Highlights
- Great coffee
oChef » Gallardo’s – San Francisco
Gallardo's - San Francisco
Photo from Gallardo’s
Gallardo's at a glance
San Francisco Mission District
- 🌮 Mexican Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 110 of the guests
#476 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#19 Mexican Restaurant out of 134 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.2 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
537
Reviews
81.8%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Authentic Cuisine
- Warm Service
- Good Portions
Frequently criticized
- Cash Only
- Service Lapses
- Parking Issues
The Mexican restaurant Gallardo’s in San Francisco’s vibrant Mission District offers a truly authentic experience. You’ll find yourself drawn in by its cozy and casual atmosphere, perfect for a quick bite or a leisurely meal.
Known for its great coffee, this spot is ideal whether you’re starting your day with breakfast or enjoying dinner. With healthy and vegetarian options available, there’s something for everyone to savor.
Overview: Introducting Gallardo's
Gallardo’s often delivers on its promise of traditional flavors, with many appreciating the authentic food and the genuinely friendly staff. The personal touch from the owner also contributes to a welcoming experience.
Yet, some diners have noted occasional lapses in service attention, and the cash only payment method can be an unexpected point of friction for others.
Excellent
8.2
out of 10
537
Reviews
81.8%
Satisfaction
65
negative
33
neutral
439
positive
Overall, Gallardo’s earns a solid 8.2 score, reflecting a generally positive dining experience. Customer satisfaction stands at a strong 81.8%, indicating that most guests leave content.
This positive sentiment is drawn from 439 positive and 65 negative comments out of 537 total opinions. The Food (8.6) is clearly a standout, often described as a highlight.
Service (8.2) also performs well, contributing significantly to the positive reviews. While the Ambience (7.9) is generally well-received, the Value (6.1) score suggests it’s more of an average aspect, with some finding it reasonable and others noting specific concerns.
What people like
- Authentic Mexican Food
- Friendly, Attentive Staff
- Generous Food Portions
What people don't like
- Cash Only Payment
- Inconsistent Service
- Limited Parking Options
With a strong 8.4 recommendation score, Gallardo’s is certainly worth considering for those seeking traditional Mexican flavors. The kitchen consistently delivers, making it a solid choice for a satisfying meal.
However, be prepared for a cash-only transaction and potential service inconsistencies. If you prioritize authentic dishes and a cozy atmosphere over seamless service, you’ll likely find it a rewarding visit.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Gallardo's
Food (8.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
The food here truly shines, boasting a 8.6 score and an impressive 88.6% customer satisfaction! With 272 positive remarks out of 307 total, diners consistently rave about the authentic Mexican flavor, generous portions, and the delightful homemade tortillas. Many highlight specific dishes like the Posole and Birria as truly exceptional.
However, it's not entirely perfect, with 21 negative comments noting some dishes were a little under seasoned or bland. A few mentioned concerns about meat freshness in burritos and some found their carne asada burritos to be quite oily. These are minor points amidst a sea of praise.
Food
307
Reviews
88%
Satisfaction
21
negative
14
neutral
272
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Mexican flavor
- Generous portions
- Homemade tortillas
What people don't like
- Inconsistent meat quality
- Oily burritos
- Dishes under seasoned
Often praised
- foodThis restaurant is a true gem in SF, where old traditions are still alive. I visited back on 10/11 to try their menudo, and it was one of the best! They offer great and traditional menudo and pozole on weekends.
- pozoleThe best pozole I’ve had. Fresh and flavorful.
- FoodFood:5
- Mexican foodIt’s a shame because the restaurant is very good. The Mexican food is amazing and the service is excellent.
- authentic Mexican foodMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed authentic Mexican food served in a traditional Mexico country style atmosphere. The enchilada pork stew meat with green sauce was particularly delicious, tender, and flavorful.
- birriaLet me tell you something - Gallardo's is the GOAT 🐐 PERIOD. (Coincidentally, they do make really good birria, so try it, lol). I had not been here since 2015, when I lived back in the city.
- menudoGreat and traditional menudo
- portionsThe soup was clearly made with care. Prices are reasonable and portions are super generous. It seems like this place has been around for a while, and I hope folks continue to support them for their delicious offerings.
