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oChef » Chino’s – San Francisco
Chino’s - San Francisco
Photo from Chino’s
Chino’s at a glance
San Francisco Outer Richmond
- 🌮 Mexican Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 48 of the guests
#1446 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#78 Mexican Restaurant out of 134 in San Francisco
Good
7.2 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
236
Reviews
67.8%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Flavorful food
- Friendly service
- Neighborhood vibe
Frequently criticized
- Cash only
- Inconsistent hours
- Burrito quality
The restaurant Chino’s Taqueria invites you to experience authentic Mexican flavors right in the heart of San Francisco’s vibrant Outer Richmond neighborhood. This casual Mexican restaurant is your go-to spot for a quick bite, offering a welcoming atmosphere perfect for any meal.
Whether you’re planning a relaxed dine-in experience, grabbing convenient takeout, or opting for delivery, Chino’s Taqueria caters to your needs. You’ll appreciate the ease of free street parking and the fully wheelchair accessible facilities, ensuring a comfortable visit for everyone.
Overview: Introducting Chino’s
Chino’s offers a generally positive experience, with many patrons consistently praising the food quality and the friendly service. This establishment has cultivated a loyal following over the years, appreciating its long-standing presence and comforting offerings.
It’s a place that feels like a true local fixture. However, some operational aspects can present minor hurdles for visitors.
The cash only policy is a frequent point of contention, and there have been occasional reports of inconsistent business hours and staff changes impacting the overall experience.
Good
7.2
out of 10
236
Reviews
67.8%
Satisfaction
55
negative
21
neutral
160
positive
Chino’s achieves a respectable overall score of 7.2, placing it firmly in the ‘good’ category. Customer satisfaction, however, sits at 67.8%, which is a mixed result, suggesting that while many are pleased, there’s a segment with reservations.
This assessment is drawn from 236 customer opinions, comprising 160 positive remarks and 55 negative observations. The individual topic scores reveal more detail: Ambience leads with an impressive (8.2), reflecting its cherished neighborhood feel.
Food also performs well (7.7), frequently highlighted for its quality and taste, particularly the burritos. Service is rated (7.2), often described as friendly and efficient.
Value, however, is more of a mixed bag at (5.4), with some finding prices reasonable while others express concerns.
What people like
- Flavorful, quality food
- Friendly, welcoming service
- Authentic neighborhood vibe
What people don't like
- Cash only policy
- Inconsistent operational hours
- Burrito quality inconsistencies
With a solid recommendation score of 7.7, Chino’s appears to be a local institution, offering a comforting experience with its well-regarded food and welcoming atmosphere. It’s a place that has clearly built a strong connection with its community over time.
If you appreciate a casual spot with an authentic neighborhood feel and flavorful Mexican fare, Chino’s is worth considering. Just be prepared for a cash-only transaction and be mindful that operational consistency, particularly with hours, might occasionally vary.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Chino’s
Food (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 94% of the guests
When it comes to the food here, youre in for a treat! Many rave about the fantastic burritos and nachos, praising the quality ingredients and generous portions. With a solid score of 7.7 and customer satisfaction at 76.7%, its clear most diners find the food consistently delicious and authentically Mexican, based on 102 positive remarks.
However, not every dish hits the mark for everyone. Some experiences mention food that lacked flavor, particularly with seasoning, and issues like soggy tortillas or poor wrapping for burritos. A few also felt the vegetarian options were limited, contributing to the 26 negative comments.
Food
133
Reviews
76%
Satisfaction
26
negative
5
neutral
102
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Excellent burritos
- Generous portions
- Authentic flavors
What people don't like
- Lacks flavor
- Poor burrito wrapping
- Limited vegetarian options
Often praised
- foodThe food received a score of 5
- burritosMy experience at this restaurant was exceptional, particularly with their Super Burrito. It was one of the best burritos I’ve ever eaten in the city, and I still think about it to this day. I will definitely be coming back.
- burritoI really like that I get to decide what I want and how I want it--always with grilled chicken and extra cheese. I think I once had a burrito here, and it was good, but it's all about the nachos.
