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oChef » El Buen Comer – San Francisco
El Buen Comer - San Francisco
Photo from El Buen Comer
El Buen Comer at a glance
San Francisco Bernal Heights
- 🌮 Mexican Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 94 of the guests
#431 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#24 Mexican Restaurant out of 134 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.2 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
499
Reviews
83.6%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Authentic flavors
- Warm service
- Lively atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- High cost
- Service inconsistency
- Loud music
The restaurant, El Buen Comer, is a vibrant Mexican eatery nestled in San Francisco’s charming Bernal Heights neighborhood. You’ll find a trendy yet cozy atmosphere perfect for a casual meal.
Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a leisurely dinner, this spot offers a delightful culinary experience. It’s a place where you can savor authentic flavors and enjoy a welcoming vibe.
Overview: Introducting El Buen Comer
El Buen Comer offers a generally pleasant dining experience, with many guests appreciating the attentive service and the vibrant atmosphere. You’ll find a focus on well-prepared dishes that often receive praise for their quality and authentic flavors.
However, some experiences suggest occasional inconsistencies, particularly with waitstaff attention during busy periods. While the culinary offerings are a strong point, a few diners have noted that the value might not always align with expectations.
Excellent
8.2
out of 10
499
Reviews
83.6%
Satisfaction
62
negative
20
neutral
417
positive
Overall, El Buen Comer maintains a solid reputation, reflected in its Restaurant Score of 8.2, which is considered good. Customer sentiment is also quite positive, with Customer Satisfaction standing at 83.6%.
This strong performance is largely driven by the culinary experience, where Food (8.2) consistently receives high marks from diners. These insights are drawn from a substantial 499 customer remarks.
Looking closer, the Service (8.4) also stands out as a strong point, often described as attentive and efficient. The Ambience (8.5) contributes positively to the dining experience, creating an enjoyable setting.
However, the Value (5.4) presents a more mixed picture, indicating that some guests find the pricing to be a bit high, despite the generally positive feedback on other aspects. Out of 499 comments, 417 were positive, while 62 were negative.
What people like
- Authentic Mexican flavors
- Attentive, warm service
- Pleasant, lively atmosphere
What people don't like
- Perceived high cost
- Inconsistent service attention
- Loud music distraction
El Buen Comer generally delivers a commendable dining experience, particularly if you prioritize well-prepared Mexican cuisine and a welcoming environment. With a Recommendation Score of 8.3, it’s a place many find worth visiting for its culinary strengths and engaging atmosphere.
However, be mindful of the pricing, as some guests perceive it as a bit steep. While service is often excellent, occasional lapses can occur during peak times.
If you’re seeking flavorful dishes and a vibrant setting, El Buen Comer could be a good choice, provided you manage expectations on cost and occasional service pace.
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Verdict: Our expert take on El Buen Comer
Food (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 100% of the guests
Food here generally hits the mark, with a good score of 8.2 and good customer satisfaction at 84.1%. Out of 378 remarks, a whopping 318 praise the authentic Mexican food, especially the handmade tortillas, rich moles, and bold flavors that truly shine. However, 46 comments point to some misses.
While many rave, a few found the chicken dry, guacamole bland, or plates overly salty. Some dishes were described as lacking flavor or being uninspired, suggesting occasional inconsistency in execution.
Food
378
Reviews
84%
Satisfaction
46
negative
14
neutral
318
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Mexican food
- Handmade tortillas
- Bold flavors
What people don't like
- Dry chicken
- Bland guacamole
- Lack of flavor
Often praised
- foodThe vibe was great, and the staff were incredibly attentive and friendly. We enjoyed some truly delicious food, specifically the guacamole and enchiladas. The food, service, and atmosphere all received a perfect score.
- Mexican foodMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I believe it offers possibly the best Mexican food in San Francisco. The tortillas are handmade and were super good.