- salsaThe salsa they brought out for the table has a nice kick
- chilaquilesMy wife had the chilaquiles and those were amazing as well.
Frequently criticized
- burritosIt seemed like they wrapped the burritos in a tortilla, then dunked them in oil, and then wrapped that in foil without any attempt to dry them. The burritos were messy and inedible. We will not return!
- coffeewhen she returned, the coffee was cold
- tripeflavor of unwashed tripe
- FoodFood got cold really fast
- birriaThe birria was nothing like expected
- burritoburrito was loaded with mostly lettuce
- carne asadacarne asada used for Quesadilla could use some work
- carne asada burritoscarne asada burritos...drenched in oil
- carnitas burrito meatSuper carnitas burrito meat was old, dry and tough
- coldOnly complaint it was cold
If you're craving authentic Mexican cuisine with generous portions and homemade touches, this place is definitely worth a try. While a few dishes might miss the mark on seasoning or freshness, the overall experience promises flavorful and satisfying meals.
Service (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 69% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 8.2 and customer satisfaction at 80.9%, many guests rave about the friendly and attentive staff, especially owner Juan, and appreciate the fast service. Out of 110 comments, a whopping 89 were positive, highlighting a truly welcoming atmosphere.
However, not everyone had a perfect experience, with 19 comments noting areas for improvement. Some found the service slow, citing a lack of attention from servers, and issues like waiting for water or menus. While these instances are fewer, they suggest there's room to ensure consistent attentiveness for all diners.
Service
110
Reviews
80%
Satisfaction
19
negative
2
neutral
89
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Excellent owner interaction
- Fast service
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Lack of attention
- Missed requests
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was largely positive, with great food and great service. However, it would have been helpful if they had mentioned upfront that it was a cash only establishment when I was seated.
- ownerThis is the best Mexican restaurant! The owner is an incredible person with a heart ❤️ of gold. His food is just like a mother's cooking.
- ServiceService:5
- staffThe staff were all friendly and attentive
- attentionExcelente atencion..Atencion especial de Don Juan
- customer serviceReally solid customer service all around.
- waitressesMy experience at this restaurant offered a lot of outdoor seating with friendly and attentive waitresses. However, it's important to note that it's a cash only establishment.
- Chef Juan and his crewI had the best birria in San Pancho. Chef Juan and his crew are great, and the food is truly amazing. It's a wonderful place for some home-style Mexican cuisine.
- Don JuanAtencion especial de Don Juan...la mejor persona
- Don Juanito and Esposaespecialmente Don juanito y Esposa muy complacientes con todos los clientes muy tiernos y cariñosos nos consienten y nos hacen sentir como familia
Frequently criticized
- serviceI asked three service staff members, and none of them brought it. The service was bad overall. Oh, but when I asked for my bill, it was on the table in two minutes.
- menuThe birria was nothing like expected 👎 and I do not recommend it. The service was also poor; they never brought us the menu, so I had to get up to take one myself. Additionally, they didn't come back to offer more coffee ☕, indicating a lack of attention at the tables.
- attentionThe service was also poor; they never brought us the menu, so I had to get up to take one myself. Additionally, they didn't come back to offer more coffee ☕, indicating a lack of attention at the tables.
- attention of serversHard to get the attention of servers
- coffee refillThe food came out fast, which was great. However, the service fell short as they didn't come back to refill the coffee. The portion size was decent, and the menu is quite extensive.
- glass of waterI asked for a glass of water, which never arrived
- service and treatmentservice and treatment, which felt somewhat aggressive and unfriendly
- signOne tiny sign by the register
- sugar and milkit took her almost 10 mins to bring them
- tablesnunca voltean a las mesas si uno necesita algo
If youre looking for a place where youll likely feel welcomed and served quickly by friendly staff, this restaurant is a strong contender. Just be aware that a few guests have experienced slower service or a lack of attention, so keep that in mind if you're in a rush.
Ambience (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 50% of the guests
The ambiance here truly shines, with a score of 7.9 indicating a good experience for most. Customers are quite happy, with 80.6% satisfaction, often praising the casual vibe and inviting atmosphere. Many of the 58 positive remarks highlight the lovely outdoor seating, the lively live mariachi music, and the overall family atmosphere that makes everyone feel at home.