- Mexican foodwe wanted Mexican food and we couldn't find a place! But we found this place and we met the owners they were very friendly and there food reminded me as if I was at home having my mom's Mexican burrito!
- ingredientsOne of the best burritos (if not the best) I've ever had. Suuper tasty, all ingredients were flavorful, speaking as someone who's tried many Mexican places. Only downside is that it's cash only (but they're also cheap).
- nachosHad the nachos which were absolutely amazing
- qualityI've been enjoying burritos from this restaurant for over 20 years, and they remain the best burrito I've ever had. The quality and taste are consistently amazing. I highly recommend them to keep up their fantastic work!
- tacosthe tacos were amazing
- Chile Verde burritostill be getting the Chile Verde burrito
- Super BurritoThe food was so authentic, it reminded me of having my mom's Mexican burrito at home! We especially enjoyed the Super Burrito.
Frequently criticized
- portion sizeportion size were rationed
- Mexican fareVery basic Mexican fare
- authentic Mexican foodlooking for authentic Mexican food
- burritoridiculously sloppy that it was busted at both ends and juices everywhere
- carne asadaordered carne asada they scooped it out of greasy soup
- cooked ingredientsAll cooked ingredients tasted the same
- eating tacosmore picking up the meat with my fingers than eating tacos
- flavorThere were no actual vegetarian options like sautéed vegetables, tofu, or mock meat. For vegetarians, it was just beans and rice, which also led to a lack of flavor.
- foodThe food is not good either
- food poisoningboth got food poisoning yesterday
Overall, if youre craving hearty, authentic Mexican food, especially their famous burritos and nachos, this spot is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful that some dishes might lack a bit of flavor, and vegetarian choices could be more varied. Its a solid choice for a satisfying meal.
Service (7.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 53% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.2 and a customer satisfaction rate of 71.4%, its clear that most folks have a good experience. Many of the 35 positive opinions highlight the incredibly friendly service and fast staff, often mentioning the welcoming owners and crew who make building your burrito easy and quick.
However, its not all smooth sailing, as 12 opinions point to some areas for improvement. A recurring frustration is the cash only policy, which can be annoying. Some also mention issues with hours of operation not being accurate or calls going unanswered, and a few have noted that newer staff sometimes lack the same sense of pride or consistency as the long-time crew.
Service
49
Reviews
71%
Satisfaction
12
negative
2
neutral
35
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Fast service
- Welcoming owners
What people don't like
- Cash only payment
- Unanswered calls
- Inconsistent new staff
Often praised
- serviceMy best friend and I visited San Francisco and had an amazing service experience. The crew was incredibly friendly, and the food was great.
- staffThe staff were super friendly
- Mexican hospitalitybest Mexican hospitality I’ve ever experienced
- build your burritothey build your burrito as you go along
- call ahead for take outCan call ahead for take out!
- crewfriendly crew
- easyinstant food and easy
- fastagain, fast!
- friendly peoplemade by friendly people
- friendly servicefamily owned friendly service very special place
Frequently criticized
- cash onlyit’s cash only which was annoying
- newer staffWhen they move on, so will I. I genuinely hope the newer staff can show more care and consistency. This is unfortunately not my first, second, or third experience like this with the new staff.
- business hoursClosing 45 mins earlier than their business hours say
- callcall no answer no voice message
- closedsurprise its closed
- hours of operationcheck hours of operation then call no answer
- new staffwhen those new staff are there with none of the long time staff, I will walk out every single time
- nobody answeredMy wife and I both experienced food poisoning after eating here yesterday. I attempted to contact the restaurant to inform them, but unfortunately, nobody answered my calls. This was a very negative experience.
- phonerefuse to answer the phone
- sense of pridethere is not a sense of pride in the food they are serving
Overall, if youre looking for quick, friendly service and dont mind paying with cash, you'll likely have a great experience. Just be aware that calling ahead might be a hit or miss, and newer staff might not always deliver the same consistent charm.
Ambience (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 18% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, this spot really shines! With a solid score of 8.2 and customer satisfaction at 73.3%, its clear most folks love the atmosphere. Many describe it as having an authentic taqueria vibe and an old school charm, feeling like a true neighborhood asset and a special place thats been cherished for years.
