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oChef » El Jacal – San Francisco
El Jacal - San Francisco
Photo from El Jacal
El Jacal at a glance
San Francisco Bernal Heights
- 🍽️ Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 38 of the guests
#237 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#46 Restaurant out of 254 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.5 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
255
Reviews
89.4%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Friendly Service
- Fresh Food
- Clean Atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- Pricing Issues
- Early Closing
The restaurant El Jacal in San Francisco’s vibrant Bernal Heights neighborhood offers you a truly authentic Mexican dining experience. You’ll find a casual atmosphere perfect for any meal, whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or settling in for a full dinner.
With a focus on delicious flavors and a welcoming vibe, it’s a local favorite.
Overview: Introducting El Jacal
El Jacal offers a welcoming experience, often praised for its attentive and friendly service, making guests feel right at home. The atmosphere is generally described as clean and inviting, contributing to a pleasant dining environment.
While many rave about the fresh food and delicious offerings, some experiences suggest inconsistencies, particularly regarding value. Guests appreciate the overall positive vibe, but certain aspects of pricing and operating hours have drawn criticism.
Excellent
8.5
out of 10
255
Reviews
89.4%
Satisfaction
20
negative
7
neutral
228
positive
El Jacal garners a solid overall score of 8.5, reflecting a generally positive dining experience. Customer satisfaction stands at a strong 89.4%, indicating that most patrons leave content.
These figures are drawn from a substantial pool of 255 customer observations, with 228 positive remarks outweighing 20 negative ones. The Food (8.7) is a clear standout, frequently highlighted for its quality and flavor, closely followed by the Service (8.9), which consistently earns high marks for its attentiveness.
The Ambience (8.4) also contributes positively, often noted for its comfortable and clean setting. However, Value (5.0) presents a more mixed picture, suggesting that while many find the offerings worthwhile, some feel the pricing could be more competitive.
What people like
- Excellent, friendly service
- Fresh, flavorful food
- Clean, inviting atmosphere
What people don't like
- Questionable pricing practices
- Limited operating hours
With a strong recommendation score of 8.6, El Jacal is certainly worth considering, especially if you prioritize excellent service and flavorful food in a comfortable setting. It’s a place where you’re likely to enjoy a well-prepared meal and feel genuinely welcomed.
However, be mindful of potential pricing concerns and their earlier closing times. If those factors align with your expectations, El Jacal could become a regular spot for you.
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Verdict: Our expert take on El Jacal
Food (8.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
It seems the food here is largely a hit, boasting an impressive score of 8.7 and an excellent customer satisfaction rate of 90.5%. Out of 168 pieces of feedback, a whopping 152 were positive, frequently praising the fresh ingredients, authentic Mexican flavor, and amazing food, with many calling out the best burritos and a wide variety of options. However, it's not all perfect.
A small number of comments, 10 to be exact, pointed to some areas needing attention. Some found the burgers to be disappointing, while others noted issues with the horchata and chicken burrito lacking enough chicken or having an inconsistent overall quality, with a few mentioning sour cream issues.
Food
168
Reviews
90%
Satisfaction
10
negative
6
neutral
152
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Amazing food
- Fresh ingredients
- Authentic flavor
What people don't like
- Worst burgers
- Inconsistent burritos
- Poor horchata
Often praised
- foodI absolutely loved my experience at this restaurant. Everything was so fresh, and I particularly enjoyed the pico de gallo, which looked like it had just been prepared. The food was excellent, and the overall experience was very positive.
- Mexican foodI had the Best Torta sandwich I've ever tasted. Overall, I believe this place serves the Best Mexican food in the bay area, especially here in San Francisco. It was a great lunch experience, and the price per person was reasonable, between $10–20.
- breakfast burritomost delicious breakfast burrito I've ever eaten
- chipsThe chips were absolutely great
- food qualityGreat food. The best Mexican food up on the hill
- menuThis is a perfect spot for a casual breakfast or lunch. I’m working my way through the menu—crepes, sandwiches, burritos— and I’ve never had a bad meal. I highly recommend the Chicken Milanesa Sandwich.
- quesadillaThe complimentary salsas with the chips were also fresh. My daughter's quesadilla and fries were generous portions, and she ate until she was very full. The standout aspect of the food is the fresh ingredients.
- salsaThe salsa is great perfect level of spicy
- salsasSame with the complimentary salsas that came with the chips
- tacosThe tacos don't lag behind, they reminded me of the quality I'd get in Mexico City
Frequently criticized
- burgersThese were the worst burgers I’ve had in my life.
- burritosboth had burritos from this place and got extremely sick
- chicken burritoloaded with rice, no cheese and minimal chicken
- foodFood:2
- horchatathe horchata was not too good either
- ingredientsPlease upgrade your ingredients
- lengua burritoMy experience at this restaurant was extremely disappointing, primarily due to the food. I ordered a lengua burrito, which turned out to be the worst lengua burrito I’ve ever had in my life. I couldn't even finish it.
