Highlights
- Great coffee
oChef » Guatemalteco – San Francisco
Guatemalteco - San Francisco
Photo from Guatemalteco
Guatemalteco at a glance
San Francisco Excelsior
- 🌽 Guatemalan Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 32 of the guests
#2126 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#4 Guatemalan Restaurant out of 4 in San Francisco
Good
6.1 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
251
Reviews
56.2%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Flavorful food
- Cozy atmosphere
- Friendly staff
Frequently criticized
- Long waits
- Poor service
- Uncomfortable ambience
The café Guatemalteco in San Francisco’s vibrant Excelsior neighborhood invites you to experience authentic Guatemalan flavors. Cafe Guatemalteco is a casual Guatemalan restaurant where you’ll find a welcoming atmosphere perfect for a quick bite or a leisurely meal.
Known for its great coffee, this spot is a must-visit for anyone seeking a genuine taste of Central America right here in the city.
Overview: Introducting Guatemalteco
Guatemalteco offers a culinary experience where the food often shines, with many appreciating its fresh flavors and hearty portions. While some dishes are consistently praised, there are instances where the quality falls short, with concerns about ingredients and preparation.
The atmosphere generally provides a cozy feeling, though comfort can be an issue due to ventilation. Service, however, presents a mixed picture; while some staff are noted for their friendly attention, others report significant delays and less welcoming interactions.
Good
6.1
out of 10
251
Reviews
56.2%
Satisfaction
91
negative
19
neutral
141
positive
Guatemalteco holds an overall score of 6.1, placing it in the average category, and customer satisfaction sits at 56.2%, indicating a mixed reception. This assessment is drawn from 251 customer remarks, with 141 positive observations and 91 negative ones.
The culinary offerings stand out, with Food scoring a good (7.3), suggesting many find the dishes a highlight. However, other aspects pull the overall experience down.
The Ambience registers an average (6.1), while Value is also considered average (5.3). The most significant area for improvement appears to be Service, which scores an average-to-poor (4.3).
This suggests that while the kitchen performs well, the overall dining experience can be inconsistent.
What people like
- Fresh, flavorful food
- Clean, cozy atmosphere
- Friendly, attentive staff
What people don't like
- Long waiting times
- Inconsistent service
- Uncomfortable heat/noise
Guatemalteco presents a mixed experience, with its culinary strengths often praised, yet held back by service and comfort issues. With a recommendation score of 6.7, it suggests a visit could be worthwhile, especially if you prioritize authentic flavors.
If you’re seeking a quick meal or consistently smooth service, you might find it challenging. However, for those willing to overlook potential delays and a sometimes-uncomfortable setting for a taste of well-prepared dishes, it could be a satisfying choice.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Guatemalteco
Food (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 94% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark with a 7.3 score and a solid 73.5% customer satisfaction. Many patrons rave about the authentic and flavorful dishes, often highlighting fresh ingredients, good portions, and tasty smoothies. With 97 positive remarks out of 132, there's a lot to love about the menu.
However, not all experiences are perfect, with 25 negative comments pointing to some food preparation and food freshness issues. Some diners noted concerns about reheated food and inconsistent ingredients, suggesting there might be room for improvement in consistency and quality control.
Food
132
Reviews
73%
Satisfaction
25
negative
10
neutral
97
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic, flavorful food
- Fresh ingredients
- Delicious smoothies
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food freshness
- Reheated food concerns
- Preparation issues
Often praised
- foodIt took over half an hour to prepare, which felt like a long time at 10 am, especially with my anxiety about my meter expiring. The food tasted fresh, and I will come back to try their other dishes. The service was fine.
- tortillasThe eggs were fresh and cooked to perfection. The tortillas were homemade, thicker than what I'm used to but had a good texture. And the BEANS!
- caldo de resMy favorite thing to get here is the caldo de res
- drinksWe ordered 3 plates and 3 drinks all were so good!!
- eggsThe plantains were just the right amount of sweetness, and while I would have liked them slightly more crispy, they were still yummy. The eggs were fresh and cooked to perfection. The tortillas were homemade, thicker than what I'm used to but had a good texture.
- fresh juicesall the other delicious selections of fresh juices
- portionThe Bacon and sausage breakfast wrap is also amazing; just thinking about it makes my mouth water. It's the perfect portion of egg, meat, and potatoes. For something cheesy, the Grilled cheese bagel with egg, bacon, and sausage is yummy and cheesy goodness, pressed like a panini for a mashed combo where each bite is perfect.