Out of 15 total comments, 11 were glowing about the ambiance. However, its not entirely without its quirks. While overwhelmingly positive, there was one comment among the 15 that pointed out a potential snag: parking.
Specifically, one person found it hard to find parking, which is something to keep in mind if youre driving. Overall, the positive sentiment far outweighs this minor inconvenience.
Ambience
15
Reviews
73%
Satisfaction
1
negative
3
neutral
11
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic vibe
- Old-school charm
- Neighborhood asset
What people don't like
- Difficult parking
Often praised
- atmosphereAtmosphere:5
- placeI've been eating here since I was 7 years old, and everything is just as good, or better, than it was on day one! I love this place :) The neighborhood wouldn’t be the same without it.
- neighborhoodI've been eating here since I was 7 years old, and everything is just as good, or better, than it was on day one! I love this place :) The neighborhood wouldn’t be the same without it.
- neighborhood assetGreat neighborhood asset!!
- no stairsNo stairs!
- old schoolThis place is old school, I think.
- perfect placethis is the perfect place
- special placevery special place
- taqueria vibeAuthentic taqueria vibe
Frequently criticized
- parkinghard to find parking since the hipsters infested the area
If youre looking for a place with genuine character and a beloved local feel, this spots ambiance is definitely a draw. Just be prepared that finding parking might be a bit of a challenge, so consider alternative transport or plan ahead.
Value (5.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 48% of the guests
When it comes to value, many customers appreciate finding a quick cheap eat with great price and reasonably priced options, especially for the quality and amount of food. With 12 positive comments out of 39 total, it seems some folks are genuinely impressed with the great deals here, even noting the free street parking as a bonus. However, the overall score for value sits at an average 5.4.
On the flip side, the value aspect leaves a lot to be desired for many, with customer satisfaction at a rather poor 30.8%. A significant point of contention, mentioned in 16 negative comments, is the cash only policy, which some find inconvenient and even costly due to potential bank fees. Others felt the price was too high, with specific mentions of price per taco being a little steep or even expensive as F.
Value
39
Reviews
30%
Satisfaction
16
negative
11
neutral
12
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Good for cheap eats
- Reasonably priced food
- Great deals available
What people don't like
- Cash only policy
- Prices too high
- Parking can be difficult
Often praised
- priceLow price for a fantastic burrito
- pricesThe quality has stayed the same, and the food is always spot on. I appreciate the fast service and reasonable prices, as well as the availability of vegetarian options. The people working here are super friendly.
- cash onlyCash only, so you know its legit
- cheapSuuper tasty, all ingredients were flavorful, speaking as someone who's tried many Mexican places. Only downside is that it's cash only (but they're also cheap). Worth your visit.
- fairly pricedEverything is fairly priced as well
- free street parkingFree street parking
- great dealsimpressed with the great deals
- great priceIts very good for a great price!
- quick cheap eatgood for a quick cheap eat
- reasonably pricedfood always delicious and reasonably priced
Frequently criticized
- cash onlybusiness in this pandemic is still cash only
- pricesnot worth the insane prices
- pricecouldn’t pay close to $20 for a single burrito that was completely falling apart
- CASH ONLYthis place is CASH ONLY
- bank feeshave my bank charge me and get a fee
- price per taco$6.50 a taco is a little steep
- somewhat difficult to find parkingSomewhat difficult to find parking
If youre prepared with cash and looking for a potentially cheap eat, you might find some good deals here. However, be aware that many customers feel the prices are a bit high for what you get, especially if youre not a fan of cash-only establishments.
How are the prices at Chino’s?
You’re looking at roughly 16 per person – reported by 48 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Mexican Restaurant in San Francisco, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most folks (34 out of 48, to be exact!) find their sweet spot right in this range, though there are a few options both a little cheaper and a little pricier if you look.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 48 reviews.
Compare this restaurant’s value for money with other great spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think this pricing feels pretty fair for a Mexican spot in San Francisco. It seems like a reliable choice for a good meal without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Chino’s
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
3
Steep Price for Unseasoned Tacos
My experience at the restaurant was mixed. The tacos were just okay, and the pico de gallo was completely unseasoned. Additionally, they seem to prefer not to pay taxes, as they only accept cash.
