Highlights
- Live music
- Live performances
- Great beer selection
oChef » El Valenciano – San Francisco
El Valenciano - San Francisco
Photo from El Valenciano
El Valenciano at a glance
San Francisco Mission District
- 🍻 Bar & Pub
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 5 of the guests
#2082 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#138 Bar & Pub out of 151 in San Francisco
Good
6.2 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
126
Reviews
60.3%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Vibrant atmosphere
- Friendly staff
- Good drinks
Frequently criticized
- Food quality
- Hidden fees
- Ventilation issues
The restaurant El Valenciano is a vibrant Bar & Pub located in the heart of San Francisco’s lively Mission District. You’ll find yourself immersed in an energetic atmosphere, often accompanied by fantastic live music that sets the perfect mood for a night out.
It’s a spot where you can truly unwind and enjoy the local scene, making it a prime destination for entertainment and good times.
Overview: Introducting El Valenciano
El Valenciano offers a vibrant social experience, often lauded for its energetic atmosphere and the genuinely friendly service provided by its staff. Many guests find the overall vibe quite engaging, making it a popular spot for a night out.
However, some patrons have noted inconsistencies with the food quality and raised concerns about the overall value, particularly regarding additional charges. While the drinks are frequently praised, the culinary offerings can be a mixed experience.
Good
6.2
out of 10
126
Reviews
60.3%
Satisfaction
43
negative
7
neutral
76
positive
El Valenciano garners an overall score of 6.2, placing it in the average category, reflecting a balanced but not outstanding performance. Customer satisfaction stands at 60.3%, indicating a mixed reception where a good number of patrons are content, yet a significant portion expresses reservations.
This assessment is derived from 126 customer remarks, comprising 76 positive and 43 negative observations. Delving into specifics, the Ambience truly stands out with a strong score of (7.6), often highlighted as a primary draw.
The Food (4.9) and Service (4.8) both hover around the average mark, suggesting areas with room for improvement despite some positive feedback. The Value (4.7) also falls into this mid-range, indicating that while some aspects are well-priced, others are perceived as less so.
What people like
- Vibrant dance atmosphere
- Friendly, generous staff
- Good drinks selection
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Unexpected cover fees
- Poor ventilation
If you’re seeking a lively venue primarily for its vibrant atmosphere, music, and dancing, El Valenciano could be a good choice. The engaging environment and often friendly staff contribute to a fun night out, especially if you prioritize the social aspect over a culinary journey.
However, approach with realistic expectations regarding the food quality and potential additional costs. With a recommendation score of 6.4, it suggests a place that delivers on entertainment but might not consistently impress on the dining front.
It’s best suited for those looking for a dynamic social scene.
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Verdict: Our expert take on El Valenciano
Food (4.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 32% of the guests
When it comes to the food, its a bit of a mixed bag, with an average score of 4.9 and 40% customer satisfaction. However, many guests rave about the incredible salsa, saying its a must-try! The drinks, especially the Margarita cocktail and beers, also get high praise for being perfect and cold.
These positive vibes come from 8 positive remarks out of 20 total. On the flip side, there are some serious concerns. Several diners reported issues with the food quality, including finding stones in tacos and complaints about the chicken being old and awful.
Some felt the guacamole and salsa Verde tasted store-bought. These negative experiences account for 11 remarks out of 20 total, suggesting some significant areas for improvement.
Food
20
Reviews
40%
Satisfaction
11
negative
1
neutral
8
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Incredible salsa
- Perfect drinks
What people don't like
- Stones in tacos
- Awful chicken
- Store-bought guacamole
Often praised
- drinksthe drinks are always perfect
- foodThe food was a perfect complement to the experience
- Margarita cocktailкоктейль Маргарите понравился.
- beersBeers were good and cold!
- salsaYou think you’ve seen salsa. Well my friend, I’m here to inform you that you have not.
Frequently criticized
- foodThe food is expensive and not good
- Chicken quesadillaChicken quesadilla & 2 drinks $38!
- chickenChicken was old & tasted awful
- drinksdrinks watered
- good drinksThe chicken was old and tasted awful, and the guacamole and salsa verde seemed store-bought. This used to be a nice place with quality food and good drinks. Because of this experience, I couldn't wait for the music to start.
- guacamoleGuacamole & salsa Verde store bought
- lost one of my teethlost one of my muelas
- quality foodThe chicken was old and tasted awful, and the guacamole and salsa verde seemed store-bought. This used to be a nice place with quality food and good drinks. Because of this experience, I couldn't wait for the music to start.
- salsa VerdeGuacamole & salsa Verde store bought
- stones in tacosMy experience was truly terrible. I wanted to have dinner, but I found stones in my tacos and ended up losing one of my teeth. 😭
So, should you go? If you're looking for great salsa and drinks, it might be worth a shot. But be warned, the food quality can be inconsistent, with some serious issues reported, so proceed with caution.
Service (4.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 55% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot presents a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 4.8, placing it in the average range, and customer satisfaction at 42.9%, which is decidedly mixed. On the bright side, many guests rave about the friendly bartenders, attentive waitresses, and generally kind people and locals. There are 15 positive remarks highlighting generous staff and a welcoming atmosphere, making for some truly fun experiences.
However, the 20 negative remarks point to significant areas for improvement. Issues frequently arise with bartender attention and attitude, a lack of proper greeting upon arrival, and overall customer service that needs a serious boost. Some experiences mention rude staff and even insulting behavior, suggesting a need for more consistent and professional interactions.
Service
35
Reviews
42%
Satisfaction
20
negative
0
neutral
15
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly bartenders
- Attentive waitstaff
- Welcoming atmosphere
What people don't like
- Poor bartender service
- Rude staff attitude
- No proper greeting
Often praised
- bartenderThis guy is the most generous bartender on Earth
- bartenders2 of the bartenders are friendly
- peopleIt was the most fun I've had at a club in a long time. Everyone was very friendly, even though I was just about the only non-Latino there.
- waitressesvery beautiful waitresses
- MarkMark really treats the women with respect and dignity.
- cell phoneHe found it and held it for me
- everyoneEveryone is so kind.
- localsAll the locals I met are supper friendly.
- promoterfriendly as well as the promoter
- serviceoverall service score of 5
Frequently criticized
- bartenderit still took us approximately 7 minutes for a bartender to meet us
- serviceterrible service, especially from the bartenders
- DjI asked Dj to play my song and he never played it
- attitudeThe girl with a very bad attitude asked me: what?
- bartender attentionMy experience at the restaurant was quite unpleasant, primarily due to the terrible service, especially from the bartenders. One bartender, described as a girl with large breasts and tattoos, provided very poor attention. The overall experience was totally unpleasant.
- coat checkthey didn’t have a coat check
- customer servicecustomer service needs to be improved a lot
- customersRacist customers
- excuseHis excuse wasn't right
- experienceWe left the place with horrible experience
If you're looking for a place with potentially great vibes and friendly faces, you might find it here. But be prepared for the possibility of encountering some less-than-stellar service, particularly from the bar staff. It seems to be a bit of a hit-or-miss situation.
Ambience (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 87% of the guests
The ambience here truly shines, with a 7.6 score indicating a good experience, and customer satisfaction hitting a solid 79.7%. Many guests, 51 out of 64 comments, rave about the vibrant atmosphere, especially the fantastic dancing and lively music. The spacious dance floor and beautiful decorations create a truly fun and engaging environment.
However, not all experiences were perfect, with 8 comments noting some areas for improvement. Concerns were raised about the restrooms needing more care and a bad smell. Some also wished for better ventilation and more variety in the music, as playing the same songs was a common complaint.
Ambience
64
Reviews
79%
Satisfaction
8
negative
5
neutral
51
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Vibrant dance scene
- Lively music
- Electric atmosphere
What people don't like
- Restroom upkeep
- Music repetition
- Poor ventilation
Often praised
- atmosphereThe waitresses were very beautiful 🔥😁. It really lit up like a candle here 🔥, with a very good atmosphere and very good waitresses 🔥😎.
- dance floorGood amount of dance floor
- musicWhat an experience! The venue was pretty cool with good music. The waitresses were very beautiful 🔥😁.
- Latin musicthey play Latin music
- dancingamazing dancing in this club
- good musicMy experience at the restaurant was enjoyable, with good music that made for a fun night. I visited on Friday, November 25, 2016, with my husband, and we danced the night away, having a great time.
- DJVery good Dj
- MusicMusic was good
- SundaysThe drinks are good. Sundays are the best night. Maestra Theresa💕
- barGreat bar, a place where you feel welcome
Frequently criticized
- atmospherethe atmosphere was not very pleasant
- bad smellhe had a bad smell
- dance floorThe floor isn't that great
- restroomslos 🚽 necesitan más cuidado limpiesa y papel
- same songsMy experience at the restaurant was that they always play the same songs and should really vary them more. Additionally, there is not enough ventilation.
- spaceTo small as well
- ventilationMy experience at the restaurant was that they always play the same songs and should really vary them more. Additionally, there is not enough ventilation. Oooo nooooo😰😰😰😰😰😰😰😰
- welcomeIf you are not Latino you are not very welcome there
If youre looking for a lively spot with great music and a fantastic dance floor, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be aware that some minor issues like restroom upkeep and music variety might pop up, but they dont overshadow the overall fun vibe.
Value (4.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 19% of the guests
Looking at value, theres a bit of a mixed bag. Some guests were quite happy, noting the "price per person" was reasonable and praising the "food and drinks prices" as excellent. With 2 positive remarks, it suggests that for some, the cost felt fair, even if the overall score sits at an average 4.7.
However, the picture isnt entirely bright, especially with a poor 28.6% customer satisfaction. Out of 6 total comments, 4 were negative, highlighting issues like an unexpected dance fee and a cover charge. Many felt the price for food was too high, with one guest stating the food was expensive and not good.
For the price.
Value
7
Reviews
28%
Satisfaction
4
negative
1
neutral
2
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Excellent food prices
- Reasonable per-person price
What people don't like
- Expensive food
- Unexpected dance fee
- Mandatory cover charge
Often praised
- food and drinks pricesThe food and drinks prices are excellent
- price per personThe price per person was a reasonable $20–30.
Frequently criticized
- priceThe food is expensive and not good. I mean, not for the price.
- cover chargestill had to pay cover charge
- dance feeThere is a fee of $15 to dance
If youre considering this spot, be aware that while some find the basic food and drink prices fair, unexpected fees like a dance fee or cover charge can quickly inflate your bill. It might be worth it if youre prepared for these extras, but if you're on a strict budget or dislike hidden costs, you might want to look elsewhere.
How are the prices at El Valenciano?
You’re looking at roughly 37 per person – reported by 5 diners. That puts it in the $31–$40 category. For a Bar & Pub, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While this average sits in the mid-range, the overall pricing landscape shows a wide spread, with some options being much cheaper and others significantly more premium. Our data is limited with only 5 diners, but it gives us a good indication.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 5 reviews. Keep in mind, with limited data, this gives us a good indication.
Comparing value for money against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels fair for a Bar & Pub, especially considering its mid-range positioning. Its a solid choice if youre looking for a good experience without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about El Valenciano
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
8
Great Atmosphere, Good Cocktails
I had a very pleasant experience at this restaurant. The atmosphere was fantastic, and the dance floor was decent. We didn't order any food, but I really enjoyed the Margarita cocktail.
Initially, there were classes, and then regular club clients arrived and danced very well.
- atmosphere10
- dance floor7
- Margarita cocktail8
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
1
Horrible experience, broke my tooth!
My experience was truly terrible. I wanted to have dinner, but I found stones in my tacos and ended up losing one of my teeth. 😭
- stones in tacos1
- lost one of my teeth1
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
1
Horrible Experience with Drunk Manager
My experience at this restaurant was horrible. I have been a loyal customer for years and even brought international guests here. However, on my last visit, one of the managers was drunk and acted like a complete jerk towards my guest and myself.
This led to a horrible experience. There was a disagreement about the cover charge: one manager stated we didn't have to pay because we bought drinks, while the drunk manager insisted we did. Although we were willing to pay, his insulting behavior towards our group prompted us to leave immediately and vow never to return.
I hope no one else has to endure such an experience; I strongly advise against visiting this establishment and supporting these individuals.
- cover charge5
- manager1
- experience1
- insulting behavior1
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
An Unforgettable Salsa Experience!
You think you’ve seen salsa? Well, my friend, I’m here to inform you that you have not. The teacher here from Wednesday night is an absolute maestro.
I guarantee that it will be one of your best decisions in your life to visit or join a class. The food was a perfect complement to the experience, and the atmosphere was electric, contributing to an overall service score of 5. The price per person was a reasonable $20–30.
- salsa10
- teacher10
- visit10
Visit Type
- Romantic Date
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
2
Bad Service Ruined Our Night
Last Saturday, my wife and I decided to spend a good night at El Valenciano. We arrived and sat at the bar, which surprisingly didn't have many people. However, it still took approximately 7 minutes for a bartender to acknowledge us.
When the bartender finally approached, they shook their head up, which was confusing. Trying to understand the gesture, I ordered two drinks: a Cosmo and an Old Fashioned. The bartender, with a very bad attitude, responded with "what?
". After I repeated my order, they turned around and left without a word. My wife then commented on the girl's poor attitude and service, suggesting we go elsewhere, and so we left.
- drinks6
- bartender2
- attitude1
- service1
What El Valenciano offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Transgender safespace
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Dancing
- Food at bar
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Food
- Wine
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Table service
- Seating
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Atmosphere
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of entertainment can you expect at El Valenciano?
At El Valenciano, you can look forward to a lively experience with both live music and engaging live performances. You’ll find yourself dancing to the rhythm, making it a perfect spot for an entertaining evening out in the Mission District.
What types of drinks and food are available at El Valenciano?
El Valenciano offers a great selection of beverages, including beer, wine, cocktails, and hard liquor. You can also enjoy happy hour drinks. While primarily a bar, you’ll find food available right at the bar to complement your drinks.
What is the overall verdict for El Valenciano?
El Valenciano receives an overall score of 6.2, indicating an average experience. While its Ambience (7.6) is a strong point, Food (4.9), Service (4.8), and Value (4.7) are considered average.
What kind of atmosphere can I expect at El Valenciano?
You can expect a vibrant and energetic atmosphere with good music, a lively dance floor, and a welcoming bar. Many guests enjoy the Latin music and dancing opportunities.
Are there any common concerns about the food or pricing at El Valenciano?
Some customers have noted inconsistent food quality, with issues like old chicken or store-bought ingredients. There are also mentions of unexpected costs, such as cover charges or dance fees, which can impact the perceived value.