- smoothiesespecially when I order smoothies, I never get a spill
- Bacon and sausage breakfast wrapBacon and sausage breakfast wrap - Just thinking about it makes my mouth water
- Chapin food optionsmany Chapin food options
Frequently criticized
- foodIt's boring, especially if they don't know how to cook Guatemalan coffee. Your service is terrible and your food is a disgrace.
- ingredientsYou can taste it in the flavor and see it in the presentation – it's just reheated. The ingredients were not fresh either; I received a lemon that was already in bad condition from the day before, and it tasted spoiled. They should sell fresh food made the same day.
- Carne Asadareheat food from the previous day. You can taste it in the flavor
- Guatemalan coffeeI go to another Guatemalan restaurant, and it's the same. It's boring, especially if they don't know how to cook Guatemalan coffee. Your service is terrible and your food is a disgrace.
- Guatemalan foodThis is the worst Guatemalan food I've had here in San Francisco. They charge $13 for a shuco, and they make it on a hot dog bun.
- beef pepianMy experience at this restaurant was very poor. The food was not good; I ordered a beef pepian and it tasted bitter. The service was also very bad.
- breakfast bagelsThey were out of avocados and cheese
- breakfast sandwichit took an full hour for a breakfast sandwich (which was supposed to be a bagel but they messed up and would not make anything to get it right)
- chickenI ordered a chicken sandwich today and it was given to me with excessive mustard and ketchup. The sandwich was very bad, I couldn't even hold it, it fell apart completely, and the chicken was just pieces. It was very, very bad.
- chicken sandwichI ordered a chicken sandwich today and it was given to me with excessive mustard and ketchup. The sandwich was very bad, I couldn't even hold it, it fell apart completely, and the chicken was just pieces. It was very, very bad.
If you're looking for authentic, flavorful dishes and delicious drinks, this place is definitely worth a try. Just be aware that some experiences mention inconsistent freshness or preparation, so keep an open mind.
Service (4.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 69% of the guests
Looking at the service, some guests had genuinely pleasant experiences. Out of 83 total comments, 26 positive remarks highlight friendly staff, quick attention, and helpful suggestions, with specific mentions of sweet ladies and efficient cashiers like Paty. Some even noted fast service and good communication.
However, the overall picture is quite challenging, with 53 negative comments contributing to an average score of 4.3 and a poor customer satisfaction of 31.3%. Many reported very slow service, long wait times, and issues with staff attitude, communication, and even arrogance, particularly from certain cashiers and waitresses.
Service
83
Reviews
31%
Satisfaction
53
negative
4
neutral
26
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Fast service
- Helpful suggestions
What people don't like
- Very slow service
- Unfriendly staff
- Long wait times
Often praised
- serviceThe people who work there are very friendly. Every time I've been, they've attended to me very well, and the food is very delicious 😋. I highly recommend this Chapin restaurant.
- peopleIt used to be our favorite place. Hopefully, they hire people with charisma and good service.
- DoorDashOrdered doordash from here and it’s so simple and good!
- addressadjunto la dirección por que la sale en el gps no es la misma
- attentionmuy esmerada atención de la radiante Srta. Eva
- cashier PatyThe atmosphere and the food are delicious, although they have changed the flavor recently. The service is good, especially when cashier Paty attends us; her kindness makes us feel at home. Unfortunately, the only unpleasant thing is the service from other cashiers, Adali and Margarita.
- customer servicecustomer service is great here
- deliveryI get delivery most of the time from here
- early openingThey open early.
- family meals programlove that this location participates in the family meals program
Frequently criticized
- serviceHola, the truth is the food is good, they have delicious food. The regrettable thing about Café Guatemalteco is the service, the delay in serving the food. They tell you 15 minutes and one has to wait up to 40 minutes to get the food.
- waiting timeThe last time, one of the waitresses slammed the food plates down, and the cashier spoke to us rudely. It took about an hour for the food to arrive, and when we asked questions, they rolled their eyes. Terrible service.
- customer servicethe customer service provided by those Hispanic girls is pretty bad
- staffMy experience at this restaurant was not good. I did not like the people who served us; they were not friendly, and they took a very long time to bring the food. I do not recommend this place.