- chilaquilesHaving grown up in a border town, lived in San Diego for many years, and traveled in Mexico, I can confidently say this might be the best Mexican food in SF. They offer all the classics, including a wide variety of moles, tamales, sopes, pambazo, chilaquiles, and pozole. The only drawback is that it is very expensive; otherwise, I would dine here all the time.
- moleWe’ve been a few times and the food is delicious. We especially enjoyed the great tacos and mole, and there are more things that we need to try. The service was excellent, rated a 5, and the atmosphere was also a perfect 5.
- FoodMy family and I visited just before closing time at 8: 30 PM. Despite the late hour, the staff served us without any urgency to shut down, allowing us to fully enjoy a great and varied meal. This is the best little Mexican restaurant I've experienced, offering a relaxed sense of authenticity.
- pozoleHaving grown up in a border town, lived in San Diego for many years, and traveled in Mexico, I can confidently say this might be the best Mexican food in SF. They offer all the classics, including a wide variety of moles, tamales, sopes, pambazo, chilaquiles, and pozole. The only drawback is that it is very expensive; otherwise, I would dine here all the time.
- tacosthe verdes/rojas enchiladas, quesadilla chilanga, tacos, huarache, tamales, chips, salsa & guac, churros and chocoflan. We’re all vegetarians and the food here was mind-blowing!
- enchiladasthe verdes/rojas enchiladas, quesadilla chilanga, tacos, huarache, tamales, chips, salsa & guac, churros and chocoflan. We’re all vegetarians and the food here was mind-blowing!
- authentic Mexican foodI found it to be one of my favorite places to eat. The service was wonderful, and they now offer real authentic Mexican food. The food quality was excellent, and the atmosphere was enjoyable.
- beans and ricebeans and rice that came with the mains was were just as amazing
Frequently criticized
- foodfound the food to be completely uninspired
- chickena huge pile of just very cold and dry shredded chicken
- chilaquilessalsa from the chilaquiles were salted and no flavor
- Chile RellenoThe food was mediocre at best; nothing stood out as special, except perhaps the salsa for the chips. The guacamole was bland, and the Chile Relleno was dry. The chicken enchiladas were just "meh.
- EsquitesOnly disappointment was that they were out of Esquites
- authenticityit’s not as authentic as it used to be
- brunch itemsbrunch items were just boring and flat
- cafe de ollaIt is the worst cafe de olla I have had in my life
- cafe de olla tasteThis one tasted horrible, almost burnt and old
- cheese insideThe cheese inside were chunks that weren't melted
If you're craving authentic Mexican cuisine with standout handmade tortillas and rich moles, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be aware that a few dishes might occasionally miss the mark on flavor or texture, so choose wisely.
Service (8.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 55% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot truly shines! With a strong score of 8.4 and a customer satisfaction rate of 87%, its clear guests are generally delighted. Based on 60 positive comments, diners frequently praise the friendly, attentive staff and efficient service, often highlighting the warm, family-owned atmosphere and quick water refills.
However, out of 69 total opinions, a few experiences werent as smooth. 9 negative remarks mention instances where service can suffer when busy, or a specific waiter had a grumpy mood. There were also isolated reports of a rude attitude from one staff member and ignored messages.
Service
69
Reviews
87%
Satisfaction
9
negative
0
neutral
60
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Efficient, quick service
- Knowledgeable team
What people don't like
- Rude staff attitude
- Service slows when busy
- Lack of attention
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was truly well deserving of their Michelin recognition. The Mexican food was simply gorgeous, and the amazing food and perfect service made for a memorable dinner. Carlos, in particular, was incredible.
- staffMy experience at this restaurant was truly excellent, featuring amazing staff and food that tastes so different from many other spots in San Francisco. I highly recommend their different moles and their tostadas.
- ServiceService was excellent and prompt
- water refillsfrequent water refills which I appreciated
- CarlosCarlos was incredible.
- attentionattention very good
- cocktail making classgot a free cocktail making class!
- coming backThe tamarind margarita was yummy, and the dessert was super good. I'm definitely coming back over and over again.