- overall qualityoverall quality was not there any longer
- sour creamsour cream tasting kind of strong
- super burritowhat $20 got me. A super burrito
If you're looking for fresh, flavorful, and authentic Mexican food, especially burritos and tacos, this place is definitely worth a try. Just be mindful that some specific items like the burgers or horchata might not always hit the mark, so stick to their well-loved strengths!
Service (8.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 64% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot truly shines! With an excellent score of 8.9 and a fantastic customer satisfaction rate of 94%, its clear guests are consistently impressed. Based on 47 positive remarks out of 50, you can expect incredibly friendly service, amazing staff, and warm hospitality, often highlighted by quick and accommodating attention from the owners.
However, a couple of comments (2 out of 50) point to a minor snag. Some patrons expressed sadness about the restaurants decision to close at 8 PM, wishing they would reconsider staying open later. This early closing time can be a drawback for those looking for a conventional late dinner.
Service
50
Reviews
94%
Satisfaction
2
negative
1
neutral
47
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Quick service
- Hospitable owners
What people don't like
- Early closing time
Often praised
- serviceI highly recommend the Chicken Milanesa Sandwich. Plus, the service is excellent.
- ownerI had an amazing no-frills breakfast burrito that they easily accommodated for my vegetarian diet. The owner was incredibly friendly, and I’m excited to come back and try more of the menu. It's a neighborhood gem for sure.
- staffMy experience at the restaurant was incredibly positive. The staff were incredibly friendly and helpful. The restaurant itself was very clean with attention to detail, and I was delighted to see sunflowers at every table, which I consider a good sign.
- friendly serviceI enjoyed the great chicken enchiladas mole and the fish tacos. The value was excellent, complemented by very friendly service. I'll definitely be returning to explore more of their menu!
- Friendly staffFriendly staffđź’•
- ServiceService:5
- accommodation and hustleAppreciate the accommodation and hustle
- amazing servicedelicious tacos and amazing service
- chefVery Very Kind Chef
- comfortIt was served with a side of fresh fruit and a salad, complemented by a delicious espresso. The owner was incredibly hospitable and attentive to my comfort. I definitely recommend this spot if you're in the neighborhood.
Frequently criticized
- close at 8 PMsad that they recently decided to close at 8 PM
- close so earlyThis was one of the very few places on Cortland that’s open past 8 PM, but now I can’t eat here if I’m even slightly past the conventional dinner time. As much as I love this place, I won’t be coming as often since they close so early now : (I really hope they reconsider staying open a bit later. Any restaurant that’s open past 9 in Cortland has my gratitude forever.
If you're looking for a place with genuinely warm and efficient service, this restaurant is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful of their earlier closing time; it might not be the spot for a late-night meal, but for everything else, the hospitality is top-notch.
Ambience (8.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 36% of the guests
The ambience here truly shines, boasting a good score of 8.4 and an excellent customer satisfaction of 96%. Out of 25 customer remarks, 24 enthusiastically praise the atmosphere, highlighting its restaurant cleanliness, charming sunflowers, and a cozy mom-and-pop-shop feel. Many appreciate the bright, friendly spot and even the open kitchen adds to the inviting vibe.
However, theres one minor point to consider: a single comment noted that the outside of the restaurant doesnt quite reflect the wonderful experience inside. While the interior is celebrated for its colorful and clean presentation, the exterior might not immediately convey the neighborhood gem within.
Ambience
25
Reviews
96%
Satisfaction
1
negative
0
neutral
24
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Clean interior
- Welcoming atmosphere
- Open kitchen
What people don't like
- Unimpressive exterior
Often praised
- atmosphereAtmosphere:5
- placeSuper friendly place
- restaurantThe restaurant was clean, well organized, and spacious.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- casual placePretty casual place
- clean placeI would highly recommend eating here! Additionally, it's a clean place with friendly staff đź’•.
- great placethis is a great place
- interiorClean modern unpretentious interior
- interior and exteriorhow colorful the interior and exterior of the restaurant was
- mom-and-pop-shop feelHas a mom-and-pop-shop type of feel
Frequently criticized
- outsidethe outside of this restaurant doesn't express the wonderful selection of food inside
If youre looking for a spot with a genuinely welcoming and clean atmosphere, this place is definitely worth checking out. Dont let the exterior fool you; inside, you'll find a charming and well-cared-for environment that customers absolutely love.
Value (5 out of 10)
mentioned by 17% of the guests
Lets talk about value! While its a bit of a mixed bag with a customer satisfaction of 41.7%, some diners have really appreciated the prices, finding them very reasonable and a great value. Out of 12 total sentiments, 5 were positive, highlighting affordable options and good deals.
On the flip side, the overall score for value sits at an average 5, and 7 negative comments out of 12 suggest some concerns. Diners have noted that prices can be a bit high, with some feeling the price charged was more than expected. Issues with tip amount being added without choice also left a sour taste for a few.