- waitressesThe food is delicious, but the service has been terrible all three times I've visited. The waitresses are arrogant. The last time, one of the waitresses slammed the food plates down, and the cashier spoke to us rudely.
- English proficiencyThe people here barely spoke English
- afternoon servicethe attention they provide is low
- arroganceSon muy arrogantes
- attitudeThen, they have an attitude
- business practiceThis is bad business
When it comes to service, it seems to be a bit of a gamble here. While some customers praise friendly staff and quick attention, many others report significant issues with slow service, long waits, and unhelpful attitudes. Be prepared for potential delays and inconsistent customer interaction if you decide to visit.
Ambience (6.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 41% of the guests
Many guests appreciate the restaurant's vibe, with 16 positive remarks highlighting its nicely decorated interior and cozy feeling. The atmosphere is often described as inviting, with some enjoying the music and praising the overall cleanliness. Overall, the ambience scores an average 6.1 out of 10, with a mixed 55.2% customer satisfaction, suggesting a generally pleasant but not universally loved environment.
However, there are some areas where the ambience could use a refresh, noted in 10 negative comments. Concerns include the music choice, specifically evangelical music being played too loudly, and issues with comfort like the place was hot due to a lack of proper ventilation or an HVAC unit. Some also mentioned the impact of city noise on the overall atmosphere inside.
Ambience
29
Reviews
55%
Satisfaction
10
negative
3
neutral
16
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Beautiful decor
- Cozy, homey feel
- Clean space
What people don't like
- Uncomfortable heat
- Loud, specific music
- City noise
Often praised
- atmospheregood amount of customers dining in especially for a Wednesday afternoon
- cleanlinessThis place is very clean
- placeBefore it was our favorite place
- beautiful placeLugar muy bonito.
- cleaning spacegreatly appreciate the cleaning space
- cozy feelingIt gives off a cozy feeling like your grandma made the soup
- felt like homeMy experience at the restaurant was delicious and I felt like I was at home. The seasoning was just right, the portion size was good, and I was satisfied in every way.
- musicLa música te va transportar al dÃa de la independencia en nuestra patria.
- nicely decoratedIf you're in a hurry, I recommend placing a phone order. This place is nicely decorated and always busy, especially on the weekends. The lady who took my order was super nice and helpful.
- restaurant decorI love how the restaurant is decorated
Frequently criticized
- HVAC unitdesperately need of a HVAC unit
- atmospherel'ambiance n'est pas terrible
- city noiseprepárate para escuchar la bulla de la ciudad
- decorla décoration comporte de jolis tableaux malheureusement à côtes de cartons de boissons industrielle
- evangelical musicellos obligan a su clientes a escuchas musica evangelica
- hairnetsno hairnets where used
- musicthe music was blaring so loud
- place insideI understand that a shuco is a Guatemalan hot dog, but they should at least change their ingredients. Also, the place inside is very dirty. For that reason, I don't buy Guatemalan food in San Francisco because all their dishes are generic and they don't know how to cook.
- place was hotthe place was hot!!
- ventilationThe restaurant should really install ventilation because when it's hot, it feels very strong. Otherwise, everything else is fine.
If a beautifully decorated and cozy spot is what youre after, youll likely enjoy the vibe here, especially if you don't mind the music selection. However, be prepared for potential comfort issues like heat or city noise, which might affect your experience.
Value (5.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 11% of the guests
Looking at the value, a few customers have found some bright spots, praising certain items for being reasonably priced and even offering 10/10 value. While the overall score for value hovers at an average 5.3, these positive sentiments, coming from 2 out of 7 comments, suggest there are some good deals to be found. However, the picture isn't entirely rosy.
Many feel the price point is too high, with some finding it 20% more expensive than expected. This contributes to a poor 28.6% customer satisfaction and 3 negative remarks, suggesting value is a real sticking point for many.
Value
7
Reviews
28%
Satisfaction
3
negative
2
neutral
2
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonably priced items
- Good value options
What people don't like
- Prices too high
- More expensive than expected
Often praised
- itemstheir items are reasonably priced
- value10/10 value
Frequently criticized
- priceAbout 20% more expensive that what I would have expected
- $13 for a shucoThis is the worst Guatemalan food I've had here in San Francisco. They charge $13 for a shuco, and they make it on a hot dog bun. I understand that a shuco is a Guatemalan hot dog, but they should at least change their ingredients.