- efficient, no-frill Mexican kitchenAs expected from an efficient, no-frill Mexican kitchen
- everyone who works thereEveryone who works there is great
Frequently criticized
- waiterthe waiter seemed to be in a grumpy mood
- Facebook messagesEvery one of my Facebook messages has been read by them, but ignored.
- Vladimirhe was quite rude to a guest
- attitudeMy friend explained that he couldn’t read the menu, which is why I suggested a dish I usually enjoy. Unfortunately, I won’t be returning or recommending this place, as Vladimir’s attitude needs some adjustment.
- high chairoffered a high chair for our baby’s car seat. After minutes our baby felt off of it.
- phone callstold they’d get back to me over the phone, never did despite calling twice.
- serviceWhen they get busy service can suffer a bit
- waitstaff attentionIt's also a plus that they offer plenty of vegetarian options and the staff seems knowledgeable about the ingredients. However, when the restaurant gets busy, the service can suffer a bit, and it becomes hard to get the attention of the limited waitstaff. Overall, a great place for food, but be prepared for potential service delays during peak times.
Expect a largely positive experience with friendly and efficient service here. While occasional hiccups during peak times or isolated rude encounters are mentioned, the overwhelming feedback points to a welcoming and attentive team. It's definitely worth trying for their great service.
Ambience (8.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 29% of the guests
The vibe here is definitely a winner, with an impressive 8.5 score and 87.8% customer satisfaction, both landing squarely in the good category! Many guests, 36 out of 41, rave about the authenticity, beautiful place, and welcoming atmosphere, often highlighting the live music or live band that adds to the great vibe and makes it a fantastic neighborhood spot. However, its not entirely perfect.
A couple of guests (2 out of 41) found the performer singing to be a bit too loud, making it hard to talk and enjoy their meal. While live music is often a highlight, sometimes the volume can detract from the overall experience, especially if youre looking for a quiet conversation.
Ambience
41
Reviews
87%
Satisfaction
2
negative
3
neutral
36
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great atmosphere
- Welcoming vibe
- Lively live music
What people don't like
- Loud live music
Often praised
- atmosphereEverything from the atmosphere had my family and I locked in
- AtmosphereDespite the late hour, the staff served us without any urgency to shut down, allowing us to fully enjoy a great and varied meal. This is the best little Mexican restaurant I've experienced, offering a relaxed sense of authenticity. I highly recommend it.
- vibeA nicer vibe than your typical taqueria
- live musiclive music on the weekends
- Kid-friendlinessKid-friendliness:Plenty of kids here the kids loved the live band
- authenticityDespite the late hour, the staff served us without any urgency to shut down, allowing us to fully enjoy a great and varied meal. This is the best little Mexican restaurant I've experienced, offering a relaxed sense of authenticity. I highly recommend it.
- beautiful placebeautiful place
- clean restaurantin a clean, friendly, and welcoming restaurant
- cleanlinesscleanliness very good
- felt greatThe service was very kind, and the place is beautiful. We really felt great and will come back again! Thank you :)
Frequently criticized
- performer singingThe chicken enchiladas were just "meh. " Adding to the negative experience, they had a performer singing Mexican songs, which can be great, but he was playing so loudly and shouting the words that we couldn't even talk. Sorry, but we are not a fan.
- talkso that you couldn't even talk
Overall, if you're looking for a lively, welcoming spot with great atmosphere and often live music, this place is a solid choice. Just be aware that the entertainment can sometimes get a bit loud, so it might not be ideal for a quiet, intimate chat.
Value (5.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 11% of the guests
When considering value, some guests genuinely felt the experience was worth it, noting that the prices were fair for what you get. Based on 3 positive opinions out of 11 total, theres a sense that some find the cost reasonable, even though overall customer satisfaction sits at a rather low 27.3%. However, a more dominant sentiment, reflected in 5 negative opinions, suggests that many found the experience to be quite expensive for whats offered.
The overall score for value is an average 5.4, indicating a mixed bag where the cost doesn't always align with expectations for many diners.
