Highlights
- Live music
oChef » Colibri – San Francisco
Colibri - San Francisco
Photo from Colibri
Colibri at a glance
San Francisco Presidio of San Francisco
- 🌮 Mexican Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $41–$50
mentioned by 119 of the guests
#1746 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#90 Mexican Restaurant out of 134 in San Francisco
Good
6.9 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
688
Reviews
65.3%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Authentic flavors
- Calm ambiance
Frequently criticized
- High prices
- Service inconsistency
The restaurant, a vibrant Mexican Restaurant in the Presidio of San Francisco, offers you an authentic culinary journey. You can immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere, often enhanced by live music, making your visit to Colibri a memorable experience.
This spot is known for its cozy, casual, and trendy ambiance, perfect for a relaxed meal or a fun night out in San Francisco.
Overview: Introducting Colibri
Colibri offers a vibrant setting where many find the food to be authentically flavorful and beautifully presented. Guests often appreciate the calm atmosphere, especially when enjoying the outdoor seating options.
It’s a spot that aims to deliver a pleasant dining experience. However, some visitors have noted concerns regarding the overall value, finding certain dishes and drinks to be on the pricier side.
While the staff can be incredibly attentive, there are instances where service consistency could be improved, leading to longer waits.
Good
6.9
out of 10
688
Reviews
65.3%
Satisfaction
207
negative
32
neutral
449
positive
Colibri achieves a respectable overall Restaurant Score of 6.9, placing it in the good category, with a Customer Satisfaction of 65.3%, indicating a mixed but generally positive reception. This assessment is drawn from a substantial 688 customer opinions, with 449 positive remarks balancing against 207 negative ones.
Diving deeper, the Food (7.2) and Ambience (7.9) stand out as strong points, frequently praised for their quality and inviting feel. However, Service (6.5) sits in the average range, reflecting a blend of excellent and less attentive experiences.
The primary area for improvement appears to be Value (2.9), which many customers found to be a significant drawback.
What people like
- Authentic, flavorful food
- Beautiful, calm ambiance
- Friendly, helpful service
What people don't like
- High prices, poor value
- Inconsistent service quality
- Cramped or noisy areas
Colibri presents a mixed experience, offering genuinely enjoyable food and a pleasant atmosphere that many appreciate. If you prioritize a vibrant setting and well-prepared dishes, you’ll likely find something to like here.
It’s a place with clear strengths. However, be prepared for a potentially higher bill and service that can vary.
With a Recommendation Score of 7, it suggests a visit could be worthwhile, especially if you manage expectations regarding value and service consistency. Consider it for its culinary and atmospheric appeal.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Colibri
Food (7.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 95% of the guests
Overall, the food at this spot generally hits the mark, earning a good score of 7.2. With 233 positive remarks out of 336 total, many diners rave about the delicious and authentic Mexican flavors. Highlights often include the guacamole, birria tacos, and various moles, praised for their fresh and flavorful preparation.
However, customer satisfaction is a bit more mixed at 69.3%. Some 82 negative comments point to concerns about portion sizes being too small, or the overall food quality being inconsistent. A few guests also noted bland or under-seasoned entrees, which can certainly be a letdown.
Food
336
Reviews
69%
Satisfaction
82
negative
21
neutral
233
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Mexican flavors
- Delicious guacamole
- Excellent birria tacos
What people don't like
- Small portion sizes
- Inconsistent food quality
- Bland, under-seasoned
Often praised
- foodThe restaurant boasts a beautiful location in the Presidio, offering a fantastic space and a calm atmosphere, making it perfect for a business lunch. The food was very good and plentiful. I will definitely be back whenever I am in San Francisco!
- guacamoleThe food was OK overall. While the salsa was excellent and the guacamole was good, the ceviche was disappointing. The first bowl of chips was stale, but a second bowl was fine.
- cocktailstry it out the next time for some of cocktails
- dishesI had an absolutely amazing experience at Colibri! The food was bursting with authentic Mexican flavors; every dish was fresh, vibrant, and perfectly balanced. From the first bite to the last, you could tell how much care and attention went into the preparation.
- drinks5/5 on atmosphere and drinks
- Mexican foodsuper delish Mexican food!!!
- cevichetheir guacamole, ceviche, pozole, and peacock punch were outstanding
- margaritasgood thing we had here were the $25 small margaritas
- FoodFood:5
- carnitasOrdered the carnitas, delicious
Frequently criticized
- foodSomething in the food (maybe they put sugar in the tamarind sauce??) kept us awake most of the night.