If youre on the hunt for a bargain, this spot might be a bit of a gamble. While a few items might hit the mark for value, be prepared that many find the prices on the higher side. Its worth checking the menu carefully before you commit, as it could disappoint if you're expecting budget-friendly eats.
How are the prices at Guatemalteco?
You’re looking at roughly 22 $ per person – reported by 32 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Guatemalan Restaurant in San Francisco, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average hovers around 22 $, our data shows that many guests spend a bit less, often in the $11–$20 range, though there are also a few who opt for more premium experiences.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 32 reviews.
How does this San Francisco spot stack up against similar restaurants in terms of value for money?
Considering it’s a Guatemalan restaurant in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It offers a good balance, catering to both those looking for a more casual meal and those wanting to splurge a little.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Guatemalteco
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Loud
7
Delicious Food, Loud Music
My experience was a delightful pick-me-up thanks to an incredible dirty chai and a DELICIOUS coffee cake made with corn flour. The service was fast and helpful, and I appreciated the clean + inviting atmosphere. Unfortunately, I can't give 5 stars because despite the amazing food and atmosphere, the music was blaring so loud that I could barely hear the server at the counter speak.
For those with hearing issues, I'd recommend ordering takeout rather than dining in.
- dirty chai9
- coffee cake10
- service10
- music2
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
7
Hearty Breakfast, Lacking Ambiance
My experience at the restaurant was centered around a hearty and good breakfast. However, the atmosphere was not great. While the decor featured some nice paintings, they were unfortunately placed next to industrial drink cartons meant for the fridge.
- breakfast9
- atmosphere2
- decor3
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Favorite Local Spot for Coffee & Breakfast
As someone who lives close by, this has become my and my family's favorite place to stop for a quick coffee and breakfast. Their menu is huge, and we've only just begun to explore all the food options. It's a unique combination of a traditional cafe and Mexican cuisine.
The service is consistently very fast and friendly. I find myself stopping here nearly every day before work.
- menu9
- food options8
- traditional cafe7
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Loud
8
Beautiful Place, Generous Portions
What a beautiful place! The music truly transported me to our country's Independence Day. The food portions were generous.
It's located near a main street, so be prepared for city noise.
- beautiful place10
- music10
- food portion9
- city noise4
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
1
Terrible Guatemalan Food and Service
This is the worst Guatemalan food I've had here in San Francisco. They charge $13 for a shuco, and they make it on a hot dog bun. I understand that a shuco is a Guatemalan hot dog, but they should at least change their ingredients.
Also, the place inside is very dirty. For that reason, I don't buy Guatemalan food in San Francisco because all their dishes are generic and they don't know how to cook. I go to another Guatemalan restaurant, and it's the same.
It's boring, especially if they don't know how to cook Guatemalan coffee. Your service is terrible and your food is a disgrace.
- Guatemalan food1
- shuco2
- ingredients2
What Guatemalteco offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Solo dining
- Lunch
- Breakfast
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
Offerings
- Quick bite
- Coffee
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Delivery
- Dine-in
Parking
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
Is Cafe Guatemalteco suitable for families with children?
Absolutely! Cafe Guatemalteco is good for kids, providing a family-friendly environment. You’ll find high chairs available to ensure even the youngest guests are comfortable during your visit, making it an ideal spot for a family meal.
What are the service and dining options available at Cafe Guatemalteco?
Cafe Guatemalteco offers flexible service options including no-contact delivery, takeout, delivery, and dine-in. You can enjoy breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, or dessert, with comfortable seating available for all your dining preferences.
What is the overall rating for Guatemalteco?
Guatemalteco has an overall score of 6.1, indicating an average experience. Its Food scores well at 7.3, while Ambience is average at 6.1, Value at 5.3, and Service is lower at 4.3.
What can I expect from the food at Guatemalteco?
Many customers appreciate the fresh ingredients and flavorful dishes, with specific mentions of homemade tortillas and caldo de res. However, some experiences note issues with reheated food or inconsistent quality.
How is the service and dining environment at Guatemalteco?
Service can be inconsistent, with reports of friendly staff but also significant waiting times and occasional rudeness. The ambience is often described as clean and cozy, though some find it uncomfortable due to heat or noise.