served in small portions. We also experienced a long wait time. The food itself tasted like it was processed and old. To top it off, the bill, including tips and taxes, came to almost $100. While I don't mind paying when satisfied, this experience made the high cost feel like a waste.

I loved the food, it had great Latin flavor. The staff was very friendly and the service was very fast. See you later, Aligator!

If you're considering this restaurant, it's an acceptable option. The staff is friendly, the atmosphere is pleasant, and the place looks nice – not luxurious or extraordinary, but decent. I visited seeking Latin food, as I was tired of Asian cuisine and wanted something closer to my roots. The food is okay, not bad, but the dish felt very basic. What truly surprised me was the price; this place is extremely expensive for what you get. It's expensive, very expensive, extremely expensive. I reiterate: the service was good, the place is nice, but honestly, it's just way too overpriced for what it offers.