- portion sizeWe also waited a long time to get our check, and our waiter kept zipping by when we tried to flag him down. The food was fine, but the portions are on the small side. We ordered the Yucateco Chicken Wings, and they were tiny, much smaller than normal.
- portionsThe service was slow, even though the restaurant was nearly empty. Portions were small; my veggie and cheese chile relleno was pretty good but small, and my husband's fish tacos were similarly small. The guacamole was good.
- guacamoleOur waiter was not attentive at all and seemed very scattered. We continually had to ask for things, like water served without glasses and guacamole without chips. I even had to send my eggs Benedict back due to overcooked eggs.
- Mexican foodworst Mexican food I have ever had
- food qualityjust poor quality garbage trying to impersonate a high end restaurant
- cevicheThe food was OK overall. While the salsa was excellent and the guacamole was good, the ceviche was disappointing. The first bowl of chips was stale, but a second bowl was fine.
- churrosskip the churros. They were ice cold
- Chile RelenoChile Releno was very bland
- EnchiladaEnchilada zimna
If you're seeking authentic Mexican flavors, this place might be worth a visit, but be prepared for potentially smaller portion sizes. It seems the food can be a delightful experience, though consistency might vary.
Service (6.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 83% of the guests
Many guests rave about the friendly staff, attentive service, and professional team, with 125 positive observations. Specific shout-outs often go to individual servers like Evelyn, Angel, and Samantha for their kindness and excellent recommendations, making dining experiences memorable. However, service can be a mixed bag.
With a score of 6.5 (average) and customer satisfaction at 59.5% (mixed), 80 comments highlight issues like slow service, long wait times for water or the check, and a lack of attentiveness. Some felt rushed or encountered rude servers.
Service
210
Reviews
59%
Satisfaction
80
negative
5
neutral
125
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Professional service
- Personalized recommendations
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Long wait times
- Lack of attentiveness
Often praised
- serviceThe food was full of flavor and beautifully presented. Our server, Ariel, made the experience even better with excellent service and a warm, friendly attitude. I highly recommend Colibri for anyone looking for a great dining experience.
- staffThe staff was friendly and helpful
- ServiceService was amazing
- SamanthaSamantha was great taking care of my wife and I
- recommendationsOur server, Ariel, went above and beyond to make us feel welcome. He was attentive, had great recommendations, and brought such a warm energy to the table that really elevated the entire dining experience.
- serverOur server, Ariel, made the experience even better with excellent service and a warm, friendly attitude
- wait timeour food came out quickly
- ArielMy experience at the restaurant was fantastic, largely thanks to Ariel's exceptional service. Ariel did a great job helping me understand the menu items and making a great choice. There were so many terrific options to choose from.
- attentionAnytime we needed anything, I had to ask a food runner or busser. To their credit though, they were prompt once we got their attention. I would recommend the restaurant have a dedicated server for the bar area to make the service 5 stars.
- teamThe team is warm, welcoming, and professional.
Frequently criticized
- serviceThis lack of awareness was further highlighted when the server shoved the check in front of a guest, nearly poking her eye. The ambience was lively, but the overall experience was marred by the shoddy, amateur service and the very expensive prices for the quality and quantity of food. I would also skip the churros as they were served ice cold.
- waiting timeWe waited for a while before our waiter showed up, even though the restaurant wasn't that busy when we arrived. We also waited a long time to get our check, and our waiter kept zipping by when we tried to flag him down. The food was fine, but the portions are on the small side.
- waiterThe atmosphere for outdoor seating was nice and comfortable, though a bit cramped. However, my waiter was terrible, and the table beside me was also complaining about the same waiter.
- reservationreservation was canceled when I had walked up to the restaurant
- serversaw her once when we ordered and not again for over an hour
- waterMy server, Evelyn G, must have been on break the entire time because she never checked in on us. We waited nearly 30 minutes for water, and it was beyond frustrating that we had to ask multiple other servers just to quench our thirst! They were nowhere to be found when we needed a refill, leaving us parched during the meal.
- alternate tabledenied an alternate
- apologyNo apology
- attentivenessnot very attentive after that
- canceled take out ordersThey’ve canceled take out orders randomly
Service here can be a bit of a gamble. While many praise the attentive and friendly staff, others report significant delays and a lack of attentiveness. If you're patient, you might have a great experience, but be prepared for potential inconsistencies.