Value
12
Reviews
41%
Satisfaction
7
negative
0
neutral
5
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable pricing
- Good value found
What people don't like
- Prices too high
- Billing discrepancies
- Unapproved tip added
Often praised
- pricevery affordable price
- pricesMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's a super friendly place with really good prices and great food. I got the Nachos and they were amazing, and the serving was huge.
- valueGood value
Frequently criticized
- pricesThe prices are a bit high
- maximum tipThe price I was charged was higher than the menu price. Furthermore, a maximum tip was also added to my check prior to closing out without my knowledge, and I was never given the option to choose the tip amount or adjust it. I strongly advise against eating here, or else you will be ripped off and overcharged!
- price chargedMy experience at this restaurant was extremely negative. The price I was charged was higher than the menu price. Furthermore, a maximum tip was also added to my check prior to closing out without my knowledge, and I was never given the option to choose the tip amount or adjust it.
- price per personwhat $20 got me. ... Price per person:$20–30
- super burrito price$16.99 for a super burrito is way too high
- tip amountnever goven option to choose tip amount or adjust
This spot offers a mixed bag when it comes to value. While some find the prices reasonable, others feel they're a bit steep or have encountered issues with billing. If you decide to go, keep an eye on the menu prices and your final bill to avoid surprises.
How are the prices at El Jacal?
You’re looking at roughly 19 per person – reported by 38 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at what people spend, most diners stick right around this average, with the majority of prices falling within the $11–$20 range, showing a pretty consistent pricing experience.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 38 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
For a general Restaurant type, we think this pricing feels quite fair. Its a good spot if youre looking for a reliable meal without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about El Jacal
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
10
Delicious Authentic Mexican Food!
I visited this restaurant from Oregon while looking for a lunch spot. My experience was fantastic! I tried the Tacos de lengua, caldo de camarĂłn, and mojarra (fried fish), and everything was delicious!
The restaurant offers amazing authentic Mexican flavor with filling portions. I would highly recommend eating here! Additionally, it's a clean place with friendly staff đź’•.
- Tacos de lengua10
- caldo de camarĂłn10
- mojarra (fried fish)10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
8
Great Burritos, Early Closing Time
My experience at this restaurant was largely positive due to the amazing food, which I consider some of the best burritos in SF, even surpassing famous spots. However, I am sad that they recently decided to close at 8 PM. This was one of the very few places on Cortland that’s open past 8 PM, but now I can’t eat here if I’m even slightly past the conventional dinner time.
As much as I love this place, I won’t be coming as often since they close so early now : (I really hope they reconsider staying open a bit later. Any restaurant that’s open past 9 in Cortland has my gratitude forever.
- amazing food10
- best burritos10
- open past 88
- close at 8 PM2
- close so early2
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Delicious Tacos & Amazing Service!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed delicious tacos and the service was amazing. Everything is cooked fresh, including the chips.
The people here are very warm and welcoming.
- delicious tacos9
- amazing service10
- cooked fresh9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
9
Amazing Nachos and Friendly Service!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The nachos were "on fire" and truly super, making for great food. The customer service was also excellent, with the staff being very friendly.
I highly recommend this place, especially for vegetarians.
- nachos10
- great food9
- customer service9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Excellent Caldos, Beyond Typical Taqueria
My experience at this restaurant was a pleasant surprise, offering more than the typical taqueria menu. The caldos were excellent, prepared to order, and served hot. The food quality was a definite highlight, earning a perfect score.
- caldos10
- food10
What El Jacal offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
- Restroom
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Catering
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
Is El Jacal Mexican Grill accessible for everyone?
Yes, El Jacal Mexican Grill prioritizes accessibility for all guests. You’ll find a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restrooms, ensuring a comfortable experience for every visitor in Bernal Heights, San Francisco.
What dining options and family amenities does El Jacal Mexican Grill offer?
El Jacal Mexican Grill provides a wide range of dining options, including breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner with table service. For families, you’ll appreciate the kids’ menu, high chairs, and the fact that it’s good for kids.
How is El Jacal rated overall by customers?
El Jacal holds a strong overall score of 8.5, with customer satisfaction at 89.4%. The Food (8.7) and Service (8.9) are highly rated, while the Ambience (8.4) is also well-regarded. The Value (5.0) score indicates a more average perception in this area.
What can I expect from the food at El Jacal?
Many customers praise El Jacal for its fresh and delicious food, with opinions highlighting excellent quality and flavor. Dishes like breakfast burritos and tacos are frequently mentioned positively, suggesting a focus on well-prepared, traditional offerings.
Are there any common downsides to dining at El Jacal?
Some customers have expressed concerns regarding pricing, with mentions of prices being a bit high or issues with maximum tips being added without consent. Additionally, the restaurant’s earlier closing time has been noted as a drawback for some patrons.