Value
11
Reviews
27%
Satisfaction
5
negative
3
neutral
3
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Worth the price
What people don't like
- Too expensive
Often praised
- price per personPrice per person:$20–30
- pricesPrices are fair
- worth itITS VERY MUCH WORTH IT!!
Frequently criticized
- priceprice $153 for a plate of chilaquiles
- expensiveit is very expensive
If youre looking for a budget-friendly option, this might not be your top pick, as many find it quite expensive. However, if you prioritize the experience and dont mind spending a bit more, some guests do feel it's worth the price.
How are the prices at El Buen Comer?
You’re looking at roughly 32 per person – reported by 94 diners. That puts it in the $31–$40 category. For a Mexican Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at what people actually spend, we see a wide spread! While the average is 32, most guests actually spend less, with a big cluster in the $21–$30 and $11–$20 ranges. This means there are plenty of affordable options, but also some higher-end choices pulling the average up.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 94 reviews.
Comparing value for money with similar restaurants in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Mexican Restaurant in San Francisco. There’s a good range of options to suit different budgets, from more casual bites to a more premium experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about El Buen Comer
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
7
Mole Magic, Chilaquiles Miss
My experience at this restaurant was a tale of two dishes. I absolutely loved the chicken mole; it was a standout dish that I would return for again and again. However, the chilaquiles were forgettable and pretty expensive for what they were.
While the mole was a strong positive, the chilaquiles were a letdown in terms of both quality and value.
- chicken mole10
- chilaquiles3
- price3
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Large Group
Group Size
- Large Group
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Incredible Food and Service for Catering!
My experience was centered around ordering catering for 25 people. The food arrived piping hot, was incredibly delicious, and beautifully presented. All of our guests were raving about it and asking where we got it from.
I can't wait to go back for more. The service was also wonderful.
- food10
- service10
- guests10
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Incredible Lunch Experience!
Our lunch experience was incredible! We highly recommend the torta and the huarache. The entire staff was great, and we can't wait to go back!
- torta9
- huarache9
- everyone who works there10
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Delicious Mexican Food & Great Experience
My family and I had an amazing experience at this restaurant. Everything from the atmosphere to the staff and the uber delicious food had us locked in. We will definitely be back for more.
The pollo empanizado was bomb, the chicken mole delicious, and I can't wait to try their pozole next.
- atmosphere10
- staff10
- uber delicious food10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Absolutely Delicious Mexican Food!
Top top :) We had a truly beautiful experience, thank you! The food was genuinely Mexican and, most importantly, absolutely delicious and perfectly seasoned! I can only recommend it!
The service was very kind, and the place is beautiful. We really felt great and will come back again! Thank you :)
- Mexican food10
- perfectly seasoned10
- kind service9
What El Buen Comer offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
Atmosphere
- Trendy
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trending
FAQs
What are the parking options available when you visit El Buen Comer?
When planning your visit to El Buen Comer in San Francisco, you should know that finding a parking space can sometimes be a bit challenging. However, you can often find free street parking in the vicinity, which is a convenient option.
Is El Buen Comer a suitable dining spot for families with children?
Absolutely! El Buen Comer is considered good for kids, making it a family-friendly destination. The restaurant also provides high chairs, ensuring comfort and convenience for your little ones during your meal.
What is the overall standing of El Buen Comer?
El Buen Comer holds a Restaurant Score of 8.2, indicating a good overall experience. Its strengths lie in Ambience (8.5), Service (8.4), and Food (8.2), though Value (5.4) is more average.
Does El Buen Comer offer authentic Mexican dishes?
Many diners praise El Buen Comer for its authentic Mexican food, highlighting dishes like moles, chilaquiles, and handmade tortillas, though a few found some items less inspired.
How is the service and atmosphere at El Buen Comer?
The service is often described as attentive and friendly, contributing to a pleasant and lively atmosphere, sometimes featuring live music. However, service can be inconsistent when busy, and live music can occasionally be too loud.