Ambience (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 55% of the guests
The ambience here generally hits the mark, scoring a solid 7.9 and leaving 82.1% of customers satisfied. With 87 positive remarks out of 106 total, guests frequently praise the overall atmosphere, outdoor seating, and cozy and casual vibe. Many highlight the beautiful location and view by the beach or in Presidio, finding it a warm, welcoming, and family-friendly spot.
However, not all experiences are perfect, with 14 negative comments. Some diners encountered noise issues, making conversation difficult, or found tables and chairs to be cramped. A few unfortunate instances even mentioned an unpleasant smell indoors or, more alarmingly, mice/rats, which certainly detracts from the overall dining experience.
Ambience
106
Reviews
82%
Satisfaction
14
negative
5
neutral
87
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great outdoor seating
- Warm, cozy atmosphere
- Excellent location/view
What people don't like
- Excessive noise
- Cramped seating
- Pest issues
Often praised
- atmosphereI am so happy to see Colibri open once again! The restaurant boasts a beautiful location in the Presidio, offering a fantastic space and a calm atmosphere, making it perfect for a business lunch. The food was very good and plentiful.
- locationI am so happy to see Colibri open once again! The restaurant boasts a beautiful location in the Presidio, offering a fantastic space and a calm atmosphere, making it perfect for a business lunch. The food was very good and plentiful.
- ambianceparking, ambiance, food, and a heated outdoor patio
- ambienceA really wonderful ambience
- parkingDuring a weekend trip to San Francisco, we spent a lot of time hiking in the Presidio. This restaurant proved to be convenient to that location, and we found plenty of parking. The menu offered a diverse selection, including a wide range of drink choices.
- placeThe place is very nice, I recommend requesting a table outside. The dishes have a great flavor.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- noise levelNoise level:Quiet, easy to talk
- outdoor patioOn a beautiful, sunny day, we sat outside, making lunch much more enjoyable. Everything we ordered was delicious, and the fresh lemonade and aguas frescas were refreshing.
- outdoor seatingMy experience at Colibri was pleasant. The restaurant offers nice outdoor seating and good food. I particularly enjoyed that they prepare the guacamole from scratch at the table, which was a highlight.
Frequently criticized
- atmospherebut a bit cramped
- bench seatingbench seating had lots of prickly things making it uncomfortable
- conversationDifficult to carry on a conversation
- dining experiencethe restaurant has downgraded all elements of dining here
- health hazardNo apology or acknowledgment of the health hazard this poised
- heatersheaters were on a first come, first service basis
- indoor atmosphererestaurant can be a bit stuffy indoors
- mice/ratsmice/rats were running around, behind, and underneath our table
- noisevery, very, very noisy
- outdoor patiomoving us to the outdoor patio
If you're looking for a spot with a great outdoor vibe and a beautiful setting, especially for a casual meal or family outing, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be mindful that it can get a bit noisy or cramped indoors, and there have been rare but serious concerns about pests.
Value (2.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 22% of the guests
Despite a generally tough crowd on value, a few guests appreciate the happy hour deals and price of cocktails, finding them reasonable. Some even commend the extra $3 charge, viewing it as a positive step towards healthcare for employees, which is a nice touch. However, the overall sentiment is quite negative, with 31 critical comments out of 36 total.
The value score sits at a 2.9 (poor), and customer satisfaction is a low 11.1% (poor). Many find drinks and food very expensive , citing pricey entrees , small portions , and surprise fee like a wellness surcharge as major drawbacks.
Value
36
Reviews
11%
Satisfaction
31
negative
1
neutral
4
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Good happy hour
- Reasonable cocktail price
- Supports employee healthcare
What people don't like
- Food is expensive
- Portions are small
- Surprise wellness fee
Often praised
- extra $3paying an extra $3 so that employees can actually receive health insurance
- happy hourgood happy hour
- healthcareThis is an amazing spot with a plethora of cocktail options. It's particularly great if you are a fan of healthcare. Ignore the 1-star reviews from individuals who are upset about paying an extra $3 to ensure employees receive health insurance.
- pricecocktails at a reasonable price
Frequently criticized
- priceI went to this restaurant for brunch and found the food to be good, but it was very, very, very overpriced. This was especially true when combined with the very subpar service.
- pricesI had high hopes for this restaurant, especially after reading so many rave reviews, but my experience was quite mediocre. The portions were small and the Mexican food was not that good, all at exorbitant prices. To make matters worse, the service was rude and rushed, which was very disappointing.
- foodEveryone liked their food it was just too expensive for what it is.
- +/-$40For the above +/-$40?
- additional chargewithout mentioning that it’s an additional $16
- birria tacosMy birria tacos were $30 and only had 3 on the plate.