Given these factors, the price of $6. 50 per taco felt a bit steep. Three tacos and a coke cost me $23, and I still didn't feel full.
- tacos5
- pico de gallo2
- cash only3
- price per taco3
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
5
Nostalgia Fades with New Staff
I’ve been coming to this place for over 30 years, starting as a child and then as a student who frequented it weekly for lunch. I always loved their spicy chicken. When I became vegan, I was happy to find delicious vegan nachos and burritos that satisfied my cravings.
Unfortunately, in recent years, the newer staff have been unwelcoming, and there's a noticeable lack of pride in the food they serve. It upsets me to write this, as I genuinely loved the old owners and staff; they were always kind, professional, and showed care in their food preparation. I return mostly to see the old staff and relive the nostalgia of the flavors.
I recently ordered two burritos. Mine had a huge hole in the spinach tortilla before it was even made, and the final burrito was so ridiculously sloppy it burst at both ends, with juices spilling everywhere. It wasn't a good mess, but a messy one that would definitely fall apart.
My mention of this was ignored. There was absolutely no love put into making and wrapping this burrito, and it fell apart as soon as I opened it. For my friend’s burrito, the cheese was barely melted, and it was also wrapped terribly.
I couldn't justify paying close to $20 for a single, completely falling-apart burrito. I've been coming here forever and never wanted to write this review. However, when the new staff are present without any of the long-time staff, I will walk out every single time.
I will still come back, but only when the original staff are there. When they move on, so will I. I genuinely hope the newer staff can show more care and consistency.
This is unfortunately not my first, second, or third experience like this with the new staff. I understand there's increased demand due to park events, but there's a strong community of residents who want the food to remain consistently delicious and made with love.
- spicy chicken10
- vegan nachos and burritos8
- old owners/staff10
- newer staff2
- sense of pride2
- spinach tortilla2
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Loud
10
Amazing Mexican Hospitality!
My experience at this restaurant was exceptional, feeling like I walked into José's living room for the best Mexican hospitality I've ever encountered. The food was delicious and magical in every way. Tytytyty!
- Mexican hospitality10
- food10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
10
Best Taqueria Experience!
My experience at this restaurant was exceptional. The place truly strives for quality food and quality assurance. I can confidently say it's the best taqueria I have ever had.
It's important to note that it is CASH ONLY.
- quality food10
- quality assurance10
- best taqueria10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Great Quick Taqueria Stop
For a quick, no-frills taqueria meal, either before or after visiting the Legion of Honor, Chino’s Taqueria on Balboa is your place! It's important to note that Chino's is a cash-only establishment.
- taqueria meal9
- cash only6
What Chino’s offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Groups
- College students
Payments
- Debit cards
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What accessibility features and parking options does Chino’s Taqueria offer?
Chino’s Taqueria ensures a comfortable visit for all guests with a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restroom. When you visit, you’ll find convenient parking options including both free and paid street parking available in the Outer Richmond area.
What kind of dining experience can you expect at Chino’s Taqueria, and is it suitable for families?
At Chino’s Taqueria, you can enjoy a casual atmosphere perfect for both lunch and dinner. It’s an excellent choice if you’re looking for a quick bite. The restaurant is also good for kids, making it a family-friendly spot in San Francisco.
What is the overall verdict for Chino's?
Chino’s holds a good overall score of 7.2, with its Ambience (8.2) and Food (7.7) being particularly strong points. Service (7.2) is also well-regarded, though Value (5.4) is more average.
What do customers appreciate most about Chino's?
Customers frequently praise Chino’s for its flavorful food, especially the burritos and nachos, and the friendly, welcoming service from the staff. The authentic, long-standing neighborhood vibe is also a significant draw.
Are there any notable drawbacks or common complaints about Chino's?
The most common complaints about Chino’s revolve around its cash-only policy, which many find inconvenient. Some customers have also noted inconsistent operational hours and occasional issues with burrito quality or portion sizes.