However, it's not without its quirks. Out of 72 total comments, 11 negative remarks point to some concerns. Guests occasionally mention difficulties with parking, and some have experienced an uncomfortable cold draft or even flies.
A few also raised concerns about neighborhood safety, which is something to be aware of.
Ambience
72
Reviews
80%
Satisfaction
11
negative
3
neutral
58
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Mexican vibe
- Great outdoor seating
- Live music
What people don't like
- Difficult parking
- Cold drafts
- Neighborhood safety concerns
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed authentic Mexican food served in a traditional Mexico country style atmosphere. The enchilada pork stew meat with green sauce was particularly delicious, tender, and flavorful.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- outdoor seatingliked the cozy outdoor seating
- Noise levelNoise level:Quiet, easy to talk
- patioI also enjoyed their great sangria. The patio was clean and sunny, making for a pleasant atmosphere. I plan to return every weekend!
- placeYou can’t beat this place
- Mexican movie postersThe Mexican movie posters were entertaining
- ParkingParking:For Sunday brunch there were lots of street spots available.
- ambianceThe ambiance feels like you’re in a cozy restaurant in Mexico
- authenticthis place felt authentic
Frequently criticized
- ParkingParking is very limited
- Parking spaceDifficult to find parking
- cold draftcreated a cold draft throughout
- difficult to parkA little bit difficult to park
- doors openkeeping both the front/back doors wide open on a day with temperatures down in the 40s
- fliesThere were flies around
- icy cold temperaturesdining indoors with icy cold temperatures
- messyit felt a little more messy
- neighborhoodWarning! The neighborhood near this restaurant is not safe! After having lunch at Gallardo’s with a couple friends, around 3: 30PM on Saturday, two strange individuals followed us back to our parked car on Shotwell.
- parkingencontrar estacionamiento es retante
If youre looking for a vibrant, authentic Mexican atmosphere with great outdoor options and live music, this spot is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful of potential parking challenges and consider the weather, as some have noted issues with drafts or flies. Overall, its a good bet for a lively meal.
Value (6.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 37% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot has a somewhat positive vibe, with a score of 6.1 and a mixed customer satisfaction of 41.7%, based on 48 comments. Many diners appreciate the reasonable prices and low prices, often feeling they get a good deal. They highlight that the food is affordable and portions are generous, making it a solid choice for Mexican cuisine.
However, not all experiences are smooth sailing. A significant number of the 14 negative comments point to payment issues, specifically that its cash only and they are not accepting plastic. Some also felt the prices' were high or were charged for items like chips without consent, which can be a bit of a transparency issue.
Value
48
Reviews
41%
Satisfaction
14
negative
14
neutral
20
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Prices are reasonable
- Portions are generous
- Offers great value
What people don't like
- Accepts cash only
- Charges for chips
Often praised
- pricesThe soup was clearly made with care. Prices are reasonable and portions are super generous. It seems like this place has been around for a while, and I hope folks continue to support them for their delicious offerings.
- priceI ordered them with chicken, and they were delicious! The portions are very generous and the price is less expensive than most places. I couldn't finish them in one sitting, so I ended up having three meals out of it.
- Price per personPrice per person:$50–100
- affordable Mexican restaurantsMy experience at this restaurant was solid for Mexican food. The atmosphere was quite comfortable compared to other affordable Mexican restaurants. I appreciated how fresh and clean the food was.
- dealit feels like you get a really good deal
- low pricesMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed really good, flavorful Mexican food with big portions and low prices. The restaurant also featured live music for almost the entire duration of my visit, and the wait staff was incredibly friendly.
- pricingPricing is excellent
- reasonable pricesgood food, reasonable prices, excellent service
- reasonably pricedIt’s very reasonably priced
Frequently criticized
- cash onlymentioned it was cash only
- CASH ONLYIf you want a burrito, I’d go to a taqueria, but if you want a plate meal, come here! It's CASH ONLY, but they do have an ATM inside.
- accept cashlo único malo es que solo haceptan efectivo
- billSolo te dan la nota con los montos
- cardsvisa q muchos ya no portamos
- cashbe aware that they only accept cash
- chipsA significant issue was that they only take cash. Furthermore, they brought chips to the table and charged me for them without my consent, as I assumed they were complimentary. This lack of transparency regarding charges was a major drawback.