- birthday dessertcharged us for the dessert
- drinks and foodDrinks and food a bit pricey for what it is.
- happy hour dealsduring happy hour they do not allow you to take advantage of the deals if you are sitting out on the patio
- healthcare and other associated feesThe best thing about this place was the atmosphere and the decor. I disagree with customers paying for healthcare and other associated fees that the business decided to attach to the bill. Whatever happened to the days that the price of the meal included all the overhead?
If you're looking for a budget-friendly meal, this might not be your spot, as the value is generally considered poor. While the happy hour might offer some relief, be prepared for potentially high prices and small portions, along with unexpected fees on your bill.
How are the prices at Colibri?
On average, youll spend around 50 $ per person here, based on what 119 guests have reported. That places it squarely in the $41–$50 range. For a Mexican Restaurant, especially in San Francisco, thats comfortably higher-end.
While many guests spend in the $21–$30 and $41–$50 brackets, we also see a significant number opting for more premium experiences, with spending spread widely into higher price points.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 119 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering it’s a Mexican Restaurant in San Francisco, an average of 50 $ per person is definitely on the higher side. However, if the quality, ambiance, and service deliver, we think it offers a fair value for a premium experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Colibri
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Excellent Food and Service from Agustin
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic. The guacamole made by Agustin right in front of me was delicious, perfectly seasoned, and looked like he truly knew what he was doing. I would definitely recommend Colibrà and specifically ask for Agustin.
He was very gentle and consistently attentive to our table's needs.
- guacamole10
- service10
- staff9
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Wonderful Birthday Celebration at ColibrÃ!
I had a wonderful experience at ColibrÃ! AgustÃn was very attentive with our table — he checked on us often to make sure everything was perfect. My glass was always full, and the table stayed clean the entire time.
I went there to celebrate my birthday, and it truly was a unique and memorable experience thanks to the amazing service and delicious food. 🎉🌮
- AgustÃn10
- table10
- service10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Terrific Guacamole and Excellent Service!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic, primarily due to the food and the exceptional service. The guacamole was truly terrific, with perfect blends of spice and lemon. Our server, Augustine, was the best!
He was very nice and sincere, consistently checking on us during the meal. I will definitely be back!
- guacamole10
- server Augustine10
- food9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Amazing Food and Service at ColibrÃ!
I visited the Colibrà restaurant last week and the food was amazing. The person who served me the guacamole was so nice and the guac was delicious. This person was always checking on me and making sure I had all my needs.
I am definitely gonna visit again. Thank you, Agustin.
- food10
- guacamole10
- service10
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
8
Great Food, Minor Service Hiccups
My experience at this restaurant was quite fine overall. I enjoyed the great food, with the guacamole, ceviche, and chille relleno all being top quality. The vinaigrette for the butter lettuce salad dressing, however, lacked flavor, and the margarita was slightly weak.
Despite these minor points, the service was excellent.
- guacamole9
- ceviche9
- chille relleno9
- vinaigrette butter lettuce salad dressing3
- margarita4
What Colibri offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Late-night food
- Hard liquor
- Vegan options
- Happy hour drinks
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Paid parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What dining options and atmosphere can you expect at Colibri Mexican Bistro?
At Colibri Mexican Bistro, you can enjoy a range of dining options including brunch, lunch, dinner, and dessert, all with table service. Catering is also available for your events. The atmosphere is cozy, casual, and trendy, providing a welcoming setting for any occasion.
Does Colibri Mexican Bistro cater to specific dietary needs or offer family-friendly amenities?
Yes, Colibri Mexican Bistro offers vegan and vegetarian options to accommodate various dietary preferences. For families, you’ll find a kids’ menu, high chairs, and the restaurant is generally good for kids. Plus, dogs are allowed in the outdoor seating area.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Colibri?
Colibri has a mixed but generally positive customer satisfaction of 65.3%, with a Restaurant Score of 6.9. Customers frequently praise the Food (7.2) and Ambience (7.9), while Service (6.5) is average, and Value (2.9) is a common concern.
What do customers enjoy most about Colibri's atmosphere?
Many customers appreciate Colibri’s beautiful location and calm atmosphere, often highlighting the pleasant outdoor seating options and quiet noise levels, making it suitable for various occasions.
Are there any common concerns regarding the pricing at Colibri?
Yes, a recurring concern among customers is the pricing, with many finding the dishes and drinks to be overpriced for the portion sizes or overall experience, impacting the perceived value.