- not accepting plasticissue of not accepting plastic is questionable
- parking spaceDifficult to find parking
- payment methodslo malo no asesoran Targeta hay q llevar efectivo
If youre looking for a place with generally reasonable prices and good portions, this spot could be worth a try. Just be prepared for the cash only policy and double-check your bill, as thats a common point of contention for some diners.
How are the prices at Gallardo's?
You’re looking at roughly 22 per person – reported by 110 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Mexican Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average hovers around 22, the majority of guests actually spend less, typically in the $11–$20 range, indicating a good mix of budget-friendly options and a few higher-end choices that pull the average up.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 110 reviews.
Comparing value for money: How this restaurant stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Mexican Restaurant in San Francisco. It seems to offer good value for those looking for a quick, tasty meal, while also catering to those who want to spend a bit more for a fuller experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Gallardo's
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Loud
10
Best Quesabirria and Fresh Flavors!
I’ll be back! This spot serves food with fresh homemade tortillas, fresh salsa, limes, cilantro, and onion. The quesabirria is the best I’ve had by far in the bay.
The cucumber pineapple agua Fresca was a delight. Don’t skip this spot!
- fresh homemade tortillas10
- fresh salsa10
- limes10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Best Food in the Bay Area!
My experience at this restaurant was exceptional. I found the food to be the best in the Bay Area. If there were more than 5 stars available, I would have given them 10 stars.
The service was rated a 5 out of 5, and the atmosphere also received a 5 out of 5. The noise level was noted as very quiet.
- food10
- service10
- atmosphere10
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
10
Our Go-To Spot in San Francisco!
It is our go-to spot whenever we visit San Fran. We had a fantastic experience with great food, a wonderful atmosphere, and excellent service.
- food10
- atmosphere10
- service10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Excellent Service and Delicious Omelette
I stopped by this place on a Saturday afternoon and had a really enjoyable experience. The streetside patio was a highlight – it was calm yet lively, creating the perfect atmosphere for a relaxed meal. The staff were all incredibly friendly and attentive.
I was particularly impressed that the manager or owner was personally checking in with every table, which is a rare and appreciated touch. The customer service overall was solid. For my meal, I chose the spinach omelette, which was a great option for a meat-free choice.
The portion was generous, and the warm tortillas served on the side were some of the best I've ever had, clearly freshly made. The restaurant is conveniently tucked away on a quiet, safe street with nearby bike parking, which was perfect for my arrival. Considering the quality of the food and the excellent service, the prices were very reasonable.
Overall, I experienced great food, a good energy, and staff who genuinely care about their work. It's definitely worth a visit.
- streetside patio9
- staff10
- customer service9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Authentic Gem with Traditional Flavors
This restaurant is a true gem in SF, where old traditions are still alive. I visited back on 10/11 to try their menudo, and it was one of the best! They offer great and traditional menudo and pozole on weekends.
The food quality is exceptional, and the experience was highly positive. 👌 👍 😍
- menudo10
- pozole9
- food10
What Gallardo's offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Cash-only
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Quick bite
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Parking
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
Is Gallardo's accessible for all guests?
Yes, Gallardo’s is committed to accessibility, offering a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restroom to ensure a comfortable experience for every visitor.
What kind of dining options and offerings can you expect at Gallardo's?
At Gallardo’s, you can enjoy a range of dining options from breakfast and brunch to lunch, dinner, and dessert, all with table service and comfortable seating. They also offer healthy and vegetarian options, quick bites, small plates, coffee, beer, and other alcoholic beverages.
How does Gallardo's generally rate among diners?
Gallardo’s holds a strong overall score of **8.2** with **81.8%** customer satisfaction. Its **Food** (8.6) is highly praised, followed by **Service** (8.2) and **Ambience** (7.9), while **Value** (6.1) is considered average.
What should I know about payment at Gallardo's?
It’s important to note that Gallardo’s is a **cash only** establishment, which can be a dealbreaker for some. They do have an ATM on-site for convenience.
What are some popular food items at Gallardo's?
Diners frequently praise the traditional **menudo** and **pozole** on weekends, along with their flavorful **birria** and **chilaquiles**. Portions are